LOCATION: Asheville, NC
A few months ago I Instagram-stumbled across a recently established doughnut shop in Asheville, NC called Vortex Doughnuts. Their mouth-watering pictures of perfectly posed, baked fresh daily doughnuts made me make a mental note to visit the next time I found myself in traveling to Asheville. And due to my love of doughnuts and frequent day trips to Asheville, it was an easy task to remember. Situated off the busy downtown hub of Asheville, Vortex sits on the quiet (but definitely up-and-coming) outskirts of the city in an unassuming little brick building. A giant chalk board featuring their name, menu, and darling coffee illustrations greets you upon entering.
I’ll enjoy a coffee shop if the atmosphere, seating and decor is unique or charming, but I’ll go back to a coffee shop (in this case doughnut shop) if the food is good. And these doughnuts were some of the best I’ve ever eaten. We decided to try the pumpkin with chocolate glaze and the old fashioned with chocolate swirl. With a fresh glaze of French Broad Chocolate Company chocolate spread over the top, the doughnuts were a true melt in your mouth experience. Pictures don’t do them justice.
So next time you’re within 50 miles of Asheville, remember Vortex, remember the doughnuts and take a little detour or a road trip or a cross country trip. I’m saying it’s worth it!
What’s your favorite doughnut shop? Who else would love to take a worldwide doughnut tour?