HARBOR COUNTRY, Mich. — Throughout the month of February more than 40 Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce members will be flooding their menus with all sorts of chocolate confections in honor of the fifth annual Harbor Country Chocolate Classic.

Among some of the more decadent creations visitors to Harbor Country can taste during the month-long event are white chocolate raspberry truffles, chocolate custard and even chocolate covered bacon. Also, there will be chocolate-enhanced wine, locally brewed specialty beer and chocolate-infused coffee. Organizers say there will be gluten-free options available, as well.

Emma Brewster, owner of David’s Delicatessen in New Buffalo, loves having customers from all over stop by just to relax and discuss coffee.

“The event is a very informal atmosphere — people can stop by anytime. It is a nice way to just hang out and talk about chocolate and coffee,” Brewster said. “We see people that come in from out of town for the event but we also get a lot of local people that come out for the event.”

On the first and third Saturdays of February, from 3 to 5 p.m. David’s will be hosting a tasting event of single-origin coffee and exotic chocolate from around the world.

Although the Chocolate Classic is mainly aimed toward tasty treats, it is not just for restaurants and cafes; many traditional retailers will be offering a wide variety of chocolate- themed items. Chocolate Classic retailers offer shoppers specials on chocolate-hued items including jewelry, glass, furniture and guests can stop into a local spa for a chocolate scrub or wrap.

Visitors can also win special prizes by participating in various chocolate-themed guessing games throughout the month.

Kicking off this year’s Harbor Country Chocolate Classic is the Sweetness of Harbor Country event at Skip’s Restaurant, in New Buffalo. From 6 to 10 p.m. on Jan. 30, chocolate lovers can stop in to Skip’s and enjoy extravagant chocolate creations, including a chocolate fountain. Guests can taste-test a wide variety of chocolate baked goods and then cast their vote for their favorite creation in the Chocolate Classic Bake-off.

Twelve local vendors will gather at Skip’s to give patrons a taste of what they can expect all month.

Kim Pruitt, Membership and Marketing Coordinator of Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce, believes the Sweetness of Harbor Country is a perfect way to kick off an event like the Chocolate Classic.

“The event at Skip’s will bring vendors together and allow people to come in, have a good time and see what the Chocolate Classic is all about,” Pruitt said. “Plus, there will be a chocolate bake-off, so people can taste all kinds of great chocolate baked goods.”

Admission to the Sweet-ness of Harbor Country is $22 and includes “lots of goodies,” according to HarborCountry.org. There will also be a cash bar available. Skip’s Restaurant is located in the heart of Harbor Country, at 16710 Lakeshore Rd, New Buffalo.