The Fogglifter Cafe

This Thanksgiving was spent in McCall, Idaho – a very quaint resort town located in the mountains north of Boise, Idaho right on Payette Lake.  As our family members are all heavy duty coffee drinkers, we decided to share some relaxing time at The Fogglifter, a coffee shop and cafe right in the heart of McCall.  WOW, what a great place!!  Upon entering, we were warmly greeted. There was an area with tables and chairs and then a room off to the side with a couch and comfy chairs just perfect for our family to gather around and visit.  The coffee was very smooth and the espresso drink I ordered was done to perfection.  They serve breakfast and lunch and also have a goodies case which I just couldn’t resist.  And I’m so glad I didn’t!  The coffee cake was to die for.  I’m certain it is the best coffee cake I’ve ever had.

It would be wrong of me not to talk about the history behind The Fogglifter name.  One might think it was named that because of the early morning fog that envelopes Payette Lake, but in actuality it is named The Fogglifter after the owner’s grandfather, Bob Fogg, who was a local aviator.  He flew the rugged mountains of Idaho for 36 year flying smokejumpers into the mountains.  He logged 22,000 hours or rougly three million safe miles flying a 1929 Ford Tri Motor.   The coffee shop’s theme and decor is centered around Bob Fogg and the airplanes that he flew.  There are pictures on the wall of Bob Fogg in front of his plane, pictures of the crews he flew in, and pictures of some of the rugged territory he flew to.

Another interesting fact about The Fogglifter is that the coffee beans are supplied by the brother who has a coffee roaster in Troy, Idaho.  The House Blend is a very smooth organic coffee, purchased through Fair Trade.

Payette Lake

The Foggliter Cafe coffee bar

The setting of McCall is exquisite.  It is nestled in the mountains right next to Payette Lake.  As you drive south, the terrain opens up to a large valley with breathtaking views in all directions.  The local business owners I visited with were all friendly and tolerant of tourists.  When talking about the snow we were enjoying while there, they were quick to share that winters are long and cold in McCall, but that if you love the outdoors there is plenty to do.  For winter there is an ice rink right in town, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and nearby downhill skiing.  In summer, biking, hiking and water sports are very popular.

All in all, McCall has a lot to offer while still maintaining its friendly small town atmosphere.  And, of course, most important while you are visiting McCall, I highly recommend dropping in to The Fogglifter for some great coffee, breakfast and/or lunch.

OH ….  DON’T FORGET THE COFFEE CAKE!!

The morning after the wedding, some of us made our way to the Rockwood Bakery and found a wonderful old house that had been transformed into a bakery/espresso bar.  It had plenty of seating inside with a delightful, relaxed atmosphere, and a deck with outdoor seating.  It is easy to see why it is a popular spot for the students as it has a large gathering area, great coffee and sweet treats which beckons the patron to sit and stay a while.

The bakery is located across from Monroe Park which is a beautiful park most noted for the lovely rose gardens and lush, green lawns.  My
attention was instantly drawn to the numerous locals out walking that morning.   There were mothers pushing baby strollers, couples out for a leisurly morning stroll, even some joggers, all seeming to end their pursuits at the Rockwood Bakery.

The espresso was indeed superb, and as it is a bakery, there are many delectable pastries to be drawn to.  Most popular, however, is their
quiche as it is light and fluffy.

If you have occasion to be in Spokane and would like some great coffee in a leisurely atmosphere, be sure to visit the Rockwood Bakery; and, if you’re visiting during the school year, don’t be suprised to find students tucked into a corner studying.

Packwood is a tight knit community located west of White Pass and is the last place to get a good cup of coffee before
heading up over the pass. The location alone makes it a great place to stop and stretch your legs, get a bite to eat or
just simply stop for a great cup of coffee. Packwood is nestled in amongst some pretty rugged mountain ranges
lending to its appeal. If you are ever passing that way and have a couple hours for a nice hike, I’d suggest stopping
and hiking into Packwood Lake. It’s a beautiful lake and if you’re lucky enough to be there on a clear day, you have some
pretty breathtaking views from the end of the lake.

Then, after your hike, make your way to town and stop in at the Butter Butte for some refreshment.  Try to plan your trip so you can take a few moments to stop by and don’t forget to leave with a pound or two of their fresh roasted coffee beans.

The Coffee Cabin is an obscure little drive-thru coffee house located in Castle Rock, Washington off the I-5 freeway at Exit 49.

As I have occasion to travel frequently throughout Washington and Oregon, I often stop for coffee to brighten my day.  One of my favorite places to stop is the Coffee Cabin.  The small log building is designed to fit in with the local outdoor theme.  Because a great deal of traffic is generated by tourists visiting the blast zone of Mt. St. Helens, many of the names of their rich, decadent blended drinks were inspired by events resulting from the volcano.

The Coffee Cabin offers monthly specials on their hot drinks which can be viewed on a small blackboard as you drive up to the drive-thru window.  There are usually four offerings for the month, usually themed around a particular event or holiday for that particular month; for instance, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and the like.

Upon arriving at their window, I have always been greeted cheerfully.  They quickly take my order and set about serving up a delicious coffee drink.  They have even remade a cup of coffee when the barista felt that the humidity had made the coffee smell too acidic – (without even asking).  So far, I would have to say this is some of the smoothest coffee I’ve had.

If you have a sweet tooth as I do, the Coffee Cabin is definitely the place to go.  They never skimp on the ingredients and the drinks are always rich and decadent.  They also serve every hot drink with a chocolate covered coffee bean.  Usually, by the time you’ve completed paying and getting back on the road, the bean has melted to just the right consistency to really enjoy.

A real treat is the blended drinks that they serve.  One of my personal favorites is the Toutle River Mudslide, a compilation of Kahlua, chocolate and caramel with plenty of whipped cream.  This is a special treat I allow myself a few times a year as I’m sure it’s packed with plenty of calories, but well worth the sin.

The Coffee Cabin also offers up regular coffee, simple espresso, the traditional blended juice smoothies and milkshakes although those are not the drinks I choose to purchase.

If you are in a huge hurry, you’d probably better go some place else.  This is a small, friendly business determined to serve a quality drink.  My personal feeling is the coffee is well worth any wait you may encounter.  So if you are ever traveling in that particular direction, be sure to stop by and visit!