Great Local Coffee Shops in the Lynchburg/Bedford, Virginia Area

Coffee-- it's what keeps Americans running with their busy lives. Whether it's a college kid suffering through papers and exams for their sixteen credit hours, or a business person waking up early for meetings, coffee seems to be the "poison of choice" for people to stay awake and keep going.

While there are appear to be coffee chains, such as Starbucks, dotted all across my locality, I find that the best coffee and the best service comes from local coffee shops. Sometimes, it takes a little digging to find coffee shops in the Lynchburg/Bedford, Virginia area that one likes. I have found a few that "tickle my fancy."

In Bedford, there are a few coffee shops that I wouldn't take my worst enemy to, such as Still Waters Cafe. They have some of the most expensive and worst-tasting coffee I have ever had. However, there are two coffee shops in particular that continue to get my business time and time again.

First off, Cup a Joe, located at 201 South Street gets my vote. I have never gotten plain coffee there, as I am not generally a fan of warm beverages. However, their coffee-infused smoothies are to die for. You get a fairly large beverage for well less than $5.00. If you're hungry, they have a stack of baked goods to choose from, as well, which are also reasonably priced. Another asset of Cup a Joe is the fact that every employee I have encountered there, has been extra-friendly. Also, if you like to shop, there is a gift shop attached, as well as a wine and cheese shop next door, for you to browse.

Also in Bedford, I absolutely love the Artisan Cafe, located at 207 Depot Street. I've only been twice, and I will be going back for more. This cafe doesn't specialize in coffee drinks, but they do have an excellent cup of coffee. Add one of their amazing scones, and you have a great snack for less than $5.00 This is another amazing place to browse and shop. Attached, is Art on Depo, Local artists pour their hearts and talent into handmade products, which are sold here. I have bought many artistic things from there, including an amazing pair of sparkly cat earrings. This coffee shop serves great coffee, and is impeccably decorated.

Moving along to Lynchburg, is full of coffee shops. I have two favorites here. One, is the Starlight Cafe, located downtown, at 512 5th Street. I've heard that this cafe is run by two of the nicest lesbians you will ever meet. I have yet to meet either of them, since I have only been once. I hope to meet them soon. However, the one visit I had was pleasant. The cafe is wonderfully and cozily decorated. It was honestly a bit pricey for me and my husband at the time (the two of us ate and drank for $15.) The cold hazelnut and chocolate latte that I had was strong, and did the trick of waking me up. The real star of Starlight Cafe, is the chicken salad sandwich I had. It's chunky homemade chicken salad, on thick bread, with sprouts and spinach. I tipped extra just for how excellent it was.

Lastly, is my most favorite at all. The Drowsy Poet is small little cafe located in the corner at 3700 Candlers Mountain Station. This cafe has recently changed hands, and now belongs to a delightful man from the Carribbean, that everyone calls "Smiley." We're not sure of his actual name. While you could come in and have a regular sandwich and cup of coffee, Smiley has a great Carribbean menu. Instead of having a regular cup of coffee, everyone that enters The Drowsy Poet must have a Milton Milkshake. It is made with vanilla ice cream, espresso, cinnamon, and hazelnut flavoring, topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. It's one of the best things I've ever tasted. The Milton is available in whole size for $3.55 or half size, for $2.10. All items are reasonably priced, and it is hard to spend $5 on a drink there. More attractions are the hippie band posters on the walls, the comfy seating, the flat screen TV that is usually tuned to the History Channel, a big screen TV where you can play Rock Band, and local bands playing shows there basically weekly. When there's warm weather, it's nice to sit out in the courtyard, too. The food is great, and Smiley is a delight to talk to.

If you're ever in the Lynchburg/Bedford, Virginia are, please make it a point to stop by one or more of these great local coffee shops. My friend, Tara, visited from New Jersey, in the winter, and we went to both the Artisan Cafe and The Drowsy Poet. The latter was her favorite, and even raved about it in one of her articles. As always, no matter where you are, support local coffee shops!