Friends, my love for coffee knows no bounds. I once gave it up for 8 months and it was pretty much torture. Last year at my annual cardiology appointment (standard check-ups because of having open-heart surgery as a bb) my doc said the magic words: "Some studies have shown coffee can actually be good for you. I would say up to two cups a day can't hurt."Praise be. Obviously I'm being super dramatic, but if my doc says it's ok for me I'm not gonna argue. Since it is SUMMER and places is Ocean City are OPEN I figured I would share my favorite spots to grab coffee here in town & around the area. Here are the best places for coffee at the shore:

Barefoot Market:

This has been my #1 since day one. Growing up we would visit Ocean City in the summers, and my aunt would bring us the coffee and scones from their original shop on 4th St. Then they moved to 1st street (loved that little corner), and now they're in the coolest green house on 2nd & West. Serving up my favorite La Colombe coffee, and the best scones in the entire universe, this will be the place I miss most if we ever leave Ocean City.Try: any drinks, but I usually order one of the following: black coffee, iced americano, lavender latte, or iced dirty chai with soy. Their scones, sandwiches, BAGUETTES, soups, chicken salad & quiche are all to die for.

Positively 4th Street:

I think if it weren't for the history I have with Barefoot, this place would be a tie. The people are sweet, the coffee & smoothies are amazing, the menu is extensive & the atmosphere is my fave. They also host open mic's, which is so fun. My youth group kids & I do something called Coffee & Communion every week which consists of going to Mass and then walking to 4th street for coffee & fellowship. They are so accommodating.Try: the breakfast sandwiches, their toast menu, the green smoothie, their specialty lattes (they have oat milk!), anything in the pastry case, and their soups.

Jessie's of Linwood:

Ok, this isn't in Ocean City, but it's close enough. It is brand spankin' new & I love everything about it. Located right near Our Lady of Sorrows in Linwood (hello! Adoration & coffee? Yes, please!) and another est. serving up La Colombe, homemade baked goods, and seriously good ice cream. The inside is so bright & beautiful, and Jessie is the sweetest of owners.Try: the ice cream sandwiches, oat milk lattes, biscotti w/rainbow sprinkles (!!), raspberry sorbet.

Ventnor No. 7311

Another non-OC establishment, but worth the drive for me. The decor & atmosphere is the best, and the coffee is even better. Homemade flavored syrups & the smoothest espresso make their lattes THE GREATEST. They also have a bajillion pastries (some vegan & GF friendly, praise be.) and this little corner that dreams are made of. You should plan to stop & sipTry: the vegan banana bread, caramel latte, honestly I haven't had something I didn't like.

Drip & Scoop:

Coffee & donuts, waffles & ice cream, do I need to keep going? Drip & Scoop has only been around for a short while, but when I want a treat I love their iced vanilla soy latte. You really can't go wrong with every sugary thing they have available like did I mention waffles and ice cream? K.Try: the iced soy latte, sprinkle doughnuts, coconut matcha latte.

Others worth visiting:

• Jon & Patty's has amazing specialty drinks, fresh juices, and I love their food the most!
• Jar'd Coffee at the Exchange in Linwood (their vegan offerings & ice cream are SO GOOD)
• Ocean City Coffee Co. has amazing blended coffees & iced teas. Their boardwalk location is my FAVE.
• Cafe Noir in Stone Harbor-- so cute & their iced soy mocha is super good.
• Tommy's Folly inside Congress Hall & The Red Store are amazing and scenic spots for coffee in the Cape May area

If you or someone you know is visiting, make sure to pass along this completely unbaised and factual article. Do you have a fave place I didn't mention? Let me know in the comments, because I am always down to check out a new spot. Have the best weekend!