Let’s be real, coffee is what gets most people through the day. Not only that, but it also improves overall happiness and makes you feel like you can now take on anything! I am not sure how scientific the last part is, but it is true for me! Plus when traveling, nothing makes me excited to find a local coffee shop that is hip, cool, and different. Coffee is the one beverage that you can enjoy any season of the year; whether it is a cold, crisp fall day or a warm, sunny, summer morning. The High Country is filled with various coffee shops! While all are unique and great, these are the top five that you must visit to feel like a real local!
Hatchet Coffee Roasters
Address: 150A Den Mac Dr, Boone, NC 28607
Instagram: @hatchetcoffee
Not only is the coffee good, but the food and people are too! They have a sign that has been there since they opened that says, ‘What good shall I do this day?’ Well they do a lot of good! They always have a vibrant menu to select from; classics, nitros, drinks made to the season we are in, and speciality drinks. All their coffee is roasted in house. They also have a small menu to choose from if you are wanting to grab a quick bite to eat before a day of exploring. Read their mission: ‘Hatchet is a company that is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world through coffee. Whether that is through our sourcing, through a brewed cup of coffee, or through genuine human connection. We aim to improve the quality of life of anyone we come in contact with.’ Now tell me you do not want to run there now!
Local Lion
Address: 91 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Instagram: @locallion
The name says it all! Local! The parking lot and drive through stays packed, but once you have a taste of their coffee and their doughnuts you will understand why! One of their statements is ‘conquer your mountain.’ You will surely feel like you can after grabbing coffee and an in-house made doughnut! Yep, they make all their doughnuts from scratch in the back. They also roast and grind their coffee beans in house as well. After having those paired together you cannot imagine life without them! The story behind the shop illustrates what it means to be local.
Espresso News Cafe and Roastery
Address: 267 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607
Instagram: @espressonews
Conveniently located near Appalachian State University’s campus and King Street, Espresso News is the perfect spot to either grab coffee and go shopping or sit and relax. They have a full espresso bar and so many drinks and flavors to choose from! If not everyone in your traveling group are coffee drinkers, they also have smoothies and pastries made in house daily. They even roast their own coffee right in the shop. The building itself is a part of the original downtown Boone. Talk about #local.
Stick Boy Bread Co.
Address: 345 Hardin St, Boone, NC 28607
Instagram: @stickboybreadco
Heading back into town from a hike or just got done touring Appalachian State University’s campus? Then jump across the street to Stick Boy Bread Co. I love this place for its unique feel when you enter. Lined with local goods such as handmade pottery, baked goods, and art, you feel like you entered a small town market.
Bald Guy Brew Coffee Roasters
Address: 1116 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC
Instagram: @baldguybrew
Conveniently nestled in between shops and the heart of downtown Blowing Rock, Bald Guy is a great pitstop. They pride themselves in being eco friendly, socially responsible, and providing artisanal coffee. If I had to describe the way the coffee shop itself feels, I would say modern. If I choose to sit down and stay to work on things, it even reminds me of being in a tiny house; cozy, natural light, earthy. If you visit their website, they even have a coffee quiz to find out which drink best fits your taste!
No matter where you decide to stop for your coffee, whether it is in the morning or evening, you cannot go wrong with any of the coffee shops in the High Country. There are so many to choose from that have their own taste, both in the coffee itself and within the shop. If you are anything like me, you will have coffee along with breakfast, lunch and dinner so you will not have to choose from this list; you can visit them all! What is your favorite coffee order? I know mine! One medium iced almond milk latte please!
