Hole

What: Toasted Almond Sesame Cinnamon, Vanilla glazed

Where: 168 Haywood Ave, Asheville, NC

When: Monday, April 23rd, 2018

Website

Hole is definitely the most unique donut place I've been to recently. There are plenty that now frost it fresh when you order, but this was the first where they fry it right in front of you! They had the rings made up ahead of time, raising in the warmer. It was also interesting to see the rings because it was obvious they did them by hand instead of using a donut cutter and ending up with donut holes. They were made like little rings of dough.

But on to the donuts! We got the standard glazed, and then I figured if they combined almond, sesame seeds and cinnamon on the regular, it was probably a pretty good flavor combo. I'm really glad I  trusted them because it was amazing. We almost got more donuts to go after eating ours while watching them make more. I'd give both donuts 5/5 for great flavor without being too much like some of the hipper donut places. Also, the woman running the cash register was quite possibly the happiest woman I've ever come across in a store. Welcoming everyone, getting excited about everyone's order, saying good bye to you when you left. She definitely made you feel welcome in the bakery.

Nord's Bakery

What: Apple fritter, maple danish, chocolate raised

Where: 2118 S. Preston St, Louisville, KY

When: Saturday, May 12th 2018

Website

While in Louisville recently, we had a lot of donut options but hubby picked out this one possibly based on location (near Germantown). The maple danish was something I've always wanted but not super common. I love the light flakiness of a danish and you all know how I feel about maple. I'd give it a 5/5.

The chocolate was hubby's choice and he liked the frosting, but thought it needed a little more. 3.5/5.

We both enjoy apple fritters, but that was also hubby's favorite of the 3. I thought it had a little too much cinnamon in it, but I liked the glaze. I give it a 3.5/5 as well.

Donuts to Go

What: Mint Oreo, Maple Frosted, Glazed, Key Lime

Where: West 1st St, Sanford FL

When: January or February 2018? I'm bad at dates sometimes

Website

One of the days hubby and I were running errands in Florida, I took him to Donuts to Go. I had been once a pretty long time ago, so it was nice to go again. They were pretty busy but we got some nice looking donuts. Even looking at them know makes me want more!

The donuts themselves were good, but the frosting on both of the frosted ones were very hard and flaked off as soon as we cut (or bit) into them. They still tasted good, but were quite messy to eat. Does anyone else cut donuts up into a bunch of different bites so that everyone can share and try all the different donuts? That isn't weird, right?

I'd give them 3.5/5 for good taste, poor functioning. 

Cakes by Bakin' Bishop

What: Cinnamon Roll with walnuts

Where: Pidgeon Forge, TN

When: Thursday, April 26th, 2018

Website

This isn't actually a donut, I know. But it was delicious and I wanted to post about it anyways. While we were in Tennessee, we had a day of rain and errands. So much rain. Spring has been pretty rainy for us recently. So we spent a nice day inside our camper and had this lovely treat before heading out in the rain.

Something I found really cool about the Baking Bishop is that she has all the cupcakes and frostings ready to go, but she doesn't frost anything till you buy it. So you can mix and match almost everything in the store!

Hubby picked out this cinnamon roll, which she then coated in frosting. We heated it up before we ate it and it was quite possibly the best cinnamon roll I've ever had. Can I give something, a non donut even, a 6/5 rating? This may break the mold...

Donut Frier

What: Glazed Croissant

When: April 28th, 2018

Where: Gatlinburg, TN

Website

Gatlinburg is a little overwhelming. Especially if you have no ideas about it before you arrive and see all the people and all the stores and all the general hubub. But it was fun. I thought I'd hate it, but it kind of reminded me of what a family friendly Vegas would be. Although, I've never been to Vegas so if anyone has been to both, how's my analogy?

While walking around after breakfast one morning, we saw a sign for The Donut Frier in a shopping area slightly off the main drag. Figured we'd check it out. It was a tiny store where you could see them baking in the back and we got in line behind some ladies that had on matching shirts. I couldn't read the shirts.

They had a fair selection left for being later in the day, but as soon as I heard about the frosted croissant I figured that was the one to try. Frosted croissants are quite excellent. This one was a little on the small side, but a good specimen. I'd give it a 4/5 and it was gone before we made it into The Great Smokey Mountains National Park that day!