Whetstone Chocolates Factory

Henry and Esther Whetstone started Whetstone Chocolates Factory in Saint Augustine, Florida after Henry returned from Japan. He toured with the US Army Corp of Engineers in Jacksonville. They longed to start a company and eventually in 1966 they were able to find a building for a small ice cream store. Chocolates were also part of their dream, allowing for an eventual change towards a chocolate factory over an ice cream shop. The business still exists today at 51 Cordova Street. Their daughter has also joined the company as a chocolate expert.

The chocolates offered at Whetstone Chocolates Factory include fudge, truffles, chocolate sea shells, boxed gifts, design your own choices, pure chocolate, hot chocolate, sugar free chocolates, and many other choices. Visitors to Saint Augustine, Florida are able to tour the factory, as well as shop for chocolates. The "Original Chocolate Tour" introduces the history of the factory. It also goes over the various types of chocolate such as dark, milk, white, and cocoa. It is possible to taste numerous chocolates as one walks through the factory. Tours are offered Tuesday through Friday and Saturday. Hours do vary. Adult admission is $7. Children 5 to 17 are $5. The tour begins at 139 King Street.