Ahhh Chocolate! The elixir that holds a hosts of “feel good” ingredients is delicious any day, any time. But after the holidays have left us empty-handed with all the special foods, drinks and good vibrations just memories, a dose of chocolate may be just what you need. Perhaps that's why chocolate festivals do so well in the months following December. Here are a few chocolate festivals and events to get you energized within the next several weeks:

• SANTA CRUZ   Chocolate Festival at Cocoanut Grove  santacruzchocolatefestival.org
• BELMONT SHORE   Belmont Shore Chocolate Festival along 2nd Street  belmontshore.org
• ESCONDIDO  For the Love of Chocolate Festival in Downtown Escondido   downtownescondido.com
• LODI   Wine & Chocolate lodiwineandchocolate.com