LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. — Lebanon Valley’s annual Java Journey makes a return for its fifth year, featuring a few new coffee shops and prizes for patrons who complete their Java Journey passport.
FOX43 had a chance to visit three out of the 12 locations that are participating. The cold weather also makes for a great time for patrons to stop in for a hot cup of joe while supporting local businesses.
The Caffeination Station is one of the participating coffee shops that is located on East Broad Street in Palmyra. The shop has been open for a little over a year, and this is the first time the shop is on the Java Journey Coffee Trail. Darian and Amber Blauch are the owners of Caffeination Station, and they say they’re excited to be a part of the trail.
“To be a part of this is amazing, and we’ve heard so many good things about it, so the support from the community has been amazing,” said Darian.
FOX43’s second stop was Whirling Dervish Bakery and Coffee Shop. The shop was opened by Becky Gacono, who pursued her passion for baking after putting it off for many years. The name comes from a nickname her husband gave her for doing many things all at once. This is the third year Whirling Dervish is participating in the coffee trail, and manager Heather Kelley said it’s the customers they’re most excited for.
Ancestor Coffeehouse and Creperie was FOX43’s last stop for the coffee crawl. The business has been open since 2019 and started roasting in 2016. They’ve been a part of the Java Journey since the beginning, which was five years ago. Ally Tumminaro, the owner, said she loves inviting people in and introducing them to the culture of coffee.
“The Java Journey allows each coffee shop to showcase their individual styles and skills, while also uniting us to create a memorable experience for each participant,” said Tumminaro.
Those interested in joining the coffee trail can pick up a passport and mug for $10 at any participating location throughout the length of the journey. With the passport, participants will get exclusive access to a “special drink” from each location and will receive a stamp from each location where they make a purchase.
Once a participant gets a stamp from all 12 locations, they can turn in their passport to receive the sticker sheet and a chance to win a stay at the Annville Inn Bed & Breakfast, as well as various runner-up prizes.
This year’s journey includes:
- Ancestor Coffeehouse & Crêperie (Campbelltown & Cornwall)
- Baked Sweet Coffeehouse & Bakery (Frystown)
- Caffeination Station (Palmyra)
- City Watch Coffee (Lebanon)
- Mill 72 Bake Shop & Café (Lebanon)
- Swatara Coffee Company (Annville & Jonestown)
- Sydney Roasting Company (Lebanon)
- Timber Creek Coffee (Myerstown)
- Timeless Café (Lebanon)
- Whirling Dervish Bakery & Coffee Shop (Annville)