Snowbirds Arrive: A Seasonal Migration Unfolds

Don Sennevile and Jim White

This sunny Monday morning brought a sense of community to the Village Coffee Shop and Creperie. With the new opening of Coffee Row shops on Mondays, familiar faces were scattered around, engaging in conversations over mocha coffees. One noteworthy couple, seasoned coffee enthusiasts, ignited a lively debate on the distinctions between lattes and cappuccinos. They even inquired about Don’s bacon levels, a topic from our previous Bacon Breakfast Burrito articles. This interaction resonated with the spirit of our readership.

In fact, this couple has penned a letter to The CUP at the Sonoran News discussing their coffee insights. Additionally, they raised a question about the chocolate milk and espresso combination, humorously dubbed the poor man’s mochaccino. According to Nescafe, the latte is creamier, achieved by mixing espresso with steamed milk, while the cappuccino offers a stronger flavor, with equal parts steamed and foamed milk.

After countless coffee experiences, we’ve realized that variations abound, often with excessive foam. The idea of a “latticino” emerges as a potential compromise. Interestingly, Don is currently advocating for iced lattes with two sugars, a trend we hope is merely a passing whim.

In another observation, the Carefree Post Office revealed an unusual sight. A stack of Sonoran News papers shared space with the City Sun Times, leaving us pondering the implications. Our analysis indicates that many Snowbirds seem unaware of our local publications, evidenced by their neglect of the recycling bin. It appears they are missing out on some local gems.

To address this oversight, we feel compelled to enlighten our winter visitors about local coffee hotspots. For a genuine taste of Cave Creek, we suggest a Straight Black Americano on the scenic back patio behind Cave Creek’s Indian Village, paired with Fry Bread and cactus jelly. A friendly hello to Bart might even earn you a complimentary refill.

For those seeking a Carefree atmosphere, the Carefree Coffee Roastery at the four-way stop provides a perfect spot to relax. Enjoy a to-go cup while soaking up the sun beneath the Sundial, or visit the Conquistador at Black Mountain Cafe and Lounge, where you can indulge in reading the Sonoran News while imagining friends enduring the cold back home. Don’t forget to let them know you’re sipping iced coffee!

But how can we spot Snowbirds for our Coffee Shop Awareness talks? Keep an eye out for shorts, even on a brisk 62-degree day. Speaking of economic impacts, a chat with a UPS driver reveals that Snowbirds add pressure to their deliveries, particularly in the winter. Surprisingly, many managed to navigate Carefree’s quirky street crossings without incident. Don, however, remains wary of potential collisions.

Amidst the whimsical roundabouts that perplex both locals and visitors alike, it seems Snowbirds possess an impressive ability to adapt. We recently observed a vehicle from Saskatchewan maneuver these streets skillfully, likely en route to the English Rose Tea Room.

In response to the influx of Snowbirds, we are planning to create a Coffee Row Study Guide. This guide will offer specific directions to help ease their transition into a winter visit. Interested guests can find it in the free book box at the Gila Monster Playground in Carefree. We thank our Snowbird visitors for their fresh perspectives. After all, a good macchiato and a lemon bar are always welcome additions to life here.

For feedback, contact us at The CUP at [email protected].