champaign county coffee trail

​Champaign County makes a great destination to experience unique, locally owned coffee shops and a well-known coffee roastery.

​We invite you to start your experience on the east side of the county in the Village of Mechanicsburg, just 30 miles from Columbus. Here you will find Hemisphere Coffee Roasters, founded 15 years ago with a mission to transform coffee communities through business. Owners Paul and Grace Kurtz have seen lives transformed, communities lifted out of poverty, pastors funded, debts paid in full, and relationships of mutual trust and respect established. Not bad for a cup of coffee! They shake the hand of the coffee farmer and in turn deliver a delicious product that you can feel good about. Be sure to ask about their newest product, craft chocolate!

​​​Just up the street from Hemisphere you will find Simple Coffee Co. where you are sure to get all of the warm and fuzzy feelings in their coffee shop! Owners Justin and Anita Stoltzfus opened Simple Coffee Co. in November 2022 and have created a place to be refreshed and enjoy a proper cup of coffee.

Head to the county seat of Urbana to find the remaining stops on the Coffee Trail, all located in or near the town’s epicenter. First you will find a “pretty in pink” bakery, Let's Eat Cake, a “cupcake boutique” specializing in cakes, cookies and brownies. Owner, Tina Knotts, will tell you that nothing pairs better with dessert than a cup of freshly brewed Hemisphere Coffee that Let’s Eat Cake serves fresh daily.

Take a short drive to the south end of town, and you’ll find a charming little coffee trailer, Dees Brew Coffee Co. owned by Zeke Dees.  This family owned business opened in November 2022 and was created for those who are on the go. No need to get out of your car for delicious coffee, as they offer a quick drive-through experience with quality, locally sourced coffee - always accompanied with a smile!

Just north of the roundabout you will find one of Urbana’s newest businesses, The Spotted Owl Coffee House. Owner Bobbi McKee, who also owns The Spotted Cow Coffee House, wanted to branch off to another location to cater to a different audience: night owls, hence the name of the new shop! During the day, the Spotted Owl will offer to-go lunch items like sandwiches. At night, it will open its doors for those seeking flights and charcuterie boards.

Walk a few doors up the street and you will find Teabaggers Coffee, Tea, & Wine Cafe. This locally-owned cafe offers handcrafted sandwiches, soups and salads accompanied by a full coffee and wine bar. Owners and “coffee designers”, Grant and Demora Holcomb are passionate about delivering a quality product and will personally mix flavors to create a specific coffee taste for each customer.

Continue up to the next block and you will find Downtown Nutrition. Here you will experience good vibes and healthy options including energizing teas, healthy meal shakes, and high protein coffee drinks. Owners, Sammie and Michael Ropp have designed a beautiful and inspiring space where you won’t feel guilty about your menu choice. A high protein iced coffee contains only ten calories and two grams of sugar.

The next stop on the Champaign County Coffee Trail is a restored 150-year-old train depot and the home of The Depot Coffeehouse. Here owners, Susan and Dave Oelker have created a place for community, conversation and coffee frequently hosting local businesses, government organizations and civic groups, as well as featuring the work of local artists and musical guests. The Depot also has a dog-friendly patio, and is located on the Simon Kenton Bike Path allowing for easy access and outdoor dining.
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Next, travel a couple minutes north to The Spotted Cow Coffeehouse for caffeinated drinks and delicious desserts that are flavored by three special ingredients: product quality, spirit of service, and life of opportunity. Owner, Bobbi McKee, was inspired by her brothers, Eric and Levi, both born with Down’s Syndrome, and her love of coffee to provide an open atmosphere and a workplace opportunity for adults with developmental disabilities. As a result, you will receive a delicious, quality product served with a healthy dose of positivity!