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Food|Cafes & Coffee Shops

This Quirky Little Bakery In North Carolina Is Right Out Of A Storybook

Sugar Island in Surf City is a unique bakery, bookstore, and event venue offering delicious treats and a quirky atmosphere.

Published Jun 10, 2018

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

Hungry? We're right there with ya. We can't think of any place better to have a little nibble than at a quirky little spot where the staff is super friendly, the food is delish, and the decor is - well, different from all the rest.

If that sounds great to you, then you'll find the trifecta right here at Sugar Island — a bakery (slash) bookstore (slash) quirky event venue.

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Facebook/Sugar Island

The little bakery has a lot to offer: from piles and stacks of freshly baked goodness to cakes and buns, you are certain to find something to gnosh on here.

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TripAdvisor/Stephanie F
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TripAdvisor/Stephanie F

Coffee? Of course! Check the big board when you arrive and take your time deciding from the many choices for caffeine, or decaf. Sugar Island also has tea — and craft beer!

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TripAdvisor/PpprmintPattie
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Facebook/Sugar Island

From carrot cupcakes topped with a creamy, delicious icing to homemade granola, Sugar Island is much more than a mainstream bakery. But wait; there's still more to discover...

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Facebook/Sugar Island
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Facebook/Sugar Island

All of the books in the store may be your first clue for things to come. Sugar Island's owners love books so much, they sell 'em (new and used). If you're an admitted bibliophile, then you're sure to love what's waiting upstairs in the map room...

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Facebook/Sugar Life
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Sugar Island Bakery

...MORE books! Sugar Island created this hidden little quirky reading room as an event space. For a nominal fee to use the room, you can host any kind of event you want, from a children's tea party to a book club meeting (imagine the fun!) and even a wedding reception.

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TripAdvisor/Jessica C
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TripAdvisor/Jessica C

Ready for that snack now? Head to this one-of-a-kind bakery where you'll hit a trifecta of goodness!

Sugar Island is located at 206 N Topsail Dr., Surf City, NC 28445. It is open Wednesday through Sunday with hours as follows: Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Learn more on the official website for Sugar Island, or on their Facebook page.

Love exploring the quirky side of the Tar Heel State? Check out these 20 Strange And Absurd Laws Only Found In North Carolina.

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Food|Cafes & Coffee Shops

Nestled On The State Border, This Tiny North Carolina Cafe Is An Enchanting Day Trip Destination

Cedar Mountain Cafe in North Carolina offers delicious meals and is near the scenic Hooker Falls in DuPont State Forest.

Published Jul 2, 2022

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

Let's all admit that at the heart of any day trip is a wonderful destination like a waterfall or attraction - and a place to grab an awesome meal, too! We've found a tiny cafe in North Carolina that doubles as both so grab the keys and get ready to hit the road. And don't worry, we'll throw in a suggested waterfall, too.

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Welcome to Cedar Mountain Cafe, which just happens to be on the South Carolina border and right outside of North Carolina's DuPont State Forest!

Exterior of Cedar Mountain Café, featuring a wooden sign, a door, and a car parked nearby, surrounded by greenery.
Google/Bobby B

This little cafe is located right on Greenville Highway in the mountains of western North Carolina.

A cozy restaurant table set for four, with a painting on the wall and sunlight streaming through the windows.
Google/Cedar Mountain Cafe

Step inside and you'll feel right at home in the cozy and inviting space.

A cozy diner interior with wooden tables, black chairs, and bright windows covered by blinds.
Google/Cedar Mountain Cafe

The community of Cedar Mountain may be just a blip on the map, but it's worth a visit just to check out Cedar Mountain Cafe.

The cafe goes to painstaking efforts to procure local ingredients whenever possible and only serves meats that are hormone, antibiotic, nitrate, and preservative-free.

A wooden table with two trays of sandwiches, salads, and drinks, including a coffee cup and jars of water.
Google/Wes Mantooth

It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days a week. And with outdoor seating on their lovely patio, you're sure to fall in love with everything about this destination eatery.

Outdoor café scene with patrons sitting under red Coca-Cola umbrellas, surrounded by greenery and flowers.
Google/Harry Roemisch

Wraps, quesadillas, omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, and biscuits are a few of the hearty breakfast options.

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A tray with a cheesy meatball sub and crispy waffle fries on a wooden table.
Google/Jeff Soots

Lunch begins daily at 11:30 and includes burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and salads.

A plate with three fish tacos topped with lettuce and tomatoes, served with fries and a side of pasta salad.
Google/Cedar Mountain Cafe

Delicious dinner options include steak, salmon, NC trout, tacos, fish and chips, fried chicken, chicken Parm, spaghetti, and more.

If that list doesn't have you licking your lips, then maybe you're just not hungry at the moment - but you will be by the time you get to Cedar Mountain Cafe!

Outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas, surrounded by greenery and rocks, under a clear blue sky.
Google/Cedar Mountain Cafe

Now... about that waterfall we promised you: Hooker Falls is found in DuPont State Forest (along with a handful of other great waterfalls) and since Cedar Mountain is the Gateway to DuPont Forest your day trip to Cedar Mountain Cafe can be extended to a short waterfall hike to this awesome swimming hole! Bring a towel and sunscreen and get ready to play under the waterfall.

People swimming and playing near a waterfall surrounded by lush green trees on a sunny day.
Google Maps/Arun Subramaniam

Ever been to this tiny cafe in North Carolina? How about Hooker Falls? Find complete menus and hours of operation on the Cedar Mountain Cafe website. Happy adventuring!

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Food|Cafes & Coffee Shops

The North Carolina Mennonite Bakery And Cafe With Cinnamon Rolls As Big As Your Head

Yoder's Dutch Pantry in Grifton, North Carolina, offers enormous cinnamon rolls and a variety of Amish and Mennonite goods.

Published Dec 18, 2021

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

Is it actually possible to pass by an Amish or Mennonite Bakery in North Carolina without pulling in to indulge a little? We think not - especially if you're driving in or through Grifton. Grifton is where you'll find Yoder's Dutch Pantry, where (among other wonderful delights) the cinnamon rolls are as big as your head.

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And that's no exaggeration!

A close-up of a cinnamon roll topped with white icing on a decorative plate.
Google/Bklady K

Get one to go, or settle in at a table in the Cafe and dig in. Take a nice, slow run at it though, so you can savor every last bite.

Cinnamon rolls are a universal food. They're tasty at any time of the day -- and even in the middle of the night. (Raise your hand if you're guilty of a midnight cinnamon roll or two in the past!)

Freshly baked cinnamon rolls drizzled with creamy icing, arranged on a baking tray.
Google/Yoders Dutch Pantry

Yoder's Dutch Pantry has much more than colossal, warm and coated with gooey frosting cinnamon rolls though.

A cozy restaurant interior with diners at tables, shelves of products, and a bustling atmosphere.
Google/Don Wainright

The cafe serves up a delicious breakfast.

And even their French toast is almost too big for the plate!

A plate with French toast topped with powdered sugar and a side of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and a small cup of syrup.
Google/Yoder's Dutch Pantry

When you're finished, be sure to peruse the enormous store for Amish and Mennonite items you won't be able to live without.

A cozy restaurant interior with wooden beams, shelves of jars, and diners enjoying meals at tables.
Google/John

The bakery, alone, has enough to make your mouth water as you decide what you need to take home.

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A display of multiple loaves of pumpkin ginger bread in clear plastic containers, each labeled with a price.
Facebook/Yoder's Dutch Pantry

And over in the garden center, you'll find all the in-season fresh plants and vegetable plants you could possibly need. Grab a coffee to go from the Cafe and go check 'em out.

A glass mug filled with hot chocolate topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream, sitting on a plate.
Google/Heaven Ruiz

Yoder's is like your one-stop-shop for all things.

Exterior of Yoder's Dutch Pantry, featuring a green roof and wooden pillars, with people outside and a sign above the entrance.
Google/Robin Carpenter'Rouse

Just be sure to put one of those ginormous cinnamon rolls on your bucket list when you visit.

North Carolina is such a big state. Are you wondering where you'll find the tiny town of Grifton (and Yoder's) in relation to where you live?

Map showing the location of Yoder's Dutch Pantry, an easygoing daytime café in a farm store, near New Bern, NC.
Google Maps

It's about 100 miles northeast of Fayetteville, 100 miles north of Wilmington, and 60 miles southeast of Rocky Mount. Just a short drive away for so many people!

Ever been to this Mennonite bakery in North Carolina? Once you're been to Yoder's Dutch Pantry, you'll add this hidden gem to your bucket list for a return trip!

Once you're all finished shopping and eating at Yoder's, you're less then 30 minutes from the North Carolina Estuarium in Washington. Go check out it!

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