Whetstone Chocolates stands as St. Augustine's only family-owned chocolate company, carrying nearly six decades of tradition, craftsmanship, and dedication to creating some of the finest artisan chocolates in Florida. Founded in 1967 by Henry and Esther Whetstone, this beloved institution has grown from humble beginnings in a home kitchen to become a St. Augustine landmark featuring multiple retail locations, a modern production facility, and the famous Whetstone Chocolate Tasting Tours that have become one of the city's most popular attractions. Today, nearly 60 years after that first batch of homemade fudge, Whetstone Chocolates continues the family legacy under the leadership of Virginia Whetstone, daughter of the founders, maintaining the same commitment to quality and community that has defined the company since its inception. The Whetstone story begins with Henry and Esther, Florida natives and lifelong residents of northeast Florida who dreamed of owning and operating their own business. Starting with a small ice cream store on St. George Street in the historic business district of St. Augustine in 1966, the couple worked tirelessly to build a successful venture. The transition to chocolate began when they created a homemade fudge recipe in their family's small kitchen, working each night after closing the ice cream shop to perfect their confections. By 1967, they were selling 13 different flavors of fudge along with an increasing assortment of hand-dipped chocolate