Festive, red, heart-shaped boxes in an array of sizes, from a delicate 4 ounces all the way up to a whopping 2 pounds, line the shelves at Harry London Chocolates in North Canton. Inside the boxes hide confections any sweet tooth could possibly desire, from turtles to truffles, just waiting to be unwrapped. All of these delicious treats are concocted on site at Harry London, where chocolate-making is truly a labor of love, not only on Valentine’s Day, but year-round.

There’s hardly a better way to say “I love you” than with a big box of chocolates. But, if you’re not exactly sure what assortment your sweetie will fancy, venture out together to spend a romantic afternoon at the factory learning about every delicacy Harry London has to offer. The chocolate factory opens its doors for one-hour guided tours Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Tours begin with a history of the company, which started in the small kitchen of steelworker Harry London in 1922. You’ll watch the company grow through a timeline of photographs leading up to the present day. Your guide will then take you through the factory on an enclosed catwalk. The glass walkway, perched above the production line, snakes through the entire facility, allowing visitors to see each step in the candy-making process, from the caramel room to the chocolate-molding line. The tour, most importantly, ends with luscious samples.

You’re sure to leave the tour a candy connoisseur. You’ll be provided with a coupon and set free in the store to purchase whatever your heart desires, from chocolate peanut butter buckeyes to fresh, mouthwatering, chocolate-covered strawberries.

For details, call 800/321-0444 or visit harrylondon.com.

Sophisticated palates will be piqued at Pure Imagination Chocolatier, where the sweet treats are as beautiful as they are delicious. Located in Columbus’ North Market, this one-of-a-kind chocolate confection boutique specializes in exotic truffles, from heart-shaped candies dusted in 24-carat gold to exotic concoctions such as an “apple-tini” chocolate air-brushed in red, and “blood-orange mimosa” and “wild blueberry and gouda” morsels. With more than 75 varieties to tantalize your taste buds, you’re sure to find a new favorite with every bite. If you’re looking for a special gift for a true chocolate lover, check out Pure Imagination’s Truffle of the Month Club. Sweet-tooth-satisfying assortments of nine or 15 varieties will arrive at three-, six-, nine- or 12-month intervals.

It has taken more than 10 years to perfect Pure Imagination’s creations, which are made from the finest ingredients from around the world, including couverture chocolate. Creamy and silky in texture and shiny in appearance, the candies are decadently delicious.

Pure Imagination Chocolatier is no stranger to the limelight. The company served as chocolatier for the Academy Awards for four years, and its truffles have appeared on ABC’s “Ugly Betty.” Among those who have tasted Pure Imagination’s creations are Ben Affleck, Brad Pitt, John Travolta, Stephen Spielberg and Elizabeth Taylor.

True to its name, the confectionery uses limitless imagination when it comes to customized orders. Whether you’re looking for favors for a special event, wedding or corporate gift, Pure Imagination will create something special.

For more information, call 614/221-5433 or visit pureimaginationchocolatier.com.