Estes Park, Co
*Reposted from the original coffee blog: Expedition Cafelier*
The first time I walked into this coffee shop I was wandering through downtown with my boyfriend, sharing tales of when I lived in Estes Park. It has always been my favorite place I lived and after months of telling him about it, I had finally gotten the chance to share the small town that held a part of my heart. The streets were dead and by chance we followed a slim sidewalk between two buildings and stumbled upon Inkwell & Brew. Seeing a sign that promised coffee, we both were more than happy to venture inside. Taking in our surroundings, we slowly made our way to the back of the shop, ordered our coffee and chatted with the barista before going on our way as we interrogated the drinks in our hands.
After I got back from that trip, every time my family mentioned Estes, I told them of the intriguing little shop we found and how much they would love it. This banter continued for a year before we finally traveled back up to the little town for a weekend. With determination, I set out to find the quaint shop and once and for all share it with my family.
As I led them down the sidewalk, they were speechless at the walkway that seemed to pull you towards nothing before opening to the shop. Pulling open the door, I followed them inside, grinning at the familiarity.
Cards and handcrafted jewelry were a few items among many locally made products that decorated the interior. The tables once again produced a journal lover’s heaven and the same black leather chairs created a spot to curl up next to the long-expired fireplace. Every nook and cranny screamed potential creativity.
A set of red carpeted stairs carried you to the second floor; an attic room.Sunroofs ordained the burgundy sloped ceiling and a Hemingway quote elegantly curved over the wall. Tables and personal sized booths provided seating for those who chose to indulge in books or the classic games provided. Soft music floated through the air, surrounding the paintings and carrying you back down the stairs to the coffee bar. In shop, they offered a variety of coffees; all featuring Ozo’s coffee which is roasted in Boulder, Co. The Peru pour over I received was a medium-dark roast with a well-rounded, chocolate, hazelnut taste. Underneath, it clung to its citrus like sourness. Between the citrus, hazelnut and cider spice, I had a hard time keeping my thoughts from Christmas in the heat of July.
If you aren’t feeling the coffee vibe the day you’re in town, don’t pass up this shop as they had a beautiful selection of teas they could make hot or iced. The one I tried, Blood Orange Smoothie, was phenomenal and though I can’t tell you much about its taste, I would still recommend it.
As you leave the shop that’s changed into a writer’s dream location over the past twenty years its stood, you can forgo the front door, escape out the side and loose yourself in their riverside, flower patio. I know I did.
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