Introduction
Competitions are increasingly part of the higher education landscape. Students are invited to compete in challenges that address Affordable Housing, Real Estate Development, Design, Solar Housing, Big Data, Computer Appliciations to name a few. However, given my expertise, I decided on a different tact. The activity would give participants an opportunity to visit local neighborhoods, allow alums from different areas to have a shared experience, and most important provide a justification to have a donut not only for a snack but for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hence, the challenge to visit the most stores on a URSP Alumni Donut Trail. The alumni or student or team who visits the most stores wins the competition. A winner will be determined for each of the eight Trails. In addition, there will be an overall winner across all eight Trails. In the case of a tie, time stamp of the submission will determine the winner.The Donut Trail represents a set of stores in a geographically defined area which the entrant must visit and buy some of its wares. The initial idea was to identify over-the-counter donut or cupcake shops. Much to my surprise it is a lot harder than you would think to find a minimum of ten (an arbitrary number) such shops in an area--especially if you exclude the Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme's of the world. As such our "Donut / Cupcake" shops may not sell donuts or cupcakes, but presumably sell bakery goods, e.g. croissants, pies, cakes. We also cannot guarantee that the shop sells over the counter. Further, in some cases, the Trail crosses a number of local jurisdictions.
In conclusion, Participant Beware! Check before visiting. If you feel a shop to be inappropriate then there is no reason to visit.
As a trial run, a successsful competition will be one where we receive at least one submission for each of the trails.
I will try to post relevant emails about stores, experiences, etc on the appropriate web page.
Finally, this is not rocket science. This is about finding a place to get a good doughnut. Trails may be inaccurate or outdated, and indeed any corrections or additions to the lists would be appreciated. Consider this a test of concept. If successful, we will add other trails. So just have fun. Let's see know how this works.
In summary:
- 1. Establishments were chosen from a random search of the internet
- 2. We have not been previously visited the establishments (We cannot guarantee that there is over the counter sales)
- 3. This is not a recommendation of quality or service
- 4. This is not a confirmation of location, operation, or hours
- 5. We try to avoid franchises, but if there are multiple operations feel free to choose,
- 6. Participants are responsible for confirming operation, sale items, hours, location and all necessary information prior to visiting,
- 7. Teams can be comprised of one or more alumni and students
- 8. You may participate in more than one Trail
Submission
Once your team has finished, send in a completed Trails form (no later than September 30, 2019). Cut and paste photos (no more than 2" by 2") into the form. Stores will be tallied and the winner for each Trail will be announced.
Download Trail form. Guidelines for Submission include:
- 1. Teams can be comprised of one or more alumni or students
- 2 A photo must be taken as proof of visit, e,g, storefront, baked goods. A photo of food is not necessary
- 3. Photos will be posted on a social media site to be determined
- 3. Photos need not include entrants or other individuals
- 4. Submit TRAIL form by Sept 30, 2019 to Alex Chen (achen@umd.edu)
Describing the Trails (8)
There are eight trails. Trails are primarily local, but I added Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
to see if there would be alumni interest outside our region. If this proves succesful, we can add
other cities, regions, states or countries. Suggestions welcomed.
Entrants can either be an individual or a team of alums/students.
The Arlington 10
Arundel 10
The Baltimore 12
College Park 10
1. Capital City Confectionary
2. Dulce Vida Bakery
3. Panhelo Bakery
4. Raulins Bakery
5. Heaven Bakery
6, Le Flor de Pueblo Bakery
7. Sugar Vault Desserts,
8. Shortcake Bakery
9. Mi Pueblito Bakery
10. Lourdes Bakery
Fairfax 10
1. Classic Bakery
2. Danielle’s Desserts
3. Cenan’s Bakery
4. Silva’s Patisserie
5. Victoria’s Cakery
6. Breeze Bakery
7. Happy Tart
8. Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken
9. Tysons Cakes
10. Sweetbites Café and Bakery
Philadelphia 10
1. Whipped Bakeshop
2. Beilers
3. Flying Monkey Patisserie
4. Swiss Haus Bakery
5. Sweet Box Cupcakes
6. Sweet Life Bakeshop
7. Termini Brothers Bakery
8. Federal Donuts
9. Homemade Goodies by Roz
10. Tartes
Pittsburgh 10
1. Schorr Bakery
2. Better Maid Donut Company
3. Big Daddy’s
4. Potomac Bakery
5. Grandview Bakery and Sweet Shop
6. Peace, Love and Little Donuts
7. Belle Christie and Lil’ Z’s Sweet Boutique
8. Prantl’s Bakery
9. Just Good Donuts
10. Donut Connection
The Washington DC 12
1. Sweet Lobby
2. Magnolia Bakery
3. Red Velvet Cupcakery
4. Buttercream Bakery
5. Sugar Shack Donuts
6. Sticky Fingers
7. Cakeroom
8. Georgetown Cupcake
9. Sprinkles
10. Baked and Wired
11. Danielle’s Desserts
12. Astro Donuts and Fried Chicken
Comments welcomed
Problems in accessing maps?
Suggestions for new trails?
Ideas to engage more alums?
Recommendations to change the lists?
Other thoughts or ideas?
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