I traveled significantly in 2023 and when I was on the road, I made time to visit a few bakeries. Below is a list of some of my favorites.
- Piece of Cake in Atlanta, GA
With locations in and near the Hartsfield, Atlanta airport, Piece of Cake Bakery is convenient and easily accessible. To be clear, they have several locations across Georgia, but I often visit the location by the airport. This amazing bakery has been around since 1985, and they provide specially-baked cakes and treats. The best news of all is that they ship nationwide. While they offer brownies, cookies and a variety of cakes, my personal favorite is their pound cake — it always tastes fresh and homemade. When time permits, I stop by this gem upon arriving or leaving Atlanta. It’s that good.
- Carrie’s Sugar Buzz in New Albany, Ohio
My cousin Brittany introduced me to Carrie of Carrie’s Sugar Buzz and it is an introduction I will never forget. Brittany brought a cake for my birthday from Carrie and the cake was simply delicious. I am a bakery snob and it takes a lot to impress me. Let’s remember I’ve visited more bakeries than most and I’ve had my fair share of delicious cakes and cookies. But few bakeries compare to Carrie’s Sugar Buzz. Her products are beautifully and intricately designed, unique in taste and always fresh. I’ve ordered from her time and time again over the past year.
- Edgar’s Bakery in Birmingham, AL
I was in Birmingham for the NABJ 2023 Conference when I stumbled upon this jewel of a bakery. Edgar’s Bakery has several locations across Alabama and also ships nationwide. They have been characterized as the best bakery by publications such as Taste of the South Magazine, Alabama Magazine and Birmingham Magazine. I understand why they earned this distinction. Edgar’s is beautifully designed and their plethora of cakes, cookies and other treats are inviting and appetizing. I’m rarely speechless when I enter bakeries, but this one left me with no words. I can’t wait to visit again.
- Nadia’s Bakery in Palmdale, CA
I’ve been following Nadia’s Bakery on Instagram for months. I love the owner’s, Abby Jimenez, personal story of launching a bakery in her home and then expanding to a brick-and-mortar store. She is also an award-winning author and baker. When I decided to visit the Palmdale, California area over the Christmas holiday, I knew I had to stop in for a visit. They offer an endless selection of sweet treats that are creatively decorated. For instance, I bought a cupcake in a plant pot that was as beautiful as it was delicious — even two days later when I ate it. As a budding gardener, I was immediately intrigued by the design but it’s the taste that’ll inspire me to visit the next time I’m in the area.
- Taylor’s Bakery in Fishers, IN
Taylor’s Bakery reminds me of a Columbus, Ohio favorite, Resch’s bakery. They are no less tasty. I love the texture of their cupcakes, the seeming almond-flavored icing and their sugar cookies. Taylor’s is somewhat special for me because I often took my son there when he was a kid. We’d often visit the Pancake House next to Taylor’s for breakfast and then stop into Taylor’s for a treat afterwards. The bakery was always enough to put a smile on our faces. For nostalgia’s sake, now, whenever I’m in Indianapolis I make my way over to the Fischer’s location to grab a cupcake or a cookie.
