Please consider a journey along the Forgotten Coast Donut Trail, where the aroma of freshly made donuts and the warmth of genuine hospitality await your arrival. The journey has a different historical beginning than geographic but I’ve tried to cover both.
The success and popularity of donuts on the forgotten coast began when George Weber opened Weber’s little Donut shop on Cape San Blas. He decided to come out of retirement and opened what could be the smallest donut shop in the world. The donuts spoke for themselves and he was quickly selling out daily. Because he so frequently sold out, his closing time became “Worn out or Sold out.” If you’ve ever stayed in Cape San Blas vacation rental, this is not news to you as you’ve seen their donut line of people extend to the road. George’s son Glenn and Glenn’s wife Peggy still operate the shop today and the only things exceeding the taste of the donuts is their service, smile, and Joy. You can find Weber’s at 4975 Cape San Blas Rd in front of the Trading Post.
Weber’s success has not gone unnoticed and has probably inspired others to try their hand at making donuts and excellent service. Starting in St Joe Beach is Hippie Little, which has a tag line we can all embrace; Peace Love Donuts. Hippie Little is just opening now and will serve up donuts at 8134 West Hwy 98. Check their Facebook before you make a drive as they get started March 2024. The early reviews are great and we will soon know more, as they have a wider audience. What draws me to this newest donut shop is that it is a love story of sorts. Jayson and Lacy (Hippie Little) are engaged and launching all kinds of new adventure in 2024. It really brings the message home for love and donuts with a little bit of peace thrown in.
As we travel east to Port St Joe we can visit Sweet Bunz. Kathy and Jeff Pippen purchased Sweet Bunz in 2022 and with that came 50 years of European pastry experience and recipes. The history of those pastries changed hands beautifully with the addition of cherished family icing recipes that now top their donuts. The joy of donuts and the Forgotten Coast certainly extends to Kathy and Jeff and it’s not just the recipes that inspired them. George Weber’s donuts and the man himself encouraged them directly. Kathy and Peggy Weber still communicate and look out for each every day. If you miss the donuts in the morning at Sweet Bunz, you’re still in luck to experience their offerings and hospitality till 8:30PM at 306 Reid Ave.
The last stop on the Forgotten Coast Donut Trail is back to where it all began with George Weber. He opened the second location of Weber's Little Donut Shop St. George Island in 2017 at 65 West Gorrie Drive. George’s son and his son’s wife Layla have continued the tradition of amazing donuts and incredible service. George Weber wanted his legacy to be about making people happy. I think he has more than accomplished that with his family running two donut shops and his inspiring others to share that happiness through donuts on the Forgotten Coast. If you start in St Joe Beach or St. George Island you may be able to taste them all if you are committed to 60 miles of driving, but start early!
