2008 Woodie Awards
Local shops offer cream of the crop
Abbey Tinker
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Arts & Lifestyle
- Page 1 of 2 next >
|
Many are not far from campus, making them easy for students to get to. Jitters, for example, is conveniently located on campus in Wells East.
Each shop has its own unique atmosphere that caters to several activities. Coffee Stop (located inside A Touch of Sun tanning salon), Travel Café and Bronze Body & Brew combine a few businesses together, such as tanning, a travel agency and a laundry mat. Jitters, Greenhouse Café and SweetSpot Coffee Shoppe book bands, have open-mic nights and host wine tastings.
Staci Groshek, a junior and international studies major, said she goes to Greenhouse Café for the slower-paced atmosphere when she needs to study.
"It's nice to go somewhere where it's not super busy," Groshek said. "There is always a big, comfy couch to sit on. They have Internet access if you need to bring your laptop and good background music."
Several of the coffee shops have one or two specialty drinks monthly. Some of the drinks relate to the current season, or a holiday in that particular month, and others are just very popular with customers. Jitters has their ever-famous Oreo cookie ice cream drink, and the Greenhouse Café brought back the pumpkin pie latte from last month because customers really enjoyed it.
"We have a drink called Sassy Cider, which is seasonal," Teresa Akey, owner of Coffee Stop, said. "Many of our cold drinks are the special ones, such as Caffeine Cow. And we have several smoothie flavors, which are also popular."
Although most cafes offer specialty drinks, many coffee drinkers are creatures of habit and drink what they know they like.
Groshek usually enjoys an iced or hot caramel drink but will try something new once in a while.
For those looking for a light meal or snack to go with their drink, almost all of the shops offer something that will satisfy every craving. Muffins, donuts, scones and cookies are among the most common items; however, there are a few places that offer a full lunch menu.
The Travel Café's menu includes sandwiches, salads, burgers and side items such as cheese nuggets and batter-dipped mushrooms. The Greenhouse Café and SweetSpot also offer lunch menus.
Be the first to comment on this story