As you drive north along I-91 and pass through West Springfield, Massachusetts you will notice a red sign with white lettering that reads Donut Dip. To the unassuming eye the sign might not grab your attention for more than a moment but for locals and travelers in the know seeing that sign means its time to pull over.
Upon entering Donut Dip it will feel as if you have stepped back in time with the decor still very similar to what it looked like when the shop first opened more than 60 years ago.
Opening in 1957 followed by a second location in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts in 1968, Donut Dip has long been a staple of Western Massachusetts. Since its establishment, Donut Dip has been family owned beginning with Richard Shields and continuing forward with the third generation and current president Paul Shields who has been followed by his daughter Katie who joined the company in 2013 making her the fourth generation to be a part of the family business.
We visited the day before Thanksgiving and Donut Dip was a bustle of activity with locals stopping by for their morning breakfast. Once it was our turn to step forward to the counter we were greeted by a friendly member of the staff who was patient with an inexperienced customer among a large crowd of pleasant regulars. Homecut, Old Fashioned Sour Cream, Apple Cider and Honey Dip are some of their speciality donuts but the possibilities are endless.
Although donuts are their calling card you can also find an assortment of pastries, muffins, cookies, Danishes, Fruit Squares and Apple Fritters.
Our favorites were the Chocolate Glazed, the Chocolate Sprinkled Donut and the seasonal Pumpkin Cake (fall only). The donuts, made fresh each day, are so soft on the inside that they almost melt in your mouth. We paired our donuts with a cup of hot chocolate. Of course coffee is also available and Donut Dip has been serving New England Coffee for over 40 years.
Our theory here at New England Travel Journal is that the best places to visit are the ones that the locals frequent and Donut Dip falls into that category. So next time you are traveling through West Springfield along I-91 or North Main Street in East Longmeadow stop for a few minutes to see what all the local fuse is about. You won't be disappointed that you did.