Bites Nearby: The Granary

“Fresh bread, Whole grains, and Country store,” the slogan of , harkens back to yesteryear, but this family-owned store is firmly rooted in the here and now.

Embracing today’s whole foods movement, The Granary makes its bread with flour that is milled in the store on a stone mill just a few hours before the baking begins. The end result is bread that is as good for you as it is to eat. There are many varieties to choose from: 100 percent whole wheat bead, Ciabatta bread, sourdough bread, 100 percent spelt bread and whole grain rye bread.

The Granary also sells spices and bulk foods, including snacks, candy, fresh peanut butter, beans, whole grains and coffee. The baked goods have won The Granary a devoted following. Customers can greet the day with a cup of coffee and a sticky bun, cinnamon roll, muffin or scone. All of these are mouth-watering and baked fresh daily, but the scones are pure perfection. The Granary has mastered the art of making this British quick bread of Scottish origin and their whole wheat apricot scones would be admired and devoured at Buckingham Palace. The chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are an inspiration and fans line up during the holiday season for a taste of the Christmas Chocolate Chunk Bread.

Owner Scott Thomas and his family believe in giving back to the community, so they donate surplus bread to two organizations in Athens that feed the area’s homeless. Daughter Alison is also generous and gives out recipes on the bakery’s delicious food blog, recently for chewy granola bars.

Good food, good grains, good people; that’s The Granary.

20 Greensboro Hwy., Watkinsville. 706-769-6766. Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pricing: Low to moderate.