Admittedly, I love caffeine. Coffee, chai lattes, frappes… really anything that is hot and delivers liquid “energy” to my brain. Upon hearing from a coworker that it was “National Coffee Day,” I naturally had to take a drive into town to get a morning brew.

There are several options to enjoy a warm cup of joe in Warsaw, and Kosciusko as a whole. From the familiar drinks at Starbucks, located in both Martin’s Supermarket and Owens Supermarket, to the traditional coffee houses such as Latte Lounge, Cafe Mod and Courthouse Coffee.

For an interesting, and sometimes unusual option, Three Crowns Coffee, a popular downtown coffee shop among Kosciusko’s hip, young caffeine connoisseurs is a great option. Those looking for blends from across the world can venture into Winona Lake for lunch and a coffee at Light Rail Cafe, a subsidiary of Cerulean in Winona Lake.

Even local shops are paying homage to the holiday, offering discounts on coffee related merchandise. Those looking to support a great cause while buying a new mug to commemorate the day can stop by MudLOVE in Warsaw for 30 percent off a mug today.

Several of these local coffee shops are offering discounted or free coffee to guests. To say the options are vast and endless is perhaps a hyperbole, needless to say however, there are several options for locals to enjoy both fall weather and a hot cup of coffee.

While you wait for your cup of coffee, here are some interesting facts about the beloved beverage.

Origin

According to the National Coffee Association USA, no one knows the precise details of the origins of coffee, however, like most good things, there are legends about it. According to NCAUSA, coffee beans worldwide can have their heritage traced back to ancient coffee forests on the Ethiopian plateau. Legend claims a goat herder, allegedly named Kaldi, first discovered the potential of these treasured beans.

“It is said that Kaldi discovered coffee after noticing that his goats, upon eating berries from a certain tree, became so energetic that they did not want to sleep at night,” writes NCAUSA.

In Arabia, not only was coffee enjoyed in homes, java nuts were also able to enjoy “coffee houses.” These “Gahveh Khneh” offered social activity, music, performances, chess and even an opportunity to get caught up on local news — much like today.

Java And The Americas 

The NCAUSA notes King Louis XIV of France is to thank for the cup of coffee we hold in our hands today. The king reportedly ordered the plant to be grown in the Royal Botanical Garden in Paris, where a young naval officer, Gabriel de Clieu obtained a seedling of the plant.

“Despite a challenging voyage — complete with horrendous weather, a saboteur who tried to destroy the seedling, and a pirate attack — he managed to transport it safely to Martinique.”

“Once planted, the seedling not only thrived, but it’s credited with the spread of over 18 million coffee trees on the island of Martinique in the next 50 years. Even more incredible is that this seedling was the parent of all coffee trees throughout the Caribbean, South and Central America,” writes NCAUSA.

As you drink your warm cup of joe, be sure to take a moment and thank the unspoken hero of the day, Gabriel de Clieu, who not only braved the seas but pirates and saboteurs to ensure we could all beat morning (or midday) blues.