You know how some trips turn into adventures you didn’t plan? That’s exactly what happened when we found ourselves in Highlands, North Carolina with the wedding crew the other day.
I had about an hour to spare.
Naturally… it turned into a bakery hunt.
Highlands may be small, but when you start Googling bakeries, you quickly realize this mountain town punches way above its weight in the pastry department. I could practically taste the croissants and cakes just reading the reviews.
One spot immediately stood out: Edelweiss Pastry Boutique. Not only does it look absolutely stunning, but its incredible chef, Oksana Shchelgachova, was recently featured on Food Network. That’s when you know you’re dealing with serious foodie artistry. We already knew they were closed for the season and reopening soon, but we had to drive by anyway. Consider it reconnaissance. We will absolutely be back when they reopen.
Next up: The Baked Bunny (not The Bad Bunny, although that would’ve been entertaining). I hopped out of the car… locked door. Lights out. A sign said they were taking time off for January. We’re in February now… but ghost town vibes. We’ll circle back.
Then we tried Chocolate Heaven Company & Cake Bar. No luck. Just signage for Kettlerock Bakery, which we also couldn’t locate. Mission officially upgraded to “next visit.”
Google said The Secret Garden eatery was open. We raced over. Lights on. People inside. Doors locked. Closed.
And finally — victory of sorts — we landed at Calder’s Coffee Café. I grabbed an iced vanilla latte and a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant. Not quite the full bakery extravaganza I imagined, but after the hunt? It tasted like success.
What did we learn?
Highlands bakery scene = highly seasonal.
Off-season bakery hunting = risky business.
But now? I’ve got my hit list ready for the next trip — in season, of course.
Highlands, we’re coming back for round two. And next time… we’re getting the pastries!!
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