Coffee is a great way to start the day, and Kentucky has some fabulous little coffee shops that are perfect for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up. Starbucks is fine for Seattle, (and we have an overwhelming amount of those,) however, they lack the charm of some of the more unique coffee shops located around the state. The bigger cities in Kentucky, such as Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green have a bigger variety, but good coffee is not hard to find in any town.

Here are 11 unique coffee shops that make waking up a pleasure:

11. A Cup of Commonwealth

Visitors will find the baristas friendly and the walls decorated with the art of local artists at 105 Eastern Avenue in Lexington. Their Soy Latte has been described as out of this world. Each and every cup is made fresh and to the specifications of the customer. The Sleeping Bear Hot Chocolate is also to die for.

10. Baxter's Coffee

One might be surprised to find a custom roasted coffee house in Somerset, but at 427 Ogden Street, that is exactly what exists. They offer a variety of flavors and the service and products are always top notch. This is a must stop spot when in the area.

9. Carabello Coffee

This friendly little coffee shop at 107 E. 9th Street in Newport offers up cold brew on tap, fair trade coffee and great customer service. Everything is fresh, delicious and served up with a smile.

8. Highland Coffee Company

We have visited this establishment at 1140 Bardstown Road many times over the past decade, and never been disappointed in the service or the coffee. They offer a variety of coffees, flavors, teas, lattes, scones, muffins and everything that makes a coffee shop perfect. Not to mention the fact they also take donations in order to support No Kill animal facilities, and that makes the coffee even better.

7. Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe

This café at 235 W. Broadway in Frankfort has been called the best little coffee shop/restaurant in the area. They offer not only outstanding coffee, but literal homemade meals like lasagna and speciality soups, like sweet potato lentil and ham, potato corn chowder. Plus, the Coffee Tree was the original state tree in Kentucky till it was changed in the 70s.

6. Purdy's Coffee Co.

This locally owned coffee shop at 212 W. Main Street in Richmond is a favorite hang out for local residents. It offers a quaint, rustic atmosphere and serves up the best coffee in town. The Pumpkin Chai, Black and White and Mochas come highly recommended.

5. Spencer's Coffee

This friendly little coffee gem is located at 915 College Street in Bowling Green and has been called a diamond in the rough. The food varies from fresh homemade soups and sandwiches to hearty stews and breakfast burritos. The coffee is fresh, flavorful and often quite decorative, as seen in the image.

4. The Creme Coffee House

Not only is the coffee fresh, flavorful and served with a smile in a rustic, yet artsy atmosphere located at 109 E. 2nd Street in Owensboro, but the food is delicious too. Everything starts fresh, from the vegetables, breads and meat to the homemade sauces. This is a classy coffee house with a friendly staff that never fails to keep customers happy and coming back.

3. The Hub Coffee House and Cafe

There are a lot of great reasons to visit Danville, and The Hub at 236 W. Main is one of them. They offer some very "perk you up" coffee in a variety and the food is absolutely to die for. Each day there is a fresh soup ranging from White Chicken Chili to Ultimate Potato with Bacon.

2. You and Me Coffee and Tea

Though the prices could be considered a little high at 300 S. Main in Corbin, the food and beverages are worth every penny. A fresh chicken salad sandwich with coffee will run around $9, but every bite will remind you not to complain. The menu is flexible with soups, sandwiches and muffins that seem to melt in the mouth. The coffee itself is good to the last drop and very satisfying to the palette.

1. Third Street Stuff and Coffee

This unusual shop at 257 N. Limestone in Lexington offers a great cup of coffee to keep one warm in the winter. The inner atmosphere is a laid back 1960's theme decor where one can easily relax and just enjoy their coffee or tea.

Now that the weather is starting to cool off in Kentucky, a warm cup of coffee is perfect to sip and hold. Each one of these coffee shops will help your day start out with a smile, from aroma to taste. (Not to mention they add a special kind of warmth from the beverage to the service--and the food is an added bonus.) What is your favorite local coffee shop and why?