Last year ended with a mix of emotions as my family celebrated the holidays while also mourning the loss of my grandpa, Papa Moll.
As silly as it may sound, one of my favorite things about him was that you could always guarantee that he would have the best donuts, local to Brunswick, Ohio, ready for you at his house. To honor him and start the new year on a light and fluffy note, I want to highlight some of my favorite Volusia County donut spots!
Mr. Bill’s Donuts & Sandwiches
In DeLand (138 N. Woodland Blvd.) is the place that most reminds me of my Papa’s beloved “Donut Land” in Ohio, which was, coincidentally, started by a gentleman known as Bill!
While their storefront feels like a nostalgic donut shop experience, they are constantly introducing new and seasonal flavors of treats.
At the moment of this writing, I am drooling over their crushed Oreo cookie and candy cane-topped donut! Mr. Bill’s has a variety of cake and yeast donuts, many with fillings, cinnamon rolls, apple fritters and more! You can also grab your morning coffee or come closer to lunchtime for a sandwich.
Swillerbees Craft Donuts
On the east coast, I was disappointed when the last of the Donnie’s Donuts shops closed in Daytona, but happy to see Swillerbees Craft Donuts fill the donut hole in my heart! They are located in Donnie’s old spot in Ormond at 200 E. Granada Blvd.
Swillerbees has unique flavor combos like Maple Pecan, Tasty Twix, and Blackberry Coconut filled with coconut cream with new flavors dropping each month along with specialty coffee, espresso, cold brew, and tea drinks.
I have to also point out that their shop has the cutest kid’s play kitchen inside the store so I can enjoy my treats in peace while my littles entertain themselves!
Duck Donuts
Lastly, while Duck Donuts may have locations around the nation, the one in Tomoka Town Center (1405 Cornerstone Blvd. C) is locally owned and operated. My kids love that you can watch the whole process of the donut being made, cooked in oil, and then decorated with their favorite toppings right in front of them! This means that you can even choose your own combo of toppings, sprinkles, and drizzles on your hot, freshly made sweets.
Duck Donuts also makes donut sandwiches and coffee to complete your breakfast or milkshakes and donut sundaes for dessert.
I couldn’t understand my Papa’s love of maple frosted donuts while growing up, but I have to say that maple bacon is my absolute favorite now. I ordered one in honor of him at Donut Land in December and will continue to order and enjoy it at my own local shops here in Volusia County.
It’s a “sweet” way for me to remember happy memories with him and make new ones with my kids!
