Fiction Coffee, Dallas, Tx.

Fiction Coffee is a hip, industrial coffee house located in the Dallas Arts District in Lowest Greenville.  Today was a beautiful day and 75 degrees...perfect for enjoying a cup and a stroll down Greenville Ave.

I love the industrial look!  With the distressed brick walls, industrial ceilings, and white subway tile.

The menu is seasonal and contains named drinks based on famous fictional books! So creative!

 The barista suggested a pour-over from a Colombian farm in Narino.

Taste Notes: Dried fruit, caramel, chocolate. 

Acidity: Low

The venue caters to local art and artists.  The music was low{always a plus}!  And the 20 and 30 somethings were either on their laptops or reading their favorite book.

I spent about two hours enjoying my cup and people-watching

Re: Defined Coffee House Grapevine, TX

I had the opportunity to visit this cool, hip coffeehouse located in historic downtown Grapevine.  They cater to all walks of life and just recently moved to a new bigger location.  Let's see what they have to offer!

The venue is super hip with a modern Scandinavian feel.  The menu offers everything from hand-crafted drinks to standard lattes to cold brew beverages.

I got the V60 pour over.  They proudly serve local beans by Avoca Coffee Roasters.

Region: Misty Valley Ethiopian
Taste Notes: Floral aroma with cocoa, blueberry, strawberry, and raspberry
Acidity: Low

The venue rents private rooms for business meetings or parties.

 I found an over-size chair in the back next to a faux fireplace...enjoyed my cup and wrote a journal entry.  The coffeehouse is also home to Sunday morning services at 10am.

Filter{ed} Coffee, McKinney, TX

{When visiting coffee shops around the country and the world, I try not to make my blog entries sound like a restaurant review. Rather include my personal experience and the taste notes of the coffee}

About 30 miles just north of downtown Dallas is a gem of a place for any and all coffee lovers.  Located in charming and clean McKinney, TX, filter{ed} coffee provides a full craft experience in a historic small town.  It was like something out of a Hallmark movie!

Love how the menus are written in chalk and inspired by and old-school blackboard

They cater to local art, artists, and musicians.  Plus you can draw or color your own art and leave it for them on their wall.

The barista took his time in helping me select just the right craft for me.  I chose a Costa Rican pour-over in a {for here} cup. This blend was provided by Cuvee coffee roasters.

Taste Notes: brown sugar, milk chocolaty finish
Acidity:  Low

The bar also offered the usual drinks you would see at any coffee shop as well as custom orders.

I found a quiet seat in the back of the longer than wider space.  The shop had white painted brick walls, concrete floors and an industrial ceiling {not pictured}.  The music was not blaring and obnoxious, which allowed me to meet and greet other locals enjoying the coffee experience.  Afterwards, I continued to browse the local boutiques and eateries the town had to offer.

Blueprint Coffee, St. Louis, MO

I had the opportunity to visit a cool craft coffee shop in an artsy part of St. Louis.   Blueprint Coffee collaborates how the roasting process will best suit their needs and the needs of their customers.  Blueprint takes time to tell their story through the coffee they pick while uniquely crafting their product.  Here are a few shots from my trip. Enjoy!

The barista suggested the San Lorenzo, which offers sweet nutty tones with a hint of stone fruit and earthy notes.  Each pour-over comes in a science beaker with a ceramic cup and served on a vintage medical tray. {Looooove this idea!}

The place is relatively small. {seats maybe 25} I like the subway tile and industrial style ceilings.  They also offer some of the more standard drinks such as lattes, espressos, and cappuccinos.

Visiting Blueprint was such a joy and blessing despite being a bone-chilling 19 degrees outside!  I chose the stand-up table near the window.  The shop also sells various coffee related products such as filters, cups, and books.

The barista generously gave me a menu to take home and autographed it for me!

Blueprint is located in an artsy industrial area of St. Louis about seven miles west of downtown.  Very safe to walk and explore.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

Meowy Christmas!

Traditional Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I am celebrating this harvest holiday at Plymouth Rock where our ancestors commemorated their first feast. Even though historical details are inconsistent, Plymouth, Mass has been the traditional site of the first Thanksgiving. Blessing to you all.

Participated in the pilgrim march.  

 This wonderful park was walking distance from my Air B&B

 I found this cute coffee house just around the corner. I spent a few hours here.

They made me a wonderful dry cappuccino

Fall is in the Air

Ahhh, my favorite time of year.  And who doesn't love everything thing about autumn? Things slow down...as we all should every now and then.   For me it's a time of reflection.  I think about the wonderful memories from past chapters in my life.  Great food, fun, and fellowship. Cooler temperatures, fall festivals, and decorations. I consider fall decorating as the "staging area" for Christmas.  Although, I actually keep a few fall {and Christmas} decorations up during the entire year.  What is your favorite fall decoration?

First fall fire of the season

I found this doll and pumpkin in the 50 percent off shelves at Hobby Lobby...just FYI

Annabel seems to be excited about the new decor and changing weather

Also in the 50 off racks, this cup is a precursor to Christmastide

And as always, don't forget to write in your journal