First off, did you know there is a National Coffee Association?

I had no idea. Since 1911 they have been doing research and providing resources to coffee makers, manufacturers, growers, wholesalers and the public. They offer memberships, training, health tips and more. They are generally the advocate for coffee you never knew you needed.

Far into her 90’s, my great-grandmother would percolate coffee multiple times daily.  In fact, as a small child I would add my lumps of sugar and drink with her. That was the only testament to coffee I ever needed.

Some of the benefits that the association promotes are:

• Liver disease prevention
• Improved cognitive function in older adults
• Sharper memory
• Increased athletic endurance
• Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
• Longevity

They also noted that “moderate” consumption was rated at 3-5 cups a day. Well, that is good news for me! And clearly, my great-grandma was a testament to that.

When I am traveling around the world with my family, I’m always in search of an amazing cup of joe. Some of my fan favorites in other cities are:

Dark Matter, in Chicago, IL
Crimson Cup, in Columbus, OH
Honest Roasters, in Franklin, TN
Stone Creek Coffee, in Milwaukee, WI
Paradise Kona, in Kapolei, HI

It just so happens that if you click on the link, they will ship their coffee to other cities too!

Even though I like to try new coffee when I travel, I noticed that I don’t tend to branch out as much at home. I’m in a coffee rut due to proximity. After doing a bit of research, I will soon be on a Java tour of my own city to check out the following list of local, Indy coffee shops:

The Well, Fishers, IN
SOHO Cafe, Carmel, IN
Hubbard & Cravens, Carmel, IN; Broad ripple and Downtown Indy
Lulu’s Electric Cafe, Indianapolis, IN (north side)
Capstone Cafe, Carmel, IN
Zing Cafe, Carmel, IN
Quirky Feather Confectionery, Carmel, IN
All the Perks Espresso, Indianapolis, IN
Sure Shot Coffee, Fishers, IN
Mission Coffee, Carmel, IN (find them at the Carmel Farmers Market)
Monon Coffee, Broad ripple, IN and Downtown Indy
Perk Up, Broad ripple, IN
Bee Coffee Roasters, Indianapolis, IN (two locations)
Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Co., Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Coal Yard Coffee, Indianapolis, IN (east side)
Thirsty Scholar, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Rabble Coffee, Indianapolis, IN (east side)
Henrys Coffee Bistro, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Mo’Joe Coffee House, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Veloworks Coffee Shop, Fountain Square, Indianapolis, IN
Kaffeine Coffee Co, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Neidhammer Coffee Co, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Lincoln Lane Coffee, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Georgia Street Grind, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Indie Coffee Roasters, North of Indy (online purchasing only)
Tinker Coffee Co, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN (and they have classes!)
Mile Square Coffee Indy, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN (two locations)
Quill’s Coffee, Indianapolis, IN (based in KY)
St. Yared Ethiopian Coffeehaus, Fishers, IN
Cadillac Coffee Co, Ft. Wayne, IN (offers in office service)

Like me, I hope this list helps you get out of your coffee rut. Support the local guys (and gals), chances are, they have a better brew anyway. Smaller batches, water filtered, natural decafs, all with a personal touch.

Side note, if any of these establishments would like to (or if they currently do, please comment below) carry Gluten Free treats for those of us with allergies, we would be most appreciative! I’d happily recommend contacting Brooke’s Candy Co. in Dana, IN to supply you with some of the most amazing, local treats to sell at your shops.

If you have a local Indy coffee house that is not on this list, please comment and let us know. Cheers to a great cup-o-joe!