Those who have already caved and thrown out their New Year's resolution to abstain from sweets, prepare to get giddy. Gig Harbor, the quaint gateway city of the Olympic Peninsula, hosts the third annual Art of Chocolate, Saturday, Feb. 4.

As in years past, The Art of Chocolate festivities will not be held at one general location. Rather, locations are spread throughout Gig Harbor's downtown core and other locations of the waterfront community. Pick up a passport at one of over 30 participating businesses after 10 a.m. Saturday.

Held in conjunction with the Gig Harbor First Saturday Art Walk, The Art of Chocolate is designed to be a walking tour of art and sweets. The idea is to get your passport stamped by as many participating locations as possible, for a chance at a number of prizes - perhaps more important, however, The Art of Chocolate promises an opportunity to sample chocolates and confections, check out cookbooks on chocolate and chat with sweet-makers. Make sure to say hello at Heidi's Sweet Shop; she's giving out little nibbles of her to-die-for fudge. The event also serves as a great opportunity to pick up something for your special someone for Valentine's Day (hint, hint).

For beer lovers, Gig Harbor's own 7 Seas Brewery will be on hand at Birdnest Art Gallery, offering samples of a Northwest stout paired with chocolate and making for an uplifting stop along the way. Newcomer Devoted Kiss Café along with recognized staples in harbor dining like Marketplace Grill, Brix 25, Tides Tavern, Green Cottage, Anthony's, Morso Wine Bar also plan to offer chocolate-focused treats.  

[Downtown Gig Harbor, The Art of Chocolate, Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., free, gigharborwaterfront.org]