A Scenic Coffee Escape: Visiting JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters in Cleveland, Georgia

When the fall season puts on its fiery show and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than craving a hot cup of coffee with a mountain view. I’ve always imagined myself relaxing in an Adirondack chair, sipping coffee while looking out at the mountains. Finding a place to experience this without draining my bank account has been a challenge. Cabins offer beautiful views, but they often come with a hefty price tag—so my search shifted to restaurants and cafés instead.

Discovering JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters in Cleveland, Georgia

Would you believe I missed this beautiful spot for years? JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters & Tasting Room in Cleveland, Georgia, is exactly the kind of café I’d been dreaming of. We visited on a sunny Sunday afternoon in early November, and the moment we pulled in, I noticed they have plenty of parking—though it fills up fast.

As soon as we stepped inside, I rushed to the back of the café to see if the mountain views were as stunning as the Instagram videos promised.

The answer? Absolutely YES.
The viral videos don’t exaggerate. This café offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Georgia mountains and valley below.

Seating With a View

JumpinGoat has a surprising amount of seating options:

• Adirondack chairs facing the mountains
• Outdoor tables and chairs
• A gazebo with extra seating
• Stone benches
• Indoor seating with unobstructed views
• Additional tables near the counter inside

Although the café was packed when we arrived, the crowd moves quickly. We found a spot right away, and no one seemed to be waiting long for seats. The grassy lawn also makes it easy to stretch out and relax.

And the best surprise?
Live music. The performer that afternoon was incredibly talented—an undiscovered gem who added to the cozy fall atmosphere.

How’s the Coffee?

A beautiful setting means nothing if the coffee disappoints—but JumpinGoat delivers.

• The coffee was excellent
• The cinnamon buns were absolutely delicious

There was a line stretching outside the front door at times, but the staff handled it wonderfully. They offered free samples, kept the line moving, and made the wait much more pleasant.

Close to Helen, Georgia

If you’re hesitant to drive all the way to Cleveland just for a coffee shop, here’s another perk:

JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters is only 15 minutes from Helen, Georgia.

Helen is one of Georgia’s most charming mountain towns, known for:

• Bavarian-style architecture
• Quaint boutique shops
• Excellent restaurants
• Tubing down the Chattahoochee River
• Hiking trails in surrounding state parks

There’s no shortage of things to do in this cozy North Georgia town.
(Read more about Helen here.)

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy fall afternoon with a cup of great coffee and an unforgettable mountain view, JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters in Cleveland, Georgia, is absolutely worth the visit. Beautiful scenery, good food, live music, and a relaxing atmosphere—what more could you ask for?

The Great Valentine’s Craft Marathon

I remember my school days quite vividly. But I definitely do not remember celebrating Valentine’s Day in school. If anything, we were forbidden from uttering the V word or the L word. That, of course, did not prevent young love from budding (most, I assume, nipped off as a bud) or students from flaunting red as inconspicuously as possible. Good old days filled with all the silliest memories!

Fast forward to present times, my child’s preschool sent a flyer announcing Valentine’s Day celebrations at school, complete with a list of students in the class. The rule was if one child gets a gift, all children must get it. Fair enough! And so began the Great Valentine’s Craft Marathon. What with twenty odd cards to make and a mailbox to build out, we had our hands full.

I am aware that most supermarkets have merchandize specifically crafted for this very purpose. But this year, much like the last, I wanted to get hands on with the cards. Craft work is fun when you can find time for it. I have always found it relaxing and a good way to connect. All of this when there is time to spare. Else, I know it is going to turn into a meltdown session for all involved! I still remember school days when we used to prepare all sorts of charts and artwork to fill up our house boards for various festivals and competitions. The time spent together getting things done was more fun and less work, but the boards did get decorated and bonds did get formed.

The same technique works just fine with my kid. I get to play with him, work with him, build with him and what we need gets done. It can be painstakingly slow or astoundingly fast, depending on our mood, energy levels and my willingness to be a patient teacher! Yes, it all boils down to me, the adult. Kids will be curious. Kids will be eager to help. Kids will have ideas and opinions. Most importantly, kids will be kids!

Evil Minion Mailbox

So, we did pick out what our mailbox should look like. We did end up making something that was pretty much similar to what we wanted. We love the final result. My proud little minion proudly carried his Evil Minion Mailbox to school to hold every gift that came his way!

Cute monster with a heart

Oh, and the cards. Honestly, the cards were unexpectedly more work. I did get a lot of help from the preschooler. Much more than I expected, and more than willingly taken. We cut, colored, glued and wrote. We did this enough times to dream of it at night! And so we finished off the cards for the kids.

A ladybug card 🐞

My little surprise was making a couple of simple, yet cute cards for his teachers. It was a very happy child that walked into his classroom with a day full of celebration ahead of him, and a week long winter break to look forward too. Happy Valentine’s Day indeed!

Swimming Is Not For Me

What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?

A beautiful blue infinity pool overlooking the lush green forests of Coorg. It was a perfect day. The resort was one with nature and we could here the calls of a variety of birds from the surrounding forests. It was our first trip with our toddler. My husband and my son were already in the pool. My son was initially curious but then screamed the place down when we tried to put him in the water. He was expressing himself aloud, while I was silently screaming in my mind. That, my dear friends, is how I feel around any body of water. I feel scared. I am unable to get rid of the fear. Most times I do not even want to try to defeat the fear. I would rather not cross paths with it.

I love going to the beach. I am not afraid of getting in the water and going in deep enough for it to reach till right above my knee. Anything beyond that is a firm nope. I am grateful that I am at least able to enjoy the embrace of the ocean to this extent, without having to run away. I say I am grateful because I am the same person who has a panic attack when I have to cross a stream where the flowing water just about covers my foot. I am not sure what makes me more comfortable at the seashore than crossing two feet distance of flowing water on a hike!

Is there anything that would break my fear of water and allow me to learn swimming? I doubt it. I have made it a point not to voice my fears or to show it on my face. This is just to ensure that I do not pass my misgivings on to my son. If he wants to fear water, then he will have to develop it on his own! But that is where I draw the line. I am not going to force myself into a pool. I have coexisted with my fear all these years. I do not feel like I have missed something major in life. So I guess I am okay to continue this way!

No Time To Rest

What do you complain about the most?

Let’s face it—we all have that one thing we complain about the most. For some, it’s a never-ending to-do list. For others, it might be frustrating interactions with people or work stress. But for me? It’s the one thing that’s become a constant in my life: not getting enough time to rest.

I mean, doesn’t it seem like the moment we finally get a break, there’s always something else that needs our attention? I’ve found myself asking more and more, “When is it my turn to just relax?” It can feel like a never-ending cycle of work, responsibilities, and commitments that don’t seem to stop. And while it’s easy to say, “Hey, just take a break!” the reality isn’t always that simple.

One thing I’ve realized is that busyness has somehow become a badge of honor. If you’re constantly juggling things, people seem to think you’re productive or in-demand. We live in a world where downtime often feels like a luxury we can’t afford, and I find myself constantly telling myself, “I’ll rest when I finish this next task.” But guess what? That task never seems to end, and the next one always pops up right behind it.

It’s like we’ve been conditioned to fill every minute with something. But here’s the truth: you can only run on empty for so long before you burn out. And trust me, I simply do not have the luxury to burn out.

I’ve slowly started to realize that rest is a necessity. Without it, everything else—work, relationships, even my mental health—suffers. The quality of my work dips, my patience runs thin, and my creativity is drained. It’s like trying to drive a car without stopping for gas: eventually, you run out of steam.

The key, I’m starting to understand, is to actively schedule rest time. It’s not going to magically appear; I have to make space for it in my life. Whether it’s setting aside a weekend to disconnect from everything or taking a 20-minute walk in the middle of the day, those moments of rest are crucial. They don’t need to be long, but they need to be intentional.

Rest can look different for everyone. For some, it’s reading a book, for others, it’s meditating, and for me, it’s simply having some time to do nothing—no emails, no meetings, no tasks. Just quiet time to recharge.

So, what do I complain about the most? It’s the constant hustle that leaves me little time to rest. But I’m learning that I can’t keep ignoring my need for downtime. Rest isn’t something to feel guilty about, and it certainly isn’t something to wait for when everything else is done (because that “done” moment never really arrives).

Next time you hear me complaining about not having time to rest, know that I’m trying to work on it. It’s a process, but the more I make rest a priority, the better I’ll be able to show up for all the other things in my life.

What about you? Do you find yourself complaining about not getting enough rest, too? How do you carve out time for yourself? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

The Sports That Bring Me Joy

What are your favorite sports to watch and play?

Sports have always had a special place in my heart. From the thrill of watching intense cricket matches to the adrenaline rush of Formula One racing, I’ve spent countless hours immersed in the world of competitive sports. Watching sports on TV brings back cherished memories of learning the rules of cricket and Formula One from my father, and the understanding tennis from my grandfather. Although life has become busier and my time to watch sports has dwindled, I have translated my love for watching tennis into the joy of playing it.

Cricket – The Passion of My Past

Cricket, with its long-standing traditions and intense strategies, was once a major part of my life as a viewer. Whether it was a test match that stretched over days or a high-octane T20 game, I would always find myself on the edge of my seat. The energy, the passion of the players, and the dramatic moments made each game exciting to watch. From watching my favorite players take center stage to analyzing every play, cricket was not just a sport but an experience.

The atmosphere of a cricket match is unlike any other. It’s more than just the game itself – it’s the camaraderie, the crowd’s roar, and the emotional highs and lows that make the sport so captivating. India versus Pakistan and India versus Australia matches had the entire nation hooked to the television back then. Though I don’t follow it as closely now, I still look back at those memories with fondness and appreciation.

Formula One – The Thrill of Speed

Formula One racing is another sport that always captivated me with its precision, speed, and sheer excitement. The fast-paced nature of the races, combined with the incredible skill and strategy of the drivers, made it a must-watch for me. There’s something mesmerizing about the sound of the engines, the strategic tire choices, and the close calls on the track that kept me glued to the screen. The races were more than just about speed; they were a battle of wits, engineering, and tactics.

Unfortunately, as with cricket, life’s demands have limited the time I can dedicate to watching Formula One. But the memories of those thrilling races—cheering on my favorite drivers and witnessing nail-biting finishes—are still fresh in my mind. As part of our travels, we do make it a point to go for car races in the USA. Maybe some day I might decide to watch F1 in person!

Tennis – From Spectator to Player

While I may not have the time to watch as many sports these days, tennis remains a significant part of my life. It started as something I watched occasionally, appreciating the skill and agility of players like Roger Federer and Serena Williams. But over time, my passion for tennis evolved into something even more meaningful: I began playing it.

Tennis has become my personal escape, a way to stay active and connect with my loved ones. My husband and my son join me on the court during the warmer months, and it’s become a beautiful tradition. We don’t just play for exercise; it’s a chance to bond, laugh, and share moments of lighthearted competition. Playing tennis allows me to stay connected to my love for the sport, even if I don’t watch it as often as I used to.

The beauty of tennis is that it’s not just about winning or losing—it’s about enjoying the game, challenging yourself, and improving with each match. Whether it’s practicing a new shot, running down a long rally, or simply having fun with family, tennis continues to be a source of joy and fulfillment for me.

The Joy of Playing Over Watching

While I’ve had to adjust how much time I dedicate to watching sports, playing tennis has remained a cherished part of my routine. I may not spend hours in front of the TV following cricket matches or Formula One races, but I find that playing tennis with my family brings me a similar sense of excitement and connection. The joy of being active, the shared moments of fun, and the memories we create together are far more rewarding than any spectator experience could ever be.

In the end, sports, whether we’re watching or playing them, are all about enjoyment, connection, and challenge. Even though I may not have the time to keep up with every sport I once loved, tennis will always have a special place in my heart. After all, there’s nothing quite like hitting a perfect serve or having a friendly rally with the people I love the most.

What about you?

Do you have a favorite sport that you watch or play? How has your relationship with sports changed over the years? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any sports memories you hold dear!

Bags of Money!

What would you do if you won the lottery?

What would it feel like to suddenly become rich? How would I feel if I earnt the money through sheer luck? It would be unbelievable! I would be very happy too. Normally I do not place much trust on luck. From where I see, I got everything I have through tons of hard work. So luck handing me some moolah would be most welcome!

The first thing that I would do is take a short vacation and travel! I would want to know how it feels like to travel without a care. To travel wherever I want and to pick places without consulting the budget first. Don’t get me wrong. I have absolutely no complaint about traveling on budget. I consider any sort of traveling a blessing. Even if it is to a place that is close to home. It just makes me feel happier. But, I am just curious how it would feel to buy the $25 dollar souvenir, instead of the $5.99 one. How would it feel to stay in the $250 per night room instead of the $98 per night. I would definitely try first class flight travel. If there is surplus, why not try these experiences that I normally wouldn’t bother trying. But then I am certain that I wouldn’t be splurging beyond a few experiences. Habits die hard!

I can think of so many things that I would do to make my life more stable. Just the regular grind like a house, change of car, classes for my kid, investments and so on. I would also like to donate some of the money for a cause very close to my heart – education. In India, there are still societies where kids start working at a very early age to support their families. Education is not a priority. There are non-profits working tirelessly to give these children their childhood back. I would like to contribute to this cause in some way.

Although it has been fun to fantasize about what I would do if I win a lottery, I am aware that I have it very good even without a lottery. I can do all of the above with the means I have. It would require just a little more smart work from me, and then the greenbacks would come marching in. My problem is that I am very happy where I am. Is that really a problem, though?

Dragons & More

What books do you want to read?

I love anything fantasy. I love my Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter books. I was gifted the Game of Thrones set, but I am yet to start reading it. I did watch the series though, and I loved it. I am a big fan of adventure books too. There are a few books that I have had in my bucket list for a while now, but have not laid my hands on yet.

The top of the list is the author Clive Cussler. I want to read all the books written by him. Especially the ones which are based on Dirk Pitt. His books are fast paced, adventure books featuring the National Marine and Underwater Agency. There are around 27 Dirk Pitt novels written or co-written by Cussler, of which I have around 13 books pending to be read. I can’t wait to see how many I can find in the local library this year. Exciting!

Another series that I wish to restart is The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. I have read Eragon and Eldest. I am yet to read the remaining. Unfortunately, my local library only has audio books for this series. I am not a big fan of audio books. So I think I might have to wait a bit longer to read this series. I would really love to read them this year.

I have heard some great reviews about Rick Riordan. I would love to read some of his books. I would appreciate any Riordan book recommendations. Any other books similar to Harry Potter would also be wonderful!

Happy Reading!

No Time Like Family Time

Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

Everything that we did and continue to do as a family will forever be my favorite. Our family like every other family has a few traditions which we have followed for a very long time. I do not think any of it is related to rigid religious beliefs or created by societal pressure. Our traditions just translate into spending quality time together. These are not reserved for special days in the year. We practice these as often as we can.

As kids, my sister and me had a pretty set routine everyday. Waking up early, getting ready for school, school time, something to eat post school, home work time, snack time, play time, dinner/family time, bed time. When all of us were home during any meal time, we had the meal together. We either sat together at the dining table or we sat together in the living room. We spent time talking with each other, sharing about our day or listening to stories from days past. This is a tradition that we still follow to this day. Luckily for me, this is something that is followed by my husband and in-laws too. So I am able to pass on this tradition to my child.

Another simple thing that we have followed through all these years is the weekend hair wash ritual. Although the process has been much simplified now. We still follow the applying the oil, massaging, soaking, hair wash, natural drying process. I remember our summer vacations in my native place. My great grandmother used to make us sit in a row, all cousins, and give our head a massage with oil. She used to do this for her grandchildren too. And then there used to be race to be the first one to take a bath. After the bath, my great grandmother would dry our hair with Sambrani, and brush out the tangles. Oh, the relaxation this provides! This elaborate procedure was reserved for vacations. Miss those good old days!

Almost every Indian family has its own special way of celebrating festivals. Ours has always been a more relaxed way of celebrating. We have always had new clothes for these festivals and plenty of sweets and savories prepared in accordance with the festival norms. There is nothing like finishing the prayers and gorging on all the yummy snacks. That has been the highlight of every auspicious day. It continues to be so. Now, its two-fold as I get to celebrate every festival both at my parents place and my in-laws. When away from home, I do not go all out with the preparation, but we manage to have at least one sweet dish to celebrate.

Now, we are starting a new tradition of our own – traveling. We try to go to at least a couple of places each year and experience at least one new thing each year. This exposure has been a wonderful stressbuster and has helped bring us closer as a family. I am sure this travel and the summer vacations with grandparents, together, will give our child some great memories to look back on and cherish!

The Magic of Fiction

What do you enjoy doing most in your leisure time?

Reading fiction— a delightful way to spend my leisure time! It’s more than just an activity; it’s an escape, an exploration, and often, a bit of magic. Be it uncovering secrets with Hercule Poirot, exploring Middle-earth, or navigating high-stakes adventure with Dirk Pitt, fiction allows me to slip into worlds far beyond the boundaries of everyday life. As someone who enjoys books by Clive Cussler, Agatha Christie, P.G. Wodehouse, Jeffrey Archer, Dan Brown, J.K. Rowling, and J.R.R. Tolkien, I have experienced the thrill of getting lost in compelling mysteries, pulse-pounding adventures, and epic fantasy tales. Let’s dive into why reading fiction is such a captivating way to unwind, and how these beloved authors have shaped the way me and millions of others experience stories.

The Allure of Mystery: Agatha Christie & Beyond

There’s something endlessly satisfying about a great mystery. Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime, set the standard for detective fiction, and her iconic characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple continue to capture readers’ imaginations. The thrill of piecing together clues, uncovering hidden motives, and following a clever detective’s reasoning is simply irresistible. What makes Christie’s novels so compelling is not just the whodunit aspect, but the atmosphere she creates. The suspense builds steadily, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you try to solve the case before the detective does.

In the world of mystery, you’ll also find contemporary authors like Jeffrey Archer, whose intricate plots and character-driven dramas often leave you questioning what’s really going on beneath the surface. Whether it’s political intrigue or family sagas, Archer’s stories keep you hooked with every twist and turn.

Mystery fiction isn’t just about solving a puzzle—it’s about immersing yourself in a world where every detail matters, and each page offers a new surprise. It’s the perfect genre for those who love solving puzzles or simply enjoying a good, thoughtful narrative.

Adventure Awaits: Clive Cussler & the Thrill of Discovery

For those who crave heart-pounding adventure, Clive Cussler is the go-to author. His novels, often centered around the daring exploits of the NUMA (National Underwater and Marine Agency) team, deliver fast-paced, action-packed escapades that keep you reading late into the night. Dirk Pitt, Cussler’s fearless protagonist, is the epitome of the adventure hero—intelligent, resourceful, and always ready to face danger head-on.

Cussler’s books are great for readers who enjoy stories set against exotic backdrops, filled with shipwrecks, treasure hunts, and high-stakes escapades. The mix of history, science, and thrilling action makes for a page-turner that’s perfect for anyone who loves a good treasure hunt, a mystery to solve, or an unforgettable journey.

Fantasy Realms: J.R.R. Tolkien & J.K. Rowling

When it comes to fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling have set the bar incredibly high. Both authors have created entire worlds that continue to captivate generations of readers. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings series introduced us to Middle-earth, a place rich in history, culture, and magic. The journey of Frodo and his companions, filled with peril, friendship, and sacrifice, is nothing short of legendary. Tolkien’s mastery in world-building and his ability to weave complex themes of good versus evil make his work timeless.

Then there’s J.K. Rowling, whose Harry Potter series has transformed the landscape of fantasy literature. From the moment we first step onto Platform 9¾, we’re thrust into a magical world where anything is possible. The adventures of Harry, Hermione, and Ron have sparked the imaginations of readers young and old, and the themes of friendship, bravery, and the battle between good and evil are universal.

Both Tolkien and Rowling give readers an escape into beautifully constructed worlds, where the stakes are high, but hope, courage, and magic are always just around the corner. The genre provides the perfect environment to lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, while also reflecting on universal truths.

Humor and Wit: P.G. Wodehouse’s Comedy of Errors

Not all fiction needs to be filled with danger and intrigue—sometimes, all we need is a good laugh. Enter P.G. Wodehouse, the master of comedic writing. His lighthearted tales of upper-class England, featuring beloved characters like Jeeves and Wooster, are the perfect antidote to a stressful day. Wodehouse’s unparalleled wit and his ability to create absurd, yet lovable characters make his books a joy to read. There’s a unique charm in the way he mixes farce, misunderstandings, and social satire, creating stories that leave you smiling long after you’ve put the book down.

Wodehouse’s novels are a reminder that fiction doesn’t always have to be serious to be profound. Humor in literature offers a different kind of escape—a reminder that, sometimes, laughter is the best way to unwind.

The Endless Appeal of Fiction

The beauty of fiction, whether it’s mystery, adventure, fantasy, or humor, is that it allows you to explore new dimensions, experience different emotions, and journey through worlds that could never exist in real life. Books by Clive Cussler, Agatha Christie, Jeffrey Archer, J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, and P.G. Wodehouse provide the perfect blend of excitement, complexity, and joy that makes fiction such a rewarding way to spend your free time.

Fiction lets you experience life in ways you never could otherwise—whether it’s solving crimes with a famous detective, saving the world with a dashing hero, discovering the wonders of a magical world, or simply enjoying a good laugh. And the best part? You can always come back for more.

If you’re someone who enjoys the thrill of a good story, I encourage you to keep exploring new authors, genres, and series. There’s always a new adventure around the corner. So, the next time you find yourself with some free time, grab a book and let the fictional worlds of mystery, adventure, and fantasy sweep you away.

Happy reading! ✨📚

To Go, Or Not To Go?

Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.

We have a soft corner for animals. Wildlife watching is something that we love doing. The promise of getting a glimpse of bears, elks, deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, foxes, horses and more draw us to the Smokies pretty regularly. We know there are wild boars in the national park. We have never seen one so far. I am not interested in seeing one up close, but I would love to see one while we are in the safety of the car.

That being said, visiting the Georgia Aquarium was a natural thing to do. We did not visit it for a long time because we simply did not feel like battling the crowds in an enclosed space. But the aquarium is definitely beautiful. And, we did finally make it to the much loved destination. The dolphin and sea lion shows were a hit with my child. It was the first time I saw him watch a show completely enraptured. He even clapped of his own accord. So that is definitely a win! The belugas were a beauty and so were the jelly fish. Watching the jelly fish move around brings a sense of calm. This aquarium was worth the visit.

Photo by Jonathan Meyer on Unsplash

It is fun to watch animals. But it is a mixed feeling to see them in enclosures. This is probably why we keep thinking of visiting the Zoo Atlanta but have not made it there till date. It has been a very long time since we visited any zoo. I know we would like to visit one some day, but it is hard to get past the mental block. If we do visit, then are we encouraging putting animals in cages? However big the enclosure, it would never match the freedom of living in a jungle.

We have visited smaller sanctuaries. We normally pick them based on reviews. Normally reviews which mention that the animals are well cared for rank higher in our list. I have heard decent reviews about the Zoo Atlanta. Let us see if we make it there some time this year. I will post a follow up if we do visit this popular Atlanta destination!