Great Harvest Bread Company050

Great Harvest Bread Company stores are opening up nationwide. We like visiting these unpretentious bakeries because everyone who walks in is immediately offered a free slice of bread to sample - usually, still warm from the oven!

The bread selection ranges from healthy to decadent; multi-grain and honey wheat recipes are perfect for toast; others, like white-chocolate cherry bread, are more like dessert. Some specialty breads, like the spinach-cheese combo, make quick-and-easy take-alongs for potlucks and picnics. Bread varieties vary by location, but the quality is pretty consistent from store to store.

Because Great Harvest Bread crusts are soft, most kids love them.

Rolls and buns are also available, and we like the jams and various packaged soup and dip mixes here, particularly since several are very low in sodium content. The oversized, super-sweet cinnamon buns are heavenly!

It's easy to make this a "rest stop" in an otherwise busy day of errand-running, as muffins, scones, rolls, and sandwiches, along with coffee, milk, and juices, are available for noshing. Some stores have tables, either indoors, outdoors, or both (no highchairs). Most folks just grab stuff for carryout.