Nothing goes better with a cool morning on the beach than a hot cup of coffee. It warms the body and soul inside and out and gets you ready to start another day in paradise, aka Myrtle Beach.
But coffee is not just for breakfast anymore. The explosion of the coffeehouse movement has made its way to the Grand Strand and several unique java joints have sprang up in the area offering coffee and conversation all day and night.
Guests at the Caribbean don't have to travel far to get their coffee fix. Located on the property is one of several Starbucks, offering a wide selection of coffees, teas, fruit smoothies and baked goods. It's your most convenient stop for a cup of joe, but here are five other outstanding spots to go out for coffee on the Grand Strand:
Boardwalk Coffee House: It's hard to beat a hot cup of coffee with an ocean view, and that's the appeal of this downtown cafe. Located next to Plyler Park, the centerpiece of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this beach-themed cafe gives guests a wide choice of brews to go with the ocean view. Patrons can enjoy coffee, smoothies and snacks while taking in the free concerts and fireworks shows just outside the front door. Boardwalk Coffee House also features a limited lunch menu of lighter fare. There's another outlet at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach if you happen to be in the neighborhood.
Cannoli's Cafe: This Italian-themed coffee house is also famous for making some of the best desserts in town. Located at the Galleria on Restaurant Row, this strip mall establishment has the feel of a classic coffee shop and an Italian bakery. Enjoy one of the many desserts, like the award-winning tiramisu or the namesake cannolis, and wash it down with a broad array of coffees, teas and fruit smoothie concoctions. Pick up a couple of pastries for breakfast and thank me the next morning.
Collector's Cafe: Thus upscale establishment is better known as a fine-dining restaurant and fine-arts center. Featuring paintings by local artists in the gallery on one side and a main dining and area and bar on the other, Collector's Cafe is also home to one of the most unique, European-style coffee bars in town. Specializing in javas and lattes, this coffee room also features an exclusive menu of alcoholic coffees with liquors and cordials. A hip crowd hangs out here from happy hour till late night.
Fresh Brewed Coffee House: Located in the heart of the historic downtown district on Broadway Avenue, this corner unit of an old strip mall is also a hot spot for the local arts community. Serving coffees from all over the globe, Boardwalk Coffee House is also host to live poetry slams and musical jams by local performers. Grab an old board game and make friends over a round of Monopoly or Jinga, or grab a book off the shelf and spend some down time over a cup of coffee.
Second Cup Cafe: Occupying the corner unit at Northwoods Shopping Center, this glass-covered cafe offers a wide selection of coffees, baked goods, light lunch fare and free Wi-Fi. But the coffee is the main attraction, and this place gets creative with the many flavors and blends on the menu and daily special board. Cashing in on the pumpkin-spice craze of fall, Second Cup offers a popular pumpkin blend that has many customers living up to the shop's name and going back for a second cup.
(Posted: 12/29/14)
(Photo Courtesy: bflanding.com)
