The gray of February is the perfect time to sample chocolates. With treats, truffles, fudge and more, local chocolatiers and makers are turning out delicious bites in their shops. Following are some of the makers you can visit in our northwest corner. Enjoy!

Forte Chocolates: Based in Mount Vernon, with locations in Bellingham, Karen Neugebauer and her crew create fine artisan chocolate and caramels. A recipient of multiple national and awards, their retail spaces are located at 700 S 1st Street in Mount Vernon, 1139 11th Street in Fairhaven, and 1 Bellis Fair Parkway (Bellis Fair Mall) in Bellingham. The production kitchen is open Monday through Thursday at 1400 Riverside Drive Suite D in Mount Vernon. For an added bonus, watch for an upcoming truffle class. Orders are also available online at www.fortechocolates.com; follow the Facebook page for updates.

A look at some of the truffles created by Evolve Chocolate. COURTESY PHOTO

Sweet Art: A little of this and a little of that, Sweet Art offers a variety of truffles, chocolate candies and more at 1335 Railroad Avenue in Bellingham. Their mom and pop storefront is a treat; peer through the windows at their beautiful little creations and be sure to enjoy the art on the walls once you’re inside! Candyman Jerry Hruska has been making chocolates for 20 years; his wife Vivian Mazzola is the master behind the art. The turtles and toffee are our favorites. Sweet Art also attends the Bellingham Farmers Market. Call (360) 714-1331.

Evolve Chocolate: Christy and Shannon Fox offer a large variety of truffles with a focus on using local ingredients. Evolve will have a pop-up shop Feb. 8-14 from noon to 9 p.m. at 1228 Bay Street, Bellingham. A special ticketed event, “Bites & Beer: Mardi Gras Inspired Savories & Sweets,” hosted by Evolve and Atwood Ales is set for Feb 13. For more information, see their Facebook page, call (360) 220-1898 or visit www.evolvetruffles.com.

LunaVida Raw Chocolates: Lisa Tenney’s LunaVida offers handmade chocolates using organic, raw and vegan ingredients. Available at the Trapeze Bakery in Bellingham, or online at lunavidaraw.com. The peppermint lavender chocolate is a favorite! Call (360) 961-0799 or see the Facebook page.

Fresco Chocolate: Crafting award-winning chocolate in Lynden, Fresco uses only three ingredients: cocoa beans, cane sugar and cocoa butter. The company is dairy free, nut free, soy free and gluten free. A 2013 Good Food Award winner, Fresco’s chocolates are also included in local ice creams, including at Mallard Ice Cream in Bellingham. For more information, see www.frescochocolate.com or the Facebook page.

Fidalgo Fudge Kitchen:  Indulge in over 20 varieties of fudge here. From classic chocolate and amaretto chocolate swirl, to coconut chocolate and jalapeno, there’s a flavor of fresh fudge for anyone. Open at 1004 M Ave, # 102 in Anacortes, Fidago also has a website for online ordering at  http://www.fidalgofudge.com. Call (360) 202-8535 for more information.

Sweet Mona’s: A sweet, must-visit shop, Mona Newbauer offers a wide variety of chocolates and treats. Located at 221 2nd Street, Suite 16 in Langley, on Whidbey Island, you will be greeted with an abundance of delicious sweets created in amazing and beautiful ways. Online orders available at www.sweetmonas.com. For more information, call (360) 221-2728 and see the Facebook page.