Summertime coffee shops by the beach

It might have been a concert that brought us finally to the beach, but boy was it a lovely weekend.

My husband and I have never been to the beach together, as we prefer more forested and mountainous destinations, but we had a really great time away in Gulfport, MS. We only had to travel about two hours, and the rain only caught up with us on the last day of our long weekend.

Though the escapism wasn’t as pure as beaches separated from traffic by a highrise hotel, we drove and parallel-parked right on the beach’s edge. There isn’t much of a walk to get to the water, so it was easy to tote our ice chest and beach tent to a spot behind the dunes.

We brought sandwiches, plenty of drinks, a Bluetooth speaker, towels, and my beach read and watercolor set. It felt simple and stress-free, and we could hop in the car and go wherever we wanted whenever we wanted.

The water was warm and shallow, and it was perfect once the wind joined us. The drone of cars faded with the wind’s gusts, the waves were calm and almost methodic. There were no crashing waves–the water was mostly still. A few small jellies floated lazily beside us as we dug nails into the sand to fish out battered oyster shells.

The lap of the surf over my feet put me at ease. And oh–the sunsets! They are so much more magical beside the water.

I needed the time away to remind me that there is more to life than an office where we go to make money and run on the hamster wheel for the same day, five days straight.

It was a blessing to breathe. To live.

Cat Island Coffeehouse

Each day began with espresso: just as it should.

In fact, within the first hour we arrived, we walked to a cute coffee shop next door to our Airbnb called Cat Island Coffeehouse.

Our hearts sank as we pulled on the handle and the door was locked! We looked at the sign in disappointment: it had closed just minutes before we walked up. I was sad not only to miss out on trying the local roast but to miss the selection of books beckoning me through the windows. Cat Island shares a space with Pass Christian Books in both locations.

Out of nowhere (well, technically from the back of the café), a man opened the door and asked what we were looking for.

He invited us in saying, “I can still make something for you from the espresso menu.” My heart soared in a way that could only prove my coffee addiction.

I will always remember the kindness he showed us that afternoon, taking time away from his closing the café. And from that first sip, we knew we were coming back to visit each morning afterward. We went 4 times, and I tell you, that was just not enough.

Not only was their coffee deliciously and expertly brewed, but their menu was unique and not intimidating to order from. There were pastries, unique breakfast dishes, and a house-special selection of coffee beverages.

Just walking in, we could feel the friendliness–the acceptance–of everyone. It truly is a special place. The books around made it feel cozy but also catered to learning: whether that was from one of the books on display, or from the collection of special patrons and baristas. Everyone had a smile on their face.

And their book selection?

Intentionally curated, just like their coffee menu. We could tell each book had been hand-selected for this particular shopfront. There was a variety of genres and topics and just one or two titles in each category. Each book had an attractive cover and was organized by genre and subject. We didn’t purchase any books this time, but we browsed each time we walked in and cracked open a few covers. (I took a picture of two books to add to my TBR! 1 & 2)

Our Orders:
– Chocolate Cortado
– Honeybee Iced Almond Milk Latte (sweetened with honey)(we ordered this one 5 times between us!)
– Iced Oat Milk Mocha
– Iced Almond Milk Latte

Until I looked at their website, I didn’t realize we’d met the founder of the classy Cat Island Coffeehouse. The intention he puts into every detail of this coffee shop/book shop pairing is tangible:

…any #baristocratic business venture in the state’s second largest city would thrive if it were one sharply attuned and well-tailored to the tastes of locals comprising the multiplicity, variegated and diverse surrounding communities. 

Shaninun Pittman – Founder

Coast Roast Coffee & Tea

After a windless, toasty day in the sand, we decided to drop into Coast Roast Coffee & Tea before dinner: an urban-cozy café whose personality seeped outdoors and enveloped the whole building. It was so inviting, as it reminded me of a moody café where I used to love writing my college papers.

Packs of whole, roasted coffee beans paraded along the back wall and adorned the front of the counter. You can imagine how heady the coffee scent hung in the air.

It was a classic café, but the sleek feel was modern and clean. CR Caps hung stylishly between each different flavor of coffee bean. There was a great selection of tumblers and coffee mugs to choose from as well, to remember a good time spent.

In fact, if I hadn’t given my dad his Father’s Day gift prematurely, I would have grabbed some of this merch! Great gifts for the coffee-dependant.

Our Orders:
– Spiced Mocha (think Mexican hot cocoa + espresso! Divine.)
– Hazelnut Frappe

We were very pleased with our orders. Their flavors were bold and delicious, yet didn’t overpower the freshly ground coffee.

Next time we visit, I want to hop across the street and try the popsicle shop, too!

If you’re ever riding along the Gulf Coast and passing through the Gulfport area, I highly recommend taking a detour to stop at one of these special coffee shops. They are welcoming and unique, to be sure.

If you only have time to stop by one, do visit Cat Island Coffeehouse off of Courthouse Road! It’s a special experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Where are you road-tripping lately? What was your favorite coffee shop or go-to coffee drink of the Summer?