As the summer vacation season kicks off, we’re celebrating with a sweet treat in honor of National Donut Day. Enjoy a donut from an area bakery or sweet shop, perfect for pairing with your morning coffee or as a midday pick-me-up. From classic glazed donuts on the Boardwalk to donut-topped ice cream sundaes, you’ll be sure to find a variety of ways to celebrate this sweetest of holidays in Carolina Beach. 

Taste your way through the top donut spots on the island in celebration of National Donut Day: 

Sweet Nostalgia 

Get a glimpse into the island’s past and enjoy the nostalgic experience of a hot glazed donut from Britt’s Donut Shop at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Since opening in 1939, the shop has been a cornerstone of the area, loved by locals and visitors alike. The shop opens in April for weekends only and is open daily beginning Memorial Day weekend, so be sure to eat as many of the delicious handmade treats as you can before the season is over. 

 

Go Nuts for Donuts 

For a decadent, creative donut option, look no further than Wake N Bake Donuts. The bakery specializes in gourmet creations beyond the usual glazed and cake options. Savor one of the many signature confections like PB Get Bizzy, topped with a peanut butter drizzle, peanut butter cups and chocolate glaze, or the Twisted Turtle, featuring candied pecans, chocolate glaze and a caramel drizzle. 

 

The shop also offers donuts stuffed with other treats like pie slices, full-size candy bars and more, including the Oatmeal Cream Pie and Snickerbomb. If classic options are more your style, you can also opt for traditional glazed or cream-filled donuts. 

Iced, Not Glazed 

Celebrate the holiday in a unique way with a donut-topped ice cream sundae from Celtic Creamery. The shop offers signature sundaes and extra-velvety ice cream made from an authentic Irish recipe using only the freshest ingredients from North Carolina and Ireland, as well as oven-baked cookies, hot mini donuts topped with powdered sugar and more.  

Opt for the donuts on their own or enjoy them on top of the Surfer Special, made with two scoops of ice cream, chocolate sauce and fresh cream. Not for the faint of heart, try the creamery’s famous Tummy Trembler, a six-scoop sundae featuring eight hot donuts, a banana, cookie pieces, Oreos, marshmallows, chocolate sauce and a flaming firework to top it all off. 

 

No matter how you choose to celebrate the sweet holiday, you’ll find a variety of unique choices in Carolina Beach.