WRITING IN NASHVILLE // BARISTA PARLOR

Barista Parlor
baristaparlor.com
519 B Gallatin, Nashville, TN 37206

WRITING IN CLEVELAND // CLEVELAND TEA REVIVAL

Squeezing work into a girls trip is never fun. That is, unless you find the most adorable tea shop in town. Cleveland Tea Revival is home to the coolest mural ever, plenty of bistro seating outside and a world of organic teas to choose from. My iced white tea was delish, my seat by the window was cozy and the atmosphere was friendly and inviting.

If you're looking for a spot away from downtown, off the beaten path, packed with locals—this is the place. And it's living proof that tea shops are making a serious comeback as calm work environments, as opposed to those crazy packed coffee shops we're all used to.

Cleveland Tea Revival
clevelandtearevival.com
1434 W. 29th St., Cleveland, Ohio 44113

 

WRITING IN ATLANTA // DR. BOMBAY'S UNDERWATER TEA PARTY

When you walk through the doors of Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party, it's like you've entered another world. A world where the tea selections are endless and the book shelves are full. It's been open for 10 years, but this was surprisingly my first time there. I'd heard about it a couple years ago, and finally took the detour from my usual coffee-shop routine to check out the spot where you can get a pot of tea (and high tea from 3-5pm!), scones and free Wi-Fi.

Frank Sinatra was playing lightly throughout the quaint little tea shop, I had a spot by the window where I could people-watch the passersby while I sipped on my tea and worked, and bookshelf upon bookshelf surrounded me—which is my ultimate inspiring atmosphere. My tea, lemon chamomile served with a dollop of honey, was delicious. My egg salad sandwich was just okay. But the Underwater Tea Party was just what Dr. Bombay ordered—quaint, quiet, eclectic, and perfectly off the beaten path.

If their endless tea options and unique atmosphere don't lure you in, this will—the shop's proceeds go toward their project The Learning Tea, life scholarships that help impoverished women in India. Other ways to give to this fund are through their monthly dinners, purchasing their used books and tea packs, or by simply donating. However you choose to contribute, their tea gives back.

Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party
drbombays.com
1645 McLendon Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30307

WRITING IN ATLANTA // CORSO COFFEE

While Corso isn't exclusive to Atlanta—they also have locations in NYC and Montauk—the Italian-style coffee is some of the best I've ever had. And their modern brews paired with a retro interior make for a very inspiring writing spot. 

On the corner of one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the city (and directly next door to Christian Louboutin), it seems unlikely a spot for us poor, struggling writers. But it's definitely worth the trek to North Atlanta for an iced vanilla latte and a shady spot on the patio.

More than just coffee, they offer an entire menu of breakfast, lunch, dinner and sweet treats. The seating is a bit limited and can be cramped at prime coffee time, but with bar seats, a large booth area and plenty of al fresco tables, you shouldn't have a problem finding a spot for you and your laptop.

Buon Appetito!

Corso Coffee
corsocoffee.com
3065 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30305

WRITING IN ATLANTA // CAFE JONAH AND THE MAGICAL ATTIC

If you know Atlanta, then you know Souper Jenny. And if you know Souper Jenny, you must meet Cafe Jonah—a cozy cafe named after her son, nestled within the trees in the heart of Buckhead. But it's more than a cafe, it's like working in your friend's living room. That is, if your friend made you delicious, healthy food and had an adorable patio.

The music is nostalgic and the fresh menu changes daily—my favorites are the quiche and Greek yogurt chicken salad! When you order your food (or coffee), you're given a token to put in one of three baskets labeled with charities, letting you choose who gets a portion of their proceeds.

And last, but not least, up the narrow staircase in the center of the cafe you'll find the magical attic. Among books, gifts (and sometimes a psychic), you'll find a cozy living area with couches and loveseats—perfect for a small meeting or working in peace. 

If you're in the Buckhead area, hit up Cafe Jonah for an eclectic (and maybe magical) writing experience!

Cafe Jonah and the Magical Attic
cafejonah.com
3188 Paces Ferry Place, Atlanta, Georgia 30305