Vignettes of Poughkeepsie: The Crafted Kup, Wednesday, January 19, 3:45 p.m.

It’s a cloudy Tuesday at dusk, with the light outside gently changing from grey to blue. The chilled air melts away as soon as you walk in the door. The aroma of coffee grounds floats through the small space.

The season’s specials are written on a classic coffee house chalkboard behind the counter. Friendly baristas smile as they take orders—a latte here, extra espresso there. A sign by the order pick-up counter encourages customers to post photos to their social media accounts and use #craftedkup.

The Crafted Kup is dim but warmly lit. Incandescent light bulbs hang exposed on the walls and a virtual fireplace burns in the corner. Music plays in the background, loud enough to enjoy but not so much as to distract you from whatever your purpose is.

People are scattered throughout at the room at small wooden tables. Some faces are lit by their laptop screens, oblivious to their surroundings, ambient sound blocked by headphones. Others compare new tattoos. Friends catch up and a mother advises her son.

The coffee and tea here are locally roasted and organic. The little coffee shop takes pride in this, also serving locally made baked goods. Flowers, hearts, even dragons decorate the foam on their warm beverages.

This is how I imagined the coffee house in YA novels I read in high school. It’s small and cozy with a kind staff and good coffee, the kind of place people always want to be. The kind of place where when someone says, “Let’s go for coffee!” you just assume this is where you’ll go.

The Crafted Kup is located in the Arlington walking district of Poughkeepsie, just off the Vassar College campus. I would highly recommend it for those who enjoy a little bit of espresso and a lot of good atmosphere.