Florida Is Home To 2 Of The Greatest Donut Shops in America

Before we get to the greatest donut shops in Florida, you need some school. The history of donuts goes back to 1803, with the creation of the ring shaped donut with the hole being traced back Hanson Gregory in 1847. That's enough.

Ok, the idea of eating cake for breakfast is truly one of the best ideas ever. But where can we get the best of the best? Fortunately, we have a list of the greatest donut shops in America, and the one donut that makes them so special. 2 of them are in Florida, one in Orlando, and one is in Venice, right here in Southwest Florida.

The Underground Donut Tour has completed their search for America's Greatest Donuts. After putting out a call to every donut fan and donut shop in America, the fans have spoken with over 33,000 votes cast in our contest to crown America's Greatest Donuts. 

Before we get to the two Florida spots, we should acknowledge the overall winner, the Rise 'n Roll Bakery of Indiana. It's an Amish-Style bakery specializing in preservative-free foods. Their Cinnamon Caramel Donut was voted the most popular donut in America. 

Now let's focus on the donuts that are here in Florida.

Parlor Donuts is a franchise with several locations here in Florida. The closest to Fort Myers being just over an hour away in Venice. There's also one in Clearwater, and Fort Lauderdale is marked "coming soon." The donut that won them the "Greatest Croissant Donut in America" is the Blueberry Crumble Croissant Doughnut  - a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.

I've not yet been to Parlor Doughnuts, but the pictures I'm seeing on their Instagram are absolutely amazing. Anyone want to franchise one in Estero?

Ok, this one I've been to, and I've had the donut that won them the award. Voodoo Doughnut has a location at City Walk at Universal Orlando. And the award they won? It's my favorite category - "Greatest Maple Glazed Donut in America." The Bacon Maple Bar won the award and I can tell you from trying it, it's amazing. It's weird having drinks at City Walk, then hitting up one of the greatest donut shops in America. But worth it.

The Bacon Maple Bar is the perfect blend of salty and sweet - and bacon! It's no wonder there's often a line just to get into the store. The full list of the Greatest Donut Shops in American can be found here.

Remember, Mom doesn't want flowers for Mother's Day. She wants doughnuts. Don't want to make the drive? Trackside Donuts in Bonita Springs is pretty amazing, too.

Florists in Southwest Florida and around the country have put in extra orders and are stocking up for this weekend. However, before you purchase a bouquet for dear old mom, there is something you need to know if you have a dog. There are at least 5 Mother's Day flowers that can poison your pet.

Flowers are one of the most popular gifts to give mom. They are generally easy to find in stores and are relatively inexpensive when compared to other potential gifts.

If you have a dog or cat, you know the potential for them to get into things. Leave a bouquet of flowers on the table and they could end up destroyed and all over the floor. Those flowers might look pretty, but some of their blooms, stems and leaves can contain toxins.

According to the folks at House Digest, this time of year shows a significant spike in online searches for whether or not certain flowers are toxic to dogs. Veterinarians love that people are actually thinking about pet safety while still honoring mom.

House Direct consulted with Dr. Kathryn Dench, MA, VetMB, and Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, and Dr. Kristi Crow for the floral insights found below.

I like to start with the positive. Let's take a look at flowers that are generally considered safe to be around your inquisitive pets. Dr. Crow recommends looking at bouquets with roses, orchids, sunflowers, snapdragons, zinnias, marigolds, and African violets among others.

If you are looking for a unique way to give those flowers, click here for a couple of fun DIY projects for Mother's Day. You can even get the kids involved.

Lilies are gorgeous springtime flowers. But. Dr. Dench warns, "They contain compounds like lycorine that can cause kidney failure, especially in cats." She says if cats eat any part of a lily, it can be extremely dangerous. For dogs, eating the flowers can lead to stomach upset and lethargy. Avoid any kind of flower with lily in the name just to be safe.

Tulips are another gorgeous spring flower.  However, "The bulbs of tulips contain a compound called tulipalin A and B, which can cause a range of intense toxicity symptoms," Dr. Dench shared. "These include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as stomach upset, drooling, and loss of appetite, as well as nervous system problems like sedation, convulsions, and cardiac abnormalities." 

Foxgloves come in various shades and look great in bouqets. with distinctive markings. However,  Dr. Crow says they can cause serious health issues. "Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, heart arrhythmias, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest in pets," Best to exclude them from arrangements.

Daffodils, with their trumpet-shaped blossoms and vibrant yellow petals contain alkaloids. Dr. Crow says they can cause gastrointestinal issues, drooling and vomiting. In severe cases, ingesting these cheerful flowers could cause convulsions and cardia arrhythmias. 

These pom pom looking flowers are colorful and popular floral arrangements. However, Dr Crow says no. "Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, tremors and seizures in pets."

Not quite as toxic but still on the list to be careful with are these: