Warm up with sweet treats at Long Grove Cocoa Crawl

Chocolate lovers are invited to experience the newly enhanced historic downtown Long Grove at the first big event of 2020, the third annual Long Grove Cocoa Crawl.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, more than two dozen downtown merchants are teaming up for a family-friendly afternoon where visitors can crawl out of winter hibernation to take in the town's new look along with cocoa-infused treats.

Events take place from noon to 4 p.m. in downtown Long Grove, centered around the visitors center at 308 Old McHenry Road.

"The Cocoa Crawl is one of the highlights of the year in Long Grove," says Mike Marr, president of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association.

"This time it's extra sweet, as we have new roads, sidewalks, lighting and other downtown enhancements adding to the mix."

The Cocoa Crawl celebrates the winter season and the re-energized retail scene in Long Grove. Guests who attend the free event will start at the visitors center, where they'll pick up a map of participating stores and restaurants before "crawling" around town to as many spots as they like for complimentary sampling.

All Cocoa Crawl stops will be serving cocoa or cocoa-inspired foods and drinks - including such temptations as hot cocoa popcorn at Signature Popcorn and chocolate bacon stout at Buffalo Creek Brewing.

Before calling it a day, Cocoa Crawlers are invited to come back to the visitors center to vote on their favorite cocoa treat and be entered into a raffle for prizes donated by participants.

For details on the free event, visit longgrove.org/festivals/cocoa-crawl.