"There’s some strong force pulling Charlotteans a valiant 25 miles south to charming Waxhaw, and that pull is Ben and Lauren Kallenbach’s Virtuoso Breadworks. In this house-turned-bakery, choose between the homey sitting rooms or a picnic yard to tear away the layers of a decadent almond croissant with a crisp bake on the outside and a feathery interior. The breads and pastries are expertly specialized, with an emphasis on quality and freshness over quantity. The signature wild yeast sourdough is scored with delicate designs and the focaccia rotates with the seasons, like a summer’s homemade pesto and Sungold tomato loaf. The towering sticky pecan bun, the eye-catching raspberry Danish, and the omnipresent feeling of being taken care of are the treasures at the end of this journey beyond the city." - Kayleigh Ruller