Where do you go when you need to just… go?

I always find myself at coffee shops, and being that I work at Starbucks I appreciate the culture and atmosphere and sense of belonging so much more than I used to. I watch the baristas as they steam all the milks. I know which one is almond, or maybe heavy cream or 2%. I know what drink they are making by the time it takes to pull the espresso shots or how they pour them into the cup. I enjoy the exquisite latte art, which is something I have ‘yet’ to master except for the occasional accident. I listen to the conversations they have behind the bar and with customers, or the lack thereof. I see the tension between baristas or when customers aren’t always right. I see it all. I feel it all.

So too answer my own question, I come to coffee shops. Why? For one, the caffeinated beverages! But for so much more than that. Honestly, I come for the sense of belonging they deliver, intentionally or unintentionally. You see all walks of life. You can come quickly or stay for hours. You can draw, read, meet future clients, people watch, stare at the walls if you want.

This is where I go.

Folklore Coffee & Company is by far the best coffee shop I’ve come across in my lifetime.

(I installed the address just in case one of you are ever in the area and want a     great cup of coffee, latte or the best London Fog you’ll ever let cross your lips. I get my tea latte made as follows; vanilla, earl grey tea with half the cup of piping hot H2O, and the rest steamed oat milk. If you don’t ever know what to order, please give this a try. Tastes great with regular milk as well. Folklore was the first place I  had this delicious sustenance. anyways...)

Folklore is based in a rather large establishment with old roots and equally old red brick walls. Nothing but Indie playlists consistently playing music such as Cardiff Brothers, The Decemberists, Erick Baker and artists alike. The smell of homemade chai along with freshly pressed espresso. A different artist featuring their work along all four walls and pillars every few weeks or so. There is a vibe when you walk in, as the kids would say nowadays. A place where I won’t be judged for wearing size 6.5 checkerboard slip on vans, blue jeans, and a blue jean jacket with a purple dad hat. It’s comfortable and homely and there’s never anything to worry about here.

This is the place I go for inspiration, for when I miss Colorado, for when I need to focus on my photography, to write this blog post, to meet friends and family, obviously for caffeine, and most importantly for connection. All those reasons are why I stay, and why I will always keep coming back. So Folklore, please don’t ever change. Please continue your daily attitude as an accepting coffee shop, a place for art and belonging and a place for great food a drinks. Cheers!