The New England Landscapes That Inspired Birchstone Coffee Co.

At Birchstone Coffee Co., the outdoors isn’t just part of our story — it’s at the heart of who we are.

Birchstone was born from a deep appreciation for the places that make New England feel like home — the stillness of a lake at sunrise, the crisp air of a mountain summit, and the winding paths of rivers and roads that tie our region together.

Before there was a coffee cart, there were early-morning hikes, quiet kayak paddles, and long drives through the mountains — always with a cup of coffee in hand. These landscapes shaped the values behind Birchstone: craft, connection, and a respect for the natural world.

Here are some of the places that helped inspire Birchstone Coffee Co. — and the moments that made them meaningful to me.

🏔️ Mount Kearsarge — Warner & Wilmot, New Hampshire

Located in central New Hampshire, Mount Kearsarge rises over 2,900 feet and offers sweeping views of the Lakes Region and the White Mountains.

As a student at Colby-Sawyer College, we had an annual tradition called Mountain Day — classes were canceled, and the entire student body hiked to the summit together. It was a day of shared energy and connection, a reminder of how nature brings people together.

Kids on Mt. Kearsarge in black and white

That sense of community and appreciation for the outdoors still resonates with me today — and it’s a feeling I hope to bring to every Birchstone event.

🌊 Great East Lake — NH & Maine Border

Straddling the border between Wakefield, New Hampshire, and Acton, Maine, Great East Lake is one of the cleanest and most pristine lakes in New England.

Loon on the water, Great East Lake, Acton, Maine

Loon on the water, Great East Lake, Acton, Maine

I’ve vacationed on Great East ever since I was a kid. We started renting a small cottage as a family when I was in elementary school, and now I visit with my own children each summer.

There’s something timeless about this place — early mornings on the dock, coffee in hand, watching the fog lift from the water. It’s where the idea of Birchstone began: a love for quiet moments, meaningful connections, and the rhythm of nature.

🏞️ Acadia National Park — Mount Desert Island, Maine

Few places capture the wild beauty of New England like Acadia. With its rugged coastlines, granite peaks, and winding carriage roads, it’s a landscape that shifts with every season — and every sunrise.

Boulder Beach at sunrise, Acadia National Park, Maine

Boulder Beach at sunrise, Acadia National Park, Maine

I’ve spent many summers camping there, exploring the shoreline and trails, and photographing the park’s incredible light. Some of my favorite images were captured during early-morning sunrises on Boulder Beach — where the sound of waves and the smell of salt air feel like pure calm.

Acadia is where I learned to slow down, observe, and appreciate the small details — values that continue to guide Birchstone’s approach to craft and design.

🌅 Flagstaff Lake — Western Maine

Located near the Bigelow Range, Flagstaff Lake stretches across nearly 20,000 acres of calm, reflective water surrounded by mountains.

When I was in sixth grade, I joined a 10-day canoe trip across Flagstaff as part of a program called Project Impact. It was rugged, challenging, and unforgettable — especially at that age. Looking back, it was one of my first real experiences with independence, teamwork, and the rewards of being fully immersed in nature.

That trip taught me a lot about resilience and self-discovery — lessons that have stayed with me, and ones I often think about as I build Birchstone from the ground up.

🌾 The Lamprey River — Seacoast New Hampshire

Flowing through towns like Newmarket, Durham, and Epping, the Lamprey River winds its way to Great Bay and has always been a part of my daily landscape.

It’s quite literally in my backyard. As a kid, I’d bike down to favorite swimming spots on Packers Falls Road, float through the rapids on hot summer days, and even jump off bridges as a teenager.

Lamprey River, Newmarket, NH

Now, it’s a place for quiet reflection — a reminder of home, community, and how simple moments outdoors can shape who we are.

🚣 The Saco River — Southern Maine & New Hampshire

The Saco River is a classic New England waterway known for its sandy banks, peaceful stretches, and float trips that define a New England summer.

For years, I’ve floated down the Saco with my closest friends — in tubes, canoes, sometimes with a beer in hand. Those carefree summer days, surrounded by people I love, taught me how to slow down and just be present.

That same relaxed, connected feeling is what I hope every Birchstone experience brings — whether it’s at a wedding, a corporate event, or a backyard gathering.

🌄 The Kancamagus Highway — White Mountains, New Hampshire

Known simply as “The Kanc,” this scenic 34-mile stretch winds through the heart of the White Mountains and is one of the most iconic drives in New England.

Autumn view of the Pemigewasset River along side the Lincoln Woods Trailhead

Autumn view of the Pemigewasset River along side the Lincoln Woods Trailhead.

Every fall, I make the trip — despite the traffic and crowds. There are still quiet corners to find if you know where to look. The Lincoln Woods Trailhead bridge is one of my favorite places to photograph — a view that perfectly captures the beauty and balance of the region.

The Kanc represents the spirit of Birchstone — finding calm and inspiration in places that feel timeless, even when they’re well-trodden.

The Outdoors in Every Cup

These places — mountains, rivers, lakes, and coastlines — are more than just destinations. They’re the inspiration behind Birchstone Coffee Co.’s textures, tones, and mindset.

Every detail, from the wooden accents on the espresso cart to our 1% pledge for outdoor conservation, comes from this love for the landscape.

Because Birchstone isn’t just about coffee — it’s about the feeling of standing somewhere beautiful, breathing in the crisp air, and taking a quiet moment to appreciate it all.

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