Iced Coffee with Caramel & Almond Milk, Please

I didn’t start drinking coffee until senior year of college and I certainly didn't understand the hype. I would see my peers go for a Dunkin’ run at 11:00 p.m. before an all night study session, and although I thought it was ‘cool’ at the time, I had no craving or desire for a cup of coffee.

I associated coffee with my grandma’s house and convinced myself I hated the smell, and therefore, of course, the taste of it. Yet, as the open-minded person I am, I would never refuse a sip of “try this” from any of my close friends.

The first coffee I ever liked was Starbucks’ Iced Peppermint Mocha thanks to my friend Olivia, and since then I’ve branched out to pretty much anything peppermint or caramel flavored, but nearly almost always iced and recently with almond milk.

Even though Starbucks is a culture I’ve been trying to not get myself wrapped up in, I’ve always appreciated how the company — although a global coffee empire — creates a small cafe feel in each location. And this trustworthy brand has even saved myself a time or two while traveling, such as when I was stranded in Monte Carlo, Monaco, in a Code Red state of Emergency with no where to go, but (of course) Starbucks. (Don’t worry, I promise I’ll elaborate on this story another time.)

Despite my loyalty to both Dunkin’ and Starbucks, one of my favorite things when I’m traveling is to find new, local coffee shops to try — and even challenge myself to breakaway from my typical comfort flavors. During your travels near and far, I challenge you to #supportlocal and try new things, because you never really know what you’re going to get. And, for those of you who aren’t the biggest fans of coffee, don’t worry, these shops also often have rockin’ hot chocolate, tea and pastry options too.

Here are some of the best coffees I’ve ever had while traveling to help inspire your next coffee run while on the road:

Uncommon Grounds Mobile Truck (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania): Chocolate-Covered Banana

I’ve been to another Uncommon Grounds location before in Saratoga Springs, NY, and I’m a huge fan. Not only is the company name a 10/10, but the coffee and bagels are as well. This flavor was originally for hot chocolate, but I ordered it iced with a shot of espresso which made for the perfect pick-me-up. It even came with banana and chocolate garnish!

Elixr Coffee Roasters (Nashville, Tennessee): Chocolate-Covered Strawberry

During our first time in Nashville, I wanted to hit a ‘cute’ coffee shop and this certainly fit the bill. The cafe is well designed to be an Instagramable hot spot, and the strawberry milk and mocha combo was absolutely delicious!

Village Bagels (Saugerties, New York): Nutella

I have always been obsessed with Nutella, and when we stopped here on the way to Albany, NY, I knew I had to try it. The Nutella flavor fit perfectly with the iced coffee and the food here was amazing as well!

Concord Point Coffee (Havre de Grace, Maryland): Banana Foster

As I’m sure you can tell, I love anything banana and caramel, and this coffee married the two flavors in the perfect way. The prime location of this cafe is a walk away from the Chesapeake Bay, so be sure to stop by if you’re ever in the area!

Do you have a favorite local coffee spot or unique order? Feel free to drop a comment below, and be sure to follow @kaitlynscompass on Instagram!

Safe Travels,

Kaitlyn