Wake up Washington: A coffee drinker's guide

Enjoy your visit to Washington, N.C., one cup of coffee at a time. Sometimes we all just need a little pick-me-up. You'll be starting your day on the right foot after snagging a roast from any of the following coffee spots. All are guaranteed to please, and the friendly baristas will make the experience one that you won't forget.

As always, the Washington Tourism Development Authority recommends calling your destination before you arrive to be sure you are traveling with the most current information on hand.

Giddy-Up Coffee House is the definition of a specialty coffee experience.

Now equipped with a drive-thru, you can enjoy your Giddy-Up coffee on-the-go or in the shop. This locally owned coffee house actually used to be a gas station. It was renovated to give off western vibes and a relaxing atmosphere.

Students and professionals frequent the shop to get their work done while enjoying a tasty beverage. Book clubs and other groups use the space to socialize and relax comfortably with a tasty beverage.

Giddy-Up offers a Mexican blend, a dark roast, and a rotating monthly flavor of coffee grounds. Hot and iced options are available for coffee and lattes. They also have frappes and fruit smoothies if your taste buds prefer it. Hungry? Pair a bagel or a waffle with your beverage to ensure that you're ready to start the day.

Perfect Perks Coffee Hut & Micki's Munchies is a hidden gem for coffee lovers.

Located in the Washington Walmart parking lot, this little coffee hut is no joke! Locals say that Perfect Perks has the best coffee flavor selection in town.

If you love flavored coffee, this is the place for you. This little hut whips up some delicious frappes like the positively reviewed Dead Man Walking Vanilla Bean Frappe and Wake the Dead White Chocolate and Caramel Frappe.

Rachel K's Bakery is located right in the heart of downtown Washington.

The bakery makes everything from scratch and works closely with local farmers to use local, in season ingredients when possible, and only high quality ingredients are used. Cakes, freshly baked bagels, artisan breads and pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads are just some of the things you can find on the menu.

Known for their baked goods, Rachel K's is also a great place to grab a cup of joe.

Rachel K's carries Counter Culture Coffee out of Durham. Counter Culture Coffee is a certified organic roaster that values sustainability and offers educational opportunities for baristas. Counter Culture Coffee aims to educate baristas on the many techniques required to ensure that the best possible flavor ends up in your cup.

Cups and Cones is the perfect spot for families.

Just arrived in Washington and looking for a quick stop that has a little something for everyone? Parents grab some Lanoca Coffee while letting the kids enjoy some Blue Bell ice cream cones. They also distribute locally sourced treats like Locavore Market's muffins and Carolina Cookie Company's cookies.

Cups and Cones carries Lanoca Coffee, which is the best coffee roasted here in eastern North Carolina (Farmville, N.C.). Lanoca Coffee Company is a small-batch, artisanal coffee roaster specializing in single origin coffees, roasted to your specifications. Get your Lanoca Coffee hot or iced at Cups and Cones. Choose from a variety of flavors and milk products to go along with your tasty roast.