I am not a morning person, but I am a coffee person. The percolating staccato notes and intoxicating nutty aroma stir me from slumber every morning. During winter months, coffee is a great way to boost the immune system and energy. As colder weather draws near, stave off winter’s chilly grip with a steaming mug of joe. Cozy up with a holiday concoction, linger with a book in hand or seek an alternative workspace at one of these North Georgia specialty coffeeshops.
Spreading Java Joy
Abide Coffee (Blairsville, Hiawassee)
Abide Coffee opened in 2019 when Anthony and Heather Zammetti felt called as parents to create a safe environment for students to gather after school. Their coffee shop offers young adults a way to communicate with their peers without cell phones and social media. “We want to be a light,” Anthony shares. Seeking to redefine community through coffee, they cater to local schools and sports events with their rentable coffee cart. Both locations host special events such as paint parties, comedy shows, and live music. Abide partners with Yonah Coffee as another way to brew with local businesses. Take a break from the holiday rush this winter with their signature Candy Cane Mocha, complete with a candy cane topping. abidecoffee.com
Because Coffee (Dawsonville)
Because Coffee opened in 2019 when Doug Cole invested in roasting specialty coffee for his North Georgia neighbors. By partnering with nearby local businesses, customers enjoy BC blends in their cup and in their dessert! (The Blue Bicycle restaurant in Dawsonville infuses Because Coffee in their creme brulee.) The Dawsonville location includes a drive-thru and local hangout cafe with a laid-back vibe. Cole’s latest vision, Myth & Legend at Cumming City Center, takes BC customers to a new level of caffeine sipping sophistication. Elevate your Christmas cheer and order the Spriggy Pudding latte, their take on a holiday favorite and loaded with spiced fig flavor, available at both locations. because.coffee
Boarding Pass Coffee (Milton, Gainesville)
Board the holiday express at Boarding Pass Coffee. Importing their love of good coffee and travel, Murilo and Christine Santos opened Boarding Pass Coffee in 2020. The couple blends an international experience with coffee beans imported from the family farm in Brazil. Arrivals head to the coffee counter to purchase a full flight of coffee blends. Choose from drip, espresso and pour-over drinks to enjoy from an airplane seat! Soar to new coffee brewing heights and book an in-person or virtual tasting to enrich your coffee education. At departures, have your passport stamped with a bagged coffee purchase. boardingpasscoffee.com
Ellijay Coffeehouse (Ellijay)
With a nod to the 90s, the Ellijay Coffeehouse is known as “your local living room.” Located steps from the Ellijay Square in an old downtown brick and wood structure, guests are invited to chill on the patio or lounge by the fireplace in the community room. Sip on locally roasted blends, espresso drinks or tea. Rock your retro in the adjacent Mountain Town Toy shop selling classic vinyl records and nostalgic toys. Toast the New Year with a rotating seasonal beverage, crafted by the ECH baristas. ellijaycoffeehouse.com
JumpinGoats Coffee Roasters (Helen)
Jump for coffee joy at JumpinGoats Coffee Roasters in Helen with two locations just miles apart on Helen Highway. Relax by the river at historic Nacoochee Village, or sip and see the cows gathered on the mountain. The mountaintop location features a dog park, music bingo and live music every weekend. Huddle up this holiday in the enclosed patio, available to rent for special events. Dreaming of a white Christmas? Order JumpinGoats’ seasonal favorite, Ivory Snow, flavored with vanilla and hazelnut. jumpingoatcoffeeroasters.com
Wholly Grounds (Cartersville)
‘Tis the season for a cheerful blend at Wholly Grounds. Tom Easton opened his coffee shop in 2019 to pour faith and hope into the Cartersville community. Wholly Grounds offers one blend of coffee and a creative menu of espresso drinks. The family-friendly atmosphere is the perfect spot to gather with friends. Groups are invited to rent the conference room. When you’re in a holiday hurry, place your order at the drive-thru. Spice up this winter with their popular Gingerbread Latte.whollygrounds.com
Coffee with a Cause
Blend of Hope (Flowery Branch)
The idea for Blend of Hope specialty coffee began brewing when Chuck and Lisa Boylan recognized that important conversations happen over coffee. Blend of Hope sponsors certified training courses in suicide prevention and mental health education for local schools and first responders. Roasted to order in Flowery Branch, Blend of Hope offers free delivery for nearby areas and local pickup at participating North Georgia festivals and farmers markets. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for coffee and conversation. Gift someone this year with a Blend of Hope. blendofhope.com
Brewable (Alpharetta, Roswell)
Joy to the coffee world at Brewable! Opened in 2019 as an Alpharetta city initiative, Brewable baristas with intellectual and developmental disabilities contribute their specially-trained skills to serve their customers. Supported by the community, Alpharetta-based Warm Waves provides the coffee and nearby Cafe Intermezzo shares their leftover cake tops, later transformed into Brewable’s popular cake pops. Spread the Brewable festive spirit and discover what the baristas have picked as their surprise seasonal beverage. brewable.org
Community Cup (Cumming)
Jalynn Barr opened Community Cup in 2018 to support a non-profit close to her heart, CURE Childhood Cancer. While customers savor neighborhood flavors with locally sourced products, a portion of sales is donated to CURE. Community Cup serves up nearby Because Coffee blends and sells baked festive cookies and treats with gluten-free and vegan options. Watch the Cumming Christmas Parade from Community Cup on Dec. 9 with hot chocolate topped with sprinkles or an Eggnog Latte, made with eggnog syrup for the vegan-conscious. communitycupga.com This winter, perk up your warmth and wellbeing brewed in a cup at one of these North Georgia coffeeshops. Find more Georgia roasters and shops at georgiagrown.com.
