Located in front of the Middle School, it brings back memories of illegally heading over after school, then reentering school property (shocking!) before Field Hockey practice and Drama rehearsals.

Like most New London cafes, the menu features items all named after local landmarks. All generously priced (where else can you get a sandwich for $5 on bread you know is fresh-baked), and the restaurant is fully equipped with an espresso bar and other pastries.

Sit and read the paper overlooking small-town main street, and try one of their specials with a cup of soup. Although it can get quite busy on weekend mornings, it's worth the wait for only 50¢ a bagel.

I have been working in the food industry for quite sometime, and I will tell you, there are things I've seen from the customer side of the counter that have caused me to never go back. General rule: if it's not clean on your side, it's not clean on there side.

Jack's coffee is as ship-shape behind the cute wooden counter as it is in front of it. I worked here for some time, quite some time ago, but the establishment is so warm and friendly that I always tell people to stop by, and my younger sister worked there for a summer last year as well. The restaurant has a long list of locally-named items that seem to be ever changing, with season and tastes of the current chef. But I assure you, everything on the menu is superb, well above it's price, and if you aren't happy with your dish, the staff will happily replace it. If they do not, just ask to speak to Jack, the owner, and I'm sure he remedy it, and the employee, for you.

But it's not just the best-coffee in town (however, as now I'm residing in the Northwest, this isn't exactly a feat), wonderful salads and wraps, along with a wide assortment of pastries and desserts, the restaurant features a fireplace with comfy couches, newspapers a plenty, worn wooden floors and plenty of table space. It's the sort of place you will sit with your large latte mug and not want to leave til many hours later... which many of the patrons chose to do.

Which makes this a hub for people watching and observing small town life. If you have the time, grab your coffee and sit down within visual distance of the few front tables around opening (7am) on a week day, and observe the quirky conversations of the local regulars, or as we used to refer to them, the breakfast club, as I'm sure they are still all kicking around. In flows families and mothers on their way to school (the middle and elementary are located directly behind) and the office. Or, if it's nice, sit outside and enjoy picturesque main street.

The barn playhouse puts on six or so productions each summer, each with a 2 week run, with six runs a week. The productions are filled with theatre students from the best schools up and down the East Coast. The performance level is quite remarkable, and worth the price of admission.

Rightfully putting out of business New London Books, this store made its way in this little town by offering to order any book for their customers, even if it was out-of-print or had to be bought is half-dozens.

This store also celebrates its close proximity to the elementary and middle schools (just a few hundred feet behind) by promoting child literacy by creating a frequent-buyer plan for children, giving children a gift certificate after ten books that equals the value to the mean of their previous purchases. This was a great feature as a small child, and I loved being able to go to Morgan Hill and browse the pretty large (for the small store) children's section. It is always my first stop for gifts for my younger relatives.

The music selection, however, is lacking. Though the sign boasts selling music, outside of local Odds Bodkin's readings of the Iliad or regional artists, there isn't much in the way of musical variety... unless you are looking for the need-to-have copy of Yanni's latest album.

The store does have a great classical works section, including carrying and amble supply of Dover Thrift Editions, which are essential to any broke college student such as myself. The women who own the store are pretty much the only regular employees, and although I am far past my childhood days, they still add my purchases to my card so that I can receive a free one after 10. There are plenty of gift items, unique cards, and calendars, and this is perhaps the best source in town for regional materials such as wildlife manuals and hiking/camping maps.

If you are taking a walk along Main Street New London, I highly suggest taking a peak into this friendly store because you never know what you might find.