I love coffee, I love tea
I love the java jive and it loves me
Coffee and tea and the jiving and me
A cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup
So, where does one get a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup? Well, that might depend upon where and who you are! There’s a playful skirmish going on between my brother and I. On his travels around the Bangor area, he makes a daily stop for his morning breakfast and coffee at a certain coffeehouse chain that had its start in the west coast region of the United States. I, on the other hand, make regular stops at a popular northern New England coffee shop chain here in Naples, the same chain store that can also be found in Bridgton (which is Kathy’s favorite drive-thru), Raymond, Oxford, South Paris, Poland, Windham, Gray, and Standish. I go on days when the temperature drops below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, so my order can warm my hands as well as my belly. John claims his shop is the best. I support the home team. However, in all truth, when I have more time, I prefer the small businesses here in Lake Region that will offer me a sit down breakfast and a hot cup o’ Joe. There are plenty of opportunities for that caffeine jolt most of us need in the morning and everyone has his or her favorite shop, cafe, store, or restaurant that serves a great breakfast or the “world’s best cup of coffee”. There are numerous recommendations on where to go. All one has to do is ask a local! Bridgton’s Morning Glory restaurant is a favorite of mine, Ricky’s Diner is frequented by Kim and Sydney, and Beth’s Kitchen Cafe now located on Main Street near the Bridgton News building is another popular spot with “good food and a great atmosphere” say my friends Mary, Jyselle, Vicki and cousin Cathy. Heading a little east, “Danielle’s in Raymond is always good for breakfast”, says Patty. Chute’s Cafe in Casco serves up a hearty breakfast and Chute’s Coffee Shop in Windham will not disappoint either, say Chelsey, Kelsey, and Jody. Locals such as Samantha and Gayle speak highly of The Stone Dog Cafe, also in Windham. Traveling over to Gray, Belinda says Cheetah’s is her favorite, Mike says Village Store in New Gloucester is his pick, and of course, everyone knows of Cole Farms Restaurant; it’s been serving up homestyle food for 50 years! Over in Sebago, Ellen confirms that Jordan’s Store is great, Ruby Slippers in Harrison has “great service and yummy food” says Virginia, and Norway’s Cafe Nomad’s gets rave reviews for its blueberry pancakes and “great espresso”. Surely, my brother John needs to head over to my neck of the woods here in the Lake Region of southwestern Maine. If he hurries, breakfast and coffee will be my treat!
–Written by: Anne Freeman Walker, a resident of Naples, Maine for the past 22 years.