Bakery & Donut Castle

Twenty years ago when I was in high school, this place would have gotten five stars hands down. But fast forward to today. I live in a different state, and when I come home to see my parents, I will often try to get by to grab their delicious glazed donuts, donut holes, or an apple fritter. The only problem: if you don’t go early in the morning, you miss out. I may go in at 10 am, and the selection is depleted. I’ve missed out getting my favorite apple fritter the last several trips to Calhoun because I’ve slept in. That’s why they get four stars.
Regardless, as far a quality and taste, this place is amazing. In Nashville, people pack into the Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts. I’m not a fan of these places because I grew up on the Donut Castle and they spoiled me. Thank God I played so many sports, because I probably consumed several thousand donut holes during high school! I couldn’t do that today, but I do enjoy it when I’m back in town!
Oh, and they made really good cakes growing up. For birthdays and such.

When my classmates turned 16 and started driving, they often stopped by the Donut Castle for a bag of donut holes on the way to school. In English class, a kid I grew up with set the oily sack on his desk and snacked on them while we discussed Kafka, Conrad and Dostoevsky. His stomach expanded as the semester progressed. It was sad to watch him get fat.
For me, the Donut Castle is a treat, usually in conjunction with my nuclear family’s Birthdays. Last night we feasted on a chocolate cake to recognize my father’s 65^th. My slice tasted like a huge chocolate donut with a two-​inch high layer of chocolate glaze. Blue and red iced balloons floated on top, much like my now sugar-​coated brain.