Why is it that the best places tend to be hidden in some obscure corner of the universe? While the Coffee Connection isn’t exactly hidden, it can easily be missed by passers-by. For those of us who’ve discovered this little treasure, it’s become a regular detour from the routine of life, offering a lot more than just fancy coffee and tempting pastries.
With ornamental iron lamps and hanging baskets adorning the brick columned facade, it whispers of another time and another place – miles away from familiar Main Street, Pineville. But crossing the threshold, you step into a completely unexpected dimension, where the color pallet, distinctive finishes and hip furnishings define this über-cool, upscale-feeling, coffee bar. At this point, you hear your brain say “Wow!”
A vital component of this well put together space is the art tastefully exhibited throughout. And that’s where this interesting story takes an unusual, hard-left turn. The talented masters behind these killer paintings? Residents of Pinecrest Developmental Center. In fact, The Coffee Connection is a very admirable non-profit venture of Pinecrest.
Pinecrest Habilitation Director, Cynthia Brown explains that this venture provides Pinecrest residents with the invaluable experience of finding fulfillment through legitimate work, as well as interaction with mainstream society. Cynthia, along with Pinecrest Art Therapist, Melanie Downs, are the “space designers” who did a fantastic job transforming this formerly vanilla property into a rich Expresso expression worth savoring.
The Coffee Connection customer base greatly varies. “Some days,” Cynthia says, “we only serve a handful of our ‘regulars’. Other days, we can suddenly be filled to capacity. An LC psychology class frequently uses this alternative location for classes. Local clubs, such as the Central Louisiana Volkswagon Club, regularly hold monthly meetings here.”
And if the environment and art aren’t enough to make your mouth water, The Coffee Connection’s Wi-Fi and karaoke stage might sweeten the cup for you.
You owe it to yourself to seek out this community treasure. You’ll find The Coffee Connection across from the front entrance of Louisiana College on Military Highway/Main Street, around on the side of what was once the A&P grocery.
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On Wednesday, December 2nd, Pinecrest artists will be on location at The Coffee Connection selling greeting cards that are created from reproductions of their painting. The artists receive 100% of all sales.
Click here to check out more of Coffee Connection’s art and interiors.
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