7th annual Lebanon Valley Java Journey returns this month, runs 10 weeks

The Lebanon Valley Java Journey is back for its seventh year, offering coffee drinkers an extra two weeks to enjoy some local brews.

Residents and visitors alike are invited to enjoy the “cozy winter tradition” while supporting local coffeehouses, Visit Lebanon Valley said in a press release on Jan. 5.

The 2026 Java Journey will run from Jan. 15 through March 28, offering an extended 10 weeks to explore 14 participating coffee shops across the Lebanon Valley, the marketing agency said in the release. “Using a self-guided passport, participants are encouraged to discover new favorites, revisit beloved cafés, and enjoy exclusive experiences along the way.”

This year’s Java Journey features three new locations, updated passports, a new commemorative mug, and a unique sticker from each participating café, given when passports are stamped. Participants will also receive access to each location’s exclusive “secret drink,” which is available only to Java Journey participants.

Participants who successfully visit and collect stamps from all 14 locations will be eligible to win a grand prize drawing: a stay at the Annville Inn Bed & Breakfast. Several runner-up prizes will also be awarded, including merchandise and gift cards from participating businesses.

“The Java Journey has become a wonderful way to celebrate our local coffee culture while strengthening community connections,” Nancy Gates, president of Visit Lebanon Valley, said in the release. “Last year alone, more than half of participants completed their passports, generating an estimated economic impact of over $150,000 for our local businesses. We’re excited to see how the 2026 Journey continues to grow.”

Participants can purchase the 2026 Java Journey mug and passport for $10 at any participating location. With each visit and qualifying purchase, passports are stamped and participants will receive a cafe-branded sticker resembling an authentic passport stamp styled with their mug in mind.

Supplies are limited, and organizers encourage coffee lovers to buy early to ensure they don’t miss out.

New locations joining the Java Journey in 2026 are:

• Book Bar, Palmyra
• The Perky Shepherd, Annville
• White Magnolia Café, Frystown

Returning participating locations this year are:

• Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie, Annville
• Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie, Campbelltown
• Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie, Cornwall
• Caffeination Station, Palmyra
• City Watch Coffee, Lebanon
• Clay House, Lebanon
• Cool Beans Coffee Truck (mobile)
• Mill 72 Bake Shop & Café, Lebanon
• Timber Creek Coffee, Myerstown
• Timeless Café, Lebanon
• Whirling Dervish Bakery & Coffee Shop, Annville

More information on the Java Journey is available online, and updates will be posted on the Java Journey Facebook group.