The average continental breakfast in Kentucky consists of coffee and a donut. In most cases, only the average Krispy Kreme are provided. Granted they are good, but the smaller scale, family owned donut shops tend to put them to shame. The difference in quality and taste is likely because local shops put more love into the creation of their products then factories that mass manufacture. Food made with love is always so much better then things spit out by a mechanical contraption.

Here are 11 amazing donut shops worth visiting in Kentucky:

11. Amazin Glazin

You can see from the heart shaped donuts made at 515 N. Mulberry Street in Elizabethtown, that the love is strong here. The sweet and sticky glaze is made fresh daily, as are the mouthwatering flavored fillings. Simple glaze, frosting or filled, you cannot go wrong eating donuts from this little shop.

10. Golden Glaze

The minions at 67 North Franklin Street in Madisonville make some of the most wonderful donuts you have ever tasted. From glazed to frosted, each one is made with care. They also have some wonderful sandwich and lunch specials like spaghetti, chuck-wagons, fresh tuna and chicken salad.

9. Great American Donut Shop

This local favorite at 901 US-31 BYP in Bowling Green offers a wonderful variety of delicious donuts. Each one is made fresh daily and the fillings are incredible. This is the best place to go for donuts if you happen to be in Bowling Green.

8. Nord's

This family owned bakery at 2118 S. Preston in Louisville encourages people to rise up early so they can get their pick of handmade butter cream, maple bacon and custard filled donuts. I’ve had these a few times and they don’t get much better.

7. North Lime Coffee and Donuts

This delicious shop at 575 N. Limestone in Lexington offers what have been called the best donuts in Lexington. They have unique flavors not found anywhere else, like the ones shown below. They also have donuts frosted with cereal, a variety of pancake flavored donuts, and so many creams and custards just choosing is a challenge.

6. Pink in a Blanket

There is such a variety of donuts at 7220 Burlington Pike in Florence that one needs to arrive early just to start deciding. Mixing and matching is the best way to go, as that way you can experience a little bit of everything. There are too many flavors to choose just one.

5. Red's Donut Shop

From fritters to twists to frosted and glazed, every donut made at 2800 Jackson Street in Paducah is absolutely unforgettable. There is a decent selection, but it is not as large as some. However, the lasting impression made from the melt in your mouth specials makes this a must frequent shop.

4. Rolling Pin Pastry Shop

People are known to travel from all around to get a filled coconut Long John and custard filled frosted donuts at 1129 E. 18th Street in Owensboro. The renowned of this special donut shop is known around the county because each bite literally dissolves on the tongue in a burst of flavor.

3. Tom+Chee

This unique shop at 1 Levee Wat offers a different kind of donut. They fry them up into a grill cheese and other sandwich culinary delights. If you want something different from the regular donuts with milk or coffee, this is a must try. It can be a little pricey, but the food is incredible.

2. Whistle Stop

This delightful shop at 420 E. 9th in Hopkinsville is a perfect place for a sugary pick me up in the morning or the afternoon. Any flavor you choose is going to be flaky, sweet and better then you can imagine.

1. Sugar and Spice

You need to arrive early at this wonderful shop at 5613 Bardstown Road in Fern Creek. They have unique flavors like banana split with a creamy banana custard, strawberry shortcake and a mouthwatering Boston cream.

Most people really enjoy the occasional donut in Kentucky. If you happen to be one of us, then make sure and stop in at any of these shops when you are in the neighborhood. You will most likely not drive away disappointed. In fact, you might even decide to come back for seconds… and thirds, etc. I’ve got a fondness for chocolate frosted, custard filled, but I’ve experimented at a few of these. What is your favorite donut shop and specialty donut?