Behind the Sweets: Chocolate Tours Blend History with Flavor

Behind the Sweets: Chocolate Tours Indulge in Philly’s Cocoa-Rich Past

For October, Philadelphia’s historic charm got a little sweeter thanks to the debut of Behind the Sweets: Chocolate Tours, a deliciously curated experience by Historic Philadelphia, Inc. in partnership with the iconic Shane’s Confectionery. Held every Thursday evening, this hour-long tour takes you deep into the city’s rich chocolate-making past, from its colonial roots to its modern revival, in a way that’s as educational as it is indulgent.

Set inside The Cacao Pod at 104 Market Street—a building steeped in Philadelphia’s sweet legacy—Behind the Sweets: Chocolate Tours are more than just tastings. They’re immersive, sensory journeys guided by experts who walk you through the transformation of cacao beans into handcrafted chocolate bars. Along the way, guests sample four distinctive treats representing different eras of chocolate making, spotlighting how flavors and techniques have evolved over time.

With a cap of 18 guests per session, each tour maintains an intimate feel. It’s a hands-on, up-close experience for adults looking to enrich their fall calendar with something unexpectedly delightful. And with vegan and gluten-free options thoughtfully included, Behind the Sweets ensures that everyone can take a bite out of history.

Behind the Sweets: A Partnership Between Two Philadelphia Icons

The collaboration between Historic Philadelphia, Inc. and Shane’s Confectionery—a local institution dating back to 1863—is a match made in chocolate heaven. Shane’s expertise in bean-to-bar craftsmanship provides the perfect backdrop for the story being told: how cacao came to the colonies, how it was consumed centuries ago, and how today’s artisans are reviving those old-world methods with contemporary twists.

This tour is part of a broader mission from Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the organization behind some of the city’s most beloved and educational experiences. Through initiatives like Once Upon A Nation storytelling, immersive walking tours, and programming at the Betsy Ross House and Franklin Square, HPI has made it its mission to bring history alive for all ages. Now, with Behind the Sweets, they’re inviting Philadelphians to experience history through the lens of chocolate.

The Cacao Pod itself is a jewel box of flavor and heritage, offering a warm, aromatic setting that places guests right at the center of the action. From the scent of roasting beans to the craftsmanship on display, every moment of the tour is carefully constructed to awaken the senses and enrich the mind.

Behind the Sweets: Tour Info, Dates, and Tickets

Behind the Sweets: Chocolate Tours will host its final tour on October 20th, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The location—The Cacao Pod at 104 Market Street—is easily accessible in the heart of Old City, and a stone’s throw from other cultural institutions like the Betsy Ross House and Independence Hall.

Each ticket is $30 per person and includes a guided tasting experience, educational insights into chocolate’s evolution, and a behind-the-scenes peek into one of Philly’s oldest confectioners.

With sessions limited to just 18 people, tickets are expected to sell quickly for the final week. For those looking to experience this one-of-a-kind chocolate immersion, early registration is highly recommended. Treat yourself to a tour where history melts in your mouth.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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