The best kept secret in Atlanta
Although this is the first article I have written for the Vital Source, I am sorry to say I must begin with an apology. I know that this article is going to upset many Life students, and for that I am sorry. I am about to reveal the best kept secret in Atlanta. For many, when they have experienced something special they like to keep it to themselves, hold on to it and not let anybody else know. It becomes sacred. I on the other hand am the opposite. When I have something good I want to share it with everyone and tell everybody. I want everyone to enjoy the goodness.
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Shop is the most serene, beautiful, and out of the ordinary coffee shop I have ever experienced. Being a coffee connoisseur—or caffeine addict depending upon your point of view—I know coffee shops. Land of a Thousand Hills is located along the most scenic stretch of the Chattahoochee River less than fifteen minutes from the Life University campus. It’s National Park-like setting makes it hard to believe that you’re still anywhere near metropolitan Atlanta. If you didn’t know better you might think you were somewhere in West Virginia, with picturesque views of rocky cliffs, the flowing river along with the lulling sound of rushing waters.
You can sip your latte alongside the river while a plethora of geese, ducks, cranes and hawks enjoy their day along the Chattahoochee. While relaxing and enjoying the serenity and beauty of the area you may also notice an occasional kayaker, people paddling canoes, or even a group of very relaxed, and refreshed folks floating by on inner tubes.
There are numerous places along the river to enjoy your latte, espresso, freshly brewed tea, Italian sodas, fruit smoothie and more. Many Life University students study on the balcony overlooking the park like setting. Others prefer to relax closer to the water in the Adirondack -like rocking chairs. If you would like to make an afternoon of it, there are even a few picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills.
My favorite area to sit and enjoy good conversation, or study, is off to the right, over a short foot bridge. This is a more secluded area, situated under shade trees and nestled up against a large hill and small cave. When the caffeine has kicked in and you are feeling adventurous, there are rocks to climb and trails to hike. If you are feeling romantic you can view the river and watch the water flow over the rapids while rocking on one of two porch swings.
If you prefer to sit inside, the ambiance is wonderful. From thick plush chairs to comfortable couches, along with seating at tables where you can spread out and study, while fantastic coffee house music quietly plays in the background. Oh, and, there is WI-FI throughout the building and even outside along the river! Land of a Thousand Hills has plenty of windows for natural lighting and great views of the river from inside. The walls are adorned with colorful and moving photographs of the Rwandan people that grow and harvest the coffee beans. One person’s idea and commitment to making a difference and giving back provides our community with a rich, warm, and wonderful place to study, decompress, and enjoy delicious coffee, teas, snacks, and more.
To follow, please read excerpts from The Land of a Thousand Hills website explaining their mission and commitment to making a difference in Rwanda.
“The story of Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee is an amazing story. The coffee is grown in Rwanda, a country that’s seen one of the worst genocides in the history of this planet. Coffee beans from Land of a Thousand Hills represent reconciliation. In the same way you come together with friends over a cup of coffee, farmers torn apart by genocide are coming together in their coffee-growing community, learning to forgive, and are restoring the relationships that once divided their country. Great healing is taking place.
But that’s not the only way our coffee does good. In an effort to change the coffee industry – one of the most exploitative in the world – Land of a Thousand Hills participates in Community Trade, a term we coined to mean Directly Traded, paid for with higher-than-Fair Trade wages, and where investment in the farming community is our top priority. We believe that by paying our coffee growers just, Living Wages and supporting economic and community development in the region, not only does the region thrive with higher quality coffee, justice is pursued. Our special projects include building a sustenance farm for the region’s malnourished orphans, creating soccer programs to promote community and coffee education, giving microfinance loans to entrepreneurs, lending coffee bikes to ensure safer and more efficient travel, and donating shoes to farmers and their families.”
The coffee choices that are offered are everything that any coffee aficionado could want. In addition to coffee, a variety of teas, fruit smoothies, Italian sodas, and delectable desserts are available. It is even possible to enjoy a Peanut Butter Cup Brownie along with a Peanut Butter Cup Latte or espresso! I was informed by the very friendly manager Kylene, that they will now be to carrying fresh salads and sandwiches. This is good news to all of us that spend hours there and only leave because we need some sustenance to enable us to keep studying!
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee shop is located inside the “Walton on the Chattahoochee” Apartment Complex 6640 Akers Mill Rd Atlanta, Georgia 30339. Their phone number is 770-955-0788. To enter the complex you must dial 101 on the security gate phone. A coffee house employee will answer and buzz you in. For store hours, and to find out all about Land of 1000 Hills coffee Shop go to www.drinkcoffeedogood.com.
Here are some tips for students to save money: Mention this article and Life University and receive your drink of choice for only $2.00! Be sure to pick up a “Club Card”. For every 10 drinks purchased you will receive one drink for free! You can also add your email address to their list and receive discount coupons.
Land of a Thousand Hills is a popular place with Life students who are “in the know.” I must warn you though, there are times that I have gone there to study and was so captivated by the beauty and peaceful surroundings that I did not get much done. But a couple of hours sitting in that environment is good for your mind and soul, doing wonders to decompress and recharge all at the same time.
“What if your coffee could transform a village? It can. Embrace the power of the bean.”“ Drink Coffee. Do Good.”
Print doubled sided at the library! Still costs the same, but it will keep your notebook thinner and preserve some paper. It’s as easy as following these steps: Click the “File” menu top left à “Print…” à Click the drop down menu to the right of where it says “Printer Name” à Select “BlackWhite – Double Sided”
