As a small-Iowa boy in the last century, I did not enter my first coffee shop until my freshman year at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis (it was Giocco - later known as Espresso Royale - in Dinkytown, if you must know). And I was hooked. Now, whenever I visit a new town or place, the first thing I look for is a coffee shop. While I don't necessarily respect places that "happen to sell coffee" (yeah, I'm looking at you over-aromatic tchotchke peddlers with your carafes of brown water purporting to be Peruvian-papaya-peaberry-vanilla-mocha-java), I love a coffee shop that is more than a coffee shop - Caydence Coffee in St. Paul knows what I'm talking about. One of my favorite examples of this and, in fact, one of my favorite cafes in Minnesota, is Cream and Amber in Hopkins.

Combining three of nature's finest things - coffee, books, and beer - Cream and Amber is a trifecta of perfection (trifection, perhaps?). The shop offers a full selection of made to order espresso drinks, brewed coffee, tea, and a menu featuring salads, hot sandwiches and baked goods. You'll also find a regular rotation of a half-dozen or so local brews on tap, as well as a selection of wine.

Up front, you'll find a bar, as well as a couple of comfy chairs - my favorite spot to sit. The main seating area with tables is in the sunny back room.

The book selection, while not huge, is impressive. The shop sells new and used books with a solid selection of works by local authors. Regular events, like book clubs, readings, and children's storytime fill the shop's calendar.

There's also a nicely curated children's section that's located in the main seating area at the rear of the shop - so, it's a wonderful place to bring the kids for a snack. You'll find a couple more private seating areas that can be reserved as meeting rooms back there, as well. And that's what I think is one of Cream and Amber most impressive accomplishments: It's become a community hub for its Hopkins neighborhood.

While downtown Hopkins is home to plenty of bars, eateries, and watering holes, personally, I don't think there's a better place to sit back and relax with a local IPA and a book than the quiet, secluded patio at Cream and Amber.

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to many coffee shops, a lot of places to grab a craft beer, and, unfortunately, a dwindling number of independent booksellers. But the combination of all three is a true unicorn - no matter where you are. That's why I feel fortunate to live only a few miles away from Cream and Amber in Hopkins, and it's also the reason it's one of my favorite cafes in Minnesota. Even when I can't make it over to the store, itself, I'm still able to order books or send gifts through Cream and Amber's storefront on Bookshop.org - it's a great way to support my favorite local and independent booksellers. What are some of your favorite bookstores or cafes in Minnesota that do things a little differently? Be sure to tell us about them!