We are obsessed with coffee in the Pacific Northwest. Nationwide, Americans drink 400 million cups of coffee per day, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world. People in Seattle consume more coffee than in any other American city; one study found there are 35 coffee shops per 100,000 residents and that Seattle people spend an average of $36 a month on coffee. (Seems low to me!)
The reason differed between the sexes for drinking that magical cup of beans — women shared that drinking coffee is a good way to relax; men indicated coffee helps them get things done.
Regardless of the reason, we love our coffee; Everything from a cup of black drip, to a triple shot iced vanilla latte. We love coffee cake, coffee candles, coffee soaps and even coffee lotions. We drink coffee from paper cups, ceramic mugs with funny sayings and metal thermoses. We start out at home with our Mr. Coffees and our Keurig’s, our French Press or even our instant crystals and off we go, out the door to get more coffee on our way to somewhere. Maybe you enjoy sitting in a café or diner and taking your time over a cup. Or maybe you even buy those tiny cans of triple shot espresso magic. Whatever your preference, coffee is loved.
Of course, we have a lot of choices for coffee here on the beach, Here’s some of our favorites:
• For coffee on the go you can’t go wrong with a visit to the ladies at the IGA 12th Woman Javaah. The Seahawks inspired green and blue building at 101 E. Chance A la Mer NE guides you in like a beacon, even on the foggiest of mornings. They are open 6-6. Go visit this popular spot. And Go Seahawks.
•Another great drive-through is Tully’s at 699 Point Brown Ave. NW. They offer everything from Caffe D’arte espresso white coffee, Big Train’s, smoothies (made with Jet Tea) and Red Bull Spritzer’s.
• We can’t forget about Ace Hardware. The friendly folks at Ace have been serving coffee to our working men and women for years and years. Some of the busy construction workers around town are definitely fueled by Ace’s free coffee and popcorn.
• Want a sit-down place to enjoy your cup-a-Joe? Stop by and enjoy a cup at “Our Place” or the Ocean Shores Bakery. Both offer a place to purchase a nice pastry and newspaper with your steaming fresh coffee to start your day of right.
• Looking for a gourmet beverage? You can go wrong with a stop in to see Jean and the crew at the Ocean Beach Roasters. Big warm mugs to wrap your hands around, a flickering fireplace to sit by and music playing in the background. Stay for a while.
• Want some great conversation with your coffee? Join in on the Answers for All meeting. They meet Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until noon at the Elks Lodge Community Meeting Room, 199 Ocean Lake Way SE. Everyone is welcome to join for conversation, coffee and, sometimes, cookies!
• Another great place to share ideas is at City Councilwoman Holly Placketts’ weekly Council Coffee, Tuesday’s at 4 p.m. at the Ocean Grill. Bring your questions and ideas.
These were just a few of the places in Ocean Shores for a great cup of coffee. There are so many great choices. In true Pacific Northwest fashion, we do our share to keep that per capita coffee count up, here “On the Beach.”
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