March 6, 2024

This is the first entry in this series that doesn’t involve snow. Well, I guess now it does because I just said it, ha!

But it’s starting to feel like winter is over here. We’ve had days of warmer temperatures, rain and sun, so it’s feeling like spring, big time! I have to remind myself, and everyone else here in the #tundraofmaryland, that we’re likely going to see snow again. It’s only March 6th. It snowed in early May the last two years.

Today’s morning coffee comes from The Travel Mug in Grantsville. It’s a newer coffee spot in Garrett County and this is the first time I’ve sat inside with my laptop. My doctor’s appointment just a few blocks down the road made for a great excuse to finally make this little laptop visit possible. 

Why the doctor appointment? I’ve been having knee pain. It was off and on at first and now it’s consistent, every day. I’ve at least been able to pinpoint that it hurts most when I extend my leg. Now I’ll leave it to the medical professionals to figure out. Brian says I’m just getting old.

But back to The Travel Mug! I love where this place came from and what it’s doing! Owner Amy had a desire for a coffee shop, realized brick and mortar wasn’t her first step, so she made things mobile. The Travel Mug could be found at local events, parked in school parking lots, parked at various office buildings, and at sporting events. Amy was able to go to where the people were!

But now she’s really parked. She’s got the brick and mortar and The Parked Mug is a big hit.

As I sit here writing this post, a dozen people have been in and out, and I’ve seen a few cars go through their drive-thru. A few people are sitting at the window bar…one sipping coffee, two having conversation. There’s a lady working on her laptop behind me, two ladies are at a nearby table doing some kind of knitting. There’s another lady on a laptop across the room and the kids’ corner (complete with books and a reading light) is waiting for it’s next round of littles.

The building is located right next to Grantsville Town Park. In winter, while the ice skating rink is open, people can pair their ice skating with a stop at the Mug. Those who live close by include a coffee stop (and ice cream…yes, there’s ice cream here, too!) with their evening walks. When warm-weather events are happening like little league baseball, Grantsville Days and the Lions Club Oktoberfest, The Travel Mug sees lots of visitors.

The space and opportunity that has been created by this little coffee shop is so cool to see. From an innovative, on-the-go operation to a lively place to hang out and venture to, The Travel Mug deserves all the high fives! HIGH FIVES, Amy! 

Amy and The Travel Mug were part of a personal project I started in 2023. I chose three Deep Creek/Garrett County, MD businesses that excited and intrigued me because of the unique services and products they’re offering…and because of their downright awesome creative efforts! I gifted all of them a photo session to capture who they are and what they do, with the ultimate goal of creating a photo library they could use when promoting their business. 

I captured mobile Amy, now it’s time for Parked Amy. 🙂

Also next on my list: Liberated Libations