25 Reasons Why You Must Visit The Donut Friar in Gatlinburg
We all love sweet treats, and donuts are no exception. The Donut Friar in Gatlinburg is one place where the obsession for these delicious morsels is certainly justified. While I could simplify this to just a few reasons, there are so many! Why stop at 3, 4, or 5. Here are 25 reasons you need to visit this Gatlinburg vacation staple!
1. A Unique Setting
The Donut Friar is located in The Village, which is a lovely old world setting smack dab in the middle of Gatlinburg. If you’ve ever been here, it feels like you stepped into a time machine. Still, it fits nicely with the overall feel of this tourist town.
2. Delicious Donuts
I’m in love with the cake donuts, especially their delicious Chocolate Crullers, Cinnamon Cake, and my wife and son’s favorite, Chocolate Chipper. But really, there’s something here for fans of the other varieties which include, Cinnamon Twists, Eclairs, Pillows, and original Glazed. They’re all gems!
3. A Sweet Variety
Although The Donut Friar in Gatlinburg is famous for fantastic donuts, you can also purchase cookies, date bars, croissants, and cinnamon rolls. And you still can’t go wrong!
4. Caffeinated Options
If you want no frills coffee, they got it. If you want sugar to go with that morning caffeine, you’re also set. Cappucinos, lattes, and espressos, hot or cold, are all here for the taking to go with that fresh donut.
5. Sensational Souvenirs
The first thing I noticed about this place—besides the donuts, of course—is their fantastic selection of coffee mugs. They’ve since added more mugs from local potters, and they also have T-shirts, which I need to get one of my own one day.
6. Unusual Inside Seating
So, I’ve never went up there, but The Donut Friar had upstairs seating. For the longest time I never knew you could go up there, and unfortunately this is not an option now.
7. Sit By The Fountain
Right outside the doors is the peaceful fountain with benches that surround it. Almost every time I get my donut, I take a seat and I swear I’m in heaven.
8. Money Saver
Breakfast in Gatlinburg could easily set you back $50 for a family of four. But at The Donut Friar, you can snatch a six pack of dodo’s for under $10. Now that’s a value!
9. Awakens the Senses
I’m not just talking about your sense of taste; you’ll smell the aroma from about a half-mile away if the morning breeze is blowing just right. If you’re headed there in the morning, there will be an extra swing in your step.
10. Selfie Time
I’m not the selfie type, but you just can’t help it when you’re holding onto something so tasty. After one bite, you’ll probably know what I mean.
11. Kid Approved
Of course kids love donuts. Get them a colorful sprinkled iced donut, or the Friar’s Special with a smile to mirror the one they’ll have.
12. Stand By The Friar
That Friar is a symbol for this establishment, and he even has his own statue inside. Holding a plate with donuts stacked high, this is a perfect opportunity to get yourself and the kids into the picture.
13. Mood Booster
It’s hard to imagine a donut not bringing you happiness. This just makes sense for you to start the day. True vacation bliss!
14. Opens Early…Very Early
How about 5 in the morning? If you’re an early riser, this is a dream for you.
15. Stays Open Later
Unlike most breakfast restaurants, The Donut Friar, depending on the season, stays open as late as 10 in the evening. That means you can get yourself a treat whenever the desire hits.
16. The Locals Approve
Even the locals would agree that these donuts are in a class by themselves. I’m jealous they can have them more often.
17. Media Recognition
Last year Southern Living recognized The Donut Friar in Gatlinburg as having the best donuts in Tennessee. I would say this is a well-deserved honor.
18. It’s a Long-Standing Tradition
The owner, Jim Ryan, probably had no idea he would still be churning out donuts to hungry customers after 50 years, but he and his vision have carried on through good times and bad.
19. Efficient, Friendly Service
No business is perfect, but I haven’t had bad service here. I’ve even had nice, brief, friendly conversations with a few employees. Everything moves quite efficiently even if you’re in line behind a few customers.
20. Lasting Memories
There are so many memories to be made here in the Smoky Mountains, but an experience at The Donut Friar is special, and you won’t soon forget it as a vital part of your getaway.
21. You Can Walk It Off
If you’re worried about the calories here or at any breakfast place in town, you can easily walk it off here in Gatlinburg. This walkability factor makes it much superior to Pigeon Forge, which isn’t as friendly in this aspect.
22. You’ll Keep Coming Back
It’s even worse when you’re trying to decide between a bevy of selections. They’re so good, you can’t be satisfied with just one visit on vacation.
23. The Cinnamon Bread
Don’t sleep on the cinnamon bread here. No, I mean it. If you don’t get here early enough, it’s gone. When you score some, you’ll know not to miss out again.
24. Take It Back To The Room
If you’re afraid of a little P.D.A. with your donuts, take it back to your cabin, condo, or hotel room. Trust me, they’re still amazing the next day too.
25. You Only Live Once
No need to feel guilty. I’m diabetic, but these are so good, you have to indulge. Since I rarely eat donuts, it makes for an even better experience. Hey, it’s vacation!
Thanks for reading, everyone! If you like my content, be sure to subscribe. For access to all my posts, you can become a paid subscriber for just $5 a month; and if you sign up for an annual subscription, you get 3 free months for a total of $45. I appreciate it!