Sweet treats from L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates are inspired by chef Larry Burdick’s escapades in Paris and Switzerland where he learned traditional techniques to make chocolate. The shop creates an assortment of holiday treats and throughout the month of October, L.A. Burdick is serving up their Halloween collection of white chocolate ghosts and chocolate coffin bundles. Their signature treat, however, is a chocolate mouse filled with creamy chocolate ganache. Stop by the shop to try a few (or more)—they even have vegan options.

Must try: Chocolate mice

Chocolates and bonbons are this Somerville location’s specialty, and their various awards from Boston magazine and Food and Wine prove it. The store has all of the classics, like milk chocolate bonbons, along with some more unique treats, like the apple cider and honey caramel chocolates. Their chocolate chew, a soft nougat candy made of whipped egg whites, is a gem, too. They also have an assortment of dairy-free and vegan chocolates. 

Must try: Caramelized peanut butter cups 

For a taste of classic, fine European chocolate without shelling out a few thousand for a plane ticket, try stopping by Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland on Newbury Street. The company was founded nearly a century ago and has spent decades producing truffles with flavors ranging from rich butter crunch, subtle fruit ganaches, and sumptuous caramel. Their signature offering, however, is a champagne truffle: chocolate with a ganache center enriched by an infusion of Dom Perignon champagne, and rolled in powdered sugar. Oprah once featured them on her “Favorite Foods” show, so clearly, they must be pretty spectacular.

Must try: Champagne truffles

This one’s a classic, but its popularity is well deserved. Lindt chocolate truffles are iconic and come in flavors across a wide spectrum: milk and orange, pistachio, and mangoes and cream are a few of their more unique flavors, but if you’re looking for something more traditional, they make plenty of creamy milk chocolate treats, too. Their chocolates are also on the less-expensive side (unless, of course, you opt for an 800-piece gingerbread truffle case—again, no judgment). 

Must try: White chocolate Lindor truffles

Eataly, the Italian high-end food hall and market in the Prudential Center, is also a hub for classic Italian chocolate. After a hearty meal of pasta, meatballs, and cannoli, head over to any of the sweet shops located in the Eataly market to choose from one of their decadent chocolate treats. There are selections of assorted chocolates to taste while in the market as well as plenty of bundles to take home and enjoy later. 

Must try: Cuadro chocolates from Novi

Gourmet Boutique is a picturesque food boutique located in the heart of Copley Square. The store also offers much more than just your basic chocolate candies—think French foie gras, Umbria truffles, and Caspian and American caviars. Bonus: everything comes packaged in unique, hand-painted boxes tied up with ribbons and bows. If you’re feeling fancy, Gourmet Boutique will satisfy all of your classy (candy) needs.

Must try: Maxim’s de Paris chocolate pearls 

This boutique shop in Beacon Hill has been crafting a unique assortment of chocolate for 13 years. From peanut butter to maple to caramel pumpkin pie, there are a slew of fall flavors to get your seasonal and chocolate fix all in one. So if you’re already excited for Thanksgiving, stop by Beacon Hill Chocolates and pick up a few pecan pie truffles to hold you over. 

Must try: Pumpkin pie truffle 

Don’t let the name fool you, this North End dessert hub has a lot more to offer than just pastries. The family-owned bakery opened more than 70 years ago and has been delighting the city of Boston with classic Italian creations ever since. If you’re looking to spend National Chocolate Day indulging in something more interesting than just classic chocolate bars, try Modern Pastry’s Italian torrone, a nougat-based candy bar with honey, sugar, and egg whites. The ones from Modern Pastry are dipped in chocolate, so they’re perfect for the holiday.

Must try: Italian torrone