There are few things in life more satisfying than a hot, fresh doughnut.  You know the kind I mean.  You pull it out of the box or bag – it’s still warm – and the glaze is still melting into a beautiful and sweet translucent coating that covers your fingers as they sink ever slightly into that soft and delicious dough.  Your nose takes in that wonderful aroma and your mouth waters in anticipation as you lift it to your lips.  You close your eyes and take that first bite.  The warm pastry just melts into your mouth, and for a brief moment – all is right with the world.

Sure, there are plenty of places in the four-state area to get a doughnut.  You can hit the drive through at a “Dunkin’ Doughnuts” or pick up some “Krispy-Kremes” at the gas station, but if you’re going to indulge, you might as well do it right.

Get thee to Krumpe’s Do-Nuts, stout traveler.

A local institution, Krumpe’s has been making fresh doughnuts in Hagerstown, MD for 75 years.  That kind of practice makes perfect, and it shows in every single circle of goodness that comes out of their shop on Maryland Avenue.

Just getting there is half the fun.  First of all, you have to go at night.  The shop doesn’t even open until 7:00 p.m.  It’s back off the main street – in the alley (look for the “Do-Nut Alley” street sign), so you have to actively look for it.  You’ll know it once you see it (and smell it – mmmmmmmm).  Don’t worry, you won’t be alone.  There are cars taking up every available space in the alley and surrounding streets.  Folks are milling around, heading in towards the shop’s doors or heading out with boxes and bags of their newly-acquired treasures.

There will be a line.  There’s always a line, but it moves along (and helps build the anticipation of what’s to come).

When you finally enter the shop’s lobby, the smell of warm, fresh doughnuts, powdered sugar, and glaze is overwhelmingly wonderful.  Racks of freshly made doughnuts line the space behind the counter, and you can see the hard working employees (some of whom have been making doughnuts here for years) churning out tray after tray of deliciousness.  Then, suddenly, it’s your turn.  How many dozen should you get?  What kinds? (there are many, many choices)  You’ll need some milk (don’t worry, they have it).  Can you buy some “singles” for the road?  (absolutely)

Once you’ve tasted a Krumpe’s Do-Nut, you’ll be hooked.  Heading down a dark alley for doughnuts at night will seem like a perfectly natural thing.  Oh, and if you mention to friends where you’re headed, don’t be surprised if the next sentence you hear is “can you get me some?”

 

Krumpe’s Do-Nuts

912 Maryland Ave (in the rear)

Hagerstown, MD 21740

 

Hours:  Sundays-Fridays, 7:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Phone: 301-733-6103

Website: www.krumpesdonuts.com