local coffee – Maria Does Things

Newsletter #1

Welcome to the Maria Does Things newsletter!
Here, I share what I have been up to, coffee I’ve been drinking, places I have been exploring, and things on my mind!

August 16th, 2026

Welcome to the Maria Does Things newsletter!
Here, I share what I have been up to, coffee I’ve been drinking, places I have been exploring, and things on my mind!

Coffee of the week

The standout coffee I had this week was from Gaia in Lewes, DE! I loved it so much, I went twice while I was down in Delaware! Their cold brew was incredible, and I tried a salty maple cinnamon latte that was delicious! I ended up buying a bag of Colombian coffee to brew at home! I love how their coffee is ethically sourced and thoughtfully roasted and brewed!

What I’ve been reading

I just finished Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune. I waited until I was on vacation to read Carley’s new book because her books feel like summer bottled up & there is just something about reading a new Carley Fortune book on the beach that is elite! Our Perfect Storm is definitely my favorite Carley Fortune book so far! I was lusting after Tofino even though I barely knew what it looked like before googling. The love story gave me butterflies and was so beautifully written! 5 Stars, 10/10!

Places I’ve explored recently

Chesapeake Bay

Last week was the first time I really ever spent time on the coast of the Chesapeake Bay, and I really enjoyed my time! We visited Point Lookout State Park and the Point Lookout Lighthouse! The weather was hot and beautiful. I loved collecting shells and rocks, staring at the yellow-orange sand and the blues of the water. We also found a restaurant where we sat back, relaxed, and ate blue crab. Needless to say, I love crab now! Our trip was peaceful and full of nature, great food, and delicious coffee!

Summer coming to an end…

I get really nostalgic this time of year, especially coming fresh off our summer vacation. I love summer and do not want it to end, but I also love fall and cannot wait for all the fall activities. I am trying to ground myself and savor the last of the slow summer days we still have while also planning my fall. Fall is always a busier work season for me, and I am trying to be intentional not to lose sight of doing all the simple fall things I love to do – trying fall drinks at local coffee shops, apple cider donuts, fall lake trips, taking long walks to see fall foliage…the list is almost endless!
The next few weeks, I am going to try hard to embrace all the summer activities I can and enjoy the warm weather before August slips away.

Thank you for reading the Maria Does Things newsletter!
I hope to write a newsletter each week with what I am up to. I am doing this as a way to stay connected while planning to take a social media break soon. If you would like to share with me what you are up to, what coffee you’ve been loving, what book you are reading, etc., please reach out!

A farewell to my favorite coffee shop

I am teary-eyed, trying to figure out where to begin.
Out There Coffee has been with me, unknowingly, through all my major milestones as an adult. A place that felt like home as soon as I walked in the door from the first time until, unknowingly, my last.

In 2019, I took a trip to Cape May right after my 25th birthday. I was at the tail end of the hardest year of my life to date. That trip was a balm for my soul and a respite for my husband and me, which we desperately needed. Our cousin told us about a new coffee shop she found the summer before, and I was dying to grab my first lumberjack latte. I fell head over heels for Out There and their lumberjack latte. It was all I thought about once I returned home. Quickly, my heart yearned not only for Cape May but for a lumberjack latte from Out There.

In 2021, I was able to visit Capy May again for the first time since COVID. I had just bought my home with my husband, and we spent a week in Cape May with my family. We stayed in a little house near the bay, the same one I stayed in when I was a kid. It was the week of my 27th birthday. On the morning of my 27th birthday, I got a coffee from Out There and walked along the beach. On the evening of my 27th birthday, I got engaged to my now-husband.

I returned in the summer of 2021 to look at wedding venues, and Out There lumberjack lattes fueled my search. In early 2022, my husband and I returned to finalize the details of our upcoming wedding, and Out There fueled us for that, too.

When planning my wedding, there was one thing I knew I needed on the morning of my wedding. It was a lumberjack latte from Out There and a walk on the beach by myself. I remember those moments like it was yesterday. It was a gorgeous, sunny morning, and I swear it was the best lumberjack latte I had to date. There was just something about a lumberjack and the crashing waves and your feet in the sand and collecting shells. It was the perfect morning before marrying the love of my life.

In the summer of 2023, we returned with both our families and had a week to relax on the beach without the go-go of a wedding. It was a week full of lumberjack lattes and shell hunting each morning. It was such a gift.

In 2024, as my 30th birthday drew closer, I was struggling. I felt the weight of getting older and did not know what my next steps in life were. I knew one thing: if I had to turn 30, I had to do it in Cape May. I spent mornings that week with lumberjack lattes, walking the beach. My 30th birthday trip to Cape May was once again balm to my soul.

We rang in 2025 in Cape May, and we brought our new puppy to the beach for the first time. He got to experience what it was like to get a lumberjack latte and walk on the beach with me in the morning. It was incredible to share something so special to me with our puppy and to have him see places (Cape May and Out There) that I feel have grown up with me.

In August of 2025, my husband and I took our first trip away from our puppy and spent a few days in Cape May. Even with a hurricane on the way, we still had a sunny morning to walk on the beach with our lumberjack lattes. I had no idea that day it would be my last lumberjack latte. My last day walking into Out There.

It is hard to describe the experience. Of walking into Out There and the distinct smell of Out There coffee brewing. Of the warmth hitting you once you stepped back outside with your iced cold coffee in hand. Of the sweet and strong taste of a lumberjack as you take your first sip before heading toward the beach. As you walk down Ocean Street, lined with Victorian Bed and Breakfasts. As you finally crossed the street and got to sink your feet in the warm sand. As you would stand near the jetty, seeing the expanse of the beach and the waves crashing. The salty air swirls around you, mixing with the flavors of the coffee as you take a sip.

My heart will always yearn to go back to that place, to the experience, and I am thankful for each lumberjack and for each coffee I had from Out There over the years. I am thankful that such a place existed to hold me through some of the hardest, craziest, and happiest years of my life.

Why You Should Spend the 4th of July in Scranton, PA

Since my first time, many years ago, spending the 4th of July in Scranton, it’s been hard to not be in Scranton on the 4th. Here are 3 reasons why you need to spend the 4th of July in Scranton, PA!

Since my first time, many years ago, spending the 4th of July in Scranton, it’s been hard to not be in Scranton on the 4th. If you are unfamiliar with Scranton, PA, it rests in a valley with mountains rising on all sides. If you are on the top of a hill within the valley, you will have a great view of the mountains. Scranton is also close to many lakes, rivers, and walking/ hiking trails. Scranton is also home to many local businesses!
Here are 3 reasons why you need to spend the 4th of July in Scranton, PA!

1. Summer activities for any type of weather!

This past 4th of July weekend, there was a ton of rain in the forecast. However, it ended up not raining most of the days but it was muggier and hotter than anticipated. Many years, July is the time of year when you can plan on decent weather in Scranton. Regardless of the weather, Scranton and Northeastern PA have a ton of summer activity options that make it worth the trip, no matter what the weather will be.

For a 4th of July weekend with beautiful weather, there are so many lakes where you can lay on the beach, walk/ hike, or boat during the day! You can get to Lackawanna State Park and Gouldsboro State Park within 30 minutes for a lake day! You can also rent an Airbnb in one of the private lake communities for a more full lake weekend!
Montage Mountain has a waterpark, and Nay Aug can provide a great place for a walk/ hike or a great place to picnic!

For a 4th of July weekend with iffy weather, Scranton and the surrounding areas have many indoor activity options! I personally love all the coffee shops in Scranton, which provide a great way to support a local business, get a good cup of coffee or brunch, and a place to hang out, read a book, or meet someone new! Scranton also has the Scranton Shakespeare Festival, which has performances running all summer long! My parents went to Othello over the 4th weekend and could not rave enough about it! Dickson City has the Viewmont Mall and a movie theatre. Kalahari is less than 40 minutes away from Scranton if you crave the summer waterpark experience, but the weather is not so great.

2. People in Scranton show up for the holiday!

There is something to be said about spending a holiday in a place where people are excited to celebrate! The people in Scranton love to show up in their red, white, and blue and celebrate! Lots of people have their own celebrations with family and friends, barbequing, hanging out at the lake, or lighting off their own firework display.

Scranton always puts on the Scrantastic Spectacular, which happens downtown with local vendors! This is also where they light off a huge firework display while the Scranton Philharmonic plays to the fireworks! The event is always a great way to get good food and experience the holiday!

Though many businesses/ people show up for the holiday, there are still businesses that remain open on the 4th itself, making it easy to still experience the city even on the 4th!

3. There is no better place to watch fireworks!

Because Scranton is in a valley, watching fireworks is unlike anywhere I have ever been. Depending on where you are in the city, you are able to witness fireworks displays across the entire valley. It is magical and hard to describe!
The night of the Scrantastic Spectacular is a great night to find a place overlooking the city to watch the fireworks. If the Scrantactic Spectacular isn’t on the 4th itself, on the 4th, finding a spot overlooking the city when it gets dark is a must! Because so many people in Scranton go all out celebrating the holiday, you can see tons of fireworks displays across the entire valley!

Pro tip: a top of a public parking garage will do the trick, especially if it overlooks a large section of the valley!

Though Scranton, PA, might not be the first place you would think to spend your 4th of July weekend, I recommend you think about it while planning your next 4th weekend! I promise you won’t regret spending a weekend full of 4th celebrations, good food, and great fireworks displays!
Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

Mocha at Moka

There is just something about a great cup of coffee that gives you a feeling like nothing else in this world. When I experience a cup of coffee like that, I spend months, even years, eager to return to the coffee shop that produced such an unforgettable cup of coffee.

In the winter of 2022, I visited Moka Origins for the first time and was fascinated by the fact that they produce single-origin coffee AND single-origin chocolate. The expertise of this pairing made my decision on what to order very easy, an iced mocha latte.

The mocha latte I had that day was unlike any other mocha latte I have experienced. The chocolate was rich, creamy, and flavorful, but it wasn’t too sweet. It paired well with their espresso and some oat milk. It was hands down the best mocha latte of my life.

Even though Moka Origins is only about a 45-minute car ride from me, I hadn’t found the time to go back until last weekend. I was so excited to get a mocha latte again!! I was so moved by the iced mocha latte; I did not vary from my original order.

When I got my drink, just like earlier this year, I was stunned by the excellent coffee and chocolate pairing. It really confined that this was the best mocha latte I have ever had.

If you are around the Honesdale area, I HIGHLY recommend stopping by Moka Origins and ordering a mocha latte. Grab some coffee and chocolate while you are there too! I know I won’t wait months before returning for the best mocha latte again.

Coffee in Southwest Florida

I kicked off my 2022 by spending a week in Cape Coral, Florida, and adventuring around Southwest Florida! I had some delicious coffee while I was there and wanted to share some of my favorites!

Penny’s Coffee Bar in Cape Coral

Penny’s ended up being a new favorite coffee spot! I wish it weren’t so far away from home. Not only did they have a wide variety of coffee options, but they also had neat tea and tea refresher options! I got their cold brew twice, and woah was I impressed. It quickly became one of my favorite cold brews of all time. They had baked goods there, too, and gluten-free chocolate chip cookies! I highly recommend Penny’s if you’re looking for a cold brew, a refresher, an iced latte, and gluten-free chocolate chip cookies!

Urban Buzz Coffee Company in Cape Coral

Urban Buzz was funky in the best way possible! The coffee shop was a walk-up window/drive-through. They had lots of coffee options and tea refresher options! I tried something brand new there, white coffee. I had never even heard of white coffee, but it’s coffee roasted at a lower temperature, and the beans turn white. The drink I got with the white coffee was soo delicious. Even if it did blow my mind that it was all white, haha!

Funky Rooster Coffee House & Wine Bar in Key West

This coffee shop had such a neat Kerry West vibe! The coffee was great, and they had delicious pastries! It looked like they also sold wine, so if you’re looking for a place to hang out I. In the evening this cafe could be an excellent choice! I wish I had more time to hang out in this coffee shop; the vibes were so cool!

The French Press in Cape Coral

This coffee shop also has gelato, and that’s what sold me! I got gelato twice at The French Press, and it was amazing! Each day they had different flavors! I tried key lime the one day, and it was stellar!! Their coffee was good, and they had a variety of pastry and food options there too. If you’re looking for coffee and gelato, this is the place to go!

I hope this helps on your next trip to southwest Florida! Let me know if you’ve been to southwest Florida and some of your favorite coffee shops there!

February 6th: Morning Cup

Yesterday was busy. I woke up early, went to work, checked out the Scranton Ice festival, and unplugged for a few hours in the evening.

On Saturdays I work, I treat myself to Henry’s on Clay. They recently rolled out some new specials, and I have been eyeing them up all week.

I went with the Chocolate covered Strawberry iced latte. It was amazing!

Hope you had a great Saturday! ✨

February 4th: Morning Cup

Today is the first day I’ve been back physically in the office since last week. Between a day off, snow days, and work from home days, I was at home all week. It feels good to be in the office! I feel productive in the office after multiple days working from home in a row.

On my way to work, I wanted to get coffee that sparks joy. I work Saturday, so today is like my Wednesday. I worked late last night and needed something that’ll get my brain moving too.

I choose to go with one of my favorite drinks ever: a Large Nitro Cold Brew at Kay’s Daily Grind.

This drink is not only incredible, but it also fuels me and kicks my brain into gear. I am feeling great and ready for my day ahead!

January 30th: Morning Cup

I was up pretty early this morning. Due to the pending snow on Monday, I had to travel to my allergist’s office to pick up the serum for my weekly allergy shots. The office is about an hour and a half away from my house, and they are only open until 12 pm.

On mornings like this, I tend to stop at Starbucks, but I weirdly wasn’t in the mood for a creamy and sugar coffee drink. I wanted something yummy, light, and not too sweet.

One of my favorite coffee shops in the Lehigh Valley is called The Joint. There are two locations, but I love the hole in the wall shop off of Broad Street in Bethlehem. They have pour-over coffee options, which I love. They roast their coffee and have so many options for their pour-overs.

My go-to pour over there is their Bourbon Barrel coffee. They store these unroasted beans in bourbon barrels for 30 days before roasting. This coffee is robust, full of flavor, and naturally a tad sweet.

This was such a wonderful treat for an early and long car ride on a Saturday morning.

Happy Saturday! ☕️

January 29th: Morning Cup

The commute from Milford to Scranton typically takes about an hour. On mornings like this morning, this means I’m more in a treat to self kind of mood. I usually do the hour commute every other Friday. This allows me to treat myself without feeling like I’m overindulging.

Henry’s on Clay is a cute coffee shop in Dunmore, PA. It is also only about 5 minutes from my work. They have good coffee and delicious gluten-free breakfast, lunch, and brunch options!

You can place an order ahead of time and schedule a pickup time. I love this feature because I place my order in bed, get ready, drive an hour, and pick up my breakfast on my way to work. Easy Peasy.

This morning for breakfast is got an omelet with spinach, tomatoes, and Munster cheese. ( I know, weird, but it’s my fav cheese). And I got their home fries; Henry’s home fries are out of this world!!

For coffee, even though it’s in the single digits in the Pennsylvania mountains today, I got cold brew. Henry’s had unique flavors, so I got a large cold brew with cookie butter flavoring and oat milk. It’s decadent yet not too sweet.

Happy Friday! 🎉

January 28th: Morning Cup

This morning was so cold, and I just knew I needed something warm. I am in Milford today, so my local coffee options are Milford’s Daily Grind and Sparkomatic Cafe and Talkhouse.

I tend to favor the Sparkomatic due to their menu, coffee selection, and overall vibe. They have an extensive allergy/ diet menu. They offer many Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan options. I love getting their tagalong cookies that are gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan. They are out of this world.

Today though, the Sparkomatic was closed due to some renovations, so my next option was Milford’s Daily Grind.

Milford’s Daily Grind is a great grab and goes, quick coffee option in town. I tend to get a latte from them since they have solid espresso and a wide variety of flavoring options.

This morning I got a large hot latte with whole milk with one flavor pump of vanilla and one flavor pump of brown sugar cinnamon. It is just the warming and cozy drink I needed.

Cheers to Thursday ☕️