Everyone has their favorite bakeries. I can ask any of my co-workers what their favorite is and get 5 answers right off the bat. So obviously I've got to start with the ones they brought up.

And keep in mind these are just a few of the best bakeries in the state because there are many more. These are in no particular order.

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Flandreau Bakery

If you ask our afternoon guy Alan Helgeson, "Who has a bakery so good that you'd drive 45 minutes for one of their goodies?", he'll say this longtime Flandreau business. This place even showed up on Food Network's list of Top Places to Eat. What makes their Mocha Cakes so special? That's a question that can only be answered by devouring one, according to Alan.

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Oh My Cupcakes

The "Cupcake Ninjas" at this cupcakery know just how to turn a cupcake into artwork. Always mouthwatering, always moist, and flavorful, they're a treat any time of year. I highly recommend the salted caramel chocolate cupcake. It is to die for!

Ellis Zebra King Doughnuts in Centerville (Formerly Royal Bake Shop)

Another fan favorite in our building is another 40-minute drive from Sioux Falls. But ask anyone who has had their famous Zebra King doughnuts and they'll tell you it is absolutely worth the drive.

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Breadico Sourdough Bread Bakery

You'll quickly find out that Cranberry Sourdough bread isn't just for Thanksgiving and that it is addictive. Superbly made and simply delicious.

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Filler's Bakery in Mobridge

You can tell by the comments on their website that they take basic fresh ingredients and turn them into homemade hometown magic.

The Good Witch Cake Shop

Described as being "a local treasure" in the Sturgis community, this little bakery is famous for its amazingly creative and beautiful cakes, but they also have all kinds of mouth-watering deli goodies.

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C.H. Patisserie

This Sioux Falls bakery is well-known for its extraordinary creations. In particular their French macarons in every color under the rainbow, their magical almond croissants (just my opinion), and more. It's just what you'd expect from Chris Hanmer, the winner of "Top Chef - Just Deserts".

Cafe Brulé in Vermillion

In the Vermilion area, this Bakery and Deli is well-known for its comfort food and tempting desserts served with "classic hospitality and a cozy atmosphere".

Queen City Bakery

This is another favorite among my coworkers. They mentioned the coffee, the croissants, their pies - -"just absolutely yummy" - was the comment.

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Flyboy Donuts

I can only tell you what I've seen. The minute a box of these luscious creations shows up in our building, people gravitate to them like bees to a hive. Crazy delicious and always fun, definitely a fan favorite.

Breadsmith

I know plenty of people who download their bread calendar every month. And not just because their Peppercorn Swiss and Babka are two of the best breads ever made on the planet. (Again, just personal opinion here).

As I said at the top of this article there are so many amazing "best" bakeries in our state and these are but a few of them.

Additional Source: Best Things in South Dakota

Iconic Sioux Falls: Phillips Avenue Diner, a Downtown Gem

I'll never forget the best malt I ever had. It was many years ago at a new restaurant in Sioux Falls. The restaurant was housed in a silver Airstream trailer on Louise Avenue and was called The Market Diner. The malt was so creamy and I think it was probably the first time I'd ever had whipped cream on top of a malt.

The Market Diner was a unique '50s-style dining experience with neon signs, classic vinyl booths, stainless steel counter stools, and even a jukebox.

That was over 20 years ago. The Market Diner became Dixie Brothers Grill and eventually closed.

A few years later, the trailer was moved to a downtown location on Phillips Avenue, extensively remodeled and renamed Phillips Avenue Diner. The malts have not changed, nor has the diner ambiance.

POSE: Phillips Avenue Diner is South Dakota's Most Instagrammed Restaurant

My niece Ashlea and I ventured downtown and had lunch at Phillips Avenue Diner. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites. It's diner classics turned up a notch.

The breakfast menu includes omelets, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, and of course waffles. Recently, Phillips Avenue Diner's waffles were named the best in South Dakota according to Food Network.

Ashlea had the Ranch Burger and it came topped with bacon, onion rings, American cheese, and BBQ sauce. She substituted sweet potato fries.

My selection was the Burger of Champions. You can substitute a chicken breast for any burger, so I had mine with chicken, Applewood bacon, ham, and American cheese. It also comes with a hard-fried egg on top, but I chose to hold that.

Eat local. Some of the best food and atmosphere can be found at local, non-national chain restaurants. Try Phillips Avenue Diner at 121 S. Phillips Avenue and explore downtown Sioux Falls while you're at it.

Check out the menu here and enjoy one of Sioux Falls' iconic restaurants.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown