The Local

Subject: The Local
Location visited: Irvington, VA
Rating: 5+ [see key]

While most coffee gems reside in cities, the ones that shine the brightest are the ones in the small towns across the land. One morning while heading the scenic route north from Yorktown, I saw the shine of good coffee at a local cafe on the main strip of Irvington.

The coffee shop has a beautiful patio with umbrellas offering pleasant seating in favorable weather. Walking inside between two large windows, the cafe opens into a long, bustling space with a copious menu. 

As for coffee, the beans were from Ironclad Coffee Roasters that day. I ordered an espresso of the House of Usher blend and a drip of the Captain's blend. The espresso, pulled to a medium volume, smacked of chocolate, molasses, clementine, cream cheese and a hint of bergamot tea, proving sweet and smooth. The drip also made for a good cup, with notes of cocoa, pear, whole milk, vanilla, cashews and a little blueberry. 

After polishing off the coffee, since there was a long drive ahead of us, my party also had a quick delicious meal before more meandering. Thus, whether you're in the area or you seek a slice of the open coastal Chesapeake lands, check out the Local.