30 Cups Crossed

My family and I set out on August 1st to navigate our beautiful country in the hopes of finding perspective, interesting cuisine and some great coffee. Now that we’re back home, I can emphatically say that we found all three, and much more. America is truly an incredible place, and needs to be seen…

Queue the Valley

After staying the night just north of the Los Angeles metro area, we had three stops to make in LA to visit friends before heading south to San Diego. Since the first stop was in South Pasadena for brunch, I figured we could jump off of the 101 Freeway to show the kids the Brady Bunch house, then…

Hi-test Jitters in Seattle

After an early morning swim behind our gracious hosts’ Seward Park home, I set off before anyone had awaken to get an early morning cup. But where does one go for great coffee in a town with so many incredible caffeine dispensing options? I mean, Seattle’s coffee culture is…

Sonoma Charm

After a longish drive down Oregon’s I-5, then a jog over to the coast, we hit the Pacific Ocean at Crescent City. Although it was a silvery-grey afternoon, and the intermittent fog kept the horizon blurry, we were thrilled to have hit the the coastline. After a brief photo stop, we continued down and…

Richmond Gets Groovy Too

Richmond, Virginia has a long history; which is apparent when you drive down Monument Avenue. It is the state capital, a center for banking and business for that part of Virginia, and on the North/South I-95 axis.

Anchors Aweigh

Okay, so we got off a bit later than expected (no surprise, if you know us), but for the first cup of the day decided to keep things Jersey local.

Getting Serious in Greenville

Until my wife’s brother and sister-in-law moved to Greenville, SC, I’d never given the place much thought. My mistake, turns out.

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city (metro population 400K) is growing like a weed, thanks to…

Thirty Cups Challenge

Here’s the thing. I LOVE COFFEE. The very hint of its aroma is energizing; the first tentative sip can transport me. As it calls my brain neurons to attention, a calming yet frenetic optimism creeps into my day; and I’m ready to go.

Mackinac Java

After from Grosse Pointe, we headed due north, dissecting the Michigan mitten on our way to Mackinac Island. I’d always heard about it from my father who’d taken a similar trip with his parents as a kid. Other than the grand hotel on the island and the existence of a ferry to get there, I knew very…