How donuts were invented in Maine, and where to find the best!
The Legend of Captain Hanson Crockett Gregory:
In 1847, 16-year-old Hanson Crockett Gregory—born in the Clam Cove area of Rockport (then part of Camden)—was working as a ship’s cook aboard a lime-trading schooner.
Frustrated that the fried dough cakes never cooked evenly in the center, leaving a soggy, raw middle, Gregory grabbed a round tin pepper box from the ship's galley and punched out the center of the raw dough before dropping it into hot fat. The hot oil flowed through the center, resulting in a light, evenly cooked pastry.
Upon returning ashore, Gregory showed the technique to his mother, Mary Gregory. Momma G began frying large batches of ringed donuts and selling them along the Midcoast, spreading the design throughout New England.
The Ultimate Maine Donut Trail: 6 Spots You Need to Try
1. The Holy Donut (Portland, Scarborough, & Auburn)
Famous for their signature Maine potato dough, these dense, incredibly moist craft donuts are an absolute state institution.
Must-Try: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Maple Bacon, or Fresh Maine Blueberry.
2. Congdon's Doughnuts (Wells)
A Southern Maine landmark since 1955. This family-owned bakery and drive-thru serves up classic old-fashioned rings, raised yeast, and giant fritters.
Must-Try: Apple Fritters and Blueberry Jelly Donuts.
3. Ruckus Donuts (Rockland) - Our local Go-To!!
Located right in downtown Rockland, this Midcoast favorite serves small-batch, handcrafted brioche yeast and cake donuts with creative glaze flavor rotations and rich toppings.
Must-Try: Maple Bacon Brioche, Cookies & Cream, or Brown Butter Glazed.
4. Tonys Donuts Maine (Portland)
A true old-school neighborhood bakery serving scratch-made traditional donuts for decades without the fuss.
Must-Try: Molasses Cake and Chocolate Glazed.
5. Frosty's Donuts (Brunswick)
Operating in downtown Brunswick since 1965, Frosty's is famous for light, airy, melt-in-your-mouth yeast-raised treats.
Must-Try: Glazed Twists and Rich Blueberry Cake Donuts.
6. The Donut GroVe (Orono)
Bringing small-batch, specialty donuts to the greater Bangor area with creative glazes and seasonal scratch-made recipes.
Must-Try: Rotating seasonal yeast and cake specials.
Going to check one out?! TELL ‘EM MUNCHIES SENT YA!
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