Esselon Café ...A New England Gem

My husband and I have a long-standing Sunday coffee date, respite from the errands and hustle and bustle of the old week, and a time to simply be, before the madness of the new week settles in. 

This past Sunday was no different. It was a typical New England fall day..one where jeans, tall boots and a chunky sweater seem to be the uniform of the masses.

Before our date night to see my husband's favorite comedian, Bill Maher, we stopped along the way for our coffee and something sweet.

What a treasure we found!

Nestled between the college towns of Amherst and Northampton, Massachusetts lies the town of Hadley...home to a true New England Gem, Esselon Café and Artisan Coffee Roasters.

Centrally located on route 9, a main thoroughfare of the Pioneer Valley, Esselon Café offers a great cup of joe, made from hand-roasted, fairly traded beans, a vast variety of teas, and a menu to please both the foodie and the comfort food enthusiast. Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan friendly options are available, and for the tippler, Esselon also offers a great selection of beer and wine.

According to Esselon's website, the company has been independently owned  and operated since 2006. They work with local suppliers to purchase fairly traded co-op coffee beans, as well as use local and organic farmers and suppliers for their café items.

Esselon roasts their own beans by hand on Mondays and Fridays in this beautiful vintage coffee roaster. Java aficionados can tell you, better than me, how this special care makes a better cup of coffee. And it does, but all I know is that it's delicious. And it's made with intention and attention to detail. 

It's this intention and attention to detail that makes Esselon a must-see. Everything is thoughtfully placed and designed, both for functionality and for aesthetics. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The space is warm and inviting. The ceiling is fabulous.

Even the entryway adds a rabbit-hole mystique, as you pass through the velvet curtain.

When weather allows, an inviting oasis has been created that allows patrons a chance to sit and relax, to chat, read, work, nap, or reflect.

Peek around corners...you would never know that this is hidden just behind the parking lot, accessible through the café, as well as the parking area.

Our first trip to the Esselon Café came with a promise to ourselves to visit again.

Consider yourself lucky if you're within a reasonable driving distance to the Pioneer Valley. The Esselon Café is a New England gem definitely worth the trip.

Esselon Cafe 
99 Russell Street (Route 9)
Hadley, MA 01035

413-585-1515