From the moment we walk into a donut shop and smell the tantalizing aroma of the dough rising, then watching the process of ingredients becoming a finished product, and finally sinking our teeth into a soft, sugary donut, these sweet treats become an integral part of our lives, weaving themselves into the fabric of our memories.
As we journey through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, donuts remain a constant companion, reminding us of life’s simple pleasures and the joy of sharing experiences with others.
For many of us, childhood memories are synonymous with weekend trips spent at the local bakery, eagerly pointing to our favorite donut behind the glass display case. The warm, sugary aroma would fill the car on the ride home, tempting us to sneak a bite before arriving at our destination. My earliest recollection of donuts is connected to Krispy Kreme, both as a special part of a trip to downtown Nashville, TN for a visit to the bakery there, and to those same donuts being served as a part of the annual Thanksgiving breakfast at our church. On the map below, you can find the Krispy Kreme logo sandwiched in between two other notable bites. Later on, shopping, doctor’s visits, or similar trips to the the nearby town would often included a stop at the donut shop, where we would savor the soft, fluffy texture and sweet glaze, a moment of pure bliss.
As I grew older and entered high school and college, donuts remained a staple in my life. During high school years, donuts were not a regular part of our weekly “hanging out” but were still looked forward to. In college, late-night study sessions were made more bearable by the cry of “Let’s go to Ralph’s!” – a 24-hour donut shop located minutes from our school. Our studies soon forgotten, each person debated the merits of their favorite flavor. Jelly-filled or chocolate-frosted? Classic glazed or sugar-sprinkled? The choices were endless, and the arguments passionate. Even going on 50 years later, conversations with college friends inevitably – and quickly – turn to a Ralph’s story. On the map below, that memory is marked with a chocolate donut.
Following college into graduate school and part-time work, donuts became a part of both campus and work life. Entering the workforce, I discovered that donuts had a special place in office culture. The excitement of “Donut Fridays” would ripple through the office, as coworkers bonded over their shared love of these sweet treats.
During the ensuing decades of life, with children of my own, the familiar special stops at a donut shop became a part of our family rituals. As I recalled from my own childhood, a donut is amazing therapy for the (imagined) trauma of a doctor’s visit. With four children, I was able to benefit greatly from their experiences!
In the last decade, as my work travels took me all over the country, my donut fondness took on a whole new meaning. As a part of my consulting work, I traveled to dozens of churches for weekend visits, and I took advantage of those trips to indulge in some of the best independent or small chain donut shops across the country. On the map below, the glazed donuts with a bite out are a representative sample of the most memorable of those shops.
These road trips and adventures were incomplete without discovering hidden gem donut shops in towns, the perfect “prep snack” for a long day of consulting work. In times of stress and deadlines, the soothing ritual of a donut provided a moment of comfort and indulgence, a brief escape from the demands of life.
Now, as I have grown (slowly) more health-conscious, I’ve learned to balance my donut cravings with a healthy lifestyle, savoring the occasional treat with mindfulness and appreciation. With my birthday, National Donut Day, and Father’s Day falling into a three-week period, you can bet I’ve temporarily shelved the “healthy lifestyle” for a quick visit (or two) to our local donut shop, Jelly Donuts. Marked with a chocolate striped donut on the map above, each bite from one of their donuts magically transports me back in time.
Throughout life’s stages, donuts have remained a constant source of comfort, nostalgia, and connection. They have been present at some of my most memorable moments, from childhood parties to college adventures and family celebrations. The enduring appeal of donuts lies not only in their delightful taste and texture but also in their ability to bring people together, creating lasting memories and shared experiences.
As I look back on my donut-filled journey, it’s amazing to realize how these simple treats have played a significant role in shaping my life. They have been a sweet companion through the years, reminding me to savor life’s little pleasures and to cherish the moments I have shared with others.
On the day before National Donut Day (June 7 this year), and the next time you bite into a soft, sugary donut, take a moment to reflect on the memories it evokes and the joy it continues to bring, one delicious bite at a time.
If you liked this post, check these out:
- A Round Look at the Hole History: The Donut’s Journey Through America
- Glazed, Frosted, and Sprinkled: Getting Ready for National Donut Day
and of course, a baker’s dozen donut books!
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