Starting your day with a steaming cup of coffee can set the tone for a wonderful day ahead. The rich aroma, the comforting warmth, and the gentle caffeine boost can help kickstart your morning on a positive note. And when you’re on vacation, exploring the local coffee shops can be just as enjoyable as drinking the coffee itself. There’s something truly special about sipping on a perfectly crafted cup of coffee in a cozy, welcoming space. From the rich aromas that greet you at the door to the friendly faces behind the counter, local coffee shops offer a unique experience that can’t be replicated by big chain stores. Join us as we explore the must-visit coffee shops in the Willmar Lakes Area.

1) Goodness Coffee Company
Located in the heart of Willmar, this coffee shop is more than just a place to grab your morning brew – it’s a hub of community and connection. Stepping inside the Goodness Coffee Company, one is immediately enveloped by a cozy and welcoming ambiance with beautiful natural lighting and a sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee beans and baked cookies coming from the oven. Whether you’re here to enjoy a quick coffee meeting with a colleague, linger over a book, or catch up with friends, their expert baristas are at your service, crafting each drink to your exacting standards with the utmost care and attention. In addition to coffee, this shop offers a wide range of delicious food options, from classic pastries and baked goods to savory sandwiches. Whether you’re a lifelong coffee connoisseur, just seeking a place to relax and unwind, or on your way to work and in need of a fast, quality cup of coffee, this coffee shop guarantees to surpass your expectations and leave you feeling uplifted and rejuvenated.

2) Jacked Up Coffee Co.
Jacked Up Coffee Co (formerly known as: Fresh Start Espresso) is a drive-thru coffee shop located in the parking lot of the Green Lake Mall in Spicer. They’re not your usual coffee shop. In addition to your favorite coffee drinks, they also serve tea, sparklers, smoothies, Man of War bangin energy smoothies made with bang energy for your morning pick me up, a variety of iced tea, hot apple cider, hot chocolate and lemonade. And for those looking for more, they can add collagen, protein, or a colorless flavorless all natural energy boost to any of their drinks. They also serve breakfast burritos, bakery items, pizza and more! There is something for everyone at this unique coffee shop, including sugar free offerings.

3) Lake Affect Coffee
This unique, little coffee shop is located in beautiful downtown New London. It’s the perfect place to grab your favorite espresso drink, coffee, tea or smoothie and sit down and relax. The atmosphere is casual and comfy as they have a whole wall filled with used books that are available for purchase from Flyleaf Book Shop. In addition to delicious beverages, they also serve homemade baked goods, soup, salads, and lunch items! Plan to meet a friend and catch up over your favorite menu item in this laid-back java shop or grab your cup of joe to go through their drive-thru.

4) LuLu Beans Coffee House
Willmar’s only true coffee “house”, LuLu Beans, is located in a converted older house at 1020 First Street. It is a coffee lover’s place of comfort, peacefulness and relaxed conversation. The coffee shop offers several cozy rooms with comfy couches and chairs, as well as tables for studying or working. Seasonal amenities include seating around a warm indoor fireplace and an outdoor furnace for beautiful fall and winter evenings. There are also accommodations for summer, including air conditioning and a lovely outdoor patio with tables and chairs perfect for sun soaking. Several different coffees are always available, including decaf varieties, fair trade, organic, flavored and their oh-so-popular Velvet Hammer. Hot and cold espresso drinks, teas and smoothies are also popular. They also have excellent baked goods made fresh daily as well as refreshing summer salads, wraps, sandwiches, and soups.

5) Middle Fork Cafe
The Middle Fork Café in Willmar has a bistro vibe and includes shelves and shelves of beautiful, colorful used books for sale, at the Novel Idea Book Shop. The Middle Fork menu is known for its favorite melty sandwiches and paninis, decadent divine desserts, macarons, whole food smoothies and excellent specialty coffees. Stop by for your favorite beverage, breakfast, lunch or even a meeting. The Middle Fork Cafe has the perfect spot for your work meetings, book clubs, bible studies and more with their separated meeting space. In a hurry? Order ahead and pick up your favorites in their drive-thru.

From the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the friendly baristas, each coffee shop has its own charm that adds to the overall vacation experience. Whether you are a coffee aficionado or just looking for a relaxing spot to unwind, visiting local coffee shops can truly enhance your vacation and create lasting memories. So, next time you are on vacation, make sure to include a visit to a local coffee shop in your itinerary – it might just turn out to be the highlight of your trip!