March 6th - 8th, 2009

5th annual Oregon Chocolate Festival - March 6th through 8th, 2009
Weekend long chocolate extravaganza presenting
Oregon chocolate and specialty food vendors!

A true chocoholic understands that one truffle, or even one small box is never enough. Chocoholics young and old – it’s your holiday again so mark your calendar! The 5th annual Oregon Chocolate Festival – a weekend long event will take place at the Ashland Springs Hotel and many other locations throughout downtown Ashland between March 6th and 8th, 2009.

Chocolate & Art Walk organized by the Ashland Gallery Association is scheduled between 5 and 8pm on Friday, March 6th. Enjoy amazing art, local wines and chocolates. A great prelude to the weekend long chocolate extravaganza.

Chocolate Makers’ Dinner (Friday, March 6th at 6:30pm). Damon Jones, the Executive Chef at Larks restaurant will create a delightful three-course dinner that will be accompanied by a presentation by one Oregon chocolatier. Another attraction of the evening is: chocolate dessert and coffee pairings presented by the Noble Coffee Roasting Co. $40/person.

Tastings - Oregon chocolatiers will tease your palate with incredible variations of chocolate bars, truffles, delicious toffees, and local fudge. Try such unusual combinations as “Habanero Tequila” spiced chocolates. A square inch of pure decadence from Cary’s of Oregon or Lillie Belle Farms’ Macadamia Nut Ginger Chew will surprise and excite everyone’s palate! Tastings will take place at the hotel on Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 4pm.

What better way to get your daily amount of antioxidants than a glass of red wine and a piece of dark chocolate! Taste local wines, Organic Nation spirits, diverse roasts from Noble Coffee and yummy chocolate stout served on Saturday and Sunday at the hotel in the Wine, Beer & Spirits Garden.

Chocolate related seminars, classes & demos presented by experts in the field. This year we have “Chocolate Easter Decorations” class, “Making Raw Chocolate Cheesecake” class, “Chocolate Sculptures & Paintings” and many more.

Saturday & Sunday Chocolate Brunch

Chocolate Facial Spa Party for Women – On Saturday gather your girlfriends and come over for the chocolate facial party organized by the Waterstone Spa. Chocolate Martinis, snacks and wonderful chocolate facials, what else do you need? March 7th at 4pm at the Ashland Springs Hotel $20

Chocolate Pastry Contest – On Saturday local pastry chefs will submit chocolate creations to be judged by the guest judges, culinary writers: Oregon - Sara Perry, Arizona - Maralyn Hill and Brenda Hill.

“Science of Chocolate” Workshop at the ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum. Spend an evening with Jeff from Lillie Belle Farms– a true hands-on chocolate experience (Saturday at 6:30pm)

“After All That Chocolate” Sunday 5K run/walk. – New this year! Time to burn all the calories! Wake up early on Sunday and enjoy a picturesque 5K route around downtown Ashland. (participation fee $5) – register on Friday & Saturday at  the hotel.

“Beyond Chocolate Gifts Market” (at Ashland Springs Hotel). Vendors will showcase chocolate scented body products, soaps, chocolate themed jewelry, candles, and more.

Waterstone Spa and the Blue Giraffe Day Spa offer chocolate body treatments.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival offers a 50% discount for all plays staged between March 6th and March 8th. Simply mention “chocolate festival”.

Varsity Theatre featuring Thai movie “Chocolate”

To purchase tickets to the Oregon Chocolate Festival contact Hotel at 888-795-4545.
Ticket prices: One day $15. Both Saturday & Sunday $25.
As in prior years Ashland Springs Hotel will donate 10% of the ticket proceeds to a local Food Bank.

Chocolate Festival overnight package starts at only $189 and includes accommodations for two in one of our beautifully appointed rooms, breakfast and parking as well as two tickets to the Oregon Chocolate Festival and welcome in-room chocolate treat upon arrival. Due to a limited number of rooms at the Ashland Springs Hotel early reservations are recommended.
Also available Chocolate Spa Treatment Packages!
For more information visit: www.AshlandSpringsHotel.com or www.LarksRestaurant.com


Make your overnight package reservation:

To purchase tickets to the Oregon Chocolate Festival contact Hotel at 888-795-4545.
Ticket prices: One day $15. Both Saturday & Sunday $25.
As in prior years Ashland Springs Hotel will donate 10% of the ticket proceeds to a local Food Bank.