One of the things I really like about our corner of the U.S. is we're difficult to reach. We're almost a two hours drive from a major city and not on the path to any. That will likely always keep us a small town. Unbelievably box stores are creeping our way, but for the most part we still have independent hardware stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. The locals do an awesome job of supporting their locally owned shops, too. The Northwest, birthplace of Starbucks (Coffee People, Tully's, etc.,) is also home to thousands of independently owned drive-up coffee kiosks. The rest of the country is franchising the idea apparently, as it's become one of the fastest nationwide franchise growth areas. Thank you, but I want the uniqueness and variety of treats an independent provides! Our small town of 19,000 has more than the six I'm featuring here. Every single one of them had customers at their window when I did my tour in the afternoon. With the Olympic National Park at our backdoor, some were likely tourists, but most are locals. They couldn't stay in business with just 3 months of steady business and most tourists would not likely see the kiosk in time to stop.
The first thing that intrigued me about these small little shed-like buildings was the fun the owners must have had naming their businesses.On the eastern outskirts of town on Hwy 101, you'll see Higher Grounds on the right hand side. Sadly, it's right next to the new super Walmart being built, but for sure Cammy has got a great location.
The barista working at this spot was reluctant to give me any info on why they're special or different than others since she wasn't the owner, but hopefully the owner will see this and leave a comment. I thought it was kind of funny that she thought I might promote something the owner wouldn't want promoted!
After this one you'll come across A Brewed Awakening on your left, just before Traylor's Restaurant, and Roundup Alatte, on your right just after.
Angie, the owner of A Brewed Awakening, just had a baby girl and there were banners everywhere. The friendly barista filled me in on a long list of specialty coffees like Cocomoconut and Honey Latte, but she was especially excited about the fact that they have the best milkshakes in town! They use hand scooped ice cream. I will be back!
Robin, the owner of Roundup Alatte, was the only owner I got to talk with and she really seemed like she would be fun and nice to see before that first cup of coffee in the morning. I asked her what special thing they offered that folks love and she immediately said "Robin's R&R." She was busy so she didn't have time to tell me what was in it (or more than likely a trade secret!), but she did say it comes blended, iced or hot. Next errand I have to run that way...
In town, next to Swains (if they don't have it, you don't need it), is Janey's Java Hut. It was getting a fresh coat of bright pink paint that was likely going to dry very quickly today. They had the full menu of choices from smoothies to the coffee drinks we've become used to expecting.
Oh! I must not forget The Daily Grind! It's not the easiest one to spot, but it is also on the right hand side of Hwy 101 as you come into town right before the split, before McDonalds. They have daily specials like Mocha Madness on Mondays and Double Punch Tuesdays, but what stopped me from listening further was the fact that they make their own whipped cream. Not just any whipped cream, but flavored whipped creams! I'm going to get me some soon!
Just when you think you've missed your chance to get a second latte before driving on to the Pacific coast and Forks, The Coffee Cottage appears on Hwy 101 on the right, after you've left town, but before the Elwha River. There's a big industrial looking building built out of metal and this small kiosk sits in the parking lot next to the road. As the others, it has daily specials, but the opening barista gets to pick what that day's special will be.
This one really is the last stop before you get to the rain forest area, so don't miss it!