When you step inside a location of Folks Cafe, you can feel the affection that owner (and Wilmington native) Alan Swart and his wife, Griselda, have put in to their business. A Peace Corps volunteer in the mid-1990s, Alan served in Nicaragua, where he worked hand-in-hand with coffee growers and met his lovely wife. In a world filled with cookie-cutter coffee shops, Folks Cafe exudes the warmth and local feel of a bygone era. In addition to the delicious organic and Fair Trade coffees featured on the menu, there are numerous tasty snacks that include luscious, simple pastries. If you're looking for an alternative to the ubiquitous coffee powerhouses, settle in to a booth at Folks Cafe for a warm sip of yesteryear.

Located in The Cotton Exchange, this popular coffeehouse offers yummy pastries, fresh donuts, muffins and bagels to complement their fresh-roasted coffee, mocha shakes and specialty coffee drinks. Unique to the Java Dog Coffeehouse is one of Wilmington's two scaled-down replicas of the Statue of Liberty. (The other is at a side entrance to Thalian Hall.) It's open daily.

Established in 1995, Wilmington's Port City Java now boasts seven locations in the Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach areas, one in Southport and one in Shallotte. Each is individual in decor and menu, from traditional coffeehouse fare to a luncheon menu of fresh garden salads and grilled panini specialties. Housing its own local roastery, Port City Java guarantees that your favorite coffee beverage is fresh daily. Try their non-java offerings, such as the Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa (a chocolate lover's dream) or the Oregon Chai Steamer, a ginger-honey spiced tea blend with steamed milk. If the heat of a coastal summer calls for something cool and refreshing, their Mocha Shake — chilled espresso, Ghirardelli chocolate and vanilla ice cream — is a popular choice. Or check out Port City Java's selection of fresh juices and pure fruit smoothies. Drive-through windows are open at the Porters Neck Center and Arboretum Center locations.

Warm and inviting, The Grind is Carolina Beach's most delightful casual gathering place. A variety of fresh coffees, fruit drinks, baked goods and beach snacks are served in a comfortable, bright, uplifting atmosphere Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 2 PM, and re-opening from 5 until 9:30 PM seven days a week. A business center with broadband Internet access and wireless hot-spot, The Grind is located across from Carolina Beach Lake on the corner of Atlanta Avenue.

Island Brews offers a special blend of espresso, flavored coffees and cappuccino as well as tea, smoothies, juices, ice cream and more. Breakfast selections range from scones to breakfast burritos. Daily lunch specials include sandwiches, salads and even soup in a bread bowl. Don't leave without trying their exceptional desserts, or take some with you. Cakes (like sour cream–coconut and seven-layer ultimate chocolate) are homemade locally. Croissants with fruit and cream-cheese filling are baked on the spot. Or try the gourmet tiramisu cheesecake or New York cheesecake. Wireless Internet is available, and private parties can be catered.

This bright coffeehouse with its funky furniture is conducive to drawing, reading, writing or just enjoying a cup of coffee. There are newspapers and books available, from The Artist's Way to If Pigs Could Fly and Other Deep Thoughts. You can relax and enjoy the island weather in the courtyard and during colder months you can gather around the iron stove situated there. Chai, smoothies and other drinks are available. Ask about the monthly book club, poetry readings and weekend entertainment. The coffeehouse often features the works of local artists. Wireless Internet is available to customers as well. The Flying Pig Coffeehouse is open seven days a week.

Conveniently located in the Food Lion Shopping Center, Grand Strand Coffee Bar is a great place to stop and get energized for your grocery shopping trip. In fact, it's a great place stop anytime. The bright blues, purples and yellows of the interior decor will help lift your mood while you savor fresh baked goods, including scones, cookies, bagels and muffins. Enjoy them with your favorite cuppa, be it coffee or tea. Or get your treats at the drive-through window after shopping and enjoy them on the way home.

A friendly and inviting coffee shop in a converted house on the causeway, Cappuccino by the Sea is open year-round. Enjoying a 16th summer of business in 2009, this charming cafe features tables inside and out. Local newspapers are available to purchase and peruse while savoring your favorite coffee or tea and snack (try the scrumptious muffins and danish). Cappuccino by the Sea also offers a line of gifts, greeting cards, postcards and pottery made in Holden Beach and pottery that can be painted on site. In the evenings, an art teacher and master potter offers pottery classes. Free gift wrapping is offered, and gift baskets and birthday balloons can be shipped or delivered locally. Internet access and computers are available for a small fee. Need local info? Owner Nancy Elwell can give you the low-down on everything from attractions to minor repair referrals.

The Copper Cup is a little kiosk sitting all by itself, a place where you can get a quick drive-through cup of coffee, Italian soda, smoothie, biscotti, muffin, iced tea, cappuccino, Chai tea, gift certificate ... you get the idea. Inside that little kiosk are a whole lot of goodies and a whole lot of goodness. Stop and see.

Comfy, casual, cheery and bright, this downtown Shallotte coffeehouse, located on Main Street across from McDonald's, is a great place to stop and relax. In a hurry? Just use the drive-through window. Either way you can enjoy hot or cold coffee, espresso-based drinks and tea in any specialty you can imagine. Why not have some pastries, bagels or muffins with that? They are baked by a local professional chef. Do you prefer fruit smoothies? They've got them here too. Free wireless Internet is available.

Sunset Gourmet offers innovative cuisine, delicious organic coffee beverages and fresh-baked goods, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. You will enjoy the cozy atmosphere where satellite radio and Wi-Fi access are available in a smoke-free environment. Established in 2006, Sunset Gourmet serves breakfast and lunch beginning at 7 AM Monday through Saturday throughout the year. Patio seating is also available when weather permits.

Sneads Beans brews a variety of medium and dark roast blends using only the finest coffees, including organic and fair trade blends. It's a great place to sit and relax with free wireless Internet, a sitting room and an outdoor patio. Enjoy a regular cup of coffee or a latte, cappuccino or flavored specialty drink. A variety of cool and refreshing smoothies and iced coffees are also available, including the delicious Mocha Latte Milkshake. Want a little something to go with your coffee? Assorted pastries baked fresh daily on the premises include white chocolate raspberry scones, blueberry cream cheese croissants and cinnamon buns. Breakfast sandwiches are served on a bagel or butter croissant with your choice of bacon or sausage with egg and cheese. If you're in a hurry, a convenient drive-up window is around the back. It's open seven days a week.