by Kym Byrnes

Some can’t start their day without it. Some need multiple cups a day. Some drinkers like it steaming hot; others like it over ice. Some fans like it black and bitter; others douse it with sugary sweetness. More than three quarters of Americans drink coffee, according to the National Coffee Association (NCA), which solidifies coffee’s place as America’s top daily beverage choice next to water.

September 29 is National Coffee Day and there are plenty of places to get a really good cup of coffee, made just how you like it.

If you like to brew your own coffee at home, be sure to check out Furnace Hill Coffee Co. located at 71 W. Main St. in Westminster. Founded in 2010, the owners of Furnace Hills Coffee Co. search far and wide around the globe to gather the highest quality beans which they roast and pack in vacuum-sealed bags, according to the company’s website. Some of their coffees include Ethopian Yirgacheffe, Telunas Beach Blend, Bolivian Superior, Triple Threat Blend and Willet Blend.

If you want your coffee brewed by others, check out the offerings at some locally owned shops:
French Twist Café, 732 Oklahoma Ave. in Sykesville, frenchtwistcafe.com
Birdie’s, 233 E. Main St. in Westminster, birdiescoffee.com
CUP Tea Bar and Café, 1 E. Main St. in Westminster, cupteabar.com
Snickerdoodles Bakery and Coffee House, 903 S. Main St. in Hampstead, snickerdoodlesbakeryhampstead.com
Starry Night Bakery and Coffee House, 330 One Forty Village Rd. in Westminster, starrynightbakery.com
Java Vault Café, 2965 Manchester Rd. in Manchester, javavaultcafe.com

Whether you are one of the 59 percent of Americans who drink coffee each day, or the 71 percent who report drinking it at least once a week, look for freebies and discounts at your favorite coffee establishment on September 29.