Do Not Forget the Donuts

When you think of beach food what comes to mind? Hoagies? Potato chips? What if we told you that you’re missing out on one of the best beach foods that you’ve probably never thought of – donuts. Think about it! Donuts are portable, quick (and delicious) bites that make them perfect for beach days. Not to mention – everyone loves them. So next time you’re ready for some sand and sun, be sure to stop by one of these shops for some of the best donuts that the Bradenton Area has to offer.

The Donut Experiment

On the northern end of Anna Maria Island you’ll find a little shop that’s so tasty you’ll never think about bringing anything other than donuts to the beach again. At The Donut Experiment, you get to choose from a variety of toppings and drizzles, and you can mix and match to make flavors as zany as you’d like! You’ll start with a fluffy, yet crispy, made-to-order vanilla cake donut (that will melt in your mouth) and then choose your favorite flavors – ranging from peanut butter to fruit cereal, and even siracha and bacon! Pro tip: get a box with a huge assortment and be prepared to share. Everyone will want to try one-another’s concoctions.

The Farmhouse

When you’re walking down Manatee Avenue, perusing the sights and sounds of Old Manatee you might find yourself smelling something heavenly. You follow your nose to a…home décor shop? While it might seem surprising, The Farmhouse is more than a custom home decorating store. Inside you’ll find made-to-order mini donuts with toppings galore. Here you can choose your own toppings or try one of their specialties like the Sweet Squealing Pig. And be sure to ask about their “secret” menu to find out the daily specials.

Turner Donut Shop

If you’re looking for a donut shop with all the well-known favorites look no further than Turner Donut Shop. They’ve been selling the Bradenton locals their donuts since the 1960’s and for good reason. While you can get the classic glazed or jelly-filled here, you’ll also notice some more unique flavors like honeydew. So what’s the secret to making these donuts so delicious? Turner’s uses potato flour to raise the sweet treats which makes them chewier and extra fluffy.

Island Donut Company

On historic Bridge Street on Anna Maria Island you’ll find Island Donut Company. Their donuts are freshly made to order and toppings range from classic sprinkles to your favorite breakfast cereal. Be sure to check out the Donut Wall to see what their master fryer has cooked up – selections include the Campfire (chocolate, graham cracker and marshmellow fluff), the Mad Moose (maple glaze, bacon bits and sea salt) and Key West (vanilla glaze, graham crackers, whipped cream and key lime drizzle). Your sweet tooth looking for something else? No worries. Island Donut Company also offers French Toast bowls and massive milkshakes that they call the Sandblast.