The Best Hot Chocolate and Cider in the High Country
Warm up this winter with these delicious, steaming beverages in the quaint towns of the High Country. They’ve got lattes, they’ve got comfy seating, and they’ve got wifi—everything you need to on a winter afternoon. After all, it isn’t winter without the perfect cup of hot chocolate or cider.
Fred and Larry’s Coffee
Banner Elk, NC
Fred and Larry are the two brothers (and masterminds) behind the amazing Fred and Larry’s Coffee. Stop by for the Fred and Larry’s Coffee espresso, lattes, or “the creme de la creme” of coffee. Fred and Larry aim to create an environment where all people are welcome and comfortable in a space filled to the brim with art and great music is played— we are happy to report they nailed it.
Miracle Grounds Coffee Shop and Cafe
Linville, NC
Crossnore School & Children’s Home acquired “Miracle Grounds” back in 2006. The coffee shop is constructed of stone from Linville River, and historians believe the original building was constructed in the 1920’s, making it one of the oldest commercial buildings in Crossnore. Every day, Miracle Grounds Coffee Shop & Cafe is serving a variety of specialty drinks, teas, as well as breakfast and lunch specials. Plus, all their proceeds benefit the children of Crossnore School & Children’s Home— a local non-profit that serves children in western North Carolina through residential and community foster care, adoptive services, and more.
Fox and the Fig
Spruce Pine, NC
Fox and the Fig serve fresh Counter Culture Coffee (out of Durham) and Rishi teas (out of Milwaukee). You can taste the love they put into creating their drinks. They hand brew featured single origin coffees as pour-overs and make all their teas in small, made-to-order batches. Plus, you can satisfy your sweet tooth—every delectable item is baked in-house with local ingredients. We recommend trying the mouth-watering ginger molasses cookie (it’s been locally tested and approved). Follow them on Instagram for a little peek inside this perfectly quaint coffee shop.
Dogwood Cafe & Lounge
Boone, NC
Nestled in downtown Boone, Dogwood Cafe has a full-service espresso bar offering a variety of drinks made with organic, fair-trade coffee from Bald Guy Brew, and the only finest natural ingredients. Whether you are a morning bird or a late-afternoon lark, Dogwood Cafe & Lounge has a meal waiting for you. Open from 8:00am to 7:00pm.
DT’s Blue Ridge Java Coffee Shop and Cafe
Spruce Pine, NC
Blue Ridge Java is popular among locals for their hand-crafted coffee drinks and gourmet meals. Opening its doors in 2003, DT’s offers folks a place to relax, connect with friends and enjoy a delicious meal or hot cup of coffee (and hot chocolate). Good news for both the morning birds and the afternoon larks—DT’s is open from 7 am to 5 pm. Try the mocha twister, a blended creamy, chocolate frozen latte with chocolate-covered espresso beans. Or, if you are a tea person, try the chai tea, a spiced black tea made with milk. So come in and just kick back with a simple cup of joe.
Linville and the surrounding towns have the best coffee shops for the hot chocolate connoisseur, cider lover, and caffeine addict. Not caffeinated enough? Check out our locally-approved coffee shop guides to Boone and Blowing Rock.