Downtown businesses opened their doors and invited visitors to come stroll the local area to shop and enjoy the pre-Valentine’s Day festivities during the annual Holiday Chocolate Walk
by Amy Batista, Special Writer
BORDENTOWN CITY — Downtown businesses opened their doors and invited visitors to come stroll the local area to shop and enjoy the pre-Valentine’s Day festivities during the annual Holiday Chocolate Walk last Friday night.
”I love meeting new people,” said Cindy Ridolfino-Grainger, owner of Square Peg Round Hole Art and Recover Emporium, which recently relocated from 212 Farnsworth Ave. to 117 Farnsworth Ave.
The event, hosted by the Downtown Bordentown Association for the past five years, helps promote local restaurants and businesses while giving guests near and far a chance explore the town.
”The inspiration of the event is to draw people into Bordentown City to discover our charming boutiques, galleries and restaurants,” said April Sette.
Many of the businesses were decorated in décor for Valentine’s Day.
Marcello’s Restaurant and Tomato Pies was serving a silky chocolate mousse with peanut butter brunch for visitors to sample. The mousse is being offered on its dessert menu during Valentine’s weekend.
”This is a great little town and lot of people don’t even know we are here,” Ms. Cindy Ridolfino-Grainger said. “We try to make as much go on here to bring people in.”
The event was free to participate in and is done twice a year — Christmas time and around Valentine’s Day.
”We love doing this,” said Sandi Bongart, owner of Adorn Beauty Center and Spa.
Ms. Bongart had a wide assortment of homemade-baked chocolate goodies and candies, chocolate wine and flavored coffees.
”We always have the most and best stuff,” Ms. Bongart said.
”It was awesome that we had visitors from Brick Township, Bucks County, Gloucester Township, Old Bridge and Rockaway,” Ms. Sette said. “I think that it’s great buzz that other areas are coming up to Bordentown.”
A passport system provided to guests allowed them to sample a variety of chocolate desserts and beverages served by participating eateries and businesses. By visiting eight of the participating businesses listed on the passport, attendees would be entered for a chance to win $50 in “Bordentown Bucks.”
It was estimated that 200 people turned in their passports, but there were a lot more walking the town just hanging and enjoying the evening, according to officials.
Rebecca Moslowski, owner of Rebecca’s Vintage Boutique & Consignment located at 224 Farnsworth Ave., was the pick-up destination of the passports and also the return place for completed passports.
Ms. Moslowski was serving Bailey’s with chocolate cream.
For Ms. Moslowski, a highlight of the event was bringing “exposure” to her store.
”We do it because of the shopping season for either the holidays or Valentine’s Day,” Ms. Moslowski said. “It gives people the opportunity to look and say ‘Oh I like that’ and get shopping ideas for spouses, friends.”
Jo-Anne Cleary, of New York City, was participating in the event for the first time.
”It’s beautiful,” said Ms. Cleary. “It’s very nice. It’s more than I expected.”
Cheryl Smith, of Columbus, was enjoying Chocolate Martini at Shoppe 202 during the event.
”It’s fun,” said Ms. Smith, adding it was her first time participating. “I absolutely recommend it to others. The shops are cute and nice. Everybody is friendly.”
Ms. Smith was enjoying the evening with her daughter and friend.
”It gives everybody something to do mid-winter,” Ms. Smith said.
Desiree Whitman, of Alaska, said she finds the town “quaint.”
In addition to the chocolate walk, residents could be seen taking a scenic tour of the city in horse-drawn carriages sponsored by Downtown Bordentown Association.
Ashley Lamb, of Bordentown City, and Rob Adams, of Bordentown City, were taking a ride on the carriage for the first time.
”Seeing the town in a different way,” said Ms. Lamb.
For other downtown event information, visit www.DowntownBordentown.com.