Sedona continues to be one of my favorite spots in Arizona. My first visit south into the canyon from Flagstaff still gives me chills when I recall the majestic red rocks and towering pine trees.
Growing up, I did not truly appreciate Virginia. To my teenage logic, it was the large state next to DC, home of Busch Gardens Williamsburg and numerous battlefields. But as I grew and the more often I visited, I discovered that Virginia holds a plethora of great stuff to offer.
There are a few days each year where going out for coffee is more about escaping the heat than getting a cup of joe. These last few days across much of the USA has reminded many of the glory of a great air conditioner, especially when cold air is pumping throughout a great coffeehouse.
For as much as I love mini golf, I am surprised that more serious coffee shops do not abut them. When I have seen such golf-and-coffee combos, a good marriage between two complimentary businesses seems to thrive, especially if they put little tables or cup holders at each hole so walking around with a latte is not a feat of dexterity.
As much as I love new structures hot off the architectural presses, there is nothing more rapturous than a repurposed antiquated structure into a beautiful coffee shop. I don't know about the average joe, but joy quickly fills my heart at seeing the old bones of a 17th century haberdashery turned into a high-end cafe or a Victorian London toilet made into a hip coffee joint.