Vancouver, WA

There’s something about this time of year that demands a higher consumption of hot beverages. Luckily, Vancouver is up to the challege of providing cozy retreats from the dim and cold of winter. On this particular day cabin fever was coursing through my veins and it was time for an expedition requiring caffeine, milk, chocolate and whipped cream, in that order. My sister signed on and we created our itinerary.

Starting at Ferarr’s we enjoyed an unexpected bistro setting with small tables and warm lighting. Sampling an excellent espresso con pana piled with whipped cream we marked the menu and resolved to come again for happy hour or lunch. When every last drop of espresso and whipped cream was slurped we moseyed across the hall. Connected to the bistro is a boutique full of art, cards, candles, jewelry and home decorations where we touched, sniffed or thumbed through everything.

Eventually we remember the itinerary and it was on to recently opened Marcell’s. Tempting pies glistened behind the case but we settled on a mocha, you gotta pace yourself a little. Here we explored the shelves of books provided by a book exchange, the stacks of scarves and hat’s, jewelry and art produced by local artists. We played chess and sipped our drinks and guessed the answer to the daily trivia questions: which country consumes the most coffee per capita. I guessed Ethiopia. It’s Finland. Now I know.

Once we felt we could stomach yet another beverage we left for our final destination, the newly opened Mint Tea. The vibrant paper lanterns dangling under the eves should have tipped me off, nevertheless I was unprepared for the scene of color that burst upon me when I opened the door. Exotic imports were stacked and hung around tables and embroidered seats. Mesmerized, we found the counter and ordered a pot of tea and a pot of coffee. They each came set on a tray with a mug and hourglass timer. Hungry, we also ordered muffins and bagels and enjoyed a leisurely tea time overlooking uptown Main Street.

Our cabin fever residing and our caffeine quota filled for the next week we headed home jittery but happy.