photo credit: Zion Clifton
Floating on pink flamingos in pools while sipping virgin Pina Coladas turns into days spent wandering a pumpkin patch with warmed apple cider. August slips away into autumn, and leaves turn a mix of burnt orange, maroon, and soft yellow. The lemonade once drunk to cool down is replaced by a pumpkin spiced latte to warm up from the crisp morning air. As the seasons change from summer to autumn, the fun, carefree mindset of summer is replaced with the calm, focused mindset of fall.
Fall is spent by many with a drink in hand. Whether it is a Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew on the way home from apple picking or a vanilla latte during a study session from the best coffee spot in town, cute fun drinks always make a traditional fall event more enjoyable and perfect for social media.
If searching for the best coffee shop, around the Olentangy area, to take aesthetic fall pictures or to just enjoy a good drink to boost morale while studying with friends, here are some great options close to home.
The Coffee Vault (9, W Columbus St) in Galena, Ohio is perfect for a cute get together with a couple friends. The ambiance of the shop is cozy, modern, not to mention full of character due to it being a repurposed bank.
The shop itself is a little on the smaller side. After I ordered my matcha latte, I descended this adorable spiral staircase that leads to seating and restrooms. There is plenty of space for a couple small groups, but I would definitely not recommend bringing a huge group of friends here to sit and hang out. However, it is perfect for a quick stop in to grab a drink and to enjoy some time with a couple of friends.
Personally, I thought that their matcha was just OK. However, I do have friends who usually get lattes or coffee and love it. In addition, their drinks are presented so nicely that it is almost impossible not to snap a picture for your Instagram story. Overall, I would rate the store an eight out of 10.
Java Central (20 S State St Suite B) in Uptown Westerville is another great coffee shop in this area that is perfect for a friend get together or study session.
If you have ever seen “Gilmore Girls”, this coffee shop feels like it would fit perfectly right next to Luke’s diner. The adorable awnings over the windows bring forth the retro, historic touch of Uptown Westerville while also giving the shop amazing character. The inside of the shop is most definitely cozy, with the cutest fall decorations already out in celebration.
Java Central is spacious with the most adorable outdoor seating that is perfect for nicer weather. This would be a perfect place to take a large study group to sit and get some work done.
Drink wise, I thought that their matcha was so delicious. It was super flavorful and the right consistency. The vanilla bean scone was also the perfect amount of sweet, lightness that makes the perfect pastry. In addition, they do have a couple meals that would be perfect for a quick breakfast run. All in all, I would rate this store a nine out of 10.
Overall, both coffee shops are great options to stop by if you are craving a cute fall drink. With slightly different vibes, both stores offer great drinks and atmospheres that are perfect for a fall outing. So, if you are feeling lost without your pink flamingo float and a cool glass of lemonade, these coffee shops are the perfect places to spend your fall free time.
