#Coffeestagrams and the like

This morning, Mom and I visited one of my all-time favorite coffee shops here in Florida: Grayt Grounds at Monet Monet. It's got the perfect "coffee-shop" atmosphere: big comfy couch, indie folk music, and - of course - the best-tasting coffee within walking distance.

When we sat down, Mom told me we knew how to "lounge like Europeans" - and I agreed. When we were in Italy last month, it was a totally common thing for people to enjoy a cappuchino, espresso, or anything else at a cafe for 3 hours or more. We only stayed at this coffee shop for an hour or so, but it was nice to finish a warm mug and relax awhile.

It got me thinking about other local coffee shop experiences I'd had.

There was one local coffee shop I visited in Staunton, Virginia, while I was on a school trip with some English major friends of mine. We stopped there a couple times before our trips to the American Shakespeare Center to watch plays. I have also had the best lattes of my life at a restaurant near Los Angeles.

But the best memories I have are of this coffee shop in particular. In fact, I brought a bunch of my best friends down last March for Spring Break. They loved it as much as I did! On one of our coffee runs, we snapped a picture out back:

I'm so glad I've been able to have these wonderful memories at local coffee shops, and I look forward to enjoying even more in the days, months, and years to come. :)

Do you like local coffee shops? Where's your favorite place to get coffee?