Published by: The News-Herald
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Tour Lake County’s popular initiative runs through Valentine’s Day, expands to 21 locations
Get ready to sip, savor and celebrate — the Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail returns for another year of festive, cocoa-cozy comfort.
Launched by Tour Lake County in 2024, the trail invites residents and visitors to explore and support local coffee shops, cafés and unique locations, each serving its own flavorful take on the traditional holiday beverage.
What began as a “fun way to enjoy the season” has quickly become a cherished holiday tradition, Tour Lake County officials noted, as “enthusiasm for the trail continues to grow.”
During the 2025 trail, participation grew by more than 50 percent, welcoming about 2,800 registrants and generating 4,000 check-ins between November and February. Additionally, participating businesses recorded between 100 and nearly 500 check-ins each.
This year’s trail features 21 locations — up from 17 last year and 11 in 2024 — and stretches from Wickliffe to Madison Township.
Along the way, participants can discover some of the county’s newest spots, including Ana’s Attic in Downtown Painesville and Bonito Día Brunch and Café in Mentor.
Of course, extra indulgence is available, with some locations offering creative, signature and specialty creations, including Turkish Hot Chocolate at Blu Bee Café or a curated menu of hot chocolate cups at CouchLand Coffee. To get started, participants can download the digital passport to their phones from Tour Lake County’s website or by scanning the QR code at participating locations.
Moreover, individuals can scan a QR code at each location to earn points. Visitors who accumulate 1,000 points will receive a limited-edition TourLakeCOcoa mug, available for pickup at Tour Lake County’s offices in Downtown Painesville.
Tour Events and Engagement Manager Elyse Downie enjoys putting the trail together each year and is looking forward to engaging with visitors throughout the season.
“It always brings me great joy seeing how a cup of hot chocolate can bring out such excitement and nostalgia this time of year,” she said. “Our participating businesses are always blown away by how many visitors that stop by, ready to check in and explore the trail.”