Last spring break I went to California with a few girlfriends. On the way, I kept hearing them talk about how we had to visit Sprinkles. I was like, huh? What is Sprinkles? With a look of shock on their face they quickly responded by saying that Sprinkles was the best cupcakes they have ever had. Slightly skeptical, I smiled and added it to the “to do” list in my head.

On a chilly, rainy day in LA, one that I never thought existed, we started to make our way to taste “the best cupcakes ever.” When we got there I was in shock. There was a line half way around the block just to get into the small cupcake shop! My friends just laughed, watching me, while my flip-flops got soaked in the puddles, my umbrella broke, and I was shivering because I never forecasted a chilly day in California. The only thought running through my head- these better be the best cupcakes I have ever tasted!

After about an hour or so we finally made it inside. I was amazed by the multitude of decorative little cupcakes all lined up, perfectly in rows. I made my choices, grabbed my adorable little to-go box from the cashier, and made my way out of the cramped shop. I was so frustrated what it took to get these little cupcakes that it took me almost two days to try mine. When I did-it was love a first bite. That first mouth-watering bite of that red velvet cupcake sparked my life-long love and obsession with cupcakes.

Returning back to Springfield left me with a feeling of disappointment knowing  that there really wasn’t a place that I could get cupcakes like I did in LA. To my surprise, I started hearing people talking about this place downtown “the CUP” that you could get cupcakes! I was so excited and checked it out as soon as I could.

Walking into the CUP was the first cupcake experience I wished I had. I didn’t have to wait over an hour, the shop wasn’t the size of a dorm room, the cupcakes were just as adorable, and tasted wonderful. The atmosphere was relaxing, modern, and comfortable all at the same time. The employees were smiling and extremely patent when customers made their selections. The seasonal cupcake selections are creative and truly give one a sense of their season. And yes-they still taste yummy!

This shop is just what I feel Downtown Springfield truly needed and I believe that they are off to a great start. Their online website is creative and even provides a calendar that tells you when seasonal selections are available. Their tri-fold handouts have all the necessary information as well as share the story about Ericka Frank and Nicole Puyear, the two women who created the CUP.

To visit their website:http://cravethecup.com/

I am still very happy that a wonderful cupcake shop has opened downtown and continue to hear great things! I believe if the CUP keeps up the way they have the people of the Ozarks will rediscover their love of cupcakes!