Moab, Utah

Not all that long ago coffee, and definitely espresso coffee, was nearly non-existent in Moab. But all that has changed. Today there are several places that serve the heady brew—the number of coffee stops varies with the season and includes everything from bike shops to a book store that roasts its own beans right on the premises. The bean-roasting bookshop is  Arches Book Company, which  has, at least by this author’s experience, the best coffee in town.

Arches Book Company is also a great spot to drink it. The shop carries an outstanding selection of general-interest books as well as those of local and regional interest. If you’re looking for mainstream, you’ll find it here. They’ve plenty of magazines, too. Arches Book Company is on the “boardwalk” in the center of town. Stop by, get a magazine or book and relax with a coffee drink by the big front windows. 78 N. Main, (435) 259-0782, or www.archesbookcompany.com.

Back of Beyond Books, billed as “a little independent book store with a big selection of books,” has been a Moab mainstay for many years. The name comes from one of author Edward Abbey’s books, and his friends frequently gathered here after Abbey was gone. Long-known for its stock of regional-interest books and publications, it’s another favorite reader’s stop. The shop doesn’t serve coffee, but it does serve up a great read! 83 N. Main or www.backofbeyondbooks.com.