Hyperion Espresso to the Rescue: From darkness to light

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Easter in Fredericksburg, VA, with my family, was great.  For us it meant an early-morning egg hunt at church, lots of park time, and really strong morning coffee.



But for me, morning coffee is just the beginning. Coffee for me is an all-day affair. After an afternoon of playing with the kids, kicking a soccer ball and running after a basketball, I decided that I really needed coffee. I made the request to my father, who was driving, and he mentioned Starbucks (after he sighed, since I had been whining about coffee for a couple of hours already).

I assumed that given the holiday and the small-town commitment to family life that Starbucks would be the only coffee option in town. Turns out it wasn’t true.


I spy a coffeehouse
After leaving Pratt Park, as we drove into town, I spied a group of people standing outside of a refurbished colonial that houses Hyperion Espresso.

Hyperion, located at 301 William Street in downtown Fredericksburg, was founded in 1994, after taking over the site of an old pharmacy that closed. Since the beginning, Hyperion has been all about its espresso, which is the basis for its outstanding espresso-based drinks.

After ordering a skim latte for myself and a caramel cappuccino for my nephew, I checked out the décor and marveled at the 2-tier, marigold interior, replete with books, comfortable seating, and light pouring in through the paned windows.


There is almost always at least one coffee option…
So when you think about coffee options---regardless of what day you’re thinking of---there is almost always a coffeehouse/café scene besides Starbucks, precisely because there are people who love coffee and hanging out at coffee houses, regardless of the season or the day or the occasion. And when times get tough---there's always Starbucks!

Coffee and the Cosmos
What about the name Hyperion? It’s up for interpretation. Here’s my take: In Greek mythology, Hyperion was one of the 12 Titan children of Gaia and Uranus. Hyperion became a hero when he helped successfully overthrow his tyrant of a father. After ascending to power, Hyperion fathered the sun, the moon, and dawn.  

Hyperion was the father of the seasons, of the rising and setting of the sun---and, finally, the creator of dawn, that wonderful moment when light breaks through darkness.
This metaphor perfectly describes the role of coffee---from darkness to light--we drink coffee at dawn, and throughout the day to conquer the darkness within. Embrace the light--drink coffee.

Cool April afternoon in downtown Fredericksburg, VA.




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