If you love coffee + good books keep on reading.

My previous coffee chats used to be me talking about various topics while highlighting a local Michigan coffee shop. I absolutely love going to coffee shops and right now, we all have to stay home.

BUT you can definitely still support your favorite local business and with that I will be featuring a Michigan coffee shop each week! Go check them out and help support them during this time! (To note: support doesn’t always mean financial support. Liking an instagram post, sharing on your story, telling someone else who loves coffee are also great ways to support small business).

This Week features

Higher Grounds Coffee

Higher Grounds Coffee is a coffee shop in Traverse City, MI behind the Grand Traverse Commons.

You can shop their coffee here

Check out their Instagram here

They are offering free local delivery and curb-side pick up to the Traverse area. As well as free shipping on purchases over $60, flat rate $7 shipping otherwise!

I absolutely love their Justice Blend. It is a perfect light roast coffee. I’m a huge fan of vanilla and the hint of vanilla in this is perfect. The citrus makes this a go-to in the morning, an awesome breakfast blend!

Their website has tons of information on coffee, different ways to prepare coffee, so many ways to educate yourself! I highly recommend taking a moment to check out some of their learning tools here if you’re a coffee fan or a wanna-be coffee fan.

The Good Hike By Tim Keenan

A 245 page story of a Vietnam Vet’s experience through-hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. Keenan is a Michigan native, from Grand Rapids and now resides in Traverse City. This book describes his experiences hiking from Georgia to Main, while battling PTSD from serving in the Vietnam War. Keenan explains that his company had “more contact with the enemy than any other” in 1967-1968. After not going into the wilderness for many years due to fears from war, at 62 years old, he decides to confront his PTSD head on. This is a story of growth, love, strength, healing, and nature. An extremely well written and invigorating book, this was one I flew through.

My own grandfather was a Vietnam War veteran. Many of Keenan’s “flashbacks” to war reminded me of stories my Papa would tell me. Keenan writes in way that makes you feel like you are right there, many of his flashbacks brought tears to my eyes and and ache in my heart. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys auto-biographies, nature stories, or is a fellow Michigander.