We Found Yummy, Artistic, and Awesome Truffles
What started as a stroll through an historic district quickly became a thrill. Why? We found a shop filled with yummy, artistic, and awesome truffles!
The Chocolate Cellar in Sanford, North Carolina was an unplanned, but very welcomed stop.
When we entered the shop, warm greetings quickly became friendly conversation with employees. We had many questions and they were ready to answer.
Our 1st question was all about the shop. This is what we were told.
The Chocolate Cellar entrance. Don't you just love those arched double doors!!
Location:
110 N Carthage St
Sanford, NC 27330
Contact:
Laura Phelps
(919) 292-1090
Hours:
11AM - 7PM, Tu-Sa
1-5PM, Su
Closed Monday
Website:
thechocolatecellarshop.com
Sign outside the original location.
Cabinets filled and topped with yummy chocolates that can take away any sorrow and add a smile to any face. Just walking through the shop made me smile (and we had just arrived after a funeral).
Happiness is Handmade, Homemade Truffles
If your happiness comes in chocolate form, truffles take it to the next level, especially when they are homemade. According to the shop owner, Laura Phelps, “Eating chocolate should be an experience.” Eat slowly and savor each bite.
The Chocolate Cellar truffles are handmade-in-store. Want to watch the truffle-making process? Small batches are made in their on-site kitchen, viewable through a large window. (Check with the staff to find out when they are rolling out happiness, chocolate-style!)
Which do you eat 1st, the truffle or the praline? Or do you eat half of each, twice? Or all-at-once? No matter which way you choose, the results are the same. Total delight!
Get front row seats by the in-store kitchen window. There you can watch chocolate artists in action as they create handmade truffles.
So many options!! Along with homemade truffles, jars and bags filled with bulk purchased confections increase the shop’s offerings.
So Many Choices!
What do S’Mores, Lemon Meringue, Milkshake, Bacon, and Irish Cream have in common? If you guessed they are truffles in The Chocolate Cellar, you guessed right!
There are more than 30 different flavors, which makes choosing both a delight and a dilemma. However, don’t fret about making a decision. The shop’s friendly staff can help you choose.
With a larger selection than most chocolate shops, they recently added another chocolate cabinet. One room holds glass cases filled to the brim with truffles along with other homemade chocolate treats.
Wrought iron, black-and-white theme is enjoyed throughout the shop. Swirls abound and a large chalkboard features the “question of the day.”
Black metal-framed mirrors repeat the front door design. Did you notice the painted mouse on the baseboard? Nice touch.
Charming Bistro Atmosphere
The arched double door storefront 1st caught our eyes. Next we saw “chocolate” on the signs. That’s all it took to get us to walk in The Chocolate Cellar. What did we find? A very charming shop whose atmosphere felt much like a French bistro.
The interior design consisted of glass tabletops and shelves on metal scrollwork bases against a neutral backdrop. Also included were small wood tables laden with luscious chocolates. However, the main feature (for the designer in me!) was the sparkling glass cabinets against the rustic brick wall.
It felt like a step back into a different era, on a different continent. Old world charm—in two rooms filled with chocolate. The atmosphere was a relaxing reprieve.
A sepia-tone old world map and bistro table lends a European atmosphere to the shop. (FYI…they also sell wines and do wine pairings for those who imbibe.)
Who says you can't buy love! Employee, Nick, was super helpful with answering our questions.
Enjoy Personalized Service at The Chocolate Cellar
Do you love personalized service when you shop? You will find it at The Chocolate Cellar. Besides having a friendly crew, they offer help in choosing the perfect sweets for your gift giving needs.
Need a small but thoughtful gift? They can quickly fill an elegant gift box. Need something larger? Staff can build a beautiful gift basket for you. Whether your needs are personal or for gift giving, The Chocolate Cellar can help with both large and small orders.
Wish we lived closer to enjoy homemade truffles more often. At any rate, we were thrilled we found these yummy, artistic, and awesome truffles.
Pecan claw and truffles we bought. They didn't last long after the pic was taken.....and they tasted awesome! Picked up a "Truffle Guide" for the next time we're in town.
About the Owners
A mother-daughter team, Laura and Carol Phelps, own The Chocolate Cellar. Their story is one of teamwork.
Laura had worked with chocolate, especially during Christmas, since her daughter was young. She had worked in a lab most of her life but loved the artistic aspect of making chocolates.
Carol spent time in France and came home with a vision—a chocolate shop with a bistro feel.
With family support and encouragement, they opened The Chocolate Cellar. The 1st location was just a few doors down in the building’s cellar, hence the name.
After two years in the original location, the shop has moved to a more visible place in Sanford. There, Laura continues to combine artistry with science, ensuring the flavors of their handmade chocolates and truffles are always amazing.
Looking for more yummy foods to enjoy?
Head over to our "Places to Eat" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
