A Brit and A Southerner

Best Local Coffee Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Alabama

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Oct 21, 2019

Best Local Coffee Shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

With 32 miles of pristine beaches, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama is the perfect location for a relaxing getaway. Home to a collection of fresh seafood restaurants and a variety of indoor/outdoor activities, it’s no surprise that the Gulf Coast is a popular destination. However, one thing that may surprise you is that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a haven for delicious coffee. During our recent visit to the Gulf Coast, we set out on an adventure to experience the best coffee in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and we can 100% attest that this stretch of coastline does not disappoint.

When it comes to local coffee shops, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers a number of awesome options which we will cover throughout this post. Forget chain coffee shops such as Starbucks and instead, indulge in a collection of vibrant, relaxing coffee shops that epitomize everything there is to love about this part of Alabama.

best coffee in gulf shores and orange beach

We have been fortunate to visit a number of local coffee houses in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and the difficult choice is picking which is our favorite because every one has a unique characteristic that makes it an appealing place to visit.

Best Coffee in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Let’s take a look at the best coffee shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We have visited the Gulf Coast on numerous occasions and only on our recent trip did we decide to explore the coffee scene.

We spoke to several locals and they admitted that they were unaware of several of the newly opened coffee shops and we look forward to hopefully encouraging more folks to visit these awesome spots during their trip to the coast.

The Southern Grind Coffee House
The Happy Pappy
Beach Girl Coffee
Our Coffee
BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets
Foam Coffee

From The Southern Grind Coffee House that perfectly represents the nautical theme we associate with the coast to Foam Coffee which has an open-air, relaxing ambience to it, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has a collection of coffee shops that could quite easily fit into any other destination that celebrates the coffee scene.

For a destination that is all about the beach, backcountry trails and other outdoor activities, there is something quite magical about the coffee shops in this area, making this the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway, even if the weather isn’t cooperating. As always, this is by no means an exhaustive list of coffee shops in the area and we strongly encourage you to post your recommendations in the comments section below.

The Southern Grind Coffee House

Have you ever visited a coffee shop and immediately felt at home? That’s the feeling you get the moment you walk into The Southern Grind Coffee House. Whether you are visiting the location at The Wharf or along the coast on Perdido Beach Boulevard at Hotel Indigo, you can be sure that you will leave having experienced an amazing coffee shop. Both locations are on the Orange Beach side, but even if you are staying in Gulf Shores, the short drive is well worth the effort…you will not leave disappointed!

southern grind coffee house orange beach

From a variety of delicious espresso beverages and accompanying flavors, to a wide menu offering breakfast and lunch options, The Southern Grind offers a diverse collection of items to satisfy every tastebud.

When you think about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, or any destination on the coast for that matter, you will likely think about seafood, boats and a general nautical theme. The Southern Grind perfectly represents everything there is to love about this theme with the decor, and turquoise colored vibe throughout the design elements in the shop.

“The House of Turquoise” as it is known among locals and visitors alike never fails to satisfy every customer that walks through the doors. While staying at the condominiums by Young’s Suncoast overlooking The Wharf, we took the short stroll to The Southern Grind on several occasions to enjoy a Salted Caramel Latte, Vanilla Creme and even a decadent “southern style” breakfast.

There is nothing quite like southern biscuits and gravy, topped with fried eggs or a Hawaiian roll breakfast sandwich to start the day.

You never know what unique array of gifts and home décor you will find in our old antique boat.
The Southern Grind Coffee House

If you are looking for the perfect place in Orange Beach to catch up on work or enjoy reading your favorite book, The Southern Grind is perhaps the best place in town to achieve this. The difficult part will be avoiding the temptation to browse the decor that is available for purchase but should you avoid this, you will enjoy the perfect setting while indulging in delicious coffee.

For more information on both locations at The Wharf and Hotel Indigo, check out The Southern Grind Coffee House website.

The Happy Pappy

The newest coffee shop to open in Gulf Shores is the wonderfully named Happy Pappy’s Coffee House. After opening their doors to customer in early October 2019, this coffee shop has immediately captured the attention of locals and visitors alike, not only because of the gorgeous interior but also through the delicious coffee that is served by the resident baristas.

Located in the midtown area of Gulf Shores, this new construction has a spacious interior with plenty of seating ranging from an area with a sofa to a variety of tables and chairs throughout the modern space. With plenty of windows offering a myriad of natural light, Happy Pappy’s is definitely going to continue to grow as a popular social spot for folks to enjoy a latte while catching up with friends.

If you are looking for the signature drink at Happy Pappy’s, consider sampling the frozen hot chocolate. Heather couldn’t resist the temptation and she indicated it was just as good as the barista suggested it would be.

I enjoyed a caramel latte and with a plethora of fresh pastries to choose from, there is definitely a wide menu to satisfy everyone looking to enjoy a late morning snack or early afternoon tea.

Coffee and Friends make the perfect blend

When I read the above quote on an ornament shaped like a coffee mug, I immediately realized the philosophy Happy Pappy’s is trying to adopt. They are creating the perfect social space for friends and family to enjoy coffee and I am convinced they have already achieved this. Given that they are such a new coffee shop in the area, it will be interesting to see how they grow in the near future.

Beach Girl Coffee

For those of you looking to enjoy a quick visit to a coffee shop, Beach Girl Coffee is likely to be your best option. Serving a variety of espresso and non-coffee beverages through Gulf Shores’ only drive through coffee shop, Beach Girl is the perfect place to visit if you are heading out of town or simply want to grab your favorite drink before heading on to your next adventure exploring the area.

Offering a mixture of standard and seasonal drinks, Beach Girl Coffee caters to every visitors need. Whether you are looking for a Pumpkin Spice Latte or perhaps a frozen smoothie, there are plenty of options on the menu at affordable prices. Heather couldn’t resist the cotton candy smoothie and I enjoyed an iced white chocolate latte. The location combined with friendly service creates the perfect environment for a quick coffee shop visit.

Serving freshly roasted coffee, every beverage at Beach Girl Coffee is individually handcrafted and meticulously created to satisfy every customer that passes through the convenient drive through location.

I think Beach Girl Coffee could consider adding a “seated area” outside this location and a walk-up window, as I truly believe more people would enjoy hanging out here while enjoying the plethora of drink options.

Our Coffee

Our journey around the best coffee shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach continued when we visited Our Coffee, located inside Tambo’s Surf Shack in Gulf Shores. In terms of location, this may not be the usual spot where you would expect to find a coffee shop but after walking inside this surf and dive shop, we immediately fell in love with the coffee house.

If you are looking for the perfect Instagrammable coffee shop, look no further than Our Coffee. With a variety of gorgeous decor, including a swing with the turquoise wall as the backdrop, Our Coffee is a vibrant, hip environment for coffee connoisseurs to enjoy their diverse espresso offerings.

Our goal with our coffee is to pour love into our super rad beach community.
John & Brooke Davis, Co-Owners – Our Coffee

Pay an extra $2 to take home one of the Our Coffee mason jars which you are served with any iced or frozen beverage. The selection of seasonal favorites, including the Maple or Pumpkin Spice lattes in Fall are definitely worth experiencing.

Our Coffee have created a relaxing atmosphere in this space to either read your favorite book or catch up on work. The blend of nautical, natural and eco-friendly decor works well in this coffee shop and creates an idyllic location for those focused on sustainable travel.

BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets

Is there any better combination that delicious coffee combined with freshly prepared pastries and other sweet treat delicacies?

BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets are solely focused on creating the optimal experience for visitors by creating delicious, freshly baked sweet treats, ranging from traditional cupcakes, scone and cookies, to local favorites including the BuzzCatz poptart.

Local chef, Kimberly Asbury, is the pastry chef and general manager at BuzzCatz and has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Her focus is to create anything that people truly enjoy and it’s no surprise that many of her masterpiece pastries are some of the most popular along the Gulf Coast.

Visitors to the Gulf Coast will know that experiencing the best places to eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach epitomizes the local tradition of having an “unforgettable dining experience.” BuzzCatz perfectly continues this tradition by uniquely serving a collection of pastries and espresso infused beverages that inspire visitors to return time and time again.

So, the million dollar question is…what do you order at BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets? The simple answer is anything! You really cannot go wrong with any of the menu items and it’s purely personal preference. From the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to the salted caramel scone and cupcakes, you will leave satisfied regardless of what you order.

Perhaps the cinnamon rolls or southern inspired biscuits will tempt you but the difficult decision will be knowing when to stop ordering…why not just try a little bit of everything!

For details on what you can expect to find, check out BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets website for more information.

Foam Coffee

Do you love clean, spacious, airy coffee shop environments? If the answer is yes, Foam Coffee in Gulf Shores is likely going to jump to the top of your bucket list of coffee shops to visit along the Gulf Coast. As you enter this local establishment, you immediately notice the bright, open environment, combined with plenty of seating and a counter with a cool looking menu board behind it.

Foam Coffee is all about perfecting the details when it comes to creating your preferred beverage. Whether you are opting for a Fall classic, such as the Bourbon Caramel Cortado, or perhaps sticking with a more traditional flavor, you cannot help but admire the barista carefully manipulating your preferred milk choice into the cup. The end result – a decadent concoction that could easily compete with the best coffee options among the competitors in the area.

With plenty of breakfast options to choose from, Foam Coffee is more than just a coffee shop. But for those of you wanting to hang out in a welcoming atmosphere with your favorite latte, this is certainly one of the best choices in the area.

Check out full details on Foam Coffee to learn more about seasonal menu offerings.

Summary

Before starting out on this adventure to explore the coffee scene in Gulf Shores and Orange, I honestly would never have guessed that this area would have so many awesome options for those that love local coffee shops. After visiting six unique coffee shops in both locations, we are 100% convinced that this is a thriving area and it wouldn’t surprise me if more local establishments decided to open their doors in the near future.

We love visiting coffee shops to not only experience the best local roasts in the area but also to relax and use the space to catch up on blog work. Aside from Beach Girl Coffee which is the perfect spot to just grab a drink while on the go, each of the other coffee shops have unique characteristics that make them an appealing environment to visit and spend several hours enjoying the atmosphere while sampling delicious beverages and fresh food.

I don’t think it’s fair to pick a favorite given that we feel all of the aforementioned coffee shops are worth visiting and we are already excited about our next trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to experience each and every one of these again.

If you love coffee as much as we do, you may be inspired by the following coffee related posts in other destinations around the world:

Orlando Murals – How to Find the Best Street Art Locations

Florida

Chris Boothman

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Oct 14, 2019

6

Orlando Murals – How to Find the Best Street Art Locations

If you really want to experience the true vibe and feel of a city, we strongly encourage you to check out the local street art scene as it frequently represents the plethora of neighborhoods that make up the metropolis. We have been fortunate to experience artistic creativity in the US by visiting the best street art in Memphis, awesome collection of Nashville murals and the myriad of districts in Atlanta that are home to artistic masterpieces. During our recent trip to Florida, we decided to experience a collection of Orlando murals in search of the best local street art across this eclectic city.

For those of you that have never visited Orlando, you could be forgiven for thinking this city is all about the theme parks. You are partially correct but there is also so much more to this city that should attract your attention. From the best coffee shops in Orlando to a plethora of other things to do in Orlando, we also recently found this vibrant city is home to a diverse street art scene that epitomizes the creativity you expect to see from local street artists.

orlando murals — Location: Washington Street, Thornton Park

But does the Orlando street art scene truly represent the city that many people fall in love with? Well, you may be disappointed to hear that Orlando’s street artistry isn’t solely focused on Harry Potter or Walt Disney World but what it does offer is an awesome variety of murals that are unique, colorful and certainly represent the dynamic neighborhoods where they can be found. Let’s take a look at Orlando’s street art scene.

Orlando Murals Neighborhoods

We hope the following guide not only highlights the best street art spots in Orlando but is also a useful guide if you are intrigued to explore some of these murals for yourself.

We are going to look at a wide collection of murals across various neighborhoods in Orlando, including:

Mills 50 District
Downtown Orlando
WestArt/Parramore District
Kissimmee

Exploring Orlando’s street art scene is an amazing experience and following the tragedy in 2016 at the Pulse nightclub, there is an apparent push by local artists and even those that have come to the area to really promote the LGBT community and ensure the solidarity among every culture continues to thrive.

you matter mural orlando — *Location: Bites & Bubbles, 912 N. Mills.*

There are many other areas where you can stumble across cool street art and this is certainly by no means an exhaustive list. The beauty of street art is that it is constantly evolving, so please feel free to share your favorite locations and murals in the comments section below.

orlando strong mural mills 50 — Location: Opposite Track Shack, North Mills Avenue

Mills 50 District

When it comes to street art in Orlando, the Mills 50 District is the “Rolls-Royce” neighborhood across the city with a myriad of amazing murals to experience. Whether you are intrigued by the Pulse mural by Andrew Spear or perhaps you cannot help but fall in love with the Lamp Shade Fair mural by Boy Kong, the Mills 50 District is a thriving area of artistic creativity.

lamp shade fair mural orlando — Location: 1336 N Mills Ave

For those of you that love capturing selfies with street art (personally, I prefer to admire the creative works rather than spoiling them with a selfie), the Mills 50 District will likely be an area you will want to spend quite some time. Despite being an ever-changing landscape, which is unsurprisingly the frequent nature of street art scenes, the beauty of this neighborhood is that the majority of the murals can be found scattered along both sides of North Mills Avenue.

The iconic mural depicting an alligator and oranges is the perfect representation of not only Orlando but also the state of Florida – there are probably not too many more iconic symbols of the state (Mickey Mouse being the exception!). Located on the side of Rise Above Tattoo shop, this mural is one of our favorites throughout this neighborhood.

rise above tattoo street art orlando — Location: 1009 N Mills Ave

Established local artist Andrew Spear can be seen throughout the Mills 50 District with his works of art. In 2014, Spear began his adventure creating a variety of murals, in conjunction with Red Bull. The #WingstoWalls project can be seen along North Mills Avenue and the mural featuring DJ M-Squared is perhaps the most popular among visitors to the area.

andrew spear wingstowalls mills 50 district — Location: N. Mills Avenue and Lake Highland Drive

Another of Spears’ iconic masterpieces in conjunction with Red Bull is a collection of breakdancers showing their skills in the Mills 50 neighborhood. For the local musicians and artists out there, this is definitely a way to bring both cultures together to create an environment of inclusion.

You could easily spend several hours wandering around this neighborhood as it seems there is a different mural around every street corner and what is so unique is that each one has its own distinctive meaning. For example, the “You Mattered” mural depicts 49 birds in LGBT colors to represent the birds that flew over the Pulse nightclub following the tragic shooting in 2016.

you mattered mural mills 50 orlando — Location: iFixYouri, 1200 E. Colonial Drive

Downtown Orlando

After exploring the Mills 50 neighborhood, you could be forgiven for thinking that this part of Orlando is the area where all of the best street artists showcase their work. Although there may be some truth to this, at least in our opinion, given that we love the Mills 50 area and all the amazing works of art, downtown Orlando is definitely not short of spectacular murals.

There is street art at ground level around corners and on the sides of buildings but also a few amazing pieces of creativity on high-rise buildings.

Let’s take a look at the “Greetings From Orlando” mural – every city has to have one of these, right? Colorful, vibrant, and perfectly representing the city with all of the various components that you can see in the mural. This is definitely one of those murals where it’s ok to take a selfie but we still think admiring it without the camera in front of you first is a little more appealing to the eye.

A short walk from this mural is a couple of great coffee shops – Craft & Common and Deeply Coffee. Grab your favorite espresso here before heading over to another cool looking mural – aptly named, the “Penguin Mural”.

WestArt/Parramore District

The WestArt district in Orlando, west of the downtown area, is another thriving community for street art work. Located within the Parramore neighborhood, this eclectic collection of murals can be found along alleys and around a myriad of street corners. The goal of having local artists and well-recognized artists from across the globe visiting this area, is to try and bring a positive perspective to the Parramore district.

In recent years, the Parramore neighborhood has seen some gentrification, largely due to the opening of the Orlando City soccer stadium. The WestArt district offers an additional cultural element to the area and certainly adds some color to the architecture around the neighborhood.

Many locals have already considered this to be Orlando’s equivalent of Miami’s Wynwood Walls district, but we personally think it’s a little too soon to go that far. Having these ambitious goals will definitely help grow this neighborhood and only time will tell if this grows into a renowned global area of street art mastery.

When you hear that a neighborhood has seen a reduction in crime and littering due to the development of such initiatives, it’s great to see how street art can help put a positive spin on a district. This has certainly been achieved in the Parramore district courtesy of the WestArt initiative.

Kissimmee

Ready to venture outside of Orlando’s central neighborhoods? Let’s head south to the town of Kissimmee, just a short drive from the aforementioned neighborhoods. One of the best reasons to visit Kissimmee, aside from having a plethora of awesome, culturally infused restaurants, is this neighborhood is relatively quiet in comparison to the rest of Orlando.

If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life in Orlando or theme parks, head to Kissimmee to enjoy delicious cuisine and amazing street art. That’s right, Kissimmee is yet another area in this part of Florida that is home to a collection of awe-inspiring murals that will get those creative juices flowing inside you.

Kissimmee hasn’t always seen the creative side of local artists. However, in recent years, thanks to the ARTisNOW initiative at Osceola Arts, this area is now home to a number of murals that are arguably some of the most impressive across any of the Orlando neighborhoods.

The idea was to bring mural art to the downtown to liven up and engage the community
Marylin Cortes-Lovato, Osceola Arts Director of Visual Arts

The “Burrowing (or Cosmic) Owl” mural is a vibrant and symbolic representation of Kissimmee while opposite this mural is a a rather complex depiction of two iron horses. Regardless of your street art preference, you cannot help but admire the beauty of these two murals.

burrowing owl mural kissimmeee — Location: 8 Broadway: Hansen/Walter Building

I envision this to be just the start of several more works of art moving into Kissimmee and it will be interesting to see how this culture evolves in the near future. Whether you consider Kissimmee to be part of Orlando or a separate town, it’s well worth visiting if you are taking a tour of the best street art in the area.

Summary

The more time we spend in Orlando, the more we realize there is so much more to this city than just theme parks. We had an amazing time exploring the diverse collection of murals across the city and we hope that you will agree that Orlando is definitely a place that should be recognized for having an eclectic street art scene.

migrating mural orlando — Location: 520 South Magnolia Ave

Although we highlighted only four neighborhoods, this is just a small area of Orlando that we discovered. Thornton Park is another neighborhood that could easily be included as a separate area to explore, particularly because of the iconic “Swan” mural that you cannot help but fall in love with.

swan mural thornton park orlando — Location: The Falcon Bar and Gallery

We look forward to having the opportunity to explore more street art in the future and for anyone intrigued by street art across any city, you will know that the beauty of this is the ever-changing landscape that continues to flourish.

Do you love street art? Which cities across the globe do you consider to be the best for creative murals?

Best Coffee in Orlando – Local Spots Not to Be Missed

Florida

Chris Boothman

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Oct 7, 2019

1

Best Coffee in Orlando – Local Spots Not to Be Missed

Orlando is all about the theme parks, right? Whether it’s Disney World, Universal or Sea World, it’s a common stereotype but just how accurate is this? Despite being recent annual passholders at Disney, we have decided to start visiting this wonderful city in search of everything else that makes Orlando such a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. I am not going to try and convince you that a trip to Orlando shouldn’t include one of these parks but we would like to share another of our passions that we have recently discovered in this part of Florida…coffee shops! That’s right, finding the best coffee in Orlando is something we have loved exploring and we want to share our findings.

We would argue that it’s a common misconception that visiting Orlando should be all about theme parks. Disney World is an amazing place and rightfully renowned as “the happiest place on earth.” Universal Studios is everything you could wish for if you are a Harry Potter fan…but what about if you are wanting to experience the “other” side of Orlando?

Visiting a wide collection of local coffee shops across the city and surrounding neighborhoods is a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy a modern, trendy vibe that epitomizes the melting pot environment that is present throughout Orlando.

Best Coffee in Orlando

While visiting every local coffee shop in Orlando is on our radar (this post will just continue to grow as we develop the ultimate guide to coffee in Orlando!), we of course have only visited a small number but we hope that you are as intrigued as we are by this eclectic selection of coffee houses that we truly believe reflect the thriving coffee scene in the heart of Florida.

If you are looking for the best things to do in Orlando that are NOT Disney or Universal, starting out with a decadent espresso or French press will give you plenty of energy to explore the city.

Ok, But First Coffee
Allegro Coffee Company
iCafe de Paris
Craft & Common
Holy Grain Coffee Shop
Braz Coffee Shop
Paloma Coffee Co.
Deeply Coffee

This is by no means an exhaustive list of local coffee spots as there are plenty others but this is definitely a great selection representing the best of Orlando’s coffee scene. As always, we are going to review these coffee shops not only in terms of the quality of coffee (and food where applicable) but also the overall atmosphere and ability to work.

We love visiting coffee houses that are spacious and provide free WiFi, so we can catch up on work and we feel this is an important aspect to consider when providing reviews of these.

Let’s take a look at some of our favorites and hopefully you are inspired to check these out during your next visit to a city that is so much more than theme parks! We are going to review each of the following coffee shops and as always, we encourage you to share your experiences and favorite coffee shops in Orlando in the comments section below.

Ok, But First Coffee

Is there any better place to start than the wonderfully named, Ok, But First Coffee? Start your day the best possible way by visiting this local coffee shop located on Sand Lake Road close to International Drive. This location is famous not only for a variety of coffee options but also a diverse collection of cupcakes that once appeared on Cupcake Wars (under it’s previous name of La Sweetz!).

Whether you are intrigued by the decadent looking cupcakes or simply want to enjoy a caramel macchiato or seasonally inspired S’Mores Latte, you can be sure that Ok, But First Coffee is the perfect way to start your adventure exploring Orlando. If you are looking to enjoy breakfast with a little more substance than just a cupcake or fresh pastry, there are several other options to choose from including a freshly prepared Acai bowl that is the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee.

This coffee shop isn’t the largest in Orlando and so there is limited seating but you can still enjoy your coffee in the comfort of this location. If you are looking to catch up on work, this may not be the ideal spot but in terms of beverages and food, this is definitely a place worth visiting.

Check out Ok, But First Coffee for more information on location, hours and menu options.

Allegro Coffee Company

When it comes to finding sustainable coffee shops, Allegro Coffee Company is definitely one that is worth experiencing. Located inside Whole Foods Market, this coffee bar epitomizes a brand focused on sustainability and supporting a healthy planet for all of us to enjoy.

Since the 1980s, Allegro has been roasting organic coffees across various locations. Although this is not technically a local coffee shop specific to Orlando, the location here is definitely one that is worth paying a visit to while you wander around Whole Foods Market.

we remain committed to supporting a healthy planet today, and promoting the ongoing fertility of land for use by future generations.
Allegro Coffee Company

For the non-coffee drinkers, there is an eclectic tea offering available ranging from black teas to herbal teas and even loose leaf teas from across the globe. The distinctive flavors of both tea and coffee from Allegro help to create a unique experience for anyone visiting these locations. If you are in Orlando, take a few minutes to visit Whole Foods Market to see for yourself how Allegro is 100% committed to creating a sustainable environment.

Allegro Coffee Company in Orlando is not going to be the coffee shop environment where you can work or relax, rather it’s the perfect location to grab an espresso before walking around Whole Foods Market to get any groceries for your stay in the city.

Find out more about Allegro Coffee Company’s sustainability initiatives along with the diverse menu offerings available in Orlando and other locations.

iCafe de Paris

Orlando has a diverse collection of coffee shops, all in unique locations with great menu options. But there is one coffee shop in particular that if you are looking solely at location can surely not be beaten – iCafe de Paris. Located in ICON Park directly under the iconic Orlando Eye, this French inspired coffee shop is the perfect place to enjoy a morning, afternoon or evening beverage with an awe-inspiring backdrop.

Whether you choose to sit indoors and admire the delicious looking crepes being handmade or perhaps prefer to sit outside on the large patio while taking in the epic views of the ferris wheel that towers 400 feet into the Orlando sky, iCafe de Paris is a coffee shop that needs to be on everyone’s radar when visiting this part of Florida.

The coffee at iCafe de Paris is a little pricier than some of the alternatives in Orlando but honestly, you are paying for both the drink and the experience. Although the coffee is good, I would argue the various crepe options and other desserts are a little more intriguing. Heather opted for the Bananaberry Smoothie and I enjoyed a caramel macchiato, though resisting the temptation of the crepes was the most challenging aspect of our visit.

If you enjoy working outdoors, iCafe de Paris is a great option given its location. However, if you enjoy people watching or admiring architecture, you may find that your attention focuses on other things than work because there is so much going on in ICON Park.

Check out iCafe de Paris and the menu options available, or simply visit and take your pick while admiring the beauty of the Orlando Eye.

Craft & Common

Take a few minutes to think about the ideal coffee shop setting…what comes to mind? For us, it’s a spacious, modern setting with a wide variety of menu options. The moment we walked into Craft & Common in the heart of downtown Orlando, we knew that we had found our ideal space.

This welcoming neighborhood space has everything you need to enjoy coffee and delicious cuisine while creating the perfect work environment to catch up on e-mails, blog posts (it was for us!) or read your favorite book.

Craft & Common is all about the intricate details. From the freshly made cakes to perfectly crafted beverages, combined with the fresh, relaxing atmosphere created throughout this space by the light and airy decor, this coffee shop is everything we look for and more.

After reading that Craft & Common’s desire was to “create a “SoCal vibe, with a fun, social and cohesive setting,” I think it’s fair to say this has been achieved throughout the vibrant space.

Think Williams-Sonoma with an espresso bar
Lindsay Duensing, Co-Owner

Heather is not a coffee drinker but fell in love with the Vanilla Chai while I couldn’t resist sampling the Draft Latte (Nitro cold brew, Butterscotch and half and half). The hibiscus and raspberry cake was too tempting to resist and provided the perfect late morning sweet treat.

If you are visiting Orlando, parking downtown can be tricky but there are plenty of street parking options available and if you download the ParkMobile app (available on iTunes and Android), you can pay per hour and extend your stay without having to return to your vehicle.

Check out Craft & Common’s website for details on seasonal food and beverages available.

Holy Grain Coffee Shop

Looking for a cozy, contemporary coffee shop experience? Look no further than Holy Grain Coffee Shop, located along Conroy Road in the heart of Orlando.

Inspired by a Brazilian owner who wanted to add a little flair along with the traditional Brazilian coffee shop experience where it’s all about a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, Holy Grain opened its doors and today offers the ultimate experience for visitors to the area.

Our passion is to serve great coffees while providing a comfortable environment for you to relax in, either by yourself or with friends.
Lilian Trevisan, Owner – Holy Grain Coffee Shop

Sample a variety of unique, Brazilian inspired beverages or opt for a more traditional espresso but perfectly manicured and handcrafted by the local baristas. Whether you are a latte connoisseur or prefer to sample the local pièce de résistance – the Brazilian cappuccino, you can be sure there will be something on this vast menu that will intrigue you enough to visit. Heather is always excited to see a menu that offers various options outside of coffee, and the iced lavender latte was an instant hit.

Smoothies, sandwiches and salads are available so it’s more than just a cafe where you can enjoy coffee. In fact, this place offers the perfect environment to enjoy a late morning snack or even lunch while catching up on some work and admiring the decorative pieces and design throughout this coffee shop.

Seja bem vindo e aproveite! (Welcome and Enjoy)
Lilian Trevisan, Owner – Holy Grain Coffee Shop

Check out Holy Grain Coffee Shop for menu details and more information on this location that was inspired by a traditional Brazilian coffee house.

Braz Coffee Shop

With the way technology is going, it’s not going to be long before we see fully automated restaurants and coffee shops. Braz Coffee Shop in the neighborhood of Kissimmee, Florida (just south of downtown Orlando) has made the first step at achieving this with the introduction of Jibo, a robot that sits on the counter and learns all of your actions and movements.

Through the use of artificial intelligence, this coffee shop adds something different to the traditional experience you expect in these types of locations. Braz Coffee Shop itself offers visitors a diverse menu to choose from, whether it’s a traditional espresso or something a little more complex.

The “bubble waffles” are a popular choice while the frap”e”ccino’s are equally delicious and the caramel mixed with ice cream and espresso was something I couldn’t resist. With indoor and outdoor seating available, this coffee house offers the perfect environment to relax with friends or if you are flying solo, it’s a quiet, cozy space to read your favorite book and send some e-mails.

Coffee is undoubtedly the mainstay item here but that should take nothing away from the various cuisine options available here. Delicious looking waffles, bagels, paninis, omelettes and sandwiches are all available, making Braz Coffee Shop a great location to visit at any time of the day.

The selection of freshly made pastries are incredibly appetizing and the tough choice is going to be what to order. Perhaps your new friend Jibo can help make this choice a little easier!

Check out Braz Coffee and Tea for details of the widespread menu along with the location in downtown Kissimmee.

Paloma Coffee Co.

If you love exploring the ritzier neighborhoods of a city, the area of Windermere in western Orlando is a spot you will want to spend some time exploring. Renowned as being an upper-class community, home to various celebrities including PGA golfers, Windermere is also an area where you will find a bright, local coffee shop by the name of Paloma Coffee Co.

Located in the heart of the quaint and quirky historic district, Paloma Coffee Co. is one of the more aesthetically pleasing coffee shops in Orlando. The bright, vibrant colors inside the coffee shop provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy a morning espresso or perhaps you prefer to sit at the bar peering out of the front window to watch locals and visitors alike exploring the neighborhood.

From a variety of teas to your regular coffee offerings, Paloma Coffee Co. represents the traditional coffee shop setting but focuses on quality. The meticulous nature at which tea and coffee is prepared by the barista is certainly a focal point here, so regardless of personal preference you can be sure you will enjoy a perfectly manicured beverage among a friendly atmosphere and relaxing environment.

Paloma Coffee Co. is definitely a location where you could spend a few hours catching up on work or having a conversation with friends, while enjoying a delicious latte (or two!)

Deeply Coffee

It’s probably no surprise to hear that downtown Orlando is home to a plethora of awesome coffee shops. Deeply Coffee was another experience that we immediately fell in love with as we walked through the doors and admired the large, open-air setting offering plenty of seating options.

The menu may be relatively small but don’t let that fool you – you will be rewarded with an amazing experience regardless of which beverage you choose.

Heather was sold by the seasonal Hot Apple Cider and when you see how this is served, well…this just adds another layer to the quality of this drink. Every last detail is meticulously addressed while the artwork on my latte was definitely one of the better designs I have seen.

Deeply Coffee has a real Apple-esque feel to the interior with maple tables and stools, but it’s definitely the creativity of the baristas and focus on presentation that really helps set this coffee shop apart from its counterparts in Orlando.

Simple, elegant, crisp, relaxing…all words that I would use to describe both the architecture and decor throughout Deeply Coffee. When you combine this with appetizing coffee and tea selections, you have created the perfect coffee house and we 100% attest that we feel like Deeply Coffee has achieved this.

Disney Springs…Starbucks

Does the heading look a little out of place among a collection of local coffee shops in Orlando? Don’t worry, I am not going to start recommending a myriad of Starbucks locations across the city (though there are plenty) but I am going to give a special mention to a unique location at Disney Springs.

If you are planning a trip to experience the best things to do at Disney Springs, we would argue that adding a trip to the Starbucks there should be on your radar. Unlike your regular Starbucks, this has a diverse, customized menu with a variety of options to choose from.

I really think that if more Starbucks adopted this approach, they would be on to a huge winner. Yes, there is the secret menu at Starbucks but why not advertise these awesome concoctions?

thanksamillion frappuccino disney springs

Check out the #Thanksamillion Frappuccino to celebrate Disney Springs’ one million followers. A standard strawberries and creme Frappuccino has been taken to the next level by adding a confetti cookie and topped with blueberry whipped cream. A variety of other specials are frequently available and this gives the local baristas the opportunity to show their creativity and develop the next magical Starbucks beverage.

Summary

Coffee shops are quickly becoming one of our favorite experiences when visiting a new city. Having spent a lot of time recently in Orlando, we decided it was time to highlight the diverse options available across the city…and yes, there are plenty to choose from!

Whether you love visiting coffee shops solely for sampling the best coffee in the area or perhaps you want to find the perfect space to allow your creative juices to flow, Orlando is home to a variety of options that will surely meet everyone’s preferences. We quickly fell in love with both Craft & Common and Deeply Coffee, both located in the downtown area but this again was our own personal preference.

All of the above coffee shops are worth visiting and we would love to hear your feedback on other coffee shops that we may have missed in Orlando. We cannot wait to return and explore more of the coffee shop scene! As we always tell people…there is way more to Orlando than just Disney World!

If you love coffee as much as we do, you may be inspired by the following coffee related posts in other cities around the world:

Enjoy the Best Northeast USA Road Trips This Year

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

-

Sep 30, 2019

5

Enjoy the Best Northeast USA Road Trips This Year

When it comes to exploring the very best of the United States, there is no better way to accomplish this than by taking an epic road trip. We LOVE packing our car with the essentials and then heading out on a long weekend road trip to enjoy new parts of the US. From the east coast to the west and everything in between, the US is the perfect location and epitomizes everything there is to love about road trips. If you read our post on the best east coast road trips, you will know that we are very fond of the New England corridor. What better way to celebrate this beautiful part of the country than by highlighting the very best northeast USA road trips.

We are grateful to a collection of our friends in the travel blogging world for contributing to this epic post. We have been fortunate to enjoy a couple of amazing road trips in northeast USA over recent years, but when it comes to putting together a post highlighting the “best of the best”, we figured it was appropriate to call in the experts. Let’s take a look at some of the best road trips you can experience this year and of course, in years to come.

Best Northeast USA Road Trips

Whether you are exploring the neighborhoods of Boston or heading along the coast to explore the iconic lighthouses near Portland, the New England area is the perfect spot to enjoy a spectacular road trip. Breathtaking fall foliage, picturesque wintry scenes, gorgeous national parks and much more typify why this part of the US is such a popular region for road tripping.

Here is a collection of road trips that we are going to highlight throughout the post but this is just a small sample of the myriad of endless opportunities that exist in the American northeast.

Boston to Montreal – In 2014, we took a similar road trip from Boston to Quebec taking in all of the states in this part of the country before crossing the border into Canada.
Providence to Newport (Rhode Island)
Boston Figure of Eight – Cape Ann, Salem, Plymouth, Cape Code etc.
Scenic Route 100 Byway (Vermont)
Boston to Portland
Portland to Acadia National Park
New York City to Cape Cod
Hudson River Valley – head a little further inland from the New England corridor and the state of New York offers a collection of amazing road trip options, including this epic journey.
Finger Lakes (New York) – this is the “exception” to this list of New England road trips but it’s a short distance from this region offering spectacular scenery and so well worth including in this post.

Boston to Montreal

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip between Boston and Montreal

On your way to Montreal drive up to New Hampshire and into the white mountains. Pull off the road to enjoy the views, hikes, and waterfalls of New Hampshire. If you have kids along enjoy Santa’s Village or Storyland and the cute ski town of Lincoln.

Take time to placate your sweet tooth with the world’s longest candy counter at Chutter’s in Littleton. Right before you reach the Canadian border you will find the Derby Line – you are halfway between the North Pole and the equator! You can even cross the border by walking through a library. This is the kind of kitschy stuff road trips are designed for.

After visiting Montreal, head back to Boston through the artistic, rural state of Vermont. Take a tour at the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory. Stop by the most charmingly New England town of Woodstock where you can shop, walk the town green and see its covered bridge. Also, stop by the nearby artists’ studios and farms; Hike the famous Quechee Gorge to see the best of fall’s colors. This drive will take about 10 hours and is the perfect way to experience New England.

Thanks to Jamie Italiane from The Daily Adventures of Me for sharing this awesome road trip. Read on for more details about this road trip from Boston to Montreal.

Providence to Newport

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip between Providence and Newport, Rhode Island

New England is filled with history and great outdoors experiences, providing a plethora of travel opportunities to fit any nomad’s preference. But during the fall, the North Eastern coast of the United States erupts in beautiful hues of orange, brown, and every autumn shade imaginable.

More specifically, Rhode Island acts as a perfect example of what the North East has to offer, and a short road trip from Providence to Newport allows you to take it all in. This is a short trip taking you through the more rural regions of Rhode Island and allowing you to take in all the foliage.

Your destination in Newport is where the fun begins, with some of the best seafood and eateries that you’ll find in the U.S., such as the Red Parrot Restaurant.

When you decide to eat is on you, but maybe you’d prefer to explore the mansions on the Newport shores first? Regardless, be sure to take in both no matter how you plan it, as nothing beats an autumn scenic drive ending in engorging seafood and amazing architecture!

Thanks to Casey LaClair from Viraflare for sharing her thoughts on this scenic road trip in Rhode Island.

Boston Figure of Eight

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip around the iconic locations in Massachusetts

Boston offers so many intriguing road trips that the best thing to do is to loop a few together in a figure of eight on a map. Start by heading north to Cape Ann, the quieter side of New England. Look for breezy promenades, squat light houses and the home of deep fried clams.

Return to Boston, stopping in at Salem to look at the witch trials that featured in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, then continue south. Stay overnight in Plymouth and grapple with the history of the Mayflower and the arrival of the pilgrims amid tranquil marinas and polished lawns.

From there continue into the hook of Cape Cod, her salty sand banks and calm waters. If time allows, take the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, two different glimpses of life in America, each with their own charm.

Finally, return to Boston, with a quick detour to see the deep blood red of the cranberry bogs that lie along the side of the road. For further details on this journey, check out this road trip from Boston.

Thanks to Abigail King from Inside the Travel Lab for sharing this road trip featuring some of the best things to do in the state of Massachusetts.

Scenic Route 100 Byway

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip along Scenic Route 100 in Vermont

There are endless opportunities for road tripping in Vermont. The state has more dirt roads than paved and more cows than people. Route 100, which is Vermont’s longest state highway, runs 216.6 miles through the Green Mountains, from north to south. If you’re looking for a quintessential Vermont road trip, then Route 100 is the perfect place to start.

Begin your journey in the small mountain town of Wilmington and head north through the Green Mountain National Forest. The road passes pristine mountain lakes, cascading waterfalls, secret swimming holes, and quite campgrounds. It is an awesome Vermont road trip for fall when you can take full advantage of the gorgeous fall colors and outdoor adventures in the mountains.

vermont fall road trip — Somerset Reservoir in Green Mountain National Forest by Tara Schatz

Highlights of a Route 100 road trip include Jamaica State Park, where you can rent a cabin on the West River, the iconic Long Trail Brewing Company in Bridgewater Corners, and the beautiful mountain town of Stowe. Be sure to drive up the Mt. Mansfield Toll Road at Stowe Mountain Resort. At 4,395 feet, Mt. Mansfield is Vermont’s tallest peak, and the views from the top are incredible.

vermont road trip — Kelly Stand Road off of Route 100 by Tara Schatz

After 216 miles of driving, Route 100 ends in the bustling little city of Newport, where you can take a sunset cruise on Lake Memphormagog, eat traditional Thai food at Dusit Thai Cuisine, and shop the local boutiques on Main Street.

Thanks to Tara Schatz from Back Road Ramblers for highlighting some of the lesser known spots worth exploring in the New England area in the state of Vermont.

Boston to Portland

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip along the New England coast between Boston and Portland

Many have heard of Salem, Massachusetts because of its’ haunted history of witchcraft hysteria in the 1690s and witch trials. With hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, there is no doubt that this is a must on your road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine.

With many haunted happenings no matter the time of year, the best time to visit Salem is in the fall for the biggest effect. No visit to Salem would be complete without visiting at least one of the following three attractions. The Witch History Museum is where to go to hear all the stories of witch trials and witch craft in Salem.

Following your visit to the museum head to the Witch House, which is the only building in Salem still standing with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials. The house was owned by Judge Jonathan Corwin who was the judge of the Salem witchcraft trials. It is believed that some interrogations even took place here!

On a less spooky note, Salem is also home to Nathanial Hawthorne’s “The House of the Seven Gables” which offers tours and gives you a picture into what life was like in the 1800s. Salem is a culturally rich and haunted gem of the USA definitely worth your time.

Thanks to Sarah Fay from Travels of Sarah Fay for highlighting why the iconic town of Salem is a must-see during your road trip from Boston to Portland. When you arrive in Portland, don’t forget to explore the historic Portland Head Light along with other lighthouses along this stretch of coastline.

Portland to Acadia National Park

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip from Portland to Acadia National Park along the coast of Maine

If there’s one thing Maine is definitely good for its road trips and after road-tripping the entire Maine coastline, I’d highly suggest driving from Portland, Maine to Acadia National Park in Maine. There are plenty of things to do along the way, plenty of sites to see, places to eat, and much more that you could spend weeks along this route and still not see it all. But, of course, there are always highlights.

Starting in Portland, make sure to check out one of the most beautiful lighthouses, Portland Head Lighthouse, eat at Green Elephant in the city, grab donuts at Holy Donuts, and walk around Mackworth Island.

Next stop is Damariscotta to grab a bit and check out the small town before heading to Pemaquid Lighthouse (make sure to go up in the lighthouse – it’s one of the few you can!). Then head to Marshall Point Lighthouse to see the lighthouse from Forrest Gump!

Keep heading along the coast stopping in Rockland for cool street art, shopping and restaurants and then head up to Camden Hills State Park for beautiful, panorama views and hiking. The last leg of this road trip includes a stop in Deer Isle for a unique and off the beaten path vantage of Maine – drive around the entire island making leisurely stops along the way and soak up what feels like a step back in time – and a stop in Bangor to scope out all the cool Stephen King locations and a cool, sleepy New England town.

While in Acadia National Park, make sure to check out all the amazing hikes (I highly suggest the Wonderland and Ship Harbor Trail), take day trips to Bar Harbor to explore this adorable town and take a whale watching tour, and go kayaking around the many little islands.

Thanks to Ashley Hubbard from Wild Hearted (also, Oddities and Curiosities) for sharing this amazing road trip along the Maine coastline.

New York City to Cape Cod

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip along the coast of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts

A road trip from New York City along the coastline of Connecticut, Rhode Island and the Cape Cod section of Massachusetts in the autumn is a great idea because the weather is still pretty warm yet the crush of the summer tourist season is finished. Autumn color blooms along this route by mid-October as well.

There are quite a few historical places to visit on this road trip. In Connecticut be sure to visit New Haven which is famous for Yale University (and Louis Lunch which is the reputed birthplace of the hamburger) and Mystic which has a renowned aquarium and living history museum. Mystic skyrocketed to fame in the 1980’s for the movie, Mystic Pizza, which was one of Julia Roberts’ first major hits. Mystic Pizza still exists and is totally worth a visit.

In Rhode Island, be sure to stop off in Newport and visit the summer “cottages” of the super rich elite of the Gilded Age. Newport also has a charming harbour and is home to the International Museum of Tennis.

In Cape Cod and the Islands (Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket), you will find autumn is a great time for cycling, hiking, and fishing – pretty much every outdoor activity available during the more expensive summer months except for beach going.

Make sure not to miss the cranberry bogs in the area as well. Some of the local fall festivals include the famous Wellfleet Oyster Festival, Oktberfest in Chatham or the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival in Edgartown.

Thanks to Shobha George from Martha’s Vineyard Tourist for sharing this awesome road trip along the New England coastline.

Hudson River Valley

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip along the Hudson River Valley

When it comes to fall leaf-peeping destinations, New England tends to get all the attention. But as a native New Yorker, I promise the Empire State’s fall foliage is just as gorgeous. The best way to do a New York State fall road trip is to do a big loop, starting and ending in New York City.

Along the way, you should visit the cutest towns along the Hudson River. The best town for hiking and antiquing is Cold Spring. Before heading out on a hike, stop at Hudson Hill’s, famous for its chocolate french toast.

Another great town is Beacon, where you can find Dia Beacon, a contemporary art museum as good as any in New York City. After the museum, eat at Brother’s Trattoria, a cozy Italian restaurant. If you feel like getting into the Halloween spirit, stop by Tarrytown. The author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving, lived here, so the town goes all out with pumpkins, skeletons, and headless horsemen every year.

Finally, history buffs and foodies shouldn’t skip Poughkeepsie. Tour the home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and then dine at the Culinary Institute of America, where Anthony Bourdain studied cooking. The Hudson River Valley has something for everyone.

Thanks to Stella from Around The World in 24 Hours for sharing this awesome New York road trip. We have previously taken a day trip from New York City to Bear Mountain, in the heart of the Hudson Valley and can attest that the scenery here is breathtaking.

Finger Lakes, New York

Click here to open Google Maps for details of this road trip around the Finger Lakes in New York

Western New York is especially beautiful in the fall. The weather gives way from hot summers to crisp mornings and evening and temperatures ready for jeans and t-shirts on a warm day or light sweaters in early fall. You can spend just about a week on a road trips to the Finger Lakes with two days in each of these these locations: 1) Corning, 2) Watkins Glen, 3) Chemung County. If you have time, add Hammondsport to your Finger Lakes itinerary.

Corning

The Corning Museum of Glass and Rockwell Museum are a must before leaving Corning to explore the beauty of the Finger Lakes region.

Watkins Glen

This is the perfect city in the Finger Lakes for a romantic weekend getaway. Their state park is a must see experience! It’s absolutely stunning and you can take an enjoyable, easy hike there. A sunset sailboat ride with Schooner Excursions around Seneca Lake is a great idea if it’s the right time in the season.

Chemung County

The National Soaring Museum is incredibly interesting and if you visit at the right time, you can take a hang glider ride from the same location in Elmira. This area is also deemed “Mark Twain Country,” where he spent many summers writing and enjoying the area.

He famously wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn at his study, which is available for the public to visit at Elmira College. For those of you that have visited Twain’s boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri, this will be a perfect place to visit to learn more about his iconic works.

Hammondsport

If you have time be sure to travel the short distance to nearby Hammondsport as well. Dr. Frank’s is a winery that offers tastings and a beautiful view of their vineyards in the area. We recommend taking a seaplane ride with Finger Lakes Seaplanes over Keuka Lake too. It’s especially splendid during fall!

Thanks to Mikkel from Sometimes Home for sharing a part of New York that we are particularly excited about visiting in the near future.

Summary

Road tripping around the New England states offers a little bit of everything, with an eclectic blend of urban beauty mixed in with breathtaking rural bliss. Whether you are intrigued by the myriad of lighthouses along the coastline or perhaps want to learn all about the history of the Salem witches, planning a road trip around northeast USA is always going to offer plenty of opportunities for amazing experiences.

We think the above collection of road trips offers a diverse blend of experiences and we want to thank each and every travel blogger for contributing to this post. We look forward to adding other northeast USA road trips to this post in the future, so please feel free to share your favorite trips in the comments section below.

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Summary

Best Northeast USA Road Trips

Boston to Montreal

Providence to Newport

Boston Figure of Eight

Scenic Route 100 Byway

Boston to Portland

Portland to Acadia National Park

New York City to Cape Cod

Hudson River Valley

Finger Lakes, New York

Corning

Watkins Glen

Chemung County

Hammondsport

Summary

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