This delightful pasture is home to Alpacas, Chickens, Cats, Dogs (oh my!), and the wonderful Klema family. They are the heartbeat of the friendly and welcoming atmosphere that Suri Fina Alpaca Farm is wrapped in and that warm fuzzy feeling is waiting to greet you when you stop by and visit!

A few years ago during a spontaneous Thanksgiving weekend Dawdle, my Husband, and I got to visit Suri Fina Alpaca Farm for their wholesome and incredibly fun annual free event ‘Alpaca Meet & Greet‘.

Even years later we still recall this fun memory, and we have a Polaroid with that handsome alpaca, Harry, that we cherish fondly!

Us adventurers here at On Lake Superior love supporting and experiencing local, and it doesn’t get more local than meeting down-to-earth, passionate folks who love the area they live in and the farm they’ve worked diligently to grow and flourish.

Below you’ll get to hear even more about Suri Fina Alpaca Farm, one of the loveliest alpaca farms in Wisconsin, and you’ll be dazzled by interesting alpaca facts you had no idea existed (I sure didn’t!) as well as a quaint conversation with the ringleader of Suri Fina, Abby Klema.

Prepare yourself for some On Lake Superior goodness– Al-pac-a the snacks and coffee for the adventure!

Did you know that Suri Fina Alpaca Farm has its own shop?

From adorable stickers and cards to the coziest and warmest hats, mittens, and socks you can imagine, there’s something for everyone at the Suri Fina Alpaca Farm Shop; check it out for yourself!

Suri Fina Alpaca Farm Shop is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Here’s what Ashland-area resident Melissa M. says about her Suri Fina Alpaca Farm socks:
“I love these socks – so comfortable. They’re like music on your feet!”

Q & A with Suri Fina Alpaca Farm

It takes a dedicated team filled with heart and passion to make Suri Fina Alpaca Farm the beauty it is, and I had the wonderful opportunity to talk with Abby Klema, the visionary of one of the finest Alpaca farms in Wisconsin, about the origins of Suri Fina and her family’s memories and experiences with the farm.

Not only should you expect to be tickled by some pretty fun and interesting facts, but there’s also a precious story tucked in there that brought little tears to my eyes — talk about a remarkable experience!

‘Suri Fina’ is a beautiful, eye-catching name; how did the Suri Fina Alpaca Farm name come together?

I chose the name Suri Fina Alpaca Farm because we raise the Suri breed of alpaca.

Suri is the more rare of the 2 breeds (suri and huacaya). And fina is spanish for fine.

Suri alpaca is a luxurious fiber, very fine and silky. I wanted the name of the farm to reflect that.

On your website’s About page, it’s mentioned that you’re the chief farmer, dreamer, and persona of the Suri Fina Alpaca Farm; can you recall the first seeds of inspiration and passion that came to you to want to build and pursue this farm?

I think the dream of farming, or living a rural lifestyle was planted early in my childhood.

I grew up in the city of Duluth, and often had a menagerie of pets: bunnies, cats, dogs, hamsters, tropical fish. My aunt had a horse and boarded it outside of town.

One summer she got me riding lessons. I loved it at the farm. I was curious about the kids who boarded the bus after school. I imagined they got to go home to barns and animals and the space to run free.

Are there any interesting Alpaca facts you believe most people aren’t aware of?

Alpacas are in the camel family and they hum.

Yours and your husband Jamie’s son, Miles, has grown up with the farm, based on the sweet pictures on your website. What was it like to witness him grow up in a farm environment, and do you have any favorite memories with your son on the farm?

As a farming parent, I’m never sure how much Miles actually learns or enjoys the farm, but several years ago we had an alpaca give birth in poor weather.

The cria (alpaca newborns are called crias) was out in the elements in the pasture with the herd. We carried the cria back to the barn and put her and her mom in a stall. I told Miles to keep an eye on her while I hurried off to gather supplies.

When I came back, he was blow drying the cria and rubbing her with a towel and telling me all about how the pair was getting on, over the ten minutes I had been gone — exactly what I would have done.

Miles has his own life and interests, but I see that he is growing up with a good farming awareness and that is neat to see.

I’m sure each Alpaca has its own quirky personality, and you get to know them very well! Do alpacas pick favorites?

Do alpacas pick favorites? Like favorite people? Not sure.

But Rhyme likes to approach me for back scratches.

Bane is often watching me from a safe distance.

McKayla seems to enjoy young visitors and seems to enjoy having them fawn over her.

I can only imagine that there’s a lot of love, care, and especially hard work that revolves around the days. On particularly challenging days, is there something you say to yourself to get you through that tough moment? Has working on a farm taught you lessons you wouldn’t have received otherwise?

Take the good with the bad. As with anything in life there will be losses, struggles, things that didn’t work out as planned, same on a farm.

I try to focus on the things I can control and not dwell on bad things that happen. There are a lot of emotional ups and downs, and I have learned to let the emotions come, but to lace up those boots and keep on keeping on.

Farming is a long game and showing up day after day is what it takes to survive. Experience also has taught me that even though there are struggles, it will work out in the end.

This is my 16th year farming!

From the fun and cute pictures on the Suri Fina Alpaca Farm, I can see a lot of critters aside from Alpacas that are moving and grooving there! What other critters do you, your husband, and your son care for, and how does everyone coexist?

Right now in addition to the alpacas we have a flock of laying hens. We have transitioned to only having chickens on the farm during the warm months. We take a 2-3 month break from chickens in the winter.

We have had ducks, a llama, and feeder pigs in the past. The pigs were especially fun, they have goofy personalities and make the greatest noises.

We boarded a horse for a short time and also pastured a friend’s cows one summer.

We have 2 cats and used to have a friendly St Bernard. We may find the right dog again in the future.

My husband and I had so much fun attending a public event in the winter a few years ago at Suri Fina Alpaca Farm; I love that you host events for the public! Has an event in the past stuck in your mind the most? And are there any events in the future you’d like to tell us about?

I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit to the farm. We always host a free event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is fun to see families spending time together and making memories here at the farm.

Our signature farm experience is called our Alpaca Meet & Greet. We learn about the alpacas, how to interact safely with them, we feed the alpacas, take instant photos and selfies, and then walk with them up to their grazing pasture. It is about an hour long experience and is great for all ages. We have this tour available Thursday-Saturday during the warmer months.

Currently folks can book these through October on our website (we do need folks to book 24hrs in advance). We also host some artsy type workshops and events on the farm.

Sept 28 is an ECO-Print workshop where a local flower farmer is helping make flower prints on silk. And then October 12 the same farmer is showing us how to make dried flower wreaths. All of the information is linked on the Experiences page of our website.

The best way for folks to keep up to date with events is to subscribe to our farm mailing list, I try to get emails out in time for folks so they can take advantage of what we have to offer.

People tell me that they love our farm, that it feels really good here, and has good energy. I’m going to keep on going and keep that positive energy going into the future.

Where is Suri Fina Alpaca Farm

Suri Fina Alpaca Farm is located in Washburn, Wisconsin near beautiful Lake Superior. Suri Fina is about a five-minute drive from Washburn’s downtown area, making it a great addition to weekend plans of supporting and experiencing local!

For more Washburn fun and things to do in Washburn, check out our Washburn experiences On Lake Superior!

Suri Fina Alpaca Farm Address

31300 Engoe Rd, Washburn, WI 54891

Can I Visit Suri Fina Alpaca Farm

Can you visit Suri Fina Alpaca Farm? Absolutely you can!

To visit the farm, I would highly recommend taking a look at their Experiences page to learn more about upcoming and potential Alpaca Meet & Greet events, and you can also follow Suri Fina Alpaca Farm on Facebook to stay informed, too.

Another way you can support Suri Fina Alpaca Farm and step into the world of Alpaca farms in Wisconsin is to stop by and check out their Farm store (Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM) which is packed full of top-notch quality items such as socks, hats, mittens, and more exquisite Alpaca items.

Supporting and experiencing local is truly one of the best ways to embrace being on Lake Superior. I hope seeing these incredible photos of the majestic and adorable Alpacas was all the persuasion you needed to add ‘Visit Suri Fina Alpaca Farm‘ to your Lake Superior Bucket List!

If you’d like to join in on more Northwoods appreciation and fun, please join us over on Facebook and Instagram and be a part of our On Lake Superior community and conversation. There isn’t anything quite as magical as the shimmer on Lake Superior and the people who love it.

Nestled on the main drag of Washburn, WI, on Lake Superior, among other local gems such as Chequamegon Books, is the delicious aroma of baked goods and rich coffee that occupies the welcoming air only found in Cafe Coco.

It’s there that you’ll find display cases of buttery, flaky, delicious pastries and your favorite hot and cold beverages, and you’re in the perfect spot if you’re looking for a table to sit down and visit or crack open your current read. Out of the many bakeries in Wisconsin, this one has ‘made from scratch‘ and’ keeping it local‘ embedded in everything they do.

Keep those daydreams of baked goodness and coziness stirring in your wanderlust thoughts while we take a virtual stroll through this wonderful establishment in Washburn, WI.

Where is Cafe Coco?

Cafe Coco is along the main drag that runs through Washburn, WI. It can be seen while driving through Washburn, whether you’re traveling to Bayfield or taking a trip to Ashland. There are other gems along this road, such as Chequamegon Books and North Coast Coffee.

Cafe Coco Address

210 W Bayfield St, Washburn, WI 54891

Cafe Coco Hours

Thursday-Sunday: 7 AM – 5 PM

What’s on the Menu at Cafe Coco

When you walk through the doors of Cafe Coco, you know you’re in for a delicious foodie experience by the sweet, savory, and buttery aromas that greet you with delight. There’s a wide variety of foods, desserts, breads, and scrumptiousness to try, so let’s get into it!

Breakfast

Ah, breakfast, the category with comfort foods galore. We’ve also been told that it’s the most important meal of the day since we were kiddos, but luckily, at Cafe Coco, breakfast is served until 3 PM!

The following menu items are from Cafe Coco’s website; for pricing and dietary details, please visit Coco’s Breakfast Menu!

• Sides
  • Fresh Fruit
  • 3 Pieces of Bacon
  • 2 Sausage Patties
  • Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

Breakfast Sandwhiches

• The Bronco
  • Ham, Wisconsin cheddar, seasoned cream cheese, 2 eggs over hard on focaccia with diced red pepper, portabella, & caramelized onions
• The Pesto
  • Asiago, pesto, tomatoes, 2 eggs over hard on harvest grain bread
• The Myra
  • Cajun mayo, provolone, 2 eggs over hard on focaccia with diced red pepper, portabella, & caramelized onions
• Muffuletta
  • A New Orleans classic – ham, salami, spicy olive relish, provolone, 2 eggs over hard on baguette
• Neato No-Meato Burrito
  • Chickpeas, roasted corn, onions, cilantro, jalapeño with roasted tomatillo salsa verde wrapped in a soft four tortilla
• Toad in the Hole 
  • 2 pieces of Potato Cheddar Bread with an over-easy egg grilled in the middle of each. Served with choice of 2 sides
• Half a Toad
  • 1 piece of Potato Cheddar Bread with an over-easy egg grilled in the middle. Served with choice of 1 side
• Kidwich
  • 1 scrambled egg, Wisconsin cheddar cheese, Whole Wheat Oatmeal or Farmhouse White served with a Gala apple

Other Breakfast Items

• Fritattas
  • Good ol’ Wisconsin– Ham & cheddar
  • Classic Fritatta – Vegetarian – asparagus, red pepper, caramelized onion, asiago & provolone
  • The Gramma Crabby – Hot Sicilian giardiniera, sausage, asiago & provolone
• Stuffed French Toast
  • Ask about weekly specials

Lunch

Cafe Coco has a wonderfully diverse Lunch Menu that’s available all day long!

The following menu items are from Cafe Coco’s website; for pricing and dietary details, please visit Coco’s Lunch Menu!

• Sides
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Moroccan Pasta Salad
  • Coleslaw with Local Kale
  • Sesame Noodle Salad
• Masoor Dal Bento Box
  • Curried red lentils, mint-cilantro coulis, cool yogurt raita, gingered red cabbage, on a four tortilla with a side of Fresh Fruit
• Applefest Bento Box
  • Turkey breast, pickled apples, smoked Gouda, caramelized onion & Dijon spread, on Cranberry Wild Rice with a side of Coleslaw with Local Kale
• Bob & Sadie’s Excellent Chicken Bento Box
  • Asparagus, bacon-shallot aioli, Swiss cheese, chicken breast on a Potato Rosemary bread with a side of Mediterranean Pasta Salad
• Banh Mi Bento Box
  • A Vietnamese classic. Marinated beef tender, cucumbers, pickled carrot & radish, Sriracha lime mayo, cilantro on a Baguette with a side of Sesame Noodle Salad
• Roast Beef & Swiss Bento Box
  • House roasted beef, horseradish mayo, Swiss cheese, on Silk Road bread with organic greens and a side of Mediterranean Pasta Salad
• Thai Peanut Wrap Bento Box
  • Cabbage, red pepper, carrots & green onions in a Thai peanut sauce with cilantro wrapped in a tortilla with cucumbers and toasted peanuts. Served with Sesame Noodle Salad
• Local Smoked Whitefish Pâté Bento Box
  • Lake Superior smoked whitefish pâté, house pickled red onion, sliced cucumbers, Lavash. Served with Coleslaw with Local Kale
• Big Ham & Cheese (Available until 3pm)
  • Double decker grilled Wisconsin cheddar and ham on Whole Wheat Oatmeal with choice of side
• Big Cheese (Available until 3pm)
  • Double decker grilled wisconsin cheddar on Whole Wheat Oatmeal with choice of side
• Grilled Kidwich (Available until 3pm)
  • Grilled Wisconsin cheddar cheese sandwich with your choice of Whole Wheat Oatmeal or Farmhouse White. Served with a Gala apple
• Greek Salad
  • Organic greens, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, tomato, red peppers, cucumbers, red onion. Choose Caesar or Fig Walnut dressing. Served with Lavash

Deli

Who isn’t a sucker for a good sandwich? Well, get ready for some delicious sandwich options!

The following menu items are from Cafe Coco’s website; for pricing and dietary details, please visit Coco’s Deli Menu!

• Sides
  • Sesame Noodles
  • Moroccan Pasta Salad
  • Coleslaw with Local Kale
• Traditional Hummus
  • 8 oz Tub
• Turkey Swiss on Cranberry Walnut
  • Turkey, Swiss, Mayo, Organic Greens on Washburn Cranberry Walnut Bread
• Cajun Turkey
  • Turkey, Provolone, Cajun Mayo, Organic Greens, on Focaccia
• Turkey Cheddar with Basil Oil
  • Turkey, Wisconsin Cheddar, Mayo, Basil Oil, Organic Greens on Ciabatta
• Muffulatta
  • A New Orleans classic – ham, salami, spicy olive relish, provolone, on baguette
• Curried Egg Salad on Harvest Grain
  • Lightly curried egg salad, organic greens, harvest Grain bread
• Hummus and Veggie on Focaccia
  • Cucumber, red onion, red pepper, tomato, organic greens on Focaccia
• Deli Kidwich
  • Whole Wheat Oatmeal or Farmhouse White bread, choice of ham or turkey, choice of Wisconsin cheddar or provolone. Mayo, butter or yellow mustard on the side, served with a Gala apple

Bread

From the simplist ingredients of flour, yeast, salt, and water comes the mouthwatering bread variety that Cafe Coco provides with delicious options and bread bucket list items in the making!

The following menu items are from Cafe Coco’s website; for pricing and dietary details, please visit Coco’s Bread Menu!

Every Day Breads

• Crostini
  • Our baguettes, sliced and baked until crisp with thyme, garlic, olive oil, fresh ground pepper and Kosher salt
• Lavash
  • Armenian Cracker Bread brushed with butter and seasoned with fresh cracked pepper and Kosher salt
• Baguette
  • 25 inches of delicious
• Focaccia
  • Out of the oven no later than 8:30 daily. With a hint of fresh rosemary
• Sour Dough
  • White ever so slightly sour dough
• Washburn Cranberry Walnut
  • A dark, but light textured “pumpernickel” style sandwich loaf with craisins and walnuts
• Harvest Grain
  • A sandwich shaped loaf with sunflower seeds, bulgur, millet, flax seed, polenta, and whole wheat flour
• Whole Wheat Oatmeal
  • A soft sandwich shaped loaf made with local whole wheat flour
• Blue Cheese Rosemary
  • Fresh rosemary and Wisconsin blue cheese
• Ciabatta Buns (Bag of 6)
  • Soft as a slipper
• Cinnamon Raisin
  • Swirled with Cinnamon, studded with raisins. Great for toast and French toast
• Cranberry Wild Rice Bread
  • Customer favorite, loaded with wild rice and the slight sweetness of craisins
• Farmhouse White
  • Tante Anna’s secret recipe from the farmstead north of Bemidji. Enriched with eggs and butter
• Coco Classic Gluten Free Bread
  • Available sliced & frozen every day
• Polish Rye
  • A heavy rye with a light bit of caraway
• Silk Road
  • A Sephardic Challah with Anise, Caraway and Sesame
• George’s Swedish Rye
  • Gotland style Swedish Rye, as requested by George the pharmacist. Great for toast!
• Whole Wheat Sour Dough
  • Slow risen true sour dough – no commercial yeast

Artisan Breads

• Baguettes
  • These long French loaves have the crispy crust that Parisians love. The recipe for Coco’s light sourdough baguettes consistently won “Best of the Twin Cities” during the 1980s. Available every day.
• Barley Bread
  • This boule stays moist and delicious for a week. It is made with whole barley and white flour.
• Blue Cheese Rosemary Bread
  • There’s just enough blue cheese and fresh rosemary in this boule to let you know it’s there.
• Challah
  • A rich, braided bread popular with Jewish and Eastern European families.
• Ciabatta Buns
  • Traditional Italian “slipper” bread in loaves for slicing isnot vegan because it contains milk. Available every day.
• Cinnamon Raisin Swirl
  • A hint of whole wheat and lots of raisins gives this bread its great flavor.
• Farmhouse White Sandwich
  • This firm grained white bread is straight from Tante Anna’s farm recipe. It is made with butter, milk and eggs, and is great for sandwiches. Traditional loaf.
• Focassia
  • This flat Popular in Italy as a snack as well as dinner bread. It makes sandwich really great sandwiches.
• Harvest Grain
  • Cracked wheat, sunflower seeds, millet, flax seed, cornmeal and local honey makes this whole wheat bread both hearty and delicious. Available every day. Traditional loaf.
• Kalamata Olive Bread
  • Absolutely fabulous toasted (and, of course, fresh), this light-colored rye incorporates fresh thyme and those famous, sweet Greek olives.
• Lavash
  • This traditional flat bread is the most wide-spread type of bread in parts of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Try it: you’ll see why it is so popular.
• Marble Rye
  • A marbled fusion of light and dark ryes makes it this bread worth stealing. Just ask Jerry Seinfeld (episode 111, January 24, 1996). Coco’s dark rye bread is made the traditional way without caramel color added. Traditional loaf.
• Potato Cheddar
  • This bread is a Coco favorite. It makes great sandwiches.
• Potato Rosemary
  • Inspired by Old World potato breads, potato rosemary is excellent for sandwiches. It is made with potatoes from scratch – not dehydrated flakes – and fresh rosemary. Watch for it; it is not featured on the menu but appears from time to time.
• Rustic Rye
  • You might find this heavy, dark rye on “Rye-O-Rama” Thursdays. It is made with rye sours and traditional cocoa and coffee for color and flavor. We can’t make it every week because it requires aging.
• Sourdough White
  • A light sourdough bread in the round shape. Available every day.
• Washburn Cranberry Walnut
  • This is very special pumpernickel bread with cranberries and walnuts is a local favorite. It is not sweet and it is perfect with turkey sandwiches. It is also great with butter or cream cheese. Traditional loaf.
• Whole Wheat
  • Whole wheat, white flours and locally harvested honey make this whole wheat bread very special, indeed. Traditional loaf.

Desserts & Pastries

It wouldn’t be Cafe Coco without some tasty desserts and pastries! And, get this: Cafe Coco also specializes in Custom Cakes!

The following menu items are from Cafe Coco’s website; for pricing and dietary details, please visit Coco’s Desserts & Pastries Menu!

• Cinnamon Rolls
• Bacon Cheddar Scones
• Cranberry Orange Scones
• Turnovers
• Cheesecake Danish
• Chocolate Bobka
• Coconut Chocolate Chip Macaroon
• Pumpkin Bread
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin
• Gluten-Free Orange Almond Muffin
• Raspberry Kolache
• Bialy
  • Like a baked bagel with pesto cream cheese in the middle
• Ostrich Ears – Half Dozen
  • A flat crunchy cinnamon roll with our legendary frosting
• Apple Almond Granola
• Cashew Cranberry Granola
• Cookies/Gluten-Free Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip
  • G.F. Chocolate Chip
  • Ginger Molasses
  • Snickerdoodle
• Pastry Bars
  • Brownies
  • Salted Toffee Pecan
  • Gluten-Free Coconut Pecan
  • Lemon Bars

Take & Bake

Ordering take-out is a fantastic luxury we have access to, and Cafe Coco kicks that up a notch with Take & Bake frozen entrees and soups that you can bake at home! Having a busy night coming up and you may not have time to make dinner? Cafe Coco has you covered!

The following menu items are from Cafe Coco’s website; for pricing and dietary details, please visit Coco’s Take & Bake Menu!

• Frozen Soup Quarts
  • Local Squash
  • Cream of Local Tomato
  • Turkey Barley Portabella
  • Turkey Wild Rice
  • Lentil with Local Kale
  • Broccoli Cheddar
• Veggie Lasagna
  • Almost a pound of our fantastic lasagna with spinach, broccoli, fresh fennel, carrots, red peppers, ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, asiago, & marinara
• Italian Sausage Lasagna
  • Almost a pound of our fantastic lasagna with spinach, broccoli, fresh fennel, carrots, red peppers, ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, asiago, & marinara with Italian sausage
• Emma’s South African Chicken Curry
  • A full quart of our phenomenal chicken curry with apricots and house made curry
• Emma’s South African Vegan Curry
  • A full quart of our phenomenal chickpea curry with apricots and house made curry
• Traditional Mac & Cheese
  • A full quart. Great for kids and all the rest of us! Wisconsin Cheddar
• Bacon Cheddar Mac & Cheese
  • A full quart of our fantastic Mac with caramelized onions, bacon, and Wisconsin cheddar
• Traditional Beef Pasty
  • A hint of bacon, beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, rutabaga, all baked in a flaky pie crust
• Vegan Curried Sweet Potato Pasty
  • Sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, onions, all baked in a flaky pie crust with a great curry flavor. Norwegian spicy
• Artichoke Dip
  • Coco party favorite! Heat and eat. One pound, sold in microwavable container – just remove lid

Why You Should Visit Cafe Coco

Coco is genuinely one of my favorite bakeries in Wisconsin for many reasons, and among those is their consciousness of the community, offering a healthy variety for all lifestyles/diets. The entire cafe is decorated and filled with a vibe that welcomes anyone and everyone, no matter what your journey there looks like. Whenever I arrive at Coco, I’m greeted kindly, and my stomach and tastebuds are giddy for the deliciousness that my sniffer is already on top of.

The last time I visited Cafe Coco was with my husband during one of our dawdling trips. We ordered a tasty treat accompanied by our choices of warm drinks (An Oat Milk Latte for me and a Dirty Chai for him), found a quaint table in the back seating area, and cracked open the books we had brought along.

All around us, different types of mornings were happening simultaneously: parents and their kiddos unwrapping bakery treats in anticipation, concentrated writers at their laptops, lost in their wordsmith world, regulars nodding along to a story they’ve heard before but don’t get tired of the punch line at the end, and travelers glowing with foodie joy to have stumbled upon such a gem of a place.

At Cafe Coco, there’s a table for everyone, and you bet your Washburn dollar that there’s a favorite menu item waiting for you to discover and daydream about when your stomach grumbles. Start making your own Cafe Coco memories right on Lake Superior!

The Buzz About Cafe Coco

From all of us here at On Lake Superior, we love Cafe Coco! From the eclectic, cozy atmosphere to the mouthwatering bakery options, this is a definite must-add to your Lake Superior stops. But don’t just take our word for it; here’s the buzz about Cafe Coco!

“We loved visiting coco’s while we were in town! I had the best iced latte of my life and an amazing cinnamon roll. Everyone working was so nice and fun to chat with.
I loved the emphasis on composting and local foods! Having gluten free/vegan options is always awesome too
We will brave any construction to come back again <3″

– Astrid H.L.

“This place is so good. I love the No Meato Burrito, and usually get the Thai peanut wrap to go. Lots of tasty baked goods too, including vegan options! Great atmosphere inside, although it’s been pretty busy every time I’ve been here.”

– Josh E

“Adorable cafe! Stopped here for coffee and pastries and sandwiches looked so delirious in the show case- we decided to order hot breakfast sandwich! Not disappointed!! If you are passing through- you must stop!”

– Penny S

“I was absolutely stunned when I took my first couple of bites. I’ve been to many places and have had great breakfasts around the globe. This small town local restaurant has taken the place at the top of my list as the best breakfast food I’ve ever had! I would travel to this town just to experience the food, atmosphere, and the humor of this place again. It’s a must try! It has vegetarian and vegan friendly options for those of you who are wondering.”

– Michael L

Are you ready to start your Washburn adventure and check out the yummy delights of Cafe Coco for yourself? Start your journey by checking out the Cafe Coco website and take a look at our Washburn content for more travel ideas!

While you’re brainstorming your next adventure on the Great Lake, be sure to follow our On Lake Superior Facebook page for even more Lake Superior content, community, news, and fabulous pictures.

A place on Lake Superior where you can search the spines and contents of books for hours, buy yourself a cup of coffee, receive friendly and expert service, and above all, be surrounded by the pulse of thousands of literary works.

There’s an undeniable feeling when you’re in the contently quiet company of packed bookshelves. Some may call it inspiration, and others may call it ‘better than people‘. Whichever is the case for you, you’re bound to find something that tugs at your booklover curiosity when you walk amongst these carefully curated books.

Known for its massive collection of rare, interesting, and beloved secondhand books, fair prices, good coffee, and excellent service by long-time owners, married couple Richard and Carol Avol, hours could easily be passed by in this bookish oasis.

Not only does each book hold its own story, past, and future (with a visit from book lovers like you!), but the building and proprietors themselves carry a rich history and story that all leads back to books. Tag along and discover the fantastical story embedded in this bookish fortress and my own lovely experience throughout their many, many shelves of lovely books.

Where is Chequamegon Books?

When you arrive in Washburn WI you’ll quickly see the sweet shops that decorate its main drag, and amongst those is Chequamegon Books!

Browse the endless shelves of paperbacks and hardcovers, find your new novel companion, and stay inside the bookstore for a cup of coffee, or head down the street to North Coast Coffee or to Coco – Artisan Bakery & Good Eats to unwind with your new find. Take yourself on a cozy, dawdling adventure to discover the things to do in Washburn WI!

Chequamegon Books Address:

2 E Bayfield St, Washburn, WI 54891

Chequamegon Books Hours

Below are Chequamegon Books‘ operating hours, so you can browse to your bookworm heart’s content! Please keep in mind that during the Winter, bad weather may affect these hours.

Monday – Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM

Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM

Chequamegon Books Phone Number: 715-373-2899

Chequamegon Books, History, Appraisals, and Coffee!

This isn’t your average bookstore, and not just because there are 70,000 books to get lost in! This gorgeously detailed brownstone building has a deep history that dates back to 1888.

According to the Chequamegon Books website, originally, the building served as a City Pharmacy and the Meehan Mercantile Company and then went on to take quite a few different purposes (Including the County Journal, residential space, and an International Order of Odd Fellows lodge), ultimately leading to the current owners, Richard and Carol Avol, purchasing and restoring the building in 1995.

This ambitious and book-loving couple had made quite the names for themselves as book appraisers and booksellers in the Madison area but had always dreamed of finding the perfect historic building to curate, appraise, and sell remarkable books. When the opportunity arose for them to purchase the beautiful brownstone building in Washburn WI, they knew this was the perfect place to set up shop and enjoy the many future travelers and fellow book lovers who would come through their doors.

I’ll end this section with a delightful quote straight from their Building’s History tab on the Chequamegon Books website to wrap everything up in a lovely bow.

“In researching the building, it was learned that one of its early uses was by a bookseller. The current owners feel the cycle has been completed, with their book business and living arrangements within the building.”

So, not only do the walls, floors, and details within the building hold a rich history, but so do the many books that live on the shelves!

Richard and Carol Avol are highly respected book appraisers with decades of experience. Richard, in particular, loves to dive into his ‘detective work’ to discover the hidden secrets of vintage books that may be overlooked by some but not by this pro.

On the Chequamegon Books website, you can see some of the incredibly rare and valuable pieces they have, including manuscripts written by Mark Twain himself! Even if you’re not into collecting rare copies of books, it’s just an honor to be in the presence of greatness.

Say, while you’re browsing the hundreds upon hundreds of titles, why not buy yourself a nice, smooth cup of warm coffee to accompany you on your bookish browse? That’s right, this bookstore sells coffee as well; does it get any better?

The Bookish Spark of Chequamegon Books

What I love most about bookstores is that each one has a special and unique feel. There isn’t one bookstore that I’ve walked into that’s given my little bookish heart the same reaction; the only common denominator is my excitement about being around so many different books.

With that being said, the moment my husband and I walked into Chequamegon Books during our little dawdling adventure about and finding things to do in Washburn WI, on Lake Superior, we were taken aback in the best way possible.

It was a Tardis moment for our Doctor Who fans; we didn’t realize just how massive this bookstore was until we came inside and saw it for ourselves. That just goes to show you that you can’t judge a bookstore by its exterior, although the exterior of this building is beautiful!

The first room alone contains so many books that I couldn’t possibly fathom a ballpark number, and that’s not including the back room and second floor, where the wave of books goes on and on. For some, that may sound a bit overwhelming, but you can take ease in knowing that Chequamegon Books does an excellent job of organizing their books into easily distinguishable sections.

After my husband and I had taken in the moment together of coming upon such a gem, we went to our desired book sections and began the peaceful scan of titles and the curious cracking open of vintage hardcovers. We had come into Chequamegon Books on a snowy day, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves as far as patrons go.

My bookish heart felt cozy and content being amongst the thousands of stories, and as an Indie Author myself, it felt like a rush of inspiration to be surrounded by so many writing styles, subjects, and possibilities. There really is a topic and section for everyone to get lost in within this bookish oasis, and the owners were nothing but kind and knowledgeable.

I remember finding a precious vintage poetry book on the second floor, and the first poem captured me. Afraid to see the price written on the inside cover because, come on, it was a unique vintage book in very good condition, I thought I’d have to take out a loan. But, to my surprise, the price was an exhale of relief, and I found that all the prices I saw (save for the rare collections, of course) were extremely, fairly priced, and it was a refreshing thing to come across in the bookstore world.

Next time you’re bopping around on Lake Superior and you’re on the lookout for things to do in Washburn WI, I hope you take a chance on a bookish adventure and pay a visit to Chequamegon Books. Here, you can be amongst rare vintage classics, good coffee, and excellent friendly service right on Lake Superior.

When you’re looking for a cozy and welcoming coffee shop to pop into, whether the wind from Lake Superior is sweeping past you in the whisp of winter or the high sun is dancing on your skin during the Superior Vistas Bike Tour, a local coffee shop like North Coast Coffee is a wonderful place to stop by for your refreshing drink of choice.

Plus, if you’re on the go, North Coast Coffee offers an efficient and convenient drive-through window that’s ready to hand those to-go coffee cups and goodie bags of treats on over to you.

My Husband Matt and I love to swing by North Coast Coffee on our Up North adventures On Lake Superior. We especially love pulling up a chair and playing a game of Rummy while we enjoy the intimate atmosphere, looking outside to the calm daily traffic and rich coffee that hits the spot.

There’s something marvelously comfortable, simplistic, and familiar about the sitting area of North Coast Coffee. Like you’re gathering around a good friend’s table and taking a pause in your busy day to be in the moment and savor your tasty pick-me-up.

“Coffee connects us in so many ways – to each other, to our senses, and to the earth that supports the coffee trees.”

– Rohan Marley

North Coast Coffee is a wonderful establishment to pull out your laptop and work, read a book, visit with someone, or, in our case, warm up and play a game of cards!

North Coast Coffee Menu

When you come to North Coast Coffee, you’re sure to quench your thirst with a delicious beverage that’s served with a warm smile. There’s also a drink for everyone on their menu, as North Coast Coffee offers coffee, tea, and other tasty beverages.

Below, we’ll list each of their drink options, flavors/extras, and treats by category. For further descriptions and updates, we highly encourage you to check out their menu!

Coffee & Espresso

• Brewed Coffee
• Cafe Au Lait
• Coldpress
• Espresso
• Cappuccino
• Americano
• Cortado
• Latte
• Mocha

Tea

• Loose Leaf Tea
  • Black
  • Green
  • Herbal Tea from Rishi
• Iced Tea
• Chai Tea
• Matcha Latte
• London Fog

Other Drinks

• Hot Chocolate/Steamer
• Italian Soda
• French Soda
• Smoothies
• Frappe

Signature Drinks

• Carmel Coast
  • Espresso, salted caramel, steamed milk, topped with whipped cream
• Miel Latte
  • Espresso, honey, cinnamon, and steamed milk
• Turtle Mocha
  • Espresso, salted caramel, chocolate, steamed milk, topped with whipped cream

Syrup Flavors & Extras

In April of 2021, one of the fantastic owners of North Coast Coffee, Christina Eliason, told the Ashland Daily Press regarding their menu and syrup selection, “We are moving towards making more of our syrups homemade, narrowing down the number of syrups to provide more consistency and quality.”

With that being said, looking for a little spice or accommodations for that tall cup of delicious goodness? Take a look at these flavors and milk alternatives!

Syrup Flavors

• Chocolate
• White Chocolate
• Salted Caramel
• Vanilla
• Almond
• Mint
• Hazelnut
• Cardamom
• Lavender
• Honey
• Maple Syrup
• Strawberry
• Raspberry
• Peach

Alternative Milks

• Almond
• Coconut
• Oat
• Half and Half

Ice Cream

North Coast Coffee offers scrumptious flavors of ice cream from Chocolate Shoppe! Flavors may depend and vary, so be sure to stop in for a creamy surprise.

Be sure to stop in yourself and see what tasty and savory treats they have available! A little Lake Superior birdy told me that North Coast Coffee has been known to provide some scrumptious pastries and sandwiches.

Coffee: Lake Superior Style

North Coast Coffee is a short 2-minute drive, or a brisk 11-minute walk, from Thompson’s West End Park and the Washburn Lakefront Walking Trail, where the beauty of Lake Superior (Vandeventer Bay) awaits.

You can park your car, grab a drink and snack to go, and take a nice walk down to the trail/park, or grab some drinks and snacks for a picnic. Either way, enjoying a lovely treat from North Coast Coffee and relaxing by the water sounds like the perfect way to spend some time when you’re on Lake Superior.

According to the Ashland Daily Press’ release in April of 2021, North Coast Coffee has glown and grown from its humble coffee ground beginnings.

After around 16 years of providing Washburn and its surrounding areas and travelers with a fine cup of java, its previous owners were coming to a point where it was time for them to hang up the apron and mugs. That is until dreamer sisters, and now the current owners of North Coast Coffee, Amy Zimmerle, Christina Eliason, Kiah McCauley, and Anna Barningham, brewed up the fabulous idea of taking the reins and continuing North Coast Coffee’s caffeine legacy here in Washburn.

Seeing a woman-owned, and now a sister-owned, business that provides a space for anyone and everyone to gather, enjoy each other, and quality coffee and treats is a fantastic accomplishment that the city of Washburn should, and does, hold high and appreciate. It’s my hope that travelers and locals continue to make memories and experience delightful drinks and interactions at North Coast Coffee for adventures and years to come.

Here’s a direct quote from the Ashland Daily Press article Sister act: North Coast Coffee’s new owners keep on brewing written by Rick Olivo, which I highly encourage you to read and check out to hear more about this heartwarming and coffee-filled story!

Where is North Coast Coffee?

North Coast Coffee is nestled on State Highway 13, down the street from the Washburn Public Works Department and kitty-corner from the Washburn Post Office. With a large sign in the shape of a coffee mug and a cutesy blue building exterior, you can’t miss it!

North Coast Coffee Address:

509 W Bayfield St, Washburn, WI 54891

Roaster of Choice| Bella Goose Coffee

Bella Goose Coffee is the roaster of choice when it comes to North Coast Coffee’s delicious menu and favorite drinks. And who’s the company behind these precious coffee beans? Let’s find out!

These fabulous beans are produced at Bella Goose Roastery in Briggsville, WI, where small batches of high-quality beans are roasted, packaged, and sent out to a variety of coffee shops in Wisconsin, just like North Coast Coffee! Their coffee doesn’t stop in Wisconsin, though.

In Thailand, Bella Goose has partnered up with Bridgepoint Mission Center and other generous donors to create a space where people who are being exploited or found in unsafe conditions can come to find refuge, care, compassion, and coffee, of course. Click here to learn more about this selfless and extraordinary journey!

Bella Goose is a foundation full of heart, passion, community, and love for coffee and the people who love it. You can check out Bella Goose coffee for yourself when you go to the Wisconsin Dells, or you can get your own sip of good cup o’joe right in Washburn on Lake Superior at North Coast Coffee.

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There’s so much to love and enjoy about North Coast Coffee; from delicious drinks to creating memories, there’s something for everyone here. And at the heart of it all, it’s a fantastic local coffee shop that you’ll be happy you experienced while you’re bumming around or driving through Washburn on Lake Superior.

Be sure to follow North Coast Coffee on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on all of their terrific coffee news!