Isn't it so exciting to find a small-town bakery and cafe?

And in Ronceverte, there is the Edgarton Cafe and Bakery.

This small cafe and bakery features sandwiches, salads, soups and more.

And I went for a Waldorf sandwich, which had chicken salad, cranberries, pecans, parmesan cheese and lettuce.

For a side, I went for an Italian pasta salad.

And the soup of the day was broccoli & cheese, which was one of the best versions of the soup I've ever had. Mmmm.

OWL Bakery stands for Old World Levain Bakery, and it features "NATURALLY LEAVENED BREADS, EUROPEAN PASTRIES, LIGHT FARE, COFFEE, TEA & WINE."


The bakery is fairly small - but boy, is it mighty.


I looked over the case and couldn't decide on just one. So, I had to get a couple!


First, let's talk about the Portugese Custard Tart. This classic pastry is sooo good that I simple could not pass it up.


And then, there were a bevy of more savory pastries.


But I saw one with mushrooms, and it had my name written all over it.


Get this "tomato jam, herbed goat cheese and mushrooms."


Ohhh myyyy goodnesss.


It's perfectly sweet and tart and earthy.

After an amazing meal, Kaitee and I were walking back and stumbled upon Finesse Pastries.

With macarons in the window, it was hard for me to pass up.

Colorful sandwich cookies in greens, purple, browns, pinks were calling my name.

So, we walked inside and I got a half dozen different flavors.

I tried lavender, salted caramel, Neapolitan, watermelon, birthday cake and another that I can't remember. They also do macaron ice cream sandwiches, which I need to try!



What's your favorite macaron flavor?

It's a little-known fact, but I was born in Charlotte.


My parents are both from the Northern Panhandle, but met each other in Charlotte, had me, and returned home.


The weird thing is - I have never spent time in North Carolina. We left when I was just a few months old, and I've only experienced it as an adult via the airport.


So, while heading to South Carolina for a friend's celebration, I made a point to drive through Charlotte to see my birthplace.


And the first stop was Amelie's Bakery.


The French bakery creates authentic French-inspired pastries, soups and savories.


Walking in, there were giant cases in front of me full of delectable goodies.


They have Napoleons, Salted Caramel Brownie (their signature!), Creme Brulee, macarons and so much more.


I went for a few different things - the salted caramel brownie of course, as well as a cotton candy macaron and a berry tart.


So delicious.


What's your favorite treat?

There's nothing quite like a fresh-baked cookie.

A soft, chewy cookie that has layers of complexity and delicious flavor - that's Love, LC.

This local restaurant pro has begun a side hustle baking up unique flavors like fruity pebble, campfire, chunky monkey and more.

And I was lucky enough to score a sampler box, which included Autumn Spice - pumpkin spice, pumpkin, candied pecans and maple. It's fall in your mouth. Then, I tried the classic chocolate chip - while tasty, is not my favorite kind of cookie (my mom, however, said two thumbs up!). The "Peanut Better" had peanut butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter cups - my goodness. Think a peanut butter cup x 10.


One of my favorites was the cookie & cream, which has white chocolate chips and Oreo crumble. YUM.
And finally, the Rainbow Chip: White Chocolate Chips. Milk Chocolate Chips. Rainbow Sprinkles. Which ones have you tried?

Nomada Bakery is a brand-new bakery located at Heritage Station.

It's in the former River & Rail Bakery location that everyone was sad to see go.

But Nomada just opened and is serving up coffee, pastries, breads, entrees and empanadas. And this is just to start.

It was my duty to try a little bit of everything. And who am I to shy away from duty?

First up is an empanada. Today, they offered pineapple, beef and chicken curry options. But since I have never had a pineapple empanada, it was the obvious choice. The dessert empanada was truly tasty and unique.

Next up - the curry chicken popover. They also had avocado & egg popovers, but I was already in the mood for lunch.

Since it was more of an entree, it was preceded with a small house salad with fresh greens, tomatoes and a vinaigrette.

This popover was a new, different flavor for me. I love the concept, and the curry was not overpowering - just enough to fully taste all the flavors and complexity.

But, wait, there's more. Under pastries, Nomada serves up these beautiful mini cakes. On this day, they had carrot, chocolate, orange and strawberry.

Without missing a beat, I ordered an absolutely beautiful strawberry mini cake. Strawberry cake with a buttery delicious strawberry icing and dried strawberries - I am dreaming of this cake already.