Whether you are from a grand city in New York, a luxurious beach front in California, or a small town in Kansas like me, each location has one thing in common; a sacred coffee shop. If you don't think the town/city that you live in has one, you need to look deeper. Tucked away in every nook and cranny of every place in America is a home town, comforting coffee shop. No, I'm not talking about Starbucks, (although Starbucks is the bomb). I'm talking about the place that you can go and feel welcomed when you walk in the door, a place that you can be yourself. Once you find the coffee shop(s) of your town, you'll never want to spend your free time, or time in general, anywhere else. I know I don't.

For the longest time, I thought Salina, KS was the most conservative and sheltered town to grow up in, until I found my portal of escape; Ad Astra. Ad Astra is found right in plain sight on Santa Fe, a main street in Salina, KS. Though it's easily located at the very start of the street, it doesn't seem like many people attend, which is fine by me. I first heard of Ad Astra 2 years ago when my Sophomore English teacher told the class that she would be singing there that night. My friend and I decided that we wanted to go, so after school we ventured out. As soon as we stepped out of our cars we could hear the variety of instruments working together to form a sound so unique and original, I was hooked already. The live music is one of my favorite things about my local coffee shop. Live music gives local artists a chance to be heard and personally it makes me proud as a listener to be able to hear a piece that someone has worked so extensively hard to create. If your coffee shop presents the opportunity to attend a live music show or an open mic night I highly recommend going!

My local coffee shop provides me with a home more peaceful than my own, and allows me to be productive...for once in my life. Coffee shops are a great atmosphere to study, read, meet people that share common interests with you, or just to relax and breath. The world gets loud and overwhelming at times and having a place to escape is essential stepping into my coffee ship stepping into my coffee shop transports me into a new world like a good book does. Stimulating music plays just loud enough for you to notice, but not too loud that it's distracting. The smell of coffee rushes over you and draws you right in. If the smell of the delicious beverage isn't enough to hook you, the taste sure will be.

If you happen to be from Salina, and you're reading this, go check out Ad Astra! (10/10 recommend the vanilla lavender latte.) If Salina, KS has this amazing of a coffee shop to reside, I can almost guarantee that your town does, go out and search for one! You'll be amazed at what and who you will find.