There's an appeal to small-town coffee shops that, in my mind, can't be beaten. Nothing screams "Your new home away from home," like a freshly-brewed cup of contentment in a warm, friendly space filled with plenty of cubby-holes, nooks, and crannies for curling up and watching the world go by. It's balm for the soul, but there's one place in particular that deserves a closer look: Capitol Coffee.

Located just off the main structure of the Capitol Theatre is my safe haven. Strewn about with posters of the great classics of film, filled with (sometimes dazzling) lights and soft red carpet, and sporting a drinks menu with more iconic one-liners than a James Bond script, this gem of a throwback to Hollywood's olden days carries an iconic charm that perfectly accompanies the surrounding atmosphere of downtown Maryville. Rose-tinted glasses aside, however, it's worth noting that the Capitol Theatre - along with several other establishments that have become mainstays of our downtown area - is a local business that is just as in need of patronage and support as any other venue.

Just down the street on Broadway Avenue, a small number of vacant properties loom, derelict monuments to days gone by and hopelessly lost in the wandering eyes of drivers and pedestrians alike. There's no indication that the Capitol will follow suit, but those properties have remained empty for as long as I've lived here in Maryville, and business isn't exactly booming for some of the neighboring companies. It's not unreasonable to ask for a little bit of shared awareness with respect to our local businesses - this is still a small, close-knit community where I can't go anywhere without bumping into at least one person I know and I'd like nothing more than to see Maryville and the Capitol Theatre flourish instead of succumbing to the slippery slope of being known only for the college on top of the hill.

When you get a chance, take the time to stop by, see the splendor of the completely-restored theatre, and pick up your favorite blend of coffee or flavor of ice cream. For an extra-special treat, get the ice cream blended with your coffee; the Capitol is the only place I know of where you can make that happen. Let yourself be charmed into an offer you can't refuse. It's worth it.

Image credit: http://cliparts.co/coffee-cup-graphic

Cover photo credit: Naomi Mor via 6iee.com

Title inspired by a certain Nat King Cole song.