Hartford Baking Co. in West Hartford, CT

Today I bring you another local coffee place that serves up coffee and so much more deliciousness! Hartford Baking Co. was another Yelp fueled discovery that I found in West Hartford, CT. They have two locations though I like to visit their New Park Ave shop because the parking is easier than the other location on Farmington Ave.

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Walking in I was immediately tempted by their baked good case!

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They also sell bread loaves, rolls, fresh made sandwiches and DO YOU SEE THOSE GIANT PRETZELS?!

My favorite thing they make (that I’ve tried so far) is the banana chocolate chip muffin.

fullsizeoutput_1b7 — I came in close to closing time so I gobbled this down in my car.

One thing I really like about HBC is that they don’t do the typical pumpkin spice for fall- instead they offer a delicious autumn spice latte which I tried on my first visit.

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fullsizeoutput_1b8 — The autumn spice latte has a cinnamon/spiced type of flavor. It’s really good!

HBC has a good amount of tables so I can usually find a seat if I want to sit and work on my blog while I sip.

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fullsizeoutput_1bb — Love to grab a seat in this cozy corner!

I’ve been to Hartford Baking Co. a couple times now. It’s definitely in my coffee shop rotation. They’re open daily 7:30a-3:00p (at both locations, I believe!) Let me know what you think if you’ve checked them out!

Stay adventurous!

Five Things Friday

It’s officially a Five Things Friday (aka something I just made up on the spot!) I’ve been working a weird schedule the past week and a half so I missed Throwback Thursday- whoops! I’ve realized, after three weeks of blogging, that I thought I wanted to stick to a strict Monday/Thursday schedule but hey- that doesn’t always work, and that’s okay!

With that lesson learned, I bring you five things/thoughts/ideas that I want to share today:

Since today marks the first day of a long weekend for me (perks of a three day work week) I started the morning off with homemade waffles. I have a Dash mini waffle maker from Kohl’s which is AWESOME because it’s size makes it so easy to clean. I modified a recipe that came in the box to add some chocolate protein powder and cut back some of the oil to make it a little healthier.
One week (and a few days) and I’m off to Lake Placid and Lake George for a girl’s trip with my mom! I love the the Adirondacks and can’t wait to be back, especially when it will hopefully be peak fall foliage. Have you been? What are your favorite things to do?
My bestie and I riding the lift to the top of the Olympic Ski Jumps in Lake Placid, NY on a previous visit!
Set your alarm tonight if you’re a Halo Top Ice Cream fan! To celebrate the first day of fall Halo Top is giving away free pints of their pumpkin pie flavored ice cream. All you have to do is visit their website at midnight EST tonight and print a limited offer coupon which can be redeemed at any retailer that sells Halo Top. YUM!
The site to visit tonight is halotop.com/new
Fall is finally upon us! In Connecticut this is the first week that we’ve gotten our first tastes of fall weather. This is also the first week that I had my first taste of pumpkin coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts. I tried to hold out until fall really started but I came up just shy- how did you do? Starbucks certainly didn’t make it easy by bringing the PSL back in August!
As I mentioned I have a three day weekend (sorry to keep bringing it up if you’re working today ha!) I’ve got all sorts of plans packed in: tickets to a comedy show, apple picking, a vineyard visit, a long run, and a cocktail party. I like keeping busy, but do you ever feel like you need a weekend from your weekend? Who can I ask about that?!

Stay adventurous, friends!

Rebel Dog Coffee Co. in Plainville, CT

Now that I’ve started to cover my love of wine it’s time to talk about my first love- coffee. As a nurse I work 12 hour shifts so I need A LOT of coffee to get me through the day. I wish I could say I was a dutiful home brewer but I love to spend my weekly allowance at the coffee shop (or the hospital cafeteria!)

I first heard of Rebel Dog Coffee Co. when I saw their giant billboard across from my dog groomer- targeted marketing perhaps? Fortunately Rebel Dog’s food and coffee selection is so great that it appeals to the dog people and non-dog people alike! Rebel Dog Coffee Co. can be found on route 10 with easy on and off access from I-84 and route 72.

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Aside from the standard menu options, one of the coolest things about Rebel Dog is that they sell cold brew coffee on tap and by growler. Growler coffee or tea is recommended for consumption within 7-10 days from purchase.

I love the novelty of this idea! The barista mentioned that buying the empty growler and a gift card makes a great gift!

Rebel Dog Coffee Co. has a great seating area too with multiple tables, bar style seating along the window and comfy chairs. It’s always so popular in here that I’ve never been able to take a people-less picture to share. I love to sit in here and enjoy my coffee when I have time.

2018-08-31_11-45-25_622 — Also pictured- a delicious house-made corn muffin

Wifi is free, of course, so I can work on my blog while I sip! As mentioned Rebel Dog appeals to the dog lovers too with an outdoor patio where I’ve seen many people sit with their dogs.

2018-07-31_11-33-33_657 — You can see the fenced in patio behind my iced latte. One entrance (there are two) is under the red awning.

Rebel Dog is currently still serving their summer flavors. My personal favorite is the toasted marshmallow! Try it while you still can as the barista reports fall flavors are coming soon. They say they anticipate pumpkin spice with a couple more surprises up their sleeves!

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Have you been to Rebel Dog Coffee Co.? Or, do you have a favorite coffee place near you?

Stay Adventurous!