I just recently posted 3 Local Donut Shops to Visit for National Donut Day in the Champaign Area on News Break and wanted to share the post here on the blog, as well. Many of you may not be in the Champaign area and that’s okay because this post will inspire you to get out in your own local neighborhood and check out some of your own local gems.
National Donut Day is June 4th
One of the cutest and delicious national days that we celebrate in the summer is National Donut Day which falls on June 4th this year. According to the National Day Calendar, “each year on the first Friday in June, people participate in National Doughnut or Donut Day, celebrating the doughnut and honoring the Salvation Army Lassies.”
If you are unfamiliar with the Lassies, the Salvation Army Lassies are the women who served doughnuts to soldiers during WWI.
In the past, I would always be working in the office during this time and we celebrated by bringing donuts in and having a great laugh. However, this year will look a little different due to COVID-19 guidelines, etc. But, that’s no reason to not celebrate the day.
In fact, my son and I ventured out and explored three donut shops (hidden gems) in the Champaign area that we believe are worth checking out. Each donut shop is unique, family friendly and very affordable. Additionally, they are all located off of the same road and are within approximately five miles of one another.
So, if you haven’t had the opportunity to complete the Butler County Donut Trail in Ohio, have no worries, you can consider this your mini donut trail of the Champaign area.
Ye Olde Donut Shoppe, 1401 S. Neil St, Champaign
The first donut shop that we ventured to was Ye Olde Donut Shoppe which is located at 1401 S. Neil Street in Champaign. It’s tucked in what I consider a mini strip mall and at the end which makes it easy to order from their drive-through. I personally adored the small coffee shop feel and adorable donut décor throughout the shop.
Ye Olde Donut Shoppe is a local favorite which serves a variety of handmade donuts including filled donuts, apple fritters, cake donuts and so many others. I personally went for the blueberry donut. It looked fun and delicious! And, it was!
Ye Olde Donut Shoppe opens at 6 AM and closes at 1 PM.
Pandamonium Doughnuts, 1105 Windsor Rd., Champaign
As you continue to drive down Neil Street, you will come to the intersection of Windsor Road. Take the turn. Not too far down the road, you will come to Pandamonium Doughnuts. It’s also located in a strip mall, but can be easily located. You can order inside and have a seat outdoors, if you choose to.
Before going, I browsed the website and decided that I wanted to try one of their unique flavors and set my mind to the Lemon Poppy Seed doughnuts. This is a yeast raised, ring-shaped doughnut with fresh lemon glaze made with real lemons juiced and zested in house with poppy seeds. How delicious does that sound? And, that’s just one of the many unique flavors available.
As a matter of fact, did you know that Pandamonium Doughnuts has been voted Best Doughnuts in Champaign-Urbana-Savoy and Central Illinois multiple years in a row?
When planning your visit, note that they open at 7:30 in the morning and close between 12:30 PM and 1 PM depending on the day. It’s important to be mindful of the hours of operation for donut shops as many typically close a little after noon or when they have sold out for the day.
Industrial Donuts, 501 Commerce Dr., Savoy
The last local favorite donut shop we enjoyed on this mini donut trail is Industrial Donut. I love the concept and the big pink donut on the outside of the shop. It is a family owned and operated donut (and coffee) shop in Savoy, not far from Pandamonium Doughnuts.
Their shop has been described as “like no other donut shop in Chambanavoy”. In fact, their donut shop creates your donuts just the way you want them! I was unsure as to how this would go until I had my own experience. And, really, it’s as easy as it sounds.
To order, you simply fill out an order form that begins with a fresh cake donut. You then choose an icing and then choose your toppings – if you would like. It’s just that easy. Once you have completed your form, you hand it to the cashier and pay. Your donut is then made just the way you want it.
I chose maple for my icing with a drizzle of caramel for my topping. It was so warm and delicious! I know I kept it simple, but you don’t have to. Toppings range from bacon and shaved almonds all the way to cinnamon sugar and rainbow sprinkles. There is definitely something for everyone there.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, three local donut shops in the Champaign area that we definitely enjoyed and are perfect for stopping in on National Donut Day!
Lastly, if you are still wondering about National Donut Day or have questions that need answered about the origins of donuts, check out 10 Things You Never Knew About Donuts. I’m sure you will be surprised!
This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
I love donuts from Pandamonium Doughnuts and it is my favorite place. I didn’t know that it has been voted for best doughnuts.
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I’m glad to hear that you enjoy Panda…Doughnuts. It was my first time going. I’m hoping to return soon! 🙂 I hope you enjoyed National Donut Day!!