Appalachia is a beautiful, mountainous region that stretches down from Maine to Alabama on the East Coast of the United States. From gorgeous state parks, scenic trails, and friendly people, Appalachia is a place for adventure and curiosity. For curious coffee lovers, this region of the U.S. offers a wide variety of coffee shops tucked away in one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. From fair trade blends to local music scenes, these ten secret coffee shops provide an ample tour for your taste buds.
1. TipTop Coffee Shop, Thomas, WV
Storefront of TipTop | Courtesy of TipTop Coffee Shop
Nestled near the scenic Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley, TipTop Coffee Shop is the perfect place to get your caffeine fix before hiking the nature trails of the surrounding parks. Beyond providing delicious espresso drinks and artisan lattes, TipTop sells unique blend ground coffee and specialty chocolates to take back home. If morning coffee runs aren`t your heart`s desire, TipTop boasts an array of local spirits, wines, and cocktails (including a seasonal Bloody Mary bar). Listen to local artists play in the century`s old building and enjoy local art at this Tucker County coffee stop.
216 State Hwy 32, Thomas, WV 26292. Call (304) 463-4455. Website: http://www.tiptopthomas.com/
2. Appalachian Coffee Company, Brevard & Hendersonville, NC
Storefront | Courtesy of Appalachian Coffee Company | Denika Spadafora
Located in the Appalachian hills of North Carolina, the Appalachian Coffee Company sets a gold standard in quality products and environmental friendliness. They offer fair trade and certified organic coffees as well as stainless steel mugs and straws for reuse. The small business also prides itself on convenience with a clever walk-up or drive-through window! Try their AppalaChai or White Mountain Mocha at this one of a kind secret Coffee Shop.
135 E French Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712 & 1314 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Call: (828) 884-8132 or (828) 595-2777. Website: http://www.appalachiancoffeecompany.com/
3. Clatter Coffee, Frostburg, MD
Storefront | Courtesy of Clatter Coffee
The Blue Ridge Mountain gem, Clatter Coffee, is the perfect Appalachian café for three reasons: trivia, great coffee, and a variety of grub for everyone including vegans and vegetarians alike. No one can walk past the stunning window front without taking a second look, and once inside, Clatter offers more than just a casual coffee experience. Join them for a night of trivia and a variety of local music ranging from jazz to acoustic to country. Clatter also provides comfortable yet creative foods that lean into their Appalachian identity. Delight your tastebuds with a regional take on the lox bagel that uses smoked trout instead of salmon or dig into their Appalachian Ramen, made with local ingredients from their partner Savage Mountain Farm.
15 S Broadway, Frostburg, MD 21532. Call: (240) 816-7194. Website: http://www.clattercoffee.com/
4. Donkey Coffee, Athens, OH
Storefront | Courtesy of Donkey Coffee
Minutes away from the beautiful Ohio University campus, Donkey Coffee is the best chill spot in Athens. Tired of impersonal corporate coffee shop models, Donkey Coffee dedicates itself on creating a warm and welcoming vibe for visitors. Cozy up with a pot of tea and a board game after walking the historic downtown streets of this quaint Ohio town. Be sure check out the live comedy acts and open mic nights!
17 W Washington St, Athens, OH 45701. Call: (740) 594-7353. Website: http://donkeycoffee.com/
5. Appalachian Coffee House, Mount Nebo, WV
Hot Brews > Rainy Day Blues | Courtesy of Appalachian Coffee House
Appalachian Coffee House is your one stop destination for an ample spread of delightful expresso drinks, loose leaf teas, and bakery treats. Browse the shelves of their used books and find some quiet time in the small town of Mount Nebo, West Virginia. Enjoy the natural splendor of Appalachia by taking a scenic trip to Summersville Lake with latte in hand. If you`re feeling a more indoor adventure, join them for a movie night in house!
32 Bounds Lane, Mt Nebo, WV 26679. Call: (304) 651-7234. Website: http://appalachain-coffee-house.business.site/
6. Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea, Roanoke, Virginia
Vintage Inspired Camper Mug | Courtesy of Mill Mountain Coffee
Visit the satellite location of Mill Mountain Coffee in the southwestern Virginian town of Roanoke. Established in 1990, Mill Mountain Coffee commits itself to bringing global coffee and teas to Appalachia. On top of offering a wide variety of global delights, Mill Mountain provides a plethora of seasonal drinks such as: The Headless Horsemen, Candy Cane Mocha, and Cap`n`Crunch. Grab a cup of joe at one of their six locations and head to one of the beautiful picnic areas in this Blue Ridge Mountain state.
6303 Merriman Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018. Call: (540) 777-7111. Website: https://www.millmountaincoffee.com/
7. River and Rail Bakery, Huntington, WV
Storefront | Courtesy of River and Rail Bakery
By far my favorite on the list, River and Rail is quite possibly the comfiest place to cozy up with a warm cup of coffee in Appalachia. Settled in the historic Heritage Station built in 1887, River and Rail truly captures the ambiance of rustic Huntington,West Virginia. Sip on a River and Rail Mocha or indulge in their sinful baked goods. If you`re feeling hungry, the grilled cheese and homemade tomato soup are the way to go. Don`t forget to stop by the train turned museum just steps from River and Rail!
210 11th St, Huntington, WV 25701. Call: (304) 399-1247. Website: https://www.riverandrailbakery.com/
Crossroads Coffee House, Waxhaw, NC
Storefront | Courtesy of Crossroads Coffee House
Situated in the growing town of Waxhaw, North Carolina, Crossroads Coffee House spices up the coffee game of the Appalachian Mountains. Their specialties includes flavored coffees, custom roasts, and their famous milkshakes. Crossroads also keeps up a coffee of the week. With titles like “Booberry” and “Albino Rhino,” how could one resist? Make sure to stop by if you ever find yourself in this beautiful Appalachian state.
112 N Broome St.,Waxhaw, North Carolina 28173. Call: (704) 843-5667. Website: http://crossroads-coffeehouse.com/
9. Vienna Coffee House, Maryville, TN.
Vienna Coffee Cup | Courtesy of Vienna Coffee Company | Britianny Carter
With two locations, Vienna Coffee Company is an Appalachian coffee success and for good reason. Their satellite location in Maryville, Tennessee boasts a wealth of scrumptious bakery treats and fabulous coffee drinks. Make us of their free wifi and sip on a Muddy Pond Mocha or Viennese Waltz. Catch them on Sundays for their Crepe Brunch that serves savory and sweet versions of the French breakfast dessert.
212 College St, Maryville, TN 37804. Call: (865) 980-8282. Website: http://viennacoffeehouse.net/
10. Webster`s Bookstore & Café, State College, PA
Webster Bookshelf | Courtesy of Webster`s Bookstore and Café
A northern Appalachian favorite, Webster`s Bookstore and Café is perfect for a coffee savvy individual looking for a good time and good read . Webster provides an elite spread of organic, fair-trade coffees, locally-brewed Kombucha, and 75 loose-leaf tea blends. Besides the business`s commitment to high quality drinks, Webster indulges a wide variety of diets with a Vegan Sunday Brunch and non-dairy milk options. Literature lovers will adore their vast assortment of used books, and music lovers can browse their extensive vinyl collection! Order some coffee, find a novel of your liking, and nibble on a pastry in this fantastic State College café.
133 E Beaver Ave, State College, Pennsylvania 16801. Call: (814) 272-1410. Website: https://www.webstersbooksandcafe.com/
Thank you to the friendly coffee shops who provided photos for this article!