Bridgewater Chocolates
559 Federal Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
(203) 775-2286

Once upon a time Bridgewater Chocolates was a lot like Willy Wonka's Factory except you didn't have to have a golden ticket to tour the factory and see the magic happen. Although they no longer offer tours, you can smell the fantastic aroma of chocolates being made behind the scenes while you shop the fantastic selection of artisanal chocolate creations. Don't miss their micro batch chocolates, including the incredible Frostbites, a chocolate covered peanut butter caramel creation that you might be willing to share with the kids if they've been really good.

Sweet Rexies
1552 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 254-3254

It's no accident that a visit to this shop occupies spot number 39 on our list of 120 Things to Do with Kids Before They Grow Up. Sweet Rexies is the queen of the sweet shops in Fairfield County. With bulk candy, ice cream, handmade truffles, and even some non-candy gifts (and fruit baskets!), kids will be charmed by the festively decorated store. There's a space for private parties and, most conveniently for the days when you can't manage a trip to the shop, home delivery is available from Greenwich to Fairfield.

Chocopologie
133 Washington Street
Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 854-4754

Chocopologie is a full service cafe, as well as a retail store that offers exquisite, high-end chocolates. In its new location in downtown South Norwalk (an easy detour from the Maritime Aquarium), the cafe serves wonderful French-inspired food that is very family friendly (crepes, all day breakfast options, and wonderful sandwiches), but for my family, the real draw is the chocolate. You'll want to pick and choose options careful as some flavors are more child friendly than others, but do not miss the burnt caramel and Hawaiian sea salt chocolates. (Chocopolgie also throws killer kids birthday parties.)

Chocolate Rain
69 Wilton Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
(203) 956-6000

Tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Norwalk, Chcoloate Rain looks unsuspecting from the outside, but once you get inside you will discover a world of freshly made macarons, adorable petits fours, chocolate dipped strawberries, and--especially for Valentine's Day--chocolate roses. There are cafe tables where you can stop and have a snack and some coffee and, luckily, it's just around the corner from Pump It Up, one of our Favorite Indoor Playspaces in Fairfield County, where kids can either work up an appetite of burn off those sugar sillies.

Deborah Ann's Sweet Shoppe
381 Main Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
(203) 438-0065

I was introduced to Deborah Ann's by way of their gourmet caramel apples this fall, and I loved them so much that I was a little relieved to live on the other end of Fairfield County so that I couldn't spend the rest of apple harvest season at the shop! No matter what the season, Deborah Ann's has something for everyone--from bulk candy to homemade chocolates to delicious ice cream. It's a perfect addition to a day trip to the family friendly Aldrich Museum nearby.

Saugatuck Sweets
575 Riverside Avenue
Westport, CT 06880
(203) 642-4615

A relative newcomer, Saugatuck Sweets opened in the spring of 2014 and is part of the burgeoning Saugatuck food scene that includes more adult destinations like The Whelk restaurant or Craft Butchery. Their handmade waffles served with powdered sugar or chocolate fudge or ice cream (or all of the above!) are to die for, but they also have ice cream, baked goods, and all kinds of candy. On warmer days, it's fun to linger in the outside plaza and watch the river go by.