Every year the Carolina Chocolate Festival is held in February in Morehead City at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. This year there are several noteworthy events and attractions. One great fundraising idea is selling chocolate bars. If you buy the bar that has the golden ticket you will win a trip for 4  to Hershey. It’s straight out of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The best part of this event is it generates alot of funds for charity. So it’s a doubly sweet event, no pun intended. There’s also so many interesting events before, during, and after the festival. Emerald Isle Wine Market is hosting an event “Chocolate Uncorked!” on the second floor of the civic center Saturday February 4th from 2-5pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Another event I always thought interesting was the Carolina Chocolate Festival Spa. This is a spa, obviously, but with some interesting twists. For instance there is chocolate facials. hmmmm.

The festival opens at 9am on Saturday Feb. 4th and is open until 6pm. The tickets are $8.Sunday from 10am to 3pm the Carolina Chocolate Festival gives its finest offerings of sweet chocolate.

Just a little insider tip: A few years ago I worked a booth at the festival. I noticed on the second day (Sunday) many things were sold out. However, what was left was sold at great prices. So if you have something in particular in mind, arrive early. If not I would go the second day and try to score some great chocolate at a discount rate.

 2010 Carolina Chocolate Festival

2009 Carolina Chocolate Festival

Yana’s makes their own pancake batter fresh every morning. And as soon as you walk in, your nose tells you this is the spot for some good food. The aromas of bacon, pancakes, and sausage inundate your olfactory system and your stomach begins to growl with anticipation.

Yes, I was nearly salivating when I sat down at the bar. Immediately upon taking my seat a friendly waitress was there to see if I wanted coffee or anything else to drink. I took her up on the coffee and I knew what I wanted so she also took my order.

Within a few minutes my eggs, bacon, and blueberry pancakes were sitting in front of me. It was the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time. Being that it is the off-season, they’re not nearly as busy and you can just walk in and have a seat.

In the summer though, I won’t go to Yana’s unless I wake up early and beat the rush. Everybody knows it’s a great place for breakfast, as well as lunch. If you’ve never been to Yana’s be sure to stop in and give it a go next time your thinking of hitting one of Swansboro’s restaurants. You will not be disappointed.