Visit Lebanon Valley kicked off their fifth annual Java Journey on January 11, and it seems that the (caffeine) buzz has been making its way around the county. With this being the coffee trail’s fifth year, Visit Lebanon Valley has been enjoying seeing the growth of the journey and how it has changed since its inaugural run. And though this growth surely shows in each year’s unique mug and passport, it has been evident more than anywhere in the journey’s locations themselves.
During the first ever Java Journey back in 2018, there were just eight shops that participated. This year, the Java Journey has 12 locations, three of which just opened their doors within the past year and a half. So, while it may be a bit harder to fill out that passport, each new location brings its own unique flavor and personality to the journey’s past favorites, creating an exciting trail that showcases some of the best cups of joe that the Valley has to offer each year.
Get to know each of the locations on this year’s Java Journey, including three new stops: Caffeination Station, Mill 72, and Timber Creek Coffee.
Ancestor Coffeehouse & Crêperie Campbelltown: Located on the Horseshoe Pike, Ancestor Campbelltown was the second of the Ancestor locations and is home to the coffeehouse’s sister company and sole coffee roaster, Sonder Coffee Company. And though it shares the same name and mission of the first location, and thankfully offers up their delicious crêpes, Ancestor Campbelltown has a feel, a look, and a few specialty menu items that are unique to the location.
Ancestor Coffeehouse & Crêperie Cornwall: Ancestor strives to place themselves within the legacy of coffee, while providing a space for the community to share free thought and expression. Using freshly roasted coffee beans from their Campbelltown location, Ancestor Cornwall serves handcrafted coffee in an inviting café, complete with local art and a cozy reading area. As the coffeehouse’s flagship location, Ancestor Cornwall is true to its roots in serving their signature crêpes—sweet or savory, your choice!
Baked Sweet Coffeehouse & Bakery: Located in Frystown, this quaint yet modern shop makes every item from scratch, using fresh, quality ingredients. Whether cupcakes, cakes, cookies, or muffins, each of their sweet confections is made with love. Baked Sweet also offers custom orders for birthday parties, weddings, and more. Beyond their baked goods though, they’ve also got a full menu of delicious coffee creations brewed with locally roasted beans from Fat Puppy Coffee Roasters in Myerstown.
Caffeination Station: Located just south of the railroad tracks in Palmyra, the Caffeination Station is a family-owned coffee shop that specializes in brewing fresh coffee and tea, as well as crafting homemade breakfast items and pastries. As an ode to their location, the coffee shop is themed around all things trains and even has a model set that travels the walls of the shop. And though new to the Java Journey, the Caffeination Station has nailed down some delicious favorites since their opening in late 2022, like the “Mr. Chubby,” a French toast breakfast sandwich with three slices of bacon, two eggs, cheese, and grape jelly.
City Watch Coffee: Ethically sourced beans and locally roasted coffee can be found at this café in Lebanon. City Watch Coffee boasts a laid back, family friendly atmosphere where customers come first. With delicious, handcrafted beverages, ranging from lattes and cappuccinos to boba tea and lemonade, there’s something for everyone at City Watch. Plus, their hours extend into the later end of the afternoon, making it a great spot for a late lunch or after work pick-me-up.
Mill 72 Bake Shop & Café: Opened in the summer of 2023, Mill 72 Lebanon is new to the Java Journey, but the second location for the family-owned café, which serves specialty drinks, baked goods, and light breakfast and lunch fare. Their café is great for unwinding with a cup of joe or meeting with friends over lunch, whether at their high tables or by the fireplace. Mill 72 also features a small retail space with home goods, décor, merchandise, and more.
Swatara Coffee Company Annville: Located just across from Lebanon Valley College, Swatara Coffee Company sits at the heart of Annville. Recently renovated, the coffee company’s Annville location has a cozy indoor seating area with large windows, as well as an outdoor seating area with plenty of tables for warmer days. Their menu features several breakfast and lunch items, including paninis and avocado toast, as well as a variety of coffees, teas, and baked goods.
Swatara Coffee Company Jonestown: Much like their Annville location, Swatara Coffee Company in Jonestown serves sandwiches and baked goods alongside coffees and teas. As the first of the two Swatara Coffee locations, the Jonestown café has been operating since 2017. In 2023, both Swatara locations were acquired by Ancestor Coffeehouse & Crêperie, though each location still keeps its own unique atmosphere and menu.
Sydney Roasting Company: Sydney Roasting Company is home to freshly roasted coffee at an affordable price. As coffee roasters, they take a scientific approach to their roasting to ensure consistently delicious coffee. At the Sydney Roasting Company’s café on Quentin Road in Lebanon, hours range from the early morning to late afternoon as a part of their mission to be a convenient option for busy folks. The café’s menu features breakfast sandwiches, quiches, and pastries, as well as a variety of drinks made from their freshly roasted coffee.
Timber Creek Coffee: Timber Creek Coffee LLC began operations in August of 2023 and is a new location on this year’s Java Journey. The family-owned coffee shop serves a wide variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, juices, and more. They also offer handmade baked goods like their streusel coffee cake and cinnamon rolls, all of which can be enjoyed in their modern seating area, complete with a double-sided fireplace.
Timeless Café: The Timeless Café in downtown Lebanon uses the freshest ingredients possible in their made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch dishes. They always have a coffee special on hand, as well as a great offering of local honey, handmade soaps, loose tea, and coffee beans. The café frequently hosts talented musicians and is a local favorite for soups and sandwiches.
Whirling Dervish Bakery & Coffee Shop: This grab-and-go bakery and coffee shop in the quaint town of Annville specializes in a “nothing fancy” approach to delicious, old fashioned baked goods. With fresh scones, cookies, baked French toast, baked oatmeal, and other tasty treats, the menu here varies weekly. Whirling Dervish grinds their coffee beans fresh each morning for drinks that pair perfectly with their homemade bakery offerings.
The 2024 Java Journey began on Thursday, Jan. 11 and runs through Saturday, March 9. To join the journey, simply purchase a mug and passport at any of the participating locations. At each location you visit you’ll get access to their secret drink and any purchase you make will earn you a stamp in your passport. Once your passport is completed, turn it in at your last stop to receive a special sticker sheet in the mail, plus entry to win prizes.
For more information about the Java Journey visit https://visitlebanonvalley.com/java-journey/ or join the Java Journey Facebook Group.
