Coffee Shop Treasure Hunt

While you're being a tourist in your own town, see if you can solve recent challenges posted on our Facebook page.

Can you find a Triad Coffee Shop that sells:

• Krispy Kreme donuts
• hot dogs
• espresso walnut brownies?

Hint: It's 3 different coffee shops in 3 different towns (but if you find one that has all 3 of these goodies, let me know. I think I'll pack my bags and move into it!)

Post your answers in the comments. The prize: You get to discover new Triad Coffee Shops! (Someday, CoffeeCat might offer real prizes. Stay tuned!)

Coffee Road Trip: The Seminole Trail (Route 29)

CoffeeCat and MochaMutt like to travel off the beaten path. We took well-worn paths, I-85 and I-95, to our destination of Fairfax, Virginia, so of course we had to take the James Monroe Highway and Seminole Trail back home.

Like most off-the-beaten-path travelers, we took a few detours for those tantalizing road signs that promised tourist attractions, both those created by Mother Nature and others by humans. After stopping in Madison, Va., to see a quilt shop (though neither of us quilt!), we decided to have lunch at the Piedmont Deli.

We found locally roasted coffee beans from Central Coffee and a pot of hot coffee that customers could help themselves to. We gobbled down the homemade chicken salad sandwiches before we could snap a photo, so here’s a photo of the delightful window display. It promotes all the made-in-Virginia goodies they offer, including pork, wine, and preserves. There’s also a good selection of local wine. Route 29 passes by more vineyards and wineries than we could count!

What's not to love?

The Pilgrim (well, half of it) came with tortilla chips & salsa.

Coffee pot collection at Tate Street

Tate Street Coffee House is one of those eclectic places where you see something new every time you visit. Tonight, I noticed the collection of 50 or so coffee pots that span many decades. One day I'd like to get the story on each piece.

Today, I was more focused on getting food. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I had a warm Pilgrim sandwich (turkey, cheese, and spinach on a fresh roll) and a frozen lemonade set in front of me. For a shrine to coffee, this place has great food for just a smidge more than you pay at a drive thru.

When you're surrounded by posters of American music & literature icons, tons of local art, and the smell of fresh coffee, the drive through lane doesn't seem one bit appealing.

Don't let the name fool you -- more and more coffee shops are offering good eats and frozen treats!