The Cappuccino Traveler – 1 year later

My love for coffee began in my twenties, but how did I get here?………..It has been a evolution really. Coffee and an inviting cafe has always felt like a safe place for me, away from life’s pressures. Having the perfect cup of coffee in my hand was essential to my moment.

For a decade I enjoyed Starbucks Coffee, long before they were popular. Leaving Starbucks behind almost two years ago, created a void and so began my search for the next best cup of fresh coffee and so, the “The Cappuccino Traveler” was born!

My travels have taken me to over 100 different coffee shops, to 15 states and covered over 14,000 miles! The endless cappuccinos, pour overs and black coffees have advanced my understanding, as well as deepened my love for the brew and the bean.

As I reflect, I think about the places that I absolutely loved.  The shops where the atmosphere was amazing, the coffee outstanding and offered in different and creative ways. Uniqueness scores high with me, yet with a classy sophistication; a well thought out cafe and one that exemplifies the desire for the customer to have the most memorable coffee experience from the moment you walk in. With that in mind, these three coffee shops are my favorites:

#3- Three Ships Coffee Roasters, Virginia Beach, VA

#2- Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, San Diego, CA.

#1- La Colombe Fishtown, Philadelphia, PA

These cafes served me exceptional coffee, a memorable experience as well and left me wanting more.

Sadly, thinking about the best places over the past year, also reminds me of my least favorite. These are the places that I couldn’t leave fast enough because of poor atmosphere and decor. I bought a coffee, took a sip and trashed the rest knowing I would never return and that future coffee lovers deserved to be warned. I really believe any coffee shop CAN make changes and turn around, but my experience this past year leaves me listing these as the most in need of change.

#2 – Market Street Coffee, Purceville, VA

#1 – Lost Dog, Shepherdstown, WV.

Curious as to why? Visit my blog posts about them.

Recently some of you posted questions that you wanted me to answer on my Facebook page, such as wanting to know what I drink at home and how I brew it.  I am excited to announce this will be a New Feature on my blog that I am calling, The “C.T.” @ Home!

I am looking forward to not only bringing you reviews, but sharing how I enjoy coffee and what I am currently brewing. You will find out which beans and roasts I enjoy and ones I will never buy again. I currently have over twenty bags of fresh beans, including an award winning, $25 bag from Vigilanti Coffee from Washington D.C., (blog post coming mid October).

NOW…….. every Tuesday Morning…… you can get my newest blog post hot off the press in your email box when you become a subscriber.

For a taste of what is to come, I will answer a few of the questions posted to my Facebook page just this week!

Robin F. asks, “Do you ever drink K -cups?”

I refer to K-cups as “plastic coffee” and although I used to own a Keurig, I much prefer freshly ground coffee at home.

Tamara S. asks, “What kind of coffee maker do you use at home?”

I have had MANY coffee makers and I always have my eye on  a new one, lol. After much research, I chose one of the only three models approved by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. It is a Bonavita  BV1800 and I love it! If you are in the market, this is the way to go and they have many options.

A huge shout out to all my Instagram Followers, Facebook Fans, Blog subscribers and all of you who don’t leave a social footprint, but I know you are reading……this has been an memorable, blessed year and I am so looking forward to the next!

~Crystal

The Cappuccino Traveler