Valentine State of Mind: Chocolate Lovers’ Special

Verde Canyon Railroad’s popular “Chocolate Lovers’ Special” on February 11, 12 and 13 combines the thrill of a wild, scenic train ride through Arizona’s premier red rock canyon with a sumptuous selection of decadent chocolates and romance-themed cocktails. Naturally, since Arizona became the “Valentine State” and the 48^th star on the U.S. flag on February 14, 1912, this holiday is the perfect time to memorialize romance on the rails.

New for the 2022 Chocolate Lovers’ Special will be samplings of hand-dipped candies made locally by Gayle’s Chocolates located in Cottonwood, Arizona.  Nestled in boxes of other sweet pleasures will be some of her divine creations.

Lovebirds may raise a toast to each other while sipping on a fabulous S’mores cocktail or strawberry Sangria as mating pairs of bald and golden eagles soar along the river that hugs the rails. The train cruises a rare-riparian, crimson-colored canyon deep into the heart of Arizona, a journey far from the everyday.

It’s difficult to imagine any food that is more of an obsession than chocolate. In 2022, chocolate’s magical properties still hold their power, and never more so than during the Valentine season.