It's Labor Day weekend and while I should probably be talking barbeque, I'm actually talking coffee. Yes, coffee on Labor Day Weekend, because in Middle Tennessee next week, the lows are expected to be in the 50s and because last night my daughter texted me that she was having her first PSL of the season........and just because I love coffee! You'll find me with mocha or a latte in hand, during a renovation break, date night, daughter outing or just because. If you love coffee and are in Nashville, you've got to try one of these coffee shops:
1. Frothy Monkey: Several locations around town and south of our city in Chattanooga, TN. Frothy Monkey not only offers a full menu, but also has an amazing selection of baked goods.
2. Honest Roasters: Location location location! The original Honest Roasters is located in one of the coolest places around Franklin, the Franklin Factory. This trendy little coffee shop has since branched out to the 12 Avenue area as well as Huntsville, AL. Honest Roasters is a microroaster, meaning they roast their own beans in house. Periodically, the store offers bean roasting classes to the general public, and although I haven't attended one of these classes, I want to. I love this place because I can walk a few stores down to my favorite donut shop, Five Daughters Bakery, to grab a paleo or hundred layer donut.
3. Fido's: Located in the Hillsboro Village, an area near Vanderbilt University, and is part of the Bongo Java chain. Back in the day,
Fido signature drinks mostly had dog related names, but not anymore. My daughter's favorite specialty drink was the "Milk Bone" which was expresso, milk, honey, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with graham crackers. The "Milk Bone" isn't on the drink menu anymore, but the last time we checked, you could still order it off menu. I often opted for the "Pink Poodle," although no longer served due an issue with the white chocolate. This hot drink was a delicious mixture of expresso, steamed milk, white chocolate and raspberry syrup. The updated signature drink menu will not disappoint. I'm opting for the "Grey Skies" and you should know that for any Fido's drink containing chocolate, you get locally made chocolate from Olive and Sinclair Co., a Nashville chocolate company. Bongo Java also roasts their own beans. You can purchase their beans in house and sometimes you can find them at Whole Foods. Don't leave without purchasing a PS (pumpkin spice) muffin.
4. Coffee and Coconuts: The newest addition to my "favorites" list is Coffee and Coconuts, a coffee shop located in Berry Farms Shopping Center and a short jog from my house. The décor and atmosphere in Coffee and Coconuts take on a modern relaxing beach theme. In fact, their hanging papasan chairs gave us inspiration for my daughter's hanging chair in her closet. I still pick up my mocha, but if you are not a coffee lover, you can find frozen acia bowls or coconut water, served in your very own coconut, on the menu!
Source: Coffee and Coconuts
