North Carolina

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Food|Cafes & Coffee Shops

Few People Know That North Carolina Is The Birthplace Of Krispy Kreme, The Best Donuts In America

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, known for their iconic Hot and Now glazed doughnuts, originated in North Carolina in 1937.

Published Aug 4, 2020

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

The best doughnuts in the world, in our humble opinion, of course, were born right here in North Carolina. New residents aside, even some natives of the Tar Heel State don't realize the history or the humble beginnings of the famous Hot and Now glazed doughnut from the famously popular Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are rooted in what is now Old Salem.

Let's face it: as comfort food goes, doughnuts from Krispy Kreme are the cream of the crop.

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Google Maps/Jui-Fan Lin

When Vernon Rudolph began his Krispy Kreme company in 1937, the idea was to sell his glazed doughnuts to grocery stores.

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Krispy Kreme

He rented a spot in Salem and started the company in July. Soon after, he was selling them out the side door to the public, too.

By the 1940s and 50s, the company had opened a small chain of locations.

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Krispy Kreme

People couldn't get enough of the yeast doughnuts made from scratch at each location.

And here we are more than eight decades later, still driven for a taste of the sweet sensations.

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Google Maps/John Hill

Regulars know that when the Hot and Now sign is illuminated at any Krispy Kreme store there are hot and fresh doughnuts coming out of production.

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Google Maps/James Douthit

For those in the know, just the lighted sign can elicit salivating taste buds to make those who see it do a u-turn to double back for a dozen.

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What's better than a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts, freshly baked and boxed to go?

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Google Maps/Rev. Edward Baleke

The real question here is: how many will actually make it all the way home?!

Of course, Krispy Kreme is also known for their specialty doughnuts, too. Their seasonal offerings make die-hard fans clamor to nearby locations the day they're released.

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Google Maps/Brandon Fortune

Did you know one of the biggest doughnut chains (and the best one in America) got its humble start here in North Carolina?

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Google Maps/William Blair

It's hard to drive by a Krispy Kreme without the urge to pull in for some doughnuts, wouldn't you agree?

What other famously popular foods do you know of that were invented right here in North Carolina? Keep reading for a look at the very spot where Pepsi-Cola was invented in North Carolina.

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Food|Cafes & Coffee Shops

Nestled On The State Border, This Tiny North Carolina Cafe Is An Enchanting Day Trip Destination

Cedar Mountain Cafe in North Carolina offers delicious meals and is near the scenic Hooker Falls in DuPont State Forest.

Published Jul 2, 2022

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

Let's all admit that at the heart of any day trip is a wonderful destination like a waterfall or attraction - and a place to grab an awesome meal, too! We've found a tiny cafe in North Carolina that doubles as both so grab the keys and get ready to hit the road. And don't worry, we'll throw in a suggested waterfall, too.

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Welcome to Cedar Mountain Cafe, which just happens to be on the South Carolina border and right outside of North Carolina's DuPont State Forest!

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Google/Bobby B

This little cafe is located right on Greenville Highway in the mountains of western North Carolina.

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Google/Cedar Mountain Cafe

Step inside and you'll feel right at home in the cozy and inviting space.

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Google/Cedar Mountain Cafe

The community of Cedar Mountain may be just a blip on the map, but it's worth a visit just to check out Cedar Mountain Cafe.

The cafe goes to painstaking efforts to procure local ingredients whenever possible and only serves meats that are hormone, antibiotic, nitrate, and preservative-free.

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Google/Wes Mantooth

It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days a week. And with outdoor seating on their lovely patio, you're sure to fall in love with everything about this destination eatery.

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Google/Harry Roemisch

Wraps, quesadillas, omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, and biscuits are a few of the hearty breakfast options.

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Google/Jeff Soots

Lunch begins daily at 11:30 and includes burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and salads.

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Google/Cedar Mountain Cafe

Delicious dinner options include steak, salmon, NC trout, tacos, fish and chips, fried chicken, chicken Parm, spaghetti, and more.

If that list doesn't have you licking your lips, then maybe you're just not hungry at the moment - but you will be by the time you get to Cedar Mountain Cafe!

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Google/Cedar Mountain Cafe

Now... about that waterfall we promised you: Hooker Falls is found in DuPont State Forest (along with a handful of other great waterfalls) and since Cedar Mountain is the Gateway to DuPont Forest your day trip to Cedar Mountain Cafe can be extended to a short waterfall hike to this awesome swimming hole! Bring a towel and sunscreen and get ready to play under the waterfall.

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Google Maps/Arun Subramaniam

Ever been to this tiny cafe in North Carolina? How about Hooker Falls? Find complete menus and hours of operation on the Cedar Mountain Cafe website. Happy adventuring!

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Food|Cafes & Coffee Shops

The North Carolina Mennonite Bakery And Cafe With Cinnamon Rolls As Big As Your Head

Yoder's Dutch Pantry in Grifton, North Carolina, offers enormous cinnamon rolls and a variety of Amish and Mennonite goods.

Published Dec 18, 2021

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

Is it actually possible to pass by an Amish or Mennonite Bakery in North Carolina without pulling in to indulge a little? We think not - especially if you're driving in or through Grifton. Grifton is where you'll find Yoder's Dutch Pantry, where (among other wonderful delights) the cinnamon rolls are as big as your head.

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And that's no exaggeration!

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Google/Bklady K

Get one to go, or settle in at a table in the Cafe and dig in. Take a nice, slow run at it though, so you can savor every last bite.

Cinnamon rolls are a universal food. They're tasty at any time of the day -- and even in the middle of the night. (Raise your hand if you're guilty of a midnight cinnamon roll or two in the past!)

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Google/Yoders Dutch Pantry

Yoder's Dutch Pantry has much more than colossal, warm and coated with gooey frosting cinnamon rolls though.

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Google/Don Wainright

The cafe serves up a delicious breakfast.

And even their French toast is almost too big for the plate!

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Google/Yoder's Dutch Pantry

When you're finished, be sure to peruse the enormous store for Amish and Mennonite items you won't be able to live without.

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Google/John

The bakery, alone, has enough to make your mouth water as you decide what you need to take home.

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Facebook/Yoder's Dutch Pantry

And over in the garden center, you'll find all the in-season fresh plants and vegetable plants you could possibly need. Grab a coffee to go from the Cafe and go check 'em out.

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Google/Heaven Ruiz

Yoder's is like your one-stop-shop for all things.

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Google/Robin Carpenter'Rouse

Just be sure to put one of those ginormous cinnamon rolls on your bucket list when you visit.

North Carolina is such a big state. Are you wondering where you'll find the tiny town of Grifton (and Yoder's) in relation to where you live?

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Google Maps

It's about 100 miles northeast of Fayetteville, 100 miles north of Wilmington, and 60 miles southeast of Rocky Mount. Just a short drive away for so many people!

Ever been to this Mennonite bakery in North Carolina? Once you're been to Yoder's Dutch Pantry, you'll add this hidden gem to your bucket list for a return trip!

Once you're all finished shopping and eating at Yoder's, you're less then 30 minutes from the North Carolina Estuarium in Washington. Go check out it!

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