I'll make this simple. Paducah is home to the best donuts in the world. And look, I like to consider myself something of a fried dough connoisseur. I've eaten ponchkes in New York City, beignets in New Orleans, and yo-yos from a food cart in Tunisia, but nothing - and I mean nothing - comes close to a glazed donut from Red's. 

The story goes that Vernon Rudolph bought a doughnut shop from a French chef from New Orleans. As a part of the deal, he also got the chef's secret recipe for yeast-raised doughnuts. The shop eventually became Red's and if the name Vernon Rudolph sounds familar, it's because he went on to found Krispy Kreme. 

I won't sully this discussion with a comparison of Krispy Kreme and a Red's donut because there is no comparison. I will only say this - Red's donuts don't have to be eaten hot off the assembly line. They are good cold. They are good several days old. They are good - no matter what. 

So, next time you're in Paducah or anywhere in a 100 mile radius I suggest you stop by. You will not be disappointed.

~ Sarah Stewart Holland