The smells. The sights. The flavors. The freshness. The voices. Together, these qualities define the bakery experience. If it’s a good one, your visual, olfactory, gustatory and auditory senses will spring to life the second you walk through the door. Intoxicating aromas should be in full bloom. A well-stocked bakery case should visually delight the eyes. Your taste buds should stand at attention as you consider your options. And your ears should fill with the sounds of a warm welcome. If you stopped by such a bakery for a donut or muffin, rest assured, you’ll be walking out with at least five or six more goodies. Your lack of resistance is a sign that good bakery protocols have been put into place.
The most beloved bakeries offer variety, too. Cake, cookies or a pie, perhaps? Or maybe a steamy cinnamon roll or fruit-filled muffin to go with a cup of coffee? And who could resist one of those oven-fresh loaves cooling on the rack? If you’re dieting, a bakery is certainly not the place to be. But if you’re not, point out your heart’s desire and thank the food gods for your good fortune. Either way, you can always start that diet on Monday, right?
When visiting the Upstate, you will find a rich array of full-service bakeries brimming with house-made breads, cakes, pies, cookies, pastries and more. Here is a sampling of some of the best. (Note: Call for availability of featured items.)
The Bakery Off Augusta, Greenville
Operating in a quaint house, you’ll find sweets for the sweet and savory goods, too.
Treats to try: lemon layer cake with strawberry filling and strawberry cream cheese icing, peaches and cream cobbler cake, rosemary shortbread, coconut macarons, quiches
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