Arroyo Grande: Exploring the Coffee

Day 84 of Family Nomad Life

This marks our third day back in the US. Hubby has gone back to work, and Baby G and I are exploring the surroundings and learning our way around this town. We're all still fighting back the jetlag, but it's getting better one day at a time (the first night Baby G woke up at 3:30am, the next was 4:30am, and then 5:30am). Getting back into the groove of American living, first thing is procuring the cars from storage (and maintenance!), buying groceries, and exchanging what we need and don't between storage and our AirBnB.

For the moment, we are staying in Arroyo Grande (AG), it's near San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Avila, Morro Bay, etc... all those fun little beach towns! The weather is the familiar 70F daily temperatures that I like and, although not quite on the coast, AG is only 2 miles away from the ocean! Perfect for car or bike ride (my goal is to job there before leaving). We're within walking distance to the main street, which will take you to all the way to the beach and dunes (yes, apparently there is a giant sand dune state park at the beach!), and it only takes 15 minutes to walk to the downtown.

As you may know, I explore whatever area I'm in by checking out :

1. The coffee shops

2. Hiking and walks

3. Thrift stores

4. Breweries

5. Bakeries (my latest addition!)
   

So far we have explored four coffee shops nearby our AirBnB, all located in Arroyo Grande: Banner Coffee Co., Greenhouse Coffee, Tribe Coffeehouse, and Nova Coffeehouse.

Coffee Shops

Banner Coffee Co.

-Been here multiple times

-Walking distance from our stay (and laundromat)

-Open early (6:30am!)

Okay, this is actually the closest coffeeshop to our stay. Their coffee isn't bad, I liked their seasonal pumpkin latte and their matcha latte. On those sleepless mornings when it's way too early and I can't get back to sleep, I take a walk over here for some me time. I appreciate the free wifi, and the friendliness of the staff too. This one gets added points purely for the aforementioned, and I love how it's close to the laundromat. That being said, the coffeeshop isn't very comfy. It has plenty of chairs and benches, but only one couch. I need more comfort, damnit! I also enjoyed their breakfasts (over-night oats, what what!), but they ran out of avocados for their avocado toasts [my first love]... like, how the f**k does a California food provider run out of these things!? No bueno, Banner. You're lucky I like pumpkin lattes.

Greenhouse Coffee

-Love their french toasts

-open early

-very spacious and comfy

The first coffeeshop we went to. They opened the earliest of all the nearby coffee houses, and have great food. Hubby and me both ordered their yummy French toasts (they have both savory and sweet options, the best!), and a chia pudding for Baby G. They were even friendly enough to share their chia pudding recipe with me, so I could make it for Baby G's breakfast. I liked this place because not only did they have couches for the family to enjoy our meal, but it was incredibly spacious and the baby was able to run around like the wild child she is. All in all, loved the space, loved the green-feel of it (not in a hippie way, more like friendly local farmer), and loved the food and coffee. I keep coming back for that pudding, making this one of my favorites.

Tribe Coffeehouse

-Walking distance, but there are closer options

-Chill and comfy vibe

-Sell hippie souvenirs (cards, crystals, etc)

This is one our host has recommended several times. First thoughts for me was that I loved their boho ambience and Monthly mochas (this month is Scorpio, with a hint of rose-flavor). As I mentioned in a previous post from my France trip, I rate a coffee shop on their coffee, food, environment, and family-friendly vibe. I liked their coffee, but I didn't like how they only have their Tribe espresso coffee to make, well, everything (cappucino, americano, etc). Now this is a bit unfair, because it's not uncommon for coffeeshops to do this, however the barista mentioned it's always this way. I'd prefer at least a rotation of coffees for their espressos, if possible. That being said, they did have their other coffees available, but only as a cold nitro brew or in coffee bags for purchase. Aside from this, they did have fantastic cookies for Baby G, so they get points for that. Lastly, they didn't have fresh juice available for muh bebbeh, something I miss dearly about the Europe coffee shops. However they did have bottled juice, which is good enough. Lastly, they had a great comfy boho vibe, complete with relaxing colors and decorations, with plenty of couches. Lord knows, I love the coffeehouse comfy couches.

Nova Coffeehouse

-Tiny Coffeehouse

-Children's Play Area

-No indoor seating

This is more of a shack than a coffeehouse. Still, they served coffee and pastries and that was good enough me. I've visited only once, but I can see the appeal to return. Out of all the coffeeshops, this one was the most kid friendly. Not only can I enjoy a coffee in the sun, but the seating area was large, fenced-in, and grassy, and toys were provided for kids of all ages to play with. There was even a PVC [totally DIY] race track for kids to put marbles or toy cars in. I also saw other moms coming with their toddlers and babies, and for Baby G toddler playdates are always welcome; or at least keeping each other entertained while the moms drink coffee and socialize. Admittingly there was nothing comfortable or cozy about this place, but at least it was outdoors, spacious, and something Baby G could take her time exploring. [ya know, without me worrying about her running off]

As time moves forward, I'll post more pictures about our stay in Arroyo Grande area. Until then we'll just keep on keeping on, and prepare for our upcoming Christmas stay in Chicago.

Love,