Donuts, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies and pastries. Who doesn't love the smell and taste of fresh-baked goodies? Virginia has some of the best bakeries in the country -- and here are 14 shops that prove it. From national award-winners to local hometown favorites, these bakeries will have you postponing that summer diet -- just for a day or two.

1. The Red Truck Bakery, Warrenton

Being from a small town hasn’t kept this bakery from earing HUGE awards. With top rankings from national publications, including CondeNast, The New York Times, Esquire, and Southern Living, this little shop serves only the freshest pies, cookies, soups, and sandwiches – not to mention their famous moonshine cake.

2. Buzz Bakery, Coffee and Lounge, Alexandria, Ballston and The Yards

This neighborhood coffee shop has been keeping customers happy for years with homemade cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goodies. Grab a coffee, latte, or a glass of wine and enjoy.

3. Sugar Plum, Virginia Beach

Known for their incredible cakes and sweet treats, Sugar Plum is a Virginia Beach favorite. But the greatest part of this shop is their mission to help those with physical disabilities through training, employment, advocacy, and community involvement.

4. The Balkan Bakery, Abingdon

The premiere home of "Authentic European Baking" in Southwest Virginia, the Balkan Bakery specializes in mouthwatering breads and desserts styled after the Balkan region of Eastern Europe. You can find them in Zazzy’s Coffee Shop and the Abingdon Farmer’s Market.

5. Paul’s Bakery, Fredericksburg

Although we featured Paul’s in our "Best Donuts in Virginia" article awhile back, Paul’s is more than just amazing donuts. A longtime local favorite, Paul’s has been the place to go for fresh baked cakes, donuts, pastries, and pies for more than 40 years.

6. Shyndigz, Richmond

They call themselves the only "all dessert restaurant in Richmond," but most people simply settle for "delicious." Shyndigz serves up some of the city’s finest made-from-scratch cakes, pies and cobblers. With 8 set menu items and daily specials, every trip to Shyndigz is a tasty adventure.

7. Bubblecake, Roanoke and Christiansburg

People drive for hours just to get Bubblecake cupcakes. Run by trained pastry chefs, bakers, and culinary geniuses, Bubblecake's goal is to make the best cupcake on earth – and there are many who would say they’ve succeeded. But don’t forget their amazing pies, cakes and other goodies. This is truly a one-stop shop (mainly because you're going to find it hard to leave.)

8. The Swiss Bakery and Pastry Shop, Springfield and Burke

With only the highest quality ingredients, The Swiss Bakery and Pastry Shop makes Swiss-inspired cakes, breads, and pastries that will transport you to another world. For the complete experience, this tasty little bakery also offers a lunch menu, imported gourmet foods, chocolates, coffees, teas, and condiments.

9. Our Daily Bread Bakery and Bistro, Blacksburg and Roanoke

Our Daily Bread has been a long time favorite in Blacksburg (and now Roanoke!) and the go-to spot for melt-in-your mouth cookies, cakes, pies, breads, and pastries. With a full-service breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, you can come in for a sit-down or just grab your goodies and go.

10. Mom’s Apple Pie Co., Leesburg and Occoquan

Offering handmade pies, breads, and cookies, the bakers at Mom’s Apple Pie Co. undoubtedly make their mamas’ proud. By growing much of the fruit that goes into the mouth-watering pies, these guys ensure the tastiest, freshest ingredients. The results will have you coming back for more.

11. Chocollage, Norfolk

Run by a mother-daughter team, Chocollage has learned the recipe for success. Since 2003, they have been serving up breakfast, lunch, and most importantly, dessert. Choose from traditional dessert cakes, pies, cookies, and pastries or order a one-of-kind cake that will make any special occasion memorable.

12. Blackbird Bakery, Bristol

This neighborhood bakery prides itself on old-fashioned goodness and service. With all of its items made-from-scratch, you can enjoy cakes, cookies, donuts, breads, pastries, and ice cream in a down-home environment right in the heart of historic downtown Bristol.

13. Montana Plains Bakery, Lynchburg

Family-owned and operated, the Montana Plains Bakery puts nothing but the best into all of their cakes, pies, breads, and breakfast items. And now with sandwiches, salads, and soups, you’ll always get what you’re craving – and most likely come back for more.

14. Sweethaus, Charlottesville

Quaint, charming, and delicious. These are probably the best words to describe this bakery and sweets shop in Charlottesville. With small-batch, handmade cupcakes, cakes, and more candies than you can imagine, Sweethaus also offers a full espresso bar, a private party room, and a children’s play area.

Sorry for ruining your diet, but honestly, these were just too good to pass up. I'm sure we've missed some baked-good havens, so take a moment to tell us about your favorite bake shop in the comments below!