I Road-Tripped Through Small-Town Tennessee To Sample 12 Donut Shops (And Found 3 That Deserve The Hype)
Sugar-glazed adventures hit differently when you’re driving Tennessee’s winding back roads with a cup of hot coffee and a sprinkle of powdered sugar riding shotgun.
I spent two weeks tracking down small-town donut shops across the state, finding everything from classic glazed rings to wild maple bacon creations.
Some spots were good for a quick bite, but three stood out so much I still think about them whenever I pass a bakery sign. Let’s just say Tennessee knows how to keep donut lovers coming back.
1. Savannah Donuts, Savannah
Savannah sits along the Tennessee River, and this donut spot captures that laid-back river town vibe perfectly. The selection isn’t massive, but everything tastes homemade and fresh.
Their cake donuts have a nice dense crumb that holds up well when dunked in coffee. Prices are reasonable, and the staff treats you like a regular even on your first visit.
Nothing fancy here, just solid donuts that satisfy your morning craving without trying too hard. Perfect for grabbing a quick breakfast before exploring the historic downtown area nearby.
2. The Donut Friar, Gatlinburg
Walking into The Donut Friar feels like stepping into donut heaven. The smell of fresh cinnamon and sugar hits you before you even open the door, and watching them make donuts right in front of you is mesmerizing.
Their cinnamon bread is legendary for good reason. It’s warm, pillowy, and coated in just the right amount of cinnamon sugar that doesn’t turn into a messy disaster.
Yes, there’s usually a line out the door, but it moves fast. This place absolutely deserves every bit of hype it gets, and I found myself going back three times during my trip.
3. King’s Donuts, LaFollette
LaFollette isn’t on most tourist maps, which makes King’s Donuts feel like a hidden local secret. They open early, and the selection is best if you arrive before 8 AM.
The glazed donuts have a nice sweetness without being overwhelming. Their filled donuts are generously stuffed, though sometimes the filling distribution can be a bit uneven.
Service is friendly, and prices won’t break your budget. It’s a dependable spot for a classic donut experience, even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel or make you want to shout from the rooftops.
4. Peggy Ann Bakery, Greeneville
Greeneville is Andrew Johnson’s hometown, and Peggy Ann Bakery has been serving this community for years. The place feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, with that cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Their donut selection shares space with cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Everything is made from scratch, and you can taste the difference in quality.
I tried their chocolate iced donut, and while it was good, nothing really made me gasp in amazement. Still, it’s a solid neighborhood bakery that locals clearly love and trust for special occasions.
5. Ralph’s Donut Shop, Cookeville
Ralph’s has been a Cookeville institution since forever, and one bite explains why. The donuts here are ridiculously fresh, with a texture that’s somehow both light and satisfying.
My personal favorite was the blueberry cake donut. It actually tasted like real blueberries instead of artificial flavoring, which is rarer than you’d think in the donut world.
The owner remembered my order on my second visit, which made me feel like part of the family. This shop absolutely earned its spot among the top three, and I’d drive an hour just for another dozen.
6. Yoder’s Country Market (Weekend Donuts), Bulls Gap
Yoder’s only makes donuts on weekends, which creates this fun treasure hunt feeling. The market itself sells all sorts of Amish goods, from jams to handmade furniture.
Their donuts are simple and unfussy, made the old-fashioned way without fancy toppings or trendy flavors. You can taste the quality ingredients in every bite.
Getting there early is crucial because they sell out fast. The apple fritters are particularly popular with locals who know to arrive right when they open on Saturday mornings for first pick.
7. Donut Palace, Tullahoma
Donut Palace is part of a regional chain, so it lacks that unique mom-and-pop charm some other shops have. That said, consistency counts for something, and they deliver reliable donuts every time.
The selection is huge, with probably two dozen varieties available on any given morning. Their kolaches are surprisingly good if you want something savory alongside your sweet treat.
Prices are competitive, and the location is convenient if you’re passing through Tullahoma. It’s perfectly fine for a quick sugar fix, even if it doesn’t create any memorable wow moments worth writing home about.
8. Village Bake Shop, Cleveland
Cleveland’s Village Bake Shop does more than just donuts, and that’s both a strength and a weakness. Their attention is divided among breads, cakes, and pastries.
The donuts themselves are decent, with a good variety of standard flavors. Nothing tasted bad, but nothing made me want to do a happy dance either.
What they do really well is creating a pleasant atmosphere where you want to sit and enjoy your breakfast. The coffee is better than average, which helps elevate the overall experience beyond just grabbing donuts and running out.
9. Richy Kreme Donuts, Maryville / Alcoa
Richy Kreme is a total knockout. The name plays on that famous chain, but these donuts stand proudly on their own merits without needing to copy anyone.
Their glazed donuts melt in your mouth with this perfect balance of sweetness and yeasty goodness. I watched them make a fresh batch, and eating one still warm was basically a religious experience.
The variety is impressive without being overwhelming. Everything from classic glazed to creative specialty flavors tastes carefully crafted. This place earned its hype badge, and I’m already planning my return trip before I even left town.
10. Buck’n Good Donuts, Seymour
The name promises good donuts, and Buck’n Good delivers exactly that. Nothing more, nothing less, which is honestly respectable in its straightforwardness.
Their maple bars are solid, with real maple flavor instead of that weird artificial taste some places use. The texture is good, and portions are generous for the price.
It’s a no-frills operation that focuses on doing the basics well. You won’t find Instagram-worthy specialty donuts here, but you will find a reliable breakfast that won’t disappoint you or drain your wallet unnecessarily.
11. Tiny Little Donuts, Franklin
Franklin is fancier than most towns on this trip, and Tiny Little Donuts fits that upscale vibe. They specialize in mini donuts, which is cute but means you need like six to feel satisfied.
The flavors get creative with things like lavender honey and bourbon caramel. Some work better than others, and occasionally the creativity overshadows actual taste.
It’s fun for trying multiple flavors without committing to full-size donuts. The presentation is Instagram-ready, and the shop itself is adorable. Just know you’re paying premium prices for the trendy experience alongside your actual breakfast.
12. Daylight Donuts (Tri-Cities), Johnson City
Daylight Donuts is another franchise operation, and it shows in both good and limiting ways. The donuts are consistent and predictable, which some mornings is exactly what you need.
Their cake donuts are better than their raised ones, in my opinion. The chocolate cake donut had a nice cocoa flavor that didn’t taste artificial or overly sweet.
Johnson City has plenty of breakfast options, so this place faces stiff competition. It’s perfectly adequate for a quick donut run, but probably won’t become anyone’s favorite or most memorable stop along Tennessee’s donut trail.