Bristol Bakeries: Sweet Treats and Community Vibes

News Summary

Bristol, TN, and VA, are home to several charming bakeries that not only serve delicious treats but also cultivate a strong community spirit. Notable establishments include Tip’n the Scale Bakery, known for its extensive cheesecake flavors, and Urban Thistle Bakery, which will offer gluten-free and dairy-free options when it opens. Blackbird Bakery also stands out as a beloved local hub, reinforcing the strong bond between local businesses and residents. Whether you’re craving cheesecake or gluten-free pastries, Bristol’s bakeries have something for everyone.

Bristol’s Bakeries Bring Sweet Treats and Community Spirit

If you find yourself in Bristol, you might just stumble upon some of the most delightful bakeries in Tennessee and Virginia. Each bakery serves up a unique charm, mouth-watering treats, and a strong sense of community. Let’s take a closer look at these sweet spots that are hitting all the right notes with local patrons.

Tip’n the Scale Bakery: A Cheesecake Wonderland

First up is the inviting Tip’n the Scale Bakery located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Bristol, Tennessee. Open for just three years, this cozy spot is already making waves. With a massive selection of over 650 different flavors of cheesecake, cakes, and cookies, it has something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. You can find interesting flavors like cinnamon roll, Bavarian cream, and, of course, the classic vanilla.

The owner, Jeffery Cooke, and his mother, Maggie, have created a menu that allows for some serious customization. Their cheesecakes are described as baked but light and fluffy, perfect for those who want a delicious treat without feeling too heavy. Plus, you can up the ante with toppings like fresh berries or rich chocolate.

What’s more, the bakery keeps things exciting with weekly rotating specials and makes it clear that cheesecake plays a starring role in their dessert selections. They’ve also cleverly catered to folks with dietary restrictions, providing options that are gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, and egg-free.

For those interested in visiting, Tip’n the Scale is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Don’t forget to call ahead if you want to preorder any cheesecakes, cakes, or cookies! Their phone number is 423-914-9962, and they’re located at 201 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Urban Thistle Bakery: A New Delight in Virginia

Urban Thistle Bakery, owned by Deb Hawkins, is currently under construction and is set to open in the fall. This bakery is aiming to fill a niche by offering primarily gluten-free and dairy-free options to cater to those with dietary restrictions, especially for people like Hawkins who has Alpha-gal syndrome.

Customers can expect a variety of tasty treats like jumbo muffins, cakes, cookies, and meals that fit those dietary needs. Options may include quiche and gluten-free biscuits and gravy using turkey or plant-based protein. Urban Thistle will utilize flours like rice, sorghum, and almond to create their goodies, ensuring that the flavor doesn’t take a hit.

And for coffee lovers, you’ll also find dairy-free coffee, roasted in-house, to complement your pastry. Hawkins has even received a grant for $20,000 for the bakery, and they plan to showcase at the 2023 Bristol Rhythm and Roots festival before their official opening, which has the community buzzing with excitement.

Blackbird Bakery: Rising to the Top

Blackbird Bakery has become a beloved staple. Managed by Carla Perkins, who has taken a leap of faith to switch careers into baking, this bakery has garnered a reputation as the Tri-Cities Best Bakery. The focus here is on consistency, with a menu featuring delicious cannolis, cookies, doughnuts, muffins, cakes, and cheesecakes.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WCYB: Bristol Bakery Offers More Than 600 Cheesecake Flavors
• Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
• Herald Courier: New Bakery on State Street
• Google Search: Gluten-Free Bakeries Bristol, Virginia
• WJHL: Blackbird Bakery Wins Tri-Cities Best
• Google Scholar: Impact of Bakeries on Local Communities
• Atlanta Magazine: Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol
• Tennessean: Nashville’s Christie Cookie Co. and Fox’s Donut Den
• Google News: Bakeries in Tennessee

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER

The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.