I recently discovered a magical place. This wondrous alcove is nestled in Orange Park. Not typically a place I’d journey to in hopes a finding a nice of mug of joe.
But I recently crossed the Buckman bridge and made the trek out only to be delighted but my new favorite coffee shop in Jacksonville.
The primary reason I came by was not to work, but actually for a little Sunday afternoon date with a guy from Bumble.
Note: I still have not visited the Chamblin’s Uptown, a mysterious bookstore that I’ve heard is unforgettable. I will compare the experience at their cafe at some point soon I hope.
The Things I Saw and Did
As I parked at this coffee house, I knew I was going to love the atmosphere inside. Not only did this non-chain, non-Starbucks, totally niche venue have a drive-thru, but it also has a patio with outdoor seating.
Perfect for enjoying the crisp Fall weather that is sometimes sprinkled into Jacksonville’s seasons. There were some sweet pups sitting outside too, enjoying a Sunday afternoon’s walk with their owners.
Inside was an utter feast for the eyes – and I hadn’t even looked at the food yet! There was a mix of cozy cottage-like homey decor with warm colors and a stay-a-while ambiance. With signs in big letters, and some home-made decorations, the place had a kitch quality that you know you’re aunt would love.
But that wasn’t all, beyond the crafty bricks and doors used as decor, there was an industrial whimsical vibe with a hipster edge to it. It was like a playful dream of a library unfolding into a yummy cafe.
Then I saw the baked donuts! The party cafe was filled with decadent looking goodies. Forget those diners with spinning cakes or Perkin’s with their display of pies. The presentation and variety of giant dessert and breakfast goodies outmatched all of those. There were wooden plates of enormous gourmet donuts, an apple pie and plate-size cookies.
Peering behind the counter I could see large, shiny, vintage looking espresso machines and hear steaming milk being prepared. I looked at the menu and saw the offerings expanded beyond tasty treats to include salads, sandwiches, breakfast items and even burgers. I ordered a salad which had lots of delicious chicken and fresh tasting veggies and a terrible thousand island-like dressing. My bad for not inquiring about the type of dressing used. The brewed coffee was rich and strong. I ordered an americano later (as I couldn’t leave this enchanted location for quite sometime) and enjoyed that also.
Even the bathroom here was quite nice, with funky details like faucets holding toilet paper racks, an extravagant sink and intriguing wall hangings.
Tour of the Cafe
The cafe has a large seating area with tables of different sizes, perfect for accommodating the solo coffee goer, friends out for a chat, or a group of students buckling down to study. There was an area with large comfy seats by a fireplace, inviting afternoon chats and a becoming friends with a good book.
In one corner sat a piano and a woman playing the most calming, nostalgic and comforting tunes. It really was unreal to hear a live rendition of classical music that plays on my Bach and Yo-Yo Ma pandora station. For hours she peacefully played away, making my afternoon of work on my laptop simply fly by.
Excerpt from 2017
The primary reason I came by was not to work, but actually for a little Sunday afternoon date with a guy from Bumble.
The Christmas Party Date Campaign
I met this fine young man as part of my campaign for find a date for my work Christmas party. Maybe all this marketing copy has gone too my brain a bit, but I think it’s an effective strategy nonetheless. I’m created an online dating profile for the express purpose of finding a date to the lovely annual siorre my company holds. The event includes dinner, desserts, a lovely backdrop, dancing, an auction and all the pomp and circumstance that elegant party planners with golf country club connections can muster.
Having a handsome prince for such an event makes it so much more exciting.
My first candidate is a teacher, and he suggested this coffee house. Perhaps he grades papers here! He didn’t have to say much to impress me. Simply introducing me to the Urban Bean was an intriguing enough move to earn him a second interview!