Mudhouse: Charlottesville, Virginia

             

Situated at the end of a row of cute outdoor dining, locally owned shops, and mingling young adults is the Mudhouse. Charlottesville Virginia was the perfect stop for my family and I as we looked for a break from driving. Grace Potter was signing at the music venue over the water, providing us with background music as we walked down the main strip of shops and restaurants. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was in a movie. I would have felt rather ambiguous had this been true because my hair just simply wasn't up to par compared to the plentiful Southern hipsters that lined the streets. Everyone was sitting outside, drink in hand, enjoying the evening breeze. As we began to lose the sound of Grace Potter and the sun was dimming, we reached

the quaint sign of the Mudhouse. Had it not been for my dramatic stopping-dead-in-my-tracks turn around, my family would have passed right on by. Within moments we were inside breathing it all in. Local students from the University of Virginia filled a few of the seats, middle aged adults preoccupying the rest. Everyone had a well-rested look to them as if the cafe was also a well prescribed anti-aging cream (if only). But alas I had to go keep on aging leaving with a few pictures on my phone and a chai in my hand.    

                The staff was quick to help me as soon as I entered. They didn't ask me if it was my first time there, making me feel self-conscious, they just welcomed me with a smile and let me fall in place where my feet met the counter. Their drink menu was simple. Nothing over the top, nothing new, just classic coffee drinks made well. The walls were a stripped down look giving the overall appearance of just that-- a stripped down coffee escape in the middle of a young town. The colors were dark enough to keep you in the dark roast altered mood of your cup of Joe but lined with windows to keep your day dreaming active for hours to come.

                The menu was simple. Simply coffee, because who needs strange flavors and strange names when a simple latte or cappuccino, when made right, is all you need to lift your mood. If you find yourself in the quaint town of Charlottesville Virginia you would be doing a disservice to yourself if you skipped a coffee break at the Mudhouse.