Homer Simpson may not have been the brightest guy, but he was right about one thing – donuts are awesome! Whether for breakfast or a late night snack, nothing can compare to the perfectly fried pastry, especially when topped with a sugary glaze or a delicious icing. Okay, is your mouth watering yet? Well, a trip to one of these 7 Mississippi donut shops should definitely do the trick.

1. Shipley Do-Nuts (several locations throughout the state)

What started off as a family business in 1936 has grown to include more than 190 stores in six different states. And after trying a Shipley’s signature hot glazed donut, you’ll quickly see why the eatery has experienced so much growth. Not a fan of glazed donuts? No problem, because the Shipley’s menu includes over 60 varieties of the delicious pastry.

2. The Donut Shop, Natchez

While it may not look like much on the outside, the Donut Shop is known its amazing fare, even being referred to as "one of Natchez’s best kept secrets." And that fare not only includes out-of-this-world donuts, but made-from-scratch tamales and mouthwatering burgers as well.

3. The Tato-Nut Shop, Ocean Springs

The name Tato-Nut is a combination of the words "potato" and "donut," which may seem strange, that is, until you learn that this Ocean Springs favorite is famous for their donuts made from potato dough. The Tato-Nut Shop is so proud of its signature dough, in fact, that the eatery has coined itself as home of "the only real donut."

4. Carmelita’s Donuts & Such, D’Iberville

Serving the D’Iberville area, Carmelita’s Donuts and Such is the place to stop for made-from-scratch donuts and pastries, which include everything from classic glazed donuts and Bear Claws to their signature Maple Bacon Danish and old-fashioned cake donuts.

5. The Donut Shop Café, Richland

In the business of donuts since 1988, the Scott family has definitely learned a thing or two over the years, one of which being the importance of serving handmade, "never frozen or pre-fab" donuts and pastries. The Richland Café has received a ton of rave reviews on websites like Yelp and Trip Advisor, and not just for their donuts but for their "can’t be beat" prices and great atmosphere as well.

6. Donuts N More, Petal

Sure the donuts at this Petal eatery are amazing, but as the name suggests, it offers much more than just your average donut. Between the "best" apple fritters and honey buns around to specialty donuts, like the King Cake donut, to actual King Cakes that are served year-round, Donuts N More can definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.

7. Monroe’s Donuts and Bakery, Jackson and Ridgeland

Since opening in 1995, Monroe’s has become a local favorite, and is now making a name for itself outside of the state as it was recently included in Grub Street’s ranking of the country’s most notable donut shops. The popular eatery now has five locations scattered throughout the Jackson metropolitan area, which means that grabbing a hot glazed donut or a delicious cinnamon roll is that much easier.

So, are you ready to go out a grab a donut (or a dozen)? Have you been to any of the donut shops listed above? Or, have another favorite in the state? Tell us in the comments section below.