Olive Rose in Rockland

When Leigh Williams moved to Midcoast Maine, she had no plans to open another chocolate shop—but the opportunity was too good to pass up. The space on Main Street in Rockland felt like the perfect fit, and with decades of chocolate-making experience, she knew she could create something special. “It was really about relationships,” she says. “My connection with the Apprenticeshop, my landlord, and the community all played a role in making this happen.”

Named after Olive Rose, the first woman elected to public office in the United States, the shop carries on the legacy of craftsmanship and resilience. Leigh, who once built her own boat at the Apprenticeshop, has woven those connections into Olive Rose by featuring handcrafted furniture made by apprentices and art that highlights the boat-building process. The collaboration between chocolate-making and woodworking might seem unexpected, but to her, it makes perfect sense. “It’s all about creating something beautiful.”

Inside Olive Rose, the scent of freshly made chocolate greets visitors, drawing them into a space that feels both inviting and nostalgic. Every caramel, truffle, and buttercream is made in-house, with a focus on freshness and natural ingredients. “People always say, ‘This is the best chocolate I’ve ever had.’ The secret? It’s fresh. We literally just made it.”

While the dark chocolate salted caramels are a top seller, Leigh’s personal favorite is the peanut butter meltaway—layers of rich chocolate blended with peanut butter and a creamy peanut butter center. The shop also serves hot chocolate made from pure chocolate liquor, homemade marshmallows, and Bucklyn coffee from Blue Hill. Open year-round, Olive Rose is more than a confectionery; it’s a gathering place where a simple indulgence will brighten your entire day.

FAMOUS FOR:
Its handcrafted chocolates made with all-natural, fresh ingredients. Their dark chocolate salted caramels are a customer favorite, along with rich, velvety truffles and the peanut butter meltaway—a layered creation of smooth chocolate and creamy peanut butter. The shop also offers decadent hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows and a carefully curated selection of confections that prioritize quality and flavor.

ADDRESS:
252 Main St in Rockland, ME

WEBSITE:
oliverosechocolates.com

photos by Peter Logue