The Coffeehouse Experience: Part 2
Today, I’m writing to you about three coffeeshops I’ve visited several times and fortunately for me, they’re located in or very near my hometown of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. By the way, if you’re looking for the charm and quaintness usually associated with small towns, you’ll want to visit Carlisle.
Let me start with Denim Coffee, which has several locations in southcentral PA including two in Carlisle. The location I’ve visited is located near the town square. This location is the spot to be in because of the people watching aspect, which, for you fiction writers out there, is great if you need inspiration for character development. At the shop, there’s a bar along the floor to ceiling windows, making it easy to set up your laptop and watch the world walk by. There’s also plenty of seating in and outside.
As far as food and drink are concerned, I’ve never been disappointed with anything I’ve ordered here. I’m not a coffee drinker so I can’t speak to that here, but I’ve been told that this specialty roaster offers some of the best brews around.
I get a very writerly vibe here. I usually try to get a bar seat so I can look out the window. I love coming here on a snowy day because there’s something so cozy and lovely about watching the flakes fall while sipping my trusty chai latte or tea and tapping on my laptop.
Just a word of warning here – if you can, visit the shop after 10 a.m. Because this location is in the heart of the town and is situated next to two busy courthouses (Carlisle is my county’s seat), the shop tends to get very crowded.
The only downside of this coffeeshop is the parking. As it is located downtown, you must pay to park here, so bring along your quarters or your phone so you can download the parking app.
Denim Coffee recently opened a shop on the campus of Dickinson College, so I hope to make a visit there soon and then post a review here.
My Writerly Grade: A
About three blocks from Denim Coffee is a cute place called Helena’s Café & Creperie. Helena’s is near the historic Carlisle Theatre and carries the same quiet elegance that the theatre does.
The café not only offers a wide variety of seating (I recommend the seats or benches by the windows) but also an impressive breakfast and lunch menu. It is a favorite place for many to gather and meet and yet it never feels crowded.
Helena’s is another great spot to people watch and get inspiration. I get a relaxed vibe here every time I visit and it’s easy to lose track of time.
Again, like Denim Coffee, the only downside here is the parking.
My Writerly Grade: A
Now it’s time to take a quick trip about five miles outside of Carlisle to a darling hamlet called Boiling Springs where Caffe 101 is located. Boiling Springs is where the famous Allenberry Playhouse is located as well as Children’s Lake and a popular stopping point for those hiking on the Appalachian Trail. It’s one of those wee little places that has no stoplight and if you blink, you’ll miss it. For that very reason, this place is one of my favorites.
Caffe 101 sits across from Children’s Lake, a small manmade water spot with a variety of ducks, geese and other wildlife. You can walk around the lake, have a seat on one of the many benches or fish.
The restaurant has plenty of seating inside and out, but if you come on a Sunday late morning or early afternoon, you may be out of luck. This place is uber popular because of its location, the relaxed vibe, the friendly service and of course, the food. Caffe 101 changes its menu often and now sports a variety of Mexican dishes that are simply delicious.
As far as parking is concerned, there is plenty of it (except on Sundays). If you can’t find a spot behind the café, you can park along the street next to the lake.
To be honest, while I have visited this location many times, I have never come here to write. But I can say that this would be a primo location to do just that though, but not on a Sunday when it seems like the whole world comes in. I can envision taking a seat on the patio, watching the lake and writing to my heart’s content. I plan on doing just that sometime this summer.
My Writerly Grade: A+
I’m really enjoying the hunt of finding a writing spot. Where else should I go? If you have a suggestion, feel free to drop me a line at lori@loriapeterswriter.com.
