Carlo's Bake Shop

Ever wish you could experience the delectable pastries of traditional Italy without ever leaving the city. Well, you can and you only have to travel one subway stop away from Manhattan. Hidden in the hometown of the ever famous Frank Sinatra, Hoboken, New Jersey is also home to the most well-known and recently famous Carlo's Bake Shop. This amazing bakery known for its homemade from scratch baked goods and beyond elaborate wedding cakes has become a house-hold name due to its hit show on TLC. Cake Boss first aired on TLC April 19, 2009 and took the nation by storm. Starring Buddy Valastro and his quirky fun-loving, sometimes hot-tempered Italian family, this show gives America an up close and personal look into the kitchen of this family-run bakery. Bought in 1964 by Buddy's parents Mary and Buddy Sr., this bake shop prides itself on tradition and is, in the opinion of almost everyone who's ever tried it, the best bakery around, hands-down. Buddy, who took over the shop at the ripe age of 17 after his father's passing, has become the cream of the crop of bakers at just 32 years old. Since the shows success, this once hometown favorite bake shop has become a nationally renowned destination with tourists lined up around the block all days of the week waiting to have a taste and catch a glimpse of the Valastro clan. From the traditional Italian favorite, the cannoli to the most scrumptious chocolate cake you've ever sunk you teeth into you can't go wrong with a single dessert here. Although, I highly recommend the lobster tails. They're the most delicious puff pastry with the richest, most incredible cream filling you've ever had. So make sure and head west of the Hudson River and stop in Hoboken, NJ. Because this is a treat you don't want to miss!