Manhattan Chick in the Midwest, Part 2: Eating My Way Through Northfield

After overcoming my surprise at the overbearing amount of good human decency and in between bridesmaid duties and wedding events, I had some time to explore Northfield. And just because I left the East Coast, I had no reason to stop eating my way through town. Since all of the main points in Northfield are within a 3 block radius, I was able to hit up a bunch of local spots for overfilling my stomach, having a glass of wine, and picking up a few items to remind me of my trip.

Goodbye Blue Monday Coffee House
319 Division Street

By far GBM is the best place to get coffee in Northfield...ok, it may be one of the only places to get coffee in Northfield, aside from a gas station, but either way nothing beats this adorable, cozy little coffee shop serving teas, smoothies, lattes, cappuccinos, coffee cake, scones, old fashioned donuts, and, oh yeah, coffee. If these delectable delights aren't enough, they even have souvenir coffee mugs and t-shirts for purchase. Who needs Dunkin' after all?

Coffee shops don't get cuter than this!

At the counter...note the plethora of choices!

Toffee flavored coffee...a perfect way to start the day

An old fashioned donut...crispy & glazed, just the way I like it

Hogan Brothers Acoustic Cafe
405 Division Street
While I thoroughly enjoyed my rare breakfast of coffee and donut (this is generally reserved for my 7 mornings in Aruba each year), for lunch a must is Hogan Bros. Famous for their 'Hot Hoagies' (for you tri-staters, a hoagie is also know as a sub), Hogan serves 'em up with your choice of cold cut, provolone & swiss cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato and their signature special sauce. Of the latter, fear not; it's a delicious olive oil vinaigrette.

Ordering at the counter

My hot ham hoagie, heated to perfection

Cocoa Bean
515 Division Street
And of course, what lunch would be complete without dessert? I headed down to Cocoa Bean, a candy and ice cream shop, where they scooped up a perfect cup of Island Fudge ice cream. It was tasty.

An old-fashioned candy & treat shop...including ice cream

Outside Cocoa Bean with my tasty Island Fudge scoop

Sisters Ugly
13 Bridge Square

With all of the eating going on, I felt it was only necessary that I take in some sights and do some shopping. A walk by the river and a teeny boutique called Sisters Ugly fulfilled this necessity. An eased tummy and one super cute belt later, I was content.

Sisters Ugly, a truly fab boutique

The Popcorn Wagon
Bridge Square

Contented by shopping and exploring, I made my way to the town square where I came upon one of the most charming aspects of any town...ever...an old-fashioned popcorn wagon. I was disappointed to find that since it was a Sunday, the stand was closed. Though I really wanted some old-fashioned popcorn, my stomach thanked me and a little piece of my heart was touched that some places still close on Sundays.

The Popcorn Wagon & me...a perfect friendship

Next up: Part 3 of our Midwest series, Nighttime in Northfield.