It was a long, 10-day journey. But it was so sweet!

Overall we traveled more than 2,500 miles, and we sampled about 200 doughnuts as we searched for Michigan's Best Doughnut.

The project began in late February when we asked MLive readers to nominate their favorite bakeries. Immediately it struck a nerve -- or was that a sweet tooth?

Nominations came in from all of our markets, as well as other parts of the state, including the Upper Peninsula.

After all the nominating, voting and polling, we came up with a list of 33 contenders for the title.

That's when I hit the road, beginning March 14, to sample doughnuts at each place, and to meet the bakers.

Fritz Klug and John Gonzalez of MLive work from the lobby of the Hampton Inn & Suites in Marquette while on the search for Michigan's Best Doughnut 2014.

Joining me on the trip was MLive multimedia journalist Fritz Klug, who chronicled each stop for a massive photo gallery of every doughnut we sampled.

Both of us also recorded videos along the way, which offered some pretty funny moments -- at least for us.

Fritz also made a video of me eating each doughnut.

Before we get to our Top 13 -- call it a "baker's dozen" list -- I want to say "thank you" to everyone involved: Readers, bakery owners, managers, crew members, MLive employees and customers who all shared in making this a grand celebration of "Michigan's Best."'

Remember -- the best time to get a doughnut is early in the morning. That's when they are the freshest, and the tastiest.

MICHIGAN'S BEST DOUGHNUT-TOP 13 (A BAKER'S DOZEN)

1. Hinkley Bakery, Jackson.

5. Dutch Girl Donuts, Detroit.

We earned our "street cred" while in Detroit, eating doughnuts as this famous doughnut shop that opened in 1947 by John and Cecilia Timmer. Today it attracts all walks of life from inner-city regulars to truck drivers who happily stop in on the way to making a delivery. Inside, you will find the hardest working staff and crew who love making doughnuts. We sampled the doughnuts fresh out of the frier as doughnut maker Johnetta Burnett beamed with pride.

Link to MLive visit

Must-have item: The glaze was unbelievable; as was the fresh raisin glazed doughnut.

Address: 19000 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203

Phone: (313) 368-3020

Hours of operation: It is open 24/7 on the weekdays; closed Saturday nights; closed Sundays; cash only

Social media: Facebook

See the doughnuts we tried at Dutch Girl

6. Propaganda Doughnuts

Update:: Propaganda Doughnuts is no longer in business.

Chef Torrence O'Haire has turned the West Michigan food scene upside down with his "propaganda." The doughnuts at this downtown Grand Rapids bakery are a foodie lover's paradise. Propaganda uses local and organic ingredients and makes everything by hand and from scratch.

Link to MLive visit

Must-have item: Breakfast in Bed, an iced fry cake with coffee, maple, brown butter and cinnamon, topped with candied bacon. And any time you see a French cruller on the menu. Check his Facebook page for daily offerings.

Address: 117A S. Division Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Phone:

Hours of operation: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Wed - Thu: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fri - Sat: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Sun: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Website link:

Social media:

Facebook:

Twitter: @propagandadonut

See the doughnuts we tried at Propaganda

7. Louie's Bakery, Marshall

We didn't think when we walked into Louie's Bakery in historic Marshall that we would see the latest technology. But that's what happened at Louie's, where Jason LaForge, the grandson of original owner Louis Bagi, greeted us with Google Glass on. He keeps the traditions started by his grandfather, who learned to make doughnuts in St. Louis during the Great Depression. LaForge is one of the rare bakers who does not use outside mixes as a base when making his cake or yeast-raised doughnuts. His fans know it. When we visited, we ran into two men had pull off the highway to buy some treats. I asked: "Is there anything good in here?" One man said: "Are you kidding me? I gain six pounds just by breathing in."

Review/blurb:

Link to MLive visit

Must-have item: Their nut roll is one of the best; even the nuts on top are roasted at the bakery. On the way out, MLive's Fritz Klug and I sampled the Buzz Bomb, an eclair shell filled with a homemade white foam, Holland cream filling. "There is so much sugar in there it will get you buzzing," said LaForge.

Address: 144 W Michigan Ave, Marshall, MI 49068

Phone: (269) 781-3542

Hours of operation: Tuesday-Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Monday and Sunday.

Website link:

Social media: Facebook

See the doughnuts we tried at Louie's Bakery

8. Marge's Donut Den, Wyoming

One of the most beloved bakeries in the state of Michigan, owner Marge Wilson wins over customers with her big smile and generosity. Her doughnuts are an institution in the Grand Rapids area, and had the most creative decorations we saw. The doughnuts are fresh and less dense than what you'd expect from a classic doughnut shop. If you are passing through and want to pick up something special for someone, get the "talking doughnut," a long john that can have a custom message written in frosting.

Link to MLive visit

Must-have item: We had fun with the glaze doughnut shaped like a guitar she made for country star Brad Paisley. If you like the sweet and salty combination, order the chocolate doughnut with potato chip covered in caramel.

Address: 1751 28th St. SW Wyoming, MI 49519

Phone: (616) 532-7413

Hours of operation:

Mon - Fri: 4am - 6pm

Sat: 4am - 4pm

Sun: 6am - 4pm

Website link:

Social media:

Facebook:

See the doughnuts we tried at Marge's

9. Van Brocklin's Bakery-Big Rapids

The husband and wife team of Joe and Lynn Van Brocklin met while working at Marge's about 38 years ago. He was the baker, she worked the counter. The couple fell in love and eventually opened their own bakery. They were initially going to Cadillac, but found a spot in Big Rapids, about 60 miles north of Grand Rapids. We had fun with the regulars who were drinking coffee, eating doughnuts and cracking jokes.

Must-have item: We enjoyed the chocolate Tiger Tail, as well as the raisin doughnuts. But if you're a bear claw fan, the date-filled almond bear claw is hands down one of the best I have ever had!

Address: 1129 N State St, Big Rapids, MI 49307

Phone: (231) 796-5440

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sundays.

See the doughnuts we tried at Van Brocklin's

10. Lance's Bakery-Owosso

In December of 2011, Lance Ellenberg left his job as a house painter to open a bakery in Owosso, and we're all glad he did because this was one of those pleasant surprises on our trip. Ellenberg been baking since he was in 4th grade, learning from his grandparents. Lance's offers several doughnuts we couldn't stop talking about, even days after our visit. If you go on a Friday, you will see Lance wearing his colorful doughnut T-shirt.

Link to MLive visit

Must-have item: Make sure to try his signature maple triangles; and his baked elephant ear, which is rolled with pecans and cinnamon sugar.

How it's made:

Address: 309 N Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867

Phone: (989) 720-2254

Hours of operation: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 6 a.m. to noon, Saturday.

Cost of single doughnut:

Website link:

Social media:

Facebook:

See the doughnuts we tried at Lance's

11. Elk Rapids Sweet Shop Bakery-Elk Rapids

We had a great time with Dirk and Darlene Renzema in Elk Rapids, who opened the bakery in April of 1993. It was a little quiet on a Saturday in late March, but during the busy summer tourism season, "we have people lined up out the door," Dirk said. They have a variety of pastries and breads, but really excel in doughnuts, making a lot of their own icings and fillings. "We take a lot of pride in our work and we use high-quality ingredients," Dirk added.

Link to MLive visit

Must-have item: We loved the cinnamon twist, which was filled with cinnamon, brown sugar and cocoa. And we also enjoyed the sweet flavor of their hand-cut, honey wheat glazed doughnut. But my favorite was the puffy cherry pocket, made with Traverse City cherries.

Address: 108 River St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629

Phone: (231) 264-9732

Hours of operation: 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 6 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday.

Social media:

Facebook:

See the doughnuts we tried at Elk Rapids

12. Butter Crust Bakery, Saginaw

At Butter Crust Bakery, owner Greg Sochocki knows the importance of fresh doughnuts. He made sure to come back and fry us some fresh ones for our afternoon visit. Sochocki said his longtime followers know to get there early; some have even knocked on his back door before he opens to the public. A mainstay since 1967, Butter Crust's doughnut recipes were passed down from his parents. Today his 25-year-old son Jamie Sochocki works by his side. They use many locally sourced ingredients, including sugar.

Link to MLive visit

Must-have item: The glazed doughnut was one of the best I've ever have; and we also enjoyed two local creations, the Yum-Yums, a very light and fluffy glazed doughnut, and an Ugly, which consists of apple, strawberry and cinnamon mixed with the ends of the dough.

Address: 6181 Dixie, Bridgeport Township.

Phone:

Hours of operation: 6 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 6 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturday. They are closed Sundays and Mondays.

Social media: Facebook

See the doughnuts we tried at Butter Crust

13. Barney's Bakery,, Bay City

This neighborhood bakery has been popular for 85 years. Even though it's a small store front, it offers a large arsenal of doughnuts. And they're all tasty. We were joined by 2014 St. Patrick's Day Queen Kaley Jenkins, who was a good sport and helped us sample several of the more popular doughnuts. We enjoyed meeting the crew, including baker Bill Moultane, who has been working here for 25 years, and Dan Zielinski, the third-generation owner of the bakery.

Link to MLive visit

Must-have item: Classics like their nut covered doughnut should not be missed, but also keep an eye out for new creations, such as the crescent-shaped coconut crunch. It was crispy and nutty on the outside with plenty of coconut shavings.

Address: 421 S Van Buren St Bay City, MI 48708

Phone: (989) 895-5466

Hours: 5 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays: 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; closed Sundays.

Social media:

Facebook:

See the doughnuts we tried at Barney's

RISING STAR

Morat's Bakery Pub, New Era

Located in Shelby Township in Oceana County, Morat's is a hidden gem and should be put on your list of must-visit restaurants. It offers breads, doughnuts, a deli, dinner menu and Michigan craft beer! Grand Rapids band The Crane Wives were to perform later in the night when we arrived, and the show was a sell out. Open since 2010, owners Dan and Carollee Castle offer a great variety doughnuts and some creative creations. They do the basics well, too. Do yourself a favor and check them out before they end up on the Food Network.

Link to MLive visit

Must-have item: Try the Andes mint doughnut, maybe the mango filling or my favorite, a newly created pear reduction filled doughnut topped with a brown sugar and an oatmeal crisp. (I hope it's on the menu.)

Address: 4747 First Street New Era, Mi 49446

Phone: 231-259-0073

Hours of operation:

7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mondays; 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Wednesdays; 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; closed Sundays.

Website link:

Social media: Facebook:

See the doughnuts we tried at Morat's

BEST OF THE REST

Barb's Bakery

112 N Mill St, Northport, MI 49670; (231) 386-5851

We were lucky that Barb's Bakery opened two days before our scheduled visit. It was unfortunate, however, that they sold out of doughnuts by 10 a.m. Celebrity Chef Mario Batali says they are the best and should be on the list. Local customer Tom Wetherbee, who was drinking coffee with friends, said Barb's captures the spirit and heart of this tiny resort village. We'll have to visit another day to meet owner Barb Holcomb, who has owned the bakery for 26 years.

Benny's Bakery

111 W Michigan Ave, Saline, MI 48176; (734) 429-9120

Known for their pretzels on the weekends, Benny's is a popular Saline bakery that caters to doughnut fans everywhere. They have a bacon maple doughnut which we loved, and owner and baker Steve Babiak says it's good with a little bit of hot sauce.

See the doughnuts we tried at Benny's

Cops and Doughnuts

521 N McEwan St Clare; (989) 386-2241

You're not going to find a place with more character and life than Cops and Doughnuts. It's a must stop for people traveling up north. They have fans from all parts of the world and on Fat Tuesday, shipped Pazckis to every state. The must-have doughnut is the maple bacon "Baconator" long john, with two strips of quality bacon. Don't forget to check out the impressive display of merchandise in the gift shop.

See the doughnuts we tried at Cops and Doughnuts

Dom Bakeries

1305 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197; (734) 485-3175

Need a place to grab a late-night doughnut? Check out the doughnuts at Dom Bakeries, which is a favorite for Eastern Michigan University students. Owners Ly and Fea Chov offer a wide selection of classic doughnuts. Our favorite was the raised glaze doughnut.

See the doughnuts we tried at Dom's

Donna's Donuts

1135 W Bristol Rd, Flint, MI 48507; (810) 233-5618

A long-time tradition for Flint doughnut lovers, Donna's is an institution. We were joined by U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, who said these doughnuts helped get him elected to office because they would buy boxes of doughnuts for volunteers. I loved their classic cream sticks (long johns), as well as their use of peanuts, like the cinnamon roll with peanut butter.

See the doughnuts we tried at Donna's

Elaine's Bake Shop

1590 S. Euclid Ave., Bay City; (989) 893-4970

They keep it simple, and loyal customers in Bay County have kept coming back. Any of the classics are worth trying, but we really enjoyed the apple fritter.

See the doughnuts we tried at Elaine's

Goober's Bakery

4165 Grand Haven Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441; (231) 798-1213

If you love peanut butter, Goobers should not be missed. Kevin Simons bought it recently from long-time owner Gary VanderStelt and is keeping the traditions alive. Their peanut butter sauce is rich and full of flavor.

See the doughnuts we tried at Goober's

Goodale's Bakery

500 Norway St, Grayling, MI 49738;(989) 348-8682

Father and son team of Loren and Loren Goodale take pride in getting their mixes and supplies from different distributors. And you can tell that they've picked the right ingredients for every doughnut. They come from a long line of bakers. Loren's mother won blue ribbons for the Michigan State Fair for homemaker of the year in the early '40s. And they still use her mixer, which is more than 100 years old. We loved the red velvet fry cake with a chocolate ribbon, topped with a cream cheese frosting.

See the doughnuts we tried at Goodale's

Hamilton Home Bakery

1030 Gratiot Ave, Saginaw, MI 48602; (989) 792-8316

This is the bakery in Saginaw where everyone knows each other. When we visited with Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel, they asked about his mother, who is a frequent customer. If you want a sugar rush, check out the cream-filled long john touched off with some powdered sugar. It almost looks like an ice cream sandwich.

See the doughnuts we tried at Hamilton

Horrocks Farm Market

7420 W. Saginaw Lansing, Mi 48917; 517-323-3782

They've only been making doughnuts on site for about a year, but baker Matt McQuay and the staff at Horrocks focuses on quality and enjoys experimenting and making any doughnut customers want. The bacon-covered glazed sought is only available on the weekends, but it's worth grabbing.

See the doughnuts we tried at Horrocks

Huron Mountain Bakery

1301 S Front St, Marquette, MI 49855; (906) 225-1301

It was fun hanging out with Jesse Land of "Things to Do in the UP" and his family. Huron Mountain was busy on a Sunday after church. It offers a great variety of doughnuts, including pastries, cakes, sandwiches and more. Baker Rachel Freeman is originally from the Flint area and created a Donna's-inspired cream stick. My pick is the raspberry bloom. It's one of the places you must stop when you visit the Upper Peninsula.

See the doughnuts we tried at Huron Mountain Bakery

Johan's Pastry Shop

565 W Mitchell St, Petoskey, MI 49770; (231) 347-3815

They have seven locations, and they service gas stations, grocery stores and various outlets in 9 counties. Owner and baker Clayton Brown is based at the Petoskey location where all the baking is done. His a proud owner who runs a tight a ship with a dedicated staff. Make sure to get a custard log john or chocolate iced fry cake.

See the doughnuts we tried at Johan's

Lev's Bakery

124 E Chicago Blvd, Tecumseh, MI 49286; (517) 423-2948

Lot's of love for Lev's; the staff enjoyed showing us their range of doughnuts as well as Spring cookie creations. Their cream-filled Long John is worth checking out.

See the doughnuts we tried at Lev's

The Looney Baker

13931 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48154; (734) 425-8569

Greg Dean started working at The Looney Baker in high school and came back to own the business. It's hard to stay away from the large-size doughnuts; the store is open 24 hours a day and has a drive thru. Make sure to grab some of their Looney Bread, which is like a coffee cake that wraps in raisins, cinnamon, walnuts and glaze. It originated with the store and has been a mainstay since he took over the store in 1986.

See the doughnuts we tried at The Looney Baker

MacKenzie's Bakery

527 Harrison, Kalamazoo MI 49007; 269-343-8440

Styled after a European bakery (with bread and pastries cooked in different rooms for temperature reasons), owners and third-generation bakers, John and Mary MacKenzie, make doughnuts for bread lovers. Great ingredients, and lots of love. I was a big fan of the homemade custard in their long johns.

See the doughnuts we tried at MacKenzie's

Meyer's Hometown Bakery

Address: 1003 4th Ave., Lake Odessa MI 48849; (616) 374-1145

It's the story of a small-town boy who made good by keeping the local bakery intact. His name is Jeff Meyers, and many in the community came out to support him on the day of our visit. The dedication he has put in for the community shows in the doughnuts. You won't go wrong with anything. I recommend the apple fritter.

See the doughnuts we tried at Meyer's

Pinckney Bakery

131 E Main St, Pinckney, MI 48169; (734) 954-9198

Kim and Saing Yam have owned the bakery since 2009. They previously managed/owned the Dexter Bakery, and now they are opening a new bakery in Chelsea. They have a loyal following. Good variety, plus they serve ice cream. The glazed, raised doughnut was our favorite.

See the doughnuts we tried at Pinckney

Potter's Bakery

908 E. Eighth St., Traverse City; 231-947-5125

With a history dating back to 1929, third generation owners Mike and Kathy Potter have become popular with tourists and locals. It was a busy Saturday morning on the day we visited. We enjoyed all the offerings, especially the nutty doughnut hole and cinnamon sugar "ugly" yeast-raised doughnut. On Sundays, they only offer day-old, discounted doughnuts. Whatever is left is donated to charity.

See the doughnuts we tried at Potter's

Sandy's Donuts

2040 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504; (616) 453-4259

Grand Rapids is a trifecta of goodness when it comes to doughnuts, and Sandy's rounds it out with a community bakery that does't take a backseat to the others. The apple fritter and honeymooner -- a chocolate covered doughnut with whip cream in the center -- were two of our favorites. We loved meeting owners Mike and Anita Hoezee, and their crew. "We say that the neighborhood owns (Sandy's) and we just maintain it," Anita said. Perfectly said.

See the doughnuts we tried at Sandy's

John Gonzalez is a statewide entertainment writer for MLive.com. Email him at gonzo@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.

Contact Fritz Klug at fklug@mlive.com or 269–370–0584. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or App.net.