The Julio Handmade Mug

While I am no expert in the realm of pottery, I know it takes a lot of skill to make a handsome mug by hand. Having been to my share of arts festivals and student showcases, my eyes have seen plenty of decently-constructed vessels and it's not often I fall in love with one (it would probably be why I have only three or four hand-crafted vessels in my cupboard).

Comet Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Comet Coffee
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

When I used to work in higher education, it seemed that about a quarter of my colleagues either studied or worked at the University of Michigan. At the time I had never been, so I listened to their stories of a stately campus, the great town and cold winters. Though I had intention of making my way there sooner, it wasn't until recently that I was finally able to visit. And despite my interest in seeing the campus, my sights were first set on an Ann Arbor coffee establishment called Comet Coffee.

Little Amps Coffee Roasters

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Little Amps Coffee Roasters
Location: Harrisburg, PA (downtown location)
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

The great state of Pennsylvania is a complex state. Home to major cities, beautiful countryside and quaint towns, I find new surprises every time I traverse it. One city often overlooked is the state capital. Dubbed head of PA in 1812, Harrisburg is not only a city rich in history but full of gems not always as lauded as their Philly and Pittsburgh peers. One such diamond worthy of a little attention is a coffee operation known as Little Amps Coffee Roasters.

Mugged: Bloom Coffee Roasters

Subject: Bloom Coffee Roasters
Coffees Mugged and Rating [see key]:
- Ethiopia Ayele Dula 5+
- Kenya Chania Estate 5+

In the northern expanse of Michigan, a solid coffee is one of the best tools to survive the long winter. Naturally, Michigan has its share of coffee roasters, but only a few really deserve your money. Fortunately for the consumer, these roasters really work hard to keep the lower mitten and upper peninsula of Michigan well-stocked.

Lemonjello's Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Lemonjello's Coffee
Location: Holland, MI
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

Often when visiting Chicago, I would look across Lake Michigan and wonder about what existed on the other shore. Not a frequent Michigan-goer, I finally got my chance to see the eastern shore and see what the area had to offer. Fortunately, I quickly stumbled into the gorgeous town of Holland. Settled by Dutch settlers and modeled after their native Netherlands, the town holds tons of charm and plenty of things to do (including the beach in nice weather). Naturally, my soul longed for good coffee and found it at a shop called Lemonjello's.