Coffee Road Trip: Raleigh

I recently had an all day meeting in Raleigh. While the meeting was productive and entertaining (crazy, I know, right?), it ended in the mid-afternoon, which, as most dog lovers know, is prime napping time for mutts. I wasn't about to venture onto I-40 without some caffeine enablement, and, fortuantely, the caffeine gurus were on my side. As many of my fans know, I am not a coffee drinker, but I LOVE the many varieties of non-coffee drinks offered at locally owned coffee shops.

As I was leaving the downtown area via Hillsborough Street, and admiring the campus of North Carolina State University, I happened upon Cup A Joe, located at 3100 Hillsborough Street. And, to my sweet surprise, it has it's own parking lot, and a spot was reserved just for me (at least I like to think so!). It was 4 pm, and the place was alive with the sounds of people, music, coffee grinders, and milk steamers. I ordered my usual, a chai tea latté, and was surprised to hear the question, "Would you like our chai flavored whipped cream on that?" I had never heard such a question, but I've never made a decision that quickly. "YES!" And was I pleased with the result!! I spent some time savoring the double chai effect of the drink and the whipped topping while enjoying some reading material and the sounds around me.

I was recharged and ready for my I-40 trek back to the Triad.

Thanks, Cup A Joe, for being right where I needed you, when I needed you most!