PSL Season: Please Sip Local!

"Coffee: the other vitamin C."

In honor of National Coffee Day (yesterday - but I hope for your sake, you were up to something more fun than Linkedin scrolling) I have assembled my own power list of caffeine fountainheads across the Lehigh Valley that can fulfill all of your PSL fantasies - AND THEN SOME - while you are supporting the local business landscape.

TERRA CAFE

My favorite weekend morning haunt, when the circle is just starting to wake up! A smattering of cozy indoor tables to enjoy all of the plants and local art that make this one of the coziest spots in Easton. Or pull up an umbrella spot outside on Northampton Street!

Andrea's Sip: Cocoberry Smoothie

FIELDSTONE COFFEE ROASTERS

Nothing soothes my soul more than a drive down 611. Worlds away, yet only 20 minutes give-or-take, from my house in Easton - and discovering Fieldstone Coffee Roasters during the pandemic (serving all the buzz from this precious coffee wagon with a garden area for seating, and a full-service indoor cafe as well) - plus farmland views for DAYS.

Andrea's Sip: Citrus Cinna Mocha Latte

HOMESTEAD COFFEE ROASTERS

My fall brew of choice is a flavored roasted coffee (no syrup) and Homestead Coffee Roasters always serves a number of roasted varieties, including seasonal, that give all the fall feels in this wood-beamed, brick-walled cafe complete with fireplace.

Andrea's Sip: Autumn Spice (black)

THREEBIRDS COFFEE HOUSE

When you like your coffee with a healthy splash of Victorian, this1862 mansion on Bushkill Street lies a decadent spot for your daily buzz, plus plenty of architectural and aesthetic details to drool over while you wait for your perfect cup of above-fair-trade Passenger Coffee (PA-brewed in Lancaster County)

Andrea's Sip: Ah, one of the places on my list that offers a rare deviation from my usual blackness: a Dirty Chai (a chai latte with a shot of espresso)

BLOCKERS COFFEEHOUSE

Doggo. Say less. And while my own coffee tastes tend to run black and bitter (insert just like my heart joke here) the flights of seasonal coffee concoctions are viral sensations!

Andrea's Sip: Americano, black. Simple to enjoy while giving belly rubs. #priorities

CEDAR UNION CAFE

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor has my heart. Something happens to my blood pressure the second I turn onto 611 South. So a perfect landing spot along the canal is the Cedar Union Cafe, which has cozy indoor (think fireplace and leather couches) and outdoor (think canalside patios and strung lights) to sip and people-watch on their bikes and hikes! Plus, their coffee is organic, roasted by solar power, and all packaging is compostable and biodegradable.

Andrea's Sip: imagine this view in autumn? Anything "Pumpkin" they have on their fall menu.

GREEN VIDA CO.

The underappreciated Halloween Drink contender here that deserves ALL the mentions over the corporate chains. A healthy mecca of organic, fresh-pressed everythings - with two Easton locations, including one in the Easton Public Market !

Andrea's Sip: Hocus Pocus smoothie, obviously.

PLANTS + COFFEE

This generation's answer to The Rainforest Cafe. Enjoy your coffee (AND DILL PICKLE CREAM CHEESE ON A BAGEL) in the heart of Easton's West Ward, surrounded by the soothing greenery of shelves on shelves of live plants, accessories, and the cutest live plant wall corner!

Andrea's Sip: This is the perfect place to bring your "I don't drink coffee" friends - try one of their several designer lemonades and spritzers!

LA VIDA CAFE

'Cause we're sippin' here in Allentown - next door to the Americus Hotel and mere blocks to the PPL Center, I happened upon this gem after an early morning (literally, "Sunrise") on WFMZ with some adoptable dogs.

Andrea's Sip: Black Eye. Black coffee with two shots of espresso. Do not tell your cardiologist I recommended this.

MUELLER'S GENERAL STORE AND KITCHEN

A place that is a merry mix of my favorite things. Diner, outdoor patio and bar, dog-friendly, canalside, BOTTLE SHOP.

Andrea's Sip: Hey, how'd that get in there? This was clearly a weekend morning. One of my favorite Bloody Mary's in the Valley, hands down. Ask the owner her secret!

LET'S GO COFFEE CO.

The official caffeine purveyor of the Bob Price Memorial Turkey Drive. Because we love our coffee onsite with a side of donated frozen turkey to benefit Lehigh Valley families through New Bethany and their partner organizations! (SAVE THE DATE - FRIDAY 11/22!)

Andrea's Sip: Their "Coffee of the Week" lineup which features a special latte, hot coffee, and cold brew option - basically anything I can chug with one hand while I'm collecting birds and doling out potholders!

AMY'S COFFEE CONNECTION

Real ones know. This Bethlehem Township spot is a drive-through fixture for locals (my mother has her daily trips timed to the minute) and they are always generous with the treats for the backseat passengers!

Andrea's Sip: Flavor of the Day, which Amy always posts on her Facebook page upon opening along with some motivational "Grounds for Wisdom" - and a Milk Bone.

SALVAGED SIP CAFE

A stone's throw from the Free Bridge on South Main - not only do I wholeheartedly support a black exterior, but seeing this cozy facade on the downtown Pburg thoroughfare that housed my mother's childhood school, church, office, and so many other memories gives me much excitement for the continued revitalization I hope to see here.

Andrea's Sip: try a Jamaican Style Coffee or an Americola (2 espresso shots + Coke!)

HELLO JOE

Taking coffee "to go" to the next level, this Airstream trailer is parked in the heart of Hellertown onsite at the PA House kitchen + bar = a literal "business in the front, party in the back" situation. I love an urban oasis!

Andrea's Sip: a Rock Star Joe.