I found this gitchy, boutique style coffee shop while on my way back to Florida from a long motorcycle trip. Eager for a short break off the bike and looking for a caffeine boost, I searched for a local shop while making my planned stop in Havana Florida.
I don’t know about you but I am over Starbucks. Really, I’ve been over Starbucks for years now. I’m sick of all the weirdos who now work there. You have to look real hard for a normal looking girl or guy serving up your “grande Frappucino”. It was fun years ago but now it just seems passe’ and kinda annoying.
These days, I search out mom and pop type places for my coffee business. First off I love to support small business and secondly, I rarely have to learn a new language just to pronounce the servers name. But really, the big box stores and the fancy corporate cafes are hurting the small guy so I make an effort to support them whenever possible.
I walked into this establishment all disheveled from riding over 6 hours and needing a hot cup of coffee it was the perfect rest stop. I am immediately greeted by a young woman barista who asked me if I had “muscles”. Hey what kind of guy would I be if I didn’t? Maybe one serving up drinks at Starbucks. Oooops another shot. Anyway, I flex my biceps and quickly make short work of the lid on the cinnamon container and I am instantly a hero!
After a little banter back and forth and a recommendation from a second woman behind the counter, I opt for a coffee with some steamed milk. The conversation at some point turned to me and if I was passing thru or staying awhile. I shared my story about how I was returning home from New Jersey and that I searched out the best small towns outside Tallahassee for a place to stay overnight. I mentioned that I wanted to get past Tallahassee and she offered some insight on two towns, Perry and Monticello.
While sipping my hot coffee, I searched out both towns and chose Perry because of the wide variety of places to stay. After concluding our conversation, I made my way out for the next hour ride to Perry.
I chose to write a little piece on Poppy’s because it was not only a part of my journey but also what I love most about traveling, especially by motorcycle. I was made welcome with the terrific coffee and the warm and friendly conversation. The ladies there took a real interest in my trip and going out of their way to talk to me about places to stay. This is a huge difference to how I am treated in the corporate type cafes and I wanted to do my part in promoting this fine establishment and the good people who work there.
Next time you want to stop by a small Florida town on the west side of the state just north of Tallahassee why not give Havana a shot and while your there, stop into Poppy’s and tell them I sent you!
Just one man’s opinion
The Regular Guy
