Local Coffee

The sun is rising on this bright and early morning here in Clemson. Yes, I said Clemson. I am here sitting in one of my favorite places, Starbucks! There is nothing like a soy latte, extra shot with few pumps of caramel to start the day right. And with the soft instrumental music and espresso machines buzzing, I feel quite ready for a busy day at the game. It is funny to think that Starbucks only started out as a local coffee shop. 

As much as I love Starbucks, I absolutely adore supporting the local coffee joint. Downtown Columbia has quite a few popular ones. If you are in the financial district, you can venture down Gervais Street to find the new (and quite popular) Peace Love and Rocky Roasters with their own beans roasted daily in house! Behind the State House, if you want a tasty sandwich to go with your fresh in-house brewed coffee, you will find IMAC (short for Immaculate Consumption) which is a hot spot for the State House employees and other financial district workers around lunch time. 

After 6pm and after the yuppies head home for the evening, the coffee house crowd comes out. Good late night company and delicious coffee can be found at Cool Beans, who has a stoop that is the ideal social spot for the college student on break from hours of studying. Getting ready for a long night of drinking and table dancing? Drip in 5 Points has probably the strongest coffee in Columbia with probably the best all around atmosphere. 

There are several other really good local coffee places other than what I mention here. Supporting local businesses is good for the local economy and in some cases, better for your pocket! And hey, not to mention the coffee is often MUCH tastier (no offense) than Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. Well, I am going to finish enjoying this latte. Have a dandy day!