Much of the local food in the Outer Banks is stuff that can be found in other seaside communities, but one staple is born in the Outer Banks. Duck Donuts is one of the most popular food attractions in the entirety of the Outer Banks. Founded in the early 2000s in Duck, North Carolina, the donuts quickly took off in the Outer Banks community. They became a staple to many tourists and locals, even branching out into other states in the U.S.

What makes them so good? The presentation and uniqueness to their flavors is what set them apart from other donut shops. You can tell a duck donut apart from other donuts just by looking at them, and considering how basic a donut can be that is quite impressive. There’s nothing basic about these donuts though, they pack on toppings and icing like they’ll never run out. If you visit the Outer Banks, don’t be surprised when you inevitably try these. At this point it may as well be a rite of passage.