OK, I’ll admit it. The River Coffeehouse, located in North Webster in the northern part of Kosciusko County, might not exactly be in a castle. In fact, most locals would describe the unique façade as more “palace-like” than a castle, especially owing to its original role as the International Palace of Sports. However, “palace” doesn’t really fall in line with my appreciation of alliteration so “castle” it is, at least for this article. Whether you call it a palace or a castle, it would be a pretty neat story to tell your grandkids that you enjoyed a delicious cup of coffee in the same space that once hosted OJ Simpson, Jesse Owens, Pancho Gonzalez, Johnny Weismuller, and Dick Weber … all at the same time.
The River Coffehouse, Its History and Current Situation
The former Palace still offers a unique setting. While kings and queens of various sports have long since ceased their annual visits, the associated Mermaid Festival is still a draw and the building has staged an impressive comeback. The latest occupants have taken pride in their historic space and the location is once again a must stop for visitors and locals. The River Coffeehouse, which stands in the northern section of the building, is a primary reason for the renewed interest in the former bank/sports palace/shoe store/computer repair/etc location. In fact, it’s one of the most picturesque coffeehouses you’ll find in the area with great coffee to match.
Converting Grand Into Cozy
While most coffeehouses can be found in smaller intimate settings, The River Coffeehouse celebrates its grand scale without losing the coziness. With abundant soft seating, warm lighting, large picture windows, a fireplace and modern tasteful decorations, the River takes a large open space and makes it feel welcoming. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of it and had to remind myself to get back to my coffee before it started cooling off.
Take in the Moment
The spot to actually order your coffee is tucked in a corner in the back, keeping the focus on the atmosphere at The River. Once you order a cup of coffee or two, take time to wander around, enjoy the setting and plop down in a seat. If it’s warmer, don’t forget to wander outside to enjoy their outdoor dining and view of downtown North Webster and the square. Drive-through service is also available.
Learn More About The River Coffeehouse
To find out more about The River Coffeehouse, you can visit their website and get social with them on Facebook. And don’t forget to take plenty of pictures and videos for the grands. Remember – OJ, Jesse, Pancho, Johnny and Dick all in one spot at the same time. If that’s not a trivia question, I don’t know what is.
Thinking about visiting Kosciusko County? Consider your own island or one of our lakefront resorts!
Tags: coffee, indiana, kosciusko, north webster, the river coffeehouse