Coffee Shop Cruising in the Mazda6 Grand Touring

I’ve been dying to do a post on some of the cool coffee shops popping up over my hometown (that’s Long Beach California for those that need a reminder). One of my favorite things to do is grab a good book, a soy chai latte and relax in an overstuffed chair at a comfy cozy coffee shop. There’s something about coffee shops that just feel good to me. I like being around the energy of people working on that ever important project,  student’s cramming for a final, or the entrepreneur who has just gotten their company off the ground but can’t afford an office space yet so they steal the wi-fi at an unsuspecting coffee startup. It inspires me and it motivates me. So when I was offered the opportunity to test drive the Mazda6 Grand Touring I knew exactly where I wanted to take it.

The first stop on my coffee shop tour was The Library. As far as coffee shops go, The Library is the epitome of old school coffee shop cool. Not only do they have my beloved over stuffed comfy chairs but they have more than enough tables for anyone working on that next big screen play or studying for that all important final.

 

Even more, they have books that adorn the walls that you can read or exchange with a book of your own.

The coffee is kinda basic but it’s the vibe I love the most. Plus the pastries are to die for!

 

You’ll have to purchase something here to get the wi-fi password, but don’t fret, a small coffee is reasonably priced at $1.85.

My next stop was a new spot I’d been dying to go to. Steelhead Coffee in Long Beach’s California Heights . What The Library lacked in its coffee skills Steelhead more than made up for. If you’re a coffee snob then this is the place you want to go.

The menu is pretty sparse but what they lack in volume they make up for in quality. Their cold brews, pour-overs and vegan donuts are among customer faves. Plus who can resist a cute design in their foam…

You probably won’t find yourself curling up in an overstuffed chair all day long but the decor is very modern and perfect for anyone wanting to put their head down and do work. What’s even better is that their not chincy with the wi-fi password. 

I’d passed by Lord Windsor many times on bike rides around my neighborhood. It pops up almost like a mirage in this mostly residential neighborhood so I couldn’t believe what I was seeing the first few times I rode by. A coffee bar more than a coffee shop, this little gem is located in Downtown Long Beach and probably your favorite hipsters, favorite hipster coffee shop… er, bar. Known for its cold brew, Lord Windsor is no frills and perfect for that quick drop in before heading to the beach.

So there is this minimalist thing that’s going on with coffee shops these days and that was no more evident than when I visited Rose Park Roasters. Located in the community of Rose Park, Rose Park Roasters outfits some of my favorite restaurants with their coffee. For the intense coffee lover they also have an option for bike delivery and a subscription service.

 

Among hot ticket menu items are their seasonal brews (sweet potato anyone?). The coffee is a tad on the spensive (yes SPENSIVE) side but worth it! Very laid back vibe and comfy working atmosphere are what make this a standout.

Ok so did you almost forget that this post was about my test driving experience in the Mazda6 Grand Touring? Well, let’s get back on track people because I have some important stuff to say about this car. The most important being that it’s FABULOUS!! Like no really, this car is INCREDIBLE! I didn’t want to give it up, I wanted to take it on a cross-country trip just so that I could have as much time in it as possible, I wanted to SLEEP in it (ok I know I’m takin it too far but it was that amazing!). Here are some more photos of the plush insides…

So like I always do on these car reviews, I’ll list the pro’s and con’s of the car so that you have a little more information around the specs of the car.

Let’s start with the good stuff.

Pro’s

• That white leather interior was just too fly for words! It is identical to the Mercedes-Benz CLS my best friend drives
• ALL the bells and whistles come with this baby. I’m talkin amenities on amenities on amenities.
  • Dual side temps
  • mp3 player and satellite radio
  • blind-spot and rear-cross-traffic alerts
  • proximity key
  • 19-inch wheels with all-season rubber
• Pricing STARTS yes STARTS at a mere $22,330
• Center console for safe and easy use of programming
• Beautifully sleek and upscale body
• Quick acceleration
• Excellent fuel economy

Con’s

• Although this was not my experience I’ve heard that Mazda’s can get a little loud
• Stiff ride

Overall this was a winner. All of this luxury and a great price point? Sign me up!