Harper's Ferry, West Virginia

Harper's Ferry is a gorgeous historic town in West Virginia. This cute little town is bordered by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. You can arrange for tours in the summer, and there are a few museums, quaint boutiques and some beautiful hiking and biking trails to explore. The famous Appalachian Trail runs through the town and attracts lots of visitors and hikers! I've heard the views are beautiful but didn't get a chance to hike to the lookout points this trip. Bring your pup or just come with friends and you won't regret a day in Harper's Ferry!

PS If you're a fan of beer there is a new brewery in the area that opened recently called Harper's Ferry Brewing.

Madman Espresso

Madman is a NY coffee house that opened in 2012. They have two locations - one close to Penn Station and the other in Greenwich Village. Their motto is life is good and they do serve mad good coffee.

I stopped in for an afternoon pick me up and almost couldn’t find the entrance! I looked like a silly tourist dodging the business people rushing to pick up their lunch. The midtown location is hidden between fabric stores and restaurants. Once I finally found it, I stepped inside and greeted by a calm and welcoming feel!

The café has a rustic chic interior with soft lighting. I love the large wood table and the bar stools nestled against the front windows. It wasn’t too loud either and I felt like I had briefly escaped from my workday. My chai latte was delicious and was ready so quickly! The baristas were kind and knowledgeable too - no rude coffee snobs over here. Great spot for no fuss coffee and snacks including pastries and quiches. Stop by for an afternoon pick me up if you’re in the area or if your office is close by! 

PS The lids on their to go cups are so nice and sturdy! No spills for clumsy old me with these bad boys!

Travel Tip: There is the Renaissance Hotel right next door and I had to take an obligatory fall photo with my coffee and some pumpkins!

Birch Coffee West Village

Birch Coffee was started by two guys named Paul and Jeremy who were looking for a change. They wanted to make a difference. In a world overrun by smart phones and news feeds, they wanted a business where people came first! These guys have now translated that dream into 10 successful cafés around New York.

We stopped by the West Village location on 7^th and 14^th, and I noticed that the Birch baristas go out of their way to know your name and order. They are welcoming and friendly and make it so easy to order great coffee! They even asked me what kind of milk I wanted in my (drip) coffee and poured it in for me behind the counter! They really prepare the coffee for you all the way -  now that’s service and simplicity! A got a chai latte and of course I took a sip of that as well. It was delicious and so flavourful! 

The seating is great here too – a few tall tables with stools and counter seating along the windows. I noticed that they had a mini library where you could take books and drop books off as you wanted! They also had some “conversation starter” signs that you can put on your table if you want to start a conversation and potentially make a new friend! I loved that concept!

Birch roasts their coffee in Long Island City and sells their beans wholesale as well. They offer coffee classes to anyone who wants to learn more!

I really loved this place and want to check out their other locations around the city as well!