2021 was full of many new experiences and responsibilities. As we enter the new year, many of us are craving a jump start to new beginnings. We’re exhausted but motivated, hopeful and getting by. This year, opportunities abound. And even if we don’t have the most ambitious resolutions to conquer, coffee is a constant that can keep us moving any day of the week. 

Whether you need a cup right when you wake up, or enjoy trying new lattes on your way to work, here are a few of the best local spots to get your coffee fix in Carlsbad:

The Goods

For those familiar with the breakfast scene in Carlsbad, The Goods is the place to be. They are a local creator of artisan donuts crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The Goods opened in 2017 and quickly gained notoriety for their made-from-scratch breakfast treats. 

However, many aren’t aware that there’s more to The Goods than their mouth watering donuts. They also employ a talented staff of baristas and a coffee menu that is full of caffeine staples. The Goods proudly serves Stumptown Coffee from the famous coffee bar chain in Los Angeles that offers house-roasted direct-trade coffee beans. Their house drip is carefully procured and can be brightened up with any shot of flavor for $1.00. The coffee is strong and they’ve kept their menu to the basics. Stop in for a Vermont maple yeast raised donut and pair it with a house made espresso, americano, macchiato, cortado, flat white, cappuccino, latte or mocha for a memorable start to any day.  

Baba Coffee

When you spot a bag of Baba Coffee, you can tell that the company is invested in the simple and pure benefits of the bean. Baba is adamant about only serving the freshest coffee beans to their customers, and their brew is sourced from small farmers.

Baba Coffee roasts new beans each week to ensure that their beverages are the freshest around. Their menu is packed full of coffee variations and even has a wide variety of teas to satisfy any craving. You can enjoy a simple cup of coffee or combine flavors and milks to try something new. They offer rare flavor combinations like the Dirty Golden Tumeric – a beverage made from espresso, turmeric, honey/ginger, peppercorn and steamed milk or the Praline Goddess – espresso, praline syrup, nutmeg, and macadamia milk.

If you don’t have time to stop in during your morning commute, you can also subscribe to receive at-home delivery of any of their unique locally sourced coffee beans.

Steady State Roasting

Steady State Roasting is all about the morning ritual. They pride themselves in offering quality beverages that take the guesswork out of your hectic morning. Their tried and true traditional beans are some of the best representations of the growing regions that they come from and their limited bean offerings provide a glimpse into some of the unique flavor possibilities that exist around the world.

Steady State knows that coffee is an important part of everyday life and seeks to make their coffee an easy addition to your daily routine. You can order ahead to have your favorite espresso based drink, drip coffee, cold fashioned, or affogato ready when you arrive –  or, you can join their club to get bags of coffee delivered directly to your doorstep. The cafe is open everyday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for take away, and you can make sure that you never run out of fuel with coffee that is flavored specifically to its varietal. 

Lofty Coffee

Lofty Coffee might seem like your typical bustling coffee shop upon first glance, but if you look a bit closer you will find that this popular State Street cafe is a genuine coffee roaster with the experience to back it up.

Lofty Coffee is devoted to making the most delicious coffee available and are quick to promote a coffee’s true varietal of origin. They evaluate beans for the perfect sweet spot in the roast spectrum and are constantly tweaking recipes to make sure that the coffee has the best taste profile it can. 

And, the in-person experience you get when you go to Lofty Coffee is more than just coffee. They have a bakery and a marketplace that serves fresh house made goods and juices. You can bring your laptop and get work done or stop in for just a minute – either way, your breakfast and your coffee are covered. 

La Costa Coffee Roasting Company

When it comes to coffee, sometimes the basics are all that matters. At La Costa Coffee Roasting Co., you can enjoy your favorite organic or internationally sourced coffee in a casual setting without pretense. 

La Costa Coffee is dedicated to the craft of ethically sourced coffee. Their blends reach from Latin America and the Caribbean to East Africa and Indonesia. The options are simple, flavorful and range from breakfast blends to flavored coffees. If you want a dependable cup of joe that will get your day started on the right foot, La Costa Coffee is the place to go. 

2022 is charging forward at a fast pace. No matter what new obstacles lie ahead, there will always be room for a good cup of coffee before you get started. Keep your eye on the prize, make a plan, and have confidence in proclaiming ‘but first, coffee’. 

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Take Advantage of Winter Deals at One of Carlsbad’s Resorts

A winter retreat to Carlsbad is a fun way to unwind, relax, and enjoy the blue skies and waves that grace our coastline. There are plenty of resorts and spas to make your trip an escape for you, your loved ones, and your family. Depending on how you like to relax, there are many different winter savings packages available to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. The Omni La Costa Resort and Spa is one of Carlsbad’s most luxurious resorts. With an award-winning spa, eight sparkling pools, and two championship golf courses, the Omni is a getaway like none other. This winter, guests can take advantage of their Sip, Stay, and Save package to enjoy 15% off the best flexible rate available, late checkout, and two certificates for complimentary hotel cocktails.

If being right on the beach is your idea of a winter getaway, the Beach Terrace Inn’s Winter Presence deals can’t be beaten. With up to 20% off select rooms and the ability to get your third night free when you book 3 nights, trading the hustle and bustle of the winter for a crisp ocean breeze is easier than you thought.

For families with kids or adults who are kids at heart, LEGOLAND has holiday specials as low as $101* per person with their Holiday Vacation package. The Grand Pacific Palisades, Carlsbad Seapointe Resort, and Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa are all offering discounts from 20-30% off this holiday season.

See here for a complete list of hotel deals and vacation packages and book a room to take advantage of the savings this winter.

Embrace the Outdoors

For some families, winter coats, scarves, and pink noses are a regular part of family holiday photos. In Carlsbad, the options are endless. Families can pose in front of the fireplace or the local Christmas tree farm. Or, if you’re on the hunt for family holiday photos that truly depict winter in Carlsbad, consider thinking outside the box. The Carlsbad City Beach, situated within Carlsbad State Park, is located along Ocean Street and has direct stairway access. During winter, the coastline is a picturesque location for family photos. Sunsets spread hues of pink, purple, and blue across the coastline and the sand and water are an undeniably beautiful backdrop. The Buena Vista Lagoon is also a great location for holiday photos. The popular bird-watching destination is serene and peaceful. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Lake Calavera, and Alga Norte Community Park are all great options to get outside and capture your family in a winter photo that shows Carlsbad’s year-round beauty.

Cozy Up to Coffee

If pumpkin spice lattes mark the start of fall, peppermint mocha is a sure sign that winter has begun. Warm holiday beverages are a staple to the winter season. Whether you’re using the caffeine to knock all of the items off of your holiday shopping list, or just need an excuse to cradle a warm beverage while reconnecting with family and friends, Carlsbad’s local coffee spots are a must this winter. Try the casual atmosphere of Vinaka Cafe or uncover Sleeping Tiger Coffees situated in Carlsbad’s Witch Creek Urban Winery to get a local brew as the chill of winter slowly arrives.

Winter is coming. Welcome the season in true Carlsbad fashion by visiting one of our resorts and spas, getting outside, and cuddling up to a warm holiday beverage.

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Just 12,000 feet from the Carlsbad Outlets, the Windmill Food Hall is slated to open by the end of the summer. The iconic windmill building off of Interstate 5 and Palomar Airport Road has been repainted and renovated in order to serve as a home to food vendors and guests alike. The market has designated space for food and entertainment including lawn and table games, video games, a 50+ seat bar, and more. For those eager to see what the menu will consist of, nine of the eleven food vendors have been announced to the public.

So far, the food line up consists of a variety of treats from around the globe. Cross Street Chicken & Beer will feature mouthwatering Korean-style fried chicken and spots like Taco Lady and Thai-Style Kitchen, Bing Haus, and Rolled Up will allow diners to enjoy everything from Mexican street food to Thai-style rolled ice cream and build-your-own sushi burritos. If you crave American cuisine, Bread & Cheese, Lobster West, Crackheads, and Doughballs Pizza will not disappoint. Vendors from around San Diego are planting roots at the market and making a home in North County. Owners of the popular Encinitas-born Maine lobster restaurant will be serving up their award-winning lobster roll sandwiches and Hillcrest Farmers Market grilled cheese aficionados will be bringing their well-known sandwiches to the Windmill Food Hall.

The hall will introduce a modern food experience while incorporating clean vintage decor and innovative technology into the mix. Guests will be given a key fob or bracelet to pay for their purchases. The mobile payment option will allow for food vendors to walk throughout the hall and offer full service throughout the entire campus. The buildings that make up the market are part of the Carlsbad By the Sea hotel and are being renovated to include a multitude of seating options and an indoor/outdoor vibe with garage door-style walls.

Southern California is known for its culinary excellence and food halls are one of the fastest-growing culinary trends in the country. With the Windmill Food Hall, Carlsbad will continue to make its mark on the food scene while preserving the historic windmill building that many have come to love. Be sure to visit the hall when it opens in late summer/ early fall.

Windmill Food Hall
850 Palomar Airport Rd.
Carlsbad, CA 92011

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Back to Cali and the Flip Flop Shops are two new stores that truly embrace the never-ending summer weather in San Diego. The former originated locally and is home to lifestyle apparel that will make visitors feel like they are on vacation in their hometown. Beach cover ups and sun hats are fully stocked in addition to souvenirs that give nod to the nearby ocean. The Flip Flop Shops is a globally owned haven for flip flops that are a must-have during the summer months. They have a variety of trusted brands like Sanuk, Reef, Rainbow and Havaianas. Stylish flats from the Bethany collection are also available for a trendy take on summer comfort.

For added Hawaiian feels, SoHa Living will be opening in August. This brand is based on the Big Island and mixes casual beach vibes with luxury relaxation. The Shoppes store will be the first mainland location for the brand. This will be a go-to spot for bringing the beach lifestyle indoors during the winter months. Ceramic pineapples, driftwood decor, and palm trees exude the modern chic tone of the tropical themed brand. Upscale nautical elements and coastal blues are accented with unique seashell centerpieces and gold tinted pillows, serving trays, and vases.

With the addition of so many new shops to discover, The Shoppes at Carlsbad are also adding a variety of new dining options to satisfy guests who build up an appetite while shopping. Grubby’s Poke & Fish Market opened in May and offers guests high-quality fish via healthy meal choices that are full of flavor. Poke bowls, fresh fish entrees, and ceviche are all on the menu with Japanese sake and craft beer on tap to wash it all down.

The Shoppes also plan to complete a restaurant streetscape that will include well-known restaurants like Breakfast Republic and Wakcano. Dessert lovers will be able to satisfy their sweet tooth with the opening of a Haagen-Daz that will offer free ice cream scoops from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesdays or at the new Sweet Cloud Creamery that is bringing nitrogen cooled Italian ice cream straight to Carlsbad. For health-conscious visitors with an affinity for the sweetness of fruit, the Gofruit Juice Bar opened in June and now provides organic fresh juices for shoppers near the children’s play area. In addition to these new dining options are The Shoppes’ classics such as Yard House, Cheesecake Factory, Panera Bread, Luna Grill, Islands, and the entertainment center of Dave & Busters.

The Shoppes at Carlsbad have been undergoing a multi-tier facelift that concluded in 2017. The addition of these new shops and restaurants make the two-story mall one of the premier shopping spots available in North County this summer and for years to come.

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