Gatlinburg's The Donut Friar Serves the Best Donuts on Earth

Donuts, regardless of quality, are hardly considered gourmet food. A warm donut, filled with delicious cream and light and fluffy, however, beats just about any gourmet breakfast out there. The Donut Friar, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, serves the absolute best donuts around. If you are a donut connoisseur, The Donut Friar is a must visit.

On the main strip in downtown Gatlinburg, there is an alcove of little shops and eateries called "The Village Shops." Right near the back of the quaint shopping area lies The Donut Friar. The tiny shop's alluring aroma of fresh baked sweet breads greets you before you even enter the store. Once inside, there is seating for about 4 patrons on the lower level, with several other tables and chairs located in an upstairs loft area. The display counter is chock full of pasty choices ranging from traditional donuts to cinnamon bread and fancier pastries. The smell of fresh coffee also fills the small shop.

On my last visit to the Donut Friar, I discovered my number one donut in all of creation: a cream filled, glazed pastry. I have never experienced a donut with quite as much filling. The pasty had literally been split, filled with cream, and put back together like a sandwich. The filling was fresh and delicious. The others in my party equally enjoyed their selections.

In addition to having the best donuts on the planet, The Donut Friar also offers the typical southern Tennessee integrity and hospitality that Gatlinburg is known for. One member of my party passed on the donuts, seeking a fancy coffee based concoction. The employee who waited on us quickly directed her to Coffee and Company, another shop located just across the way. The Donut Friar does serve coffee drinks, but the employee had enough integrity to send a customer away to somewhere with a better offering.

The Gatlinburg area is packed with breakfast options. Local pancake houses, as well as typical chain restaurants, are plentiful. If you want to avoid the ordinary, the long lines, and the costly check, skip these options and choose the Donut Friar. For just a few bucks, donuts and pastries range from about $.50 to $2.00, you can enjoy a decadent breakfast, without a long wait. The charming little shop is also a great place to sit around and plan your day's activities.

Open at 5:00 AM, The Donut Friar is ready to serve when you're ready to eat. The next time you are visiting Gatlinburg, don't miss out on this delicious gem. Visit www.thevillageshops.com for additional information.