Sisters Sarah and Ali Flanders grew up on Martha’s Vineyard. They spent many years around our island’s famous chocolatiers, Chilmark Chocolates. Living close by, it made sense that they would both work there at one time or another, even up to the day it closed. They developed a deep appreciation for this iconic chocolate shop that was such a part of their lives. And what comes next makes them a great addition to our summer 2020 series We Love MV: Salt Rock Chocolate – How Sweet It Is.
Both sisters have traveled and lived elsewhere, but they always knew they wanted to come back home. However, it can be challenging to find something that you love to do on the island. When Chilmark Chocolates announced it was closing, Sarah and Ali had an idea — they would create their own path.
WE LOVE MV: Salt Rock Chocolate Company Is Born Up-Island
The sisters would continue the tradition of chocolates made up-island. With their close tie to Chilmark Chocolates, they were able to use many of the signature Chilmark Chocolates favorites, and of course, add new ones. They would be doing what the knew and what they loved, but now as Salt Rock Chocolates.
WE LOVE MV: Salt Rock Chocolate – Something Old, Something New
Sarah and Ali’s chocolates are made small-batch, made with love, and are simply delicious. You will recognize many pieces as your old favorites but with new names. For example. the Beetlebung Bar is now the Dogfish Bar, the Menemsha Mint is now the Middle Road Mint, the Chappy Chew is the Bend in the Road Bar — there are new names for your favorites. You can find all of the chocolates on their website, click here for all the tempting treats.
What a time to launch a business! However, the sisters were committed and passionate about bringing Salt Rock Chocolate Company to people, and they have been successful in doing so. The amount of community support has been incredible. They know that people want them to succeed and want to be able to have these chocolates in their lives.
It has been so inspiring for them to see how much joy their chocolates bring to people, the smiles their sweet treats evoke, the moment of silence as the chocolates are savored. They are able to offer this little break from reality. It’s really quite something!
WE LOVE MV: Salt Rock Chocolate New Sweet Treat Additions
Be sure to check out Salt Rock Chocolate’s new flavors. These ladies have a talent for flavors. My new favorite it the Chilmark Fleur, white chocolate topped with crystallized ginger and Fleur spice (a fresh blend of pink pepper, rose and hibiscus). This chocolate just seems so light to me and yet has so much flavor.
For you coffee fans, you can get the Chilmark Coffee Crunch, made of course with Chilmark Coffee! I love the coffee and chocolate combo, so this is a definite addition to my orders from them.
For those of you who like a little spice, there is a new one with a little bite to it, the Great Rock Bite, dark chocolate topped with Ghost Island Farm Hot Paper Lantern Spice. I appreciate this one for its flavor, but I think I am a Chilmark Fleur, Salt Rock Caramel, Tiasquam Truffle kinda girl. The only thing I really will miss are Skip’s Chips — I loved those coconut rich chocolates.
WE LOVE MV: Salt Rock Chocolate Company Has A Local Focus
Using local ingredients is important. In addition to Chilmark Coffee and Ghost Island Farm spice, Salt Rock Chocolates uses salt from Duxbury Salt Works. Why from there? Sarah and Ali connected with the women behind this company.
How can you get your hands on Salt Rock Chocolates? The West Tisbury Farmers Market at the Ag Hall is where you will find them. You can even preorder for the market, click here.
Sarah and Ali hope to have Salt Rock Chocolates available at more places in the future. Point B Realty is proud to offer Salt Rock Chocolates to our Summer Rental Clients. It is important that we help support Island businesses and also share these delicious chocolates that are made with love.
Summer will be here before you know it. It promises to be a summer of new experiences, finding new favorites — enjoying the Vineyard unscripted. Reimagined. We Love MV is our ongoing series capturing the new spirit of summer.
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AUTHOR’S NOTE: I was curious about why the name Salt Rock Chocolate. When I asked Ali, she chuckled and said she always thought of the Vineyard as a big salty rock. It is kind of funny. Congrats Sarah and Ali, we wish you so much luck!