Laconia’s Enchanting Cafes

I had hoped to wake up in Laconia on Monday morning and take my bicycle out of the garage for a morning ride. Perhaps I would find some pussy willows. Certainly I would see a few daffodils here and there. Because of the mild winter, I think all of us were surprised that the early morning snow and cold temperature continued through the day.

So I decided to spend the morning visiting a few cafés in Laconia. My first stop was My Coffee House on Court Street. I was greeted by John Morin, the owner, and served a cup of strong, dark roast coffee. I enjoyed it as I sat in the light-filled room and caught up on weekend emails. There were others reading the paper or just having breakfast with friends.

As I was leaving Brandon Morin, John’s son, set a tray of lemon muffins topped with a white lemon glaze on the counter. They had just been pulled from the over and were hard to resist.

Then I drove up to Main Street and parked in front of the MC Cycling shop that has just moved down the block into a handsome new space. There are always changes on Main Street, and I wanted to walk to the Wayfarer. Since I had already had coffee, I thought I might try one of their “energy bites.” A small ball of coconut, chocolate and oatmeal that is absolutely addictive. I rarely indulge in something this sweet and filling in the late morning; however’ once I had taken a small piece, it was clear I couldn’t push it back into the bag for later. I sat quietly in one of the comfortable brown leather chairs and had a few minutes to reflect on the day. I could have been in a café in Vienna. Next time I’ll indulge in the waffles.

If I hadn’t had breakfast, I would gone to the Soda Shoppe, although I did stop in to say hello. There is something comforting about a restaurant that still has the foods we relate to our childhood. There are some menus with descriptions of food that are so elaborate you aren’t certain where you are or what you are eating.

The morning had slipped away and it was time to drive home. I had intended to stop at Annie’s on Union Avenue as the roasted coffee, home-baked cookies and the sandwiches had been recommended. I did stop in, and Annie was there. It was lovely meeting her and learning about her “creative, fresh and delicious” café and catering business. Certainly would stop here for a sandwich to take on a hiking trip.

I love exploring and finding new places. What was particularly lovely about my morning in Laconia is that all the places I visited were local businesses. Not one is a national or international franchise. People who are running these businesses

are doing something they love and have taken an idea, perhaps a passion or even a dream, and have turned it into a business that is contributing to the local economy. When I walked into these cafés, I felt warmth and peace. A new theater in the works, lovely loft apartments, cafes and antiques. Laconia can be absolutely enchanting on a snowy, Monday morning.

Elizabeth Howard’s career intersects journalism, marketing and communications. Ned O’Gorman: A Glance Back, a book she edited, will be published in May 2016. She is the author of “A Day with Bonefish Joe,” a children’s book, published by David R. Godine. She lives in New York City and has a home in Laconia. You can send her a note at [email protected].