Wednesday Whims.

Hey hey hey, internet friends!

Wednesday is here, which means it's halfway through the week AND it's time for another Wednesday Whim! (or would it be Whims? I dunno)

What should we talk about today? OH. I know. Coffee.

In case you don't already know, I consider myself a sort of a latte critic. Gone are the days where I rush into the closest Starbucks in the morning to get my grande soy *insert whatever seasonal flavor here* latte before work starts. Not to say that I don't like Starbucks. Of course I still stop at the local Starbucks whether it's for a frappucino (just don't tell me about the calories in those things, LET ME LIVE, kay?!) or for an unsweeted Passion tea- with light ice, duh. However, my little hipster heart is just not content to only devote my coffee appreciation to Starbucks anymore. Side question- can you truly be a hipster if you consider yourself a hipster? I usually only call myself a hipster in an ironic sense. Discuss in the comments, if you will. Educate me please.

Back to the point- I felt the need to branch out and get more from my coffee shop experience. I needed more "coffee shop vibes", if you will. This was mainly due to Jordan becoming the biggest coffee snob I know and love. I've come to find that I really enjoy the experience of ordering a coffee and sitting down to enjoy it- however cheesy that may sound. For example, latte art in a clean, white ceramic mug? Makes drinking your latte so much more exciting than sipping out of a disposable cup covered with a lid. Clean, simplistic interior decor, creative branding and design, a rich espresso blend, and a relaxing atmosphere are all things that make my coffee shop fangirl come alive. And free wifi- you know, for blogging.

So here are my current top 3 places to get the best coffee shop vibes. This list is always changing, because when Jordan and I travel we make it a point to visit new coffee shops and test them out.

1. Madcap

located in Grand Rapids, MI

Come on guys, you knew it was coming. I talk about this one enough that I won't say too much other than this: excellent branding, design,

coffee, basically everything.

2. Greyhouse

located in Lafayette, IN

I talked about this one in my Friday Favorites last week, but it deserves a mention on this list. One of my favorite spots to sit down and do some blogging in Lafayette.

They're open till 11, have the best espresso blend with chocolatey goodness, and also serve delicious gelato & macaroons.

3. La Colombe

located in Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, D.C.

I've only been here once, but it deserves a mention because I may have had one of the best iced lattes of my life here. Also get this, I got this latte sans flavored syrup. This basically never happens, people.

The La Columbe cafes have started offering what they are calling a Draft Latte.

Which to me sounds like it would have like beer or alcohol in it but it doesn't. Basically what it is is a latte made up of cold brew coffee and frothed milk kept in a keg. It is seriously SO GOOD. It has a super creamy texture and has no added sugar but is really sweet. If you live near a La Columbe and they are offering this drink, run, skip, or sprint there and try it now.

Do you have any favorite coffee shops that I need to visit? Comment below!

#wednesdaywhims