Coffee & Treats in Coldwater

When Lynn Kughn founded The Ultimate Pretzel Company 13 years ago, it was a kitchen-based operation that hand-dipped pretzel rods in caramel, rice krispies, and chocolate from a secret recipe. Since then, The Ultimate Pretzel Company has expanded into a thriving online operation that dishes out delectable treats to sugar-craving patrons and donates a portion of its proceeds to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Like a beaker-toting scientist obsessed with animating chocolate-pretzel hybrids, Lynn has developed several treats and special chocolate recipes in addition to her signature pretzel sticks.

The Mill's American and European artisan breads, crafted from stone-ground whole wheat and all-natural ingredients, are kneaded by hand to doughy superbness. Opt for sweet loaves such as whole-grain honey and cinnamon-raison walnut to make flavorful morning toast, or wrap slices of savory cracked-pepper parmesan or spinach feta around meat and cheese for luscious lunches (breads range from $3.50 to $6.95.) The Mill also dishes up its own bill of café lunch fare with protein-packed breakfast sandwiches ($3.25), quiches, personal pizzas ($4.25), and crisp summer salads ($4.75–$4.95).

The sandwich architects at Loaf N Ladle draw inspiration from decades-old family recipes to craft a menu of made-to-order deli sandwiches, homemade soups, and freshly baked desserts. Sandwiches such as the turkey club pile warm slices of turkey, bacon, and melted cheddar cheese atop hearty cuts of toasted whole-wheat bread, and the veggie sandwich secures a crunchy core of sliced cucumber, tomatoes, and alfalfa sprouts with a generous slathering of rich cream cheese. Diners can also construct personalized stacks from meats such as ham, roast beef, or chicken salad, 12 toppings, and five varieties of cheese, arranging their chosen ingredients by color, texture, or resemblance to Ted Koppel.

Located within the historical Engine House #10 in East State Village, Firehouse Tea & Coffee Café serves up fair-trade and organic café treats in a memorable setting. Baristas steep more than 60 types of loose-leaf teas, blend coffee milkshakes, and prepare bubble teas—pairing the drinks with snacks such as curry-chicken sandwiches and quiche. Local art adorns the café's walls, and live bands entertain on scheduled nights. Patrons can also get in on the musical action themselves during open-mic nights.

After greasing the Slip 'n Slide with vegetable oil and shedding winter's fluffy bathrobe and insulated socks, the best way to celebrate summer's arrival is with a handful of velvety-soft frozen custard. The Ritter's menu features a wide variety of rotating flavors, including everything from the vanilla and chocolate classics to the fruit-based favorites such as blueberry and strawberry Italian ice to creations such as Boston crème pie and peanut butter. Order a cone of the flavor du jour ($2.29 and up), or opt for a signature Glacier ($3.19 and up), which is Ritter's frozen custard mixed with your topping(s) of choice and served upside down to confuse your already delicate perception of reality and emphasize the delicacy's extreme thickness. If a list of 25+ toppings dizzies your decision-making noodle, submit your fate to the friendly ice-cream slingers and opt for a signature sundae with pre-designed toppings ($3.99) such as the turtle sundae, a frozen-custard mountain capped with hot fudge, hot caramel, and whipped cream and crowned with butter-toasted pecans and a cherry. Celebrate your newfound superpowers and exploit your nemeses' weaknesses for bananas and chocolate with a banana split ($4.79).

The name Barry Bagels conceals the diversity of its menu. In addition to 16 bagel varieties, the staff churn out homemade soups, sandwiches, desserts, and coffee. The flagship Barry Bagels shop opened in Toledo in 1972 - the company celebrates its 40th anniversary on November 14th, 2012 - and now shares its oven-borne prowess with three other Toledo-area locations as well as one in Ann Arbor, MI.