This year, my work office moved from Columbia Maryland to Somerset New Jersey. Less than thrilled, I set out to make the best of the move and the amount of time I would be spending in New Jersey against my will.

As I've gotten older, I have found more joy in seeking out local coffee shops during my work travels. I was determined to find good coffee close to the office so that I could visit each time I was in town. At first glance, it seemed the area was overrun with Dunkin and Starbucks. It wasn't until my second overnight stay that Lucid Coffee Co. in Somerville popped up on the map.

A six minute drive from my hotel, I had way more pep in my step heading out the door the next morning without having had any caffeine. As soon as I walked in, the fireworks went off. Lucid Coffee was warm and inviting, with tables, counter and communal seating throughout. With a delectable selection of sweet treats and pastries and specialty coffee concoctions, I had a hard time deciding.

I've since been to Lucid Coffee Co. no less than four times. Besides the coffee and pastries, the ode to Drake and aesthetic decor has me hooked. I'm already looking forward to my next visit, which is not something I even expected to say out loud in regards to traveling to New Jersey.