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August 19, 2008

Pip’s Tips: Top 10 International Outdoor Sports + Coffee Havens

via Pippa Sorley, from our Spring 2006 issue.

“Every dollar you spend changes the world, for better or for worse.” ~ Harvey H. Chisolm

Don’t tell my mother, but I’m a Guppy—with a couple of serious addictions. My life revolves around how I can get from one fix to the next. Fortunately, these addictions pale in comparison to those of college days. What are they? Coffee & adrenaline—two habits that I’ve discovered go hand in hand. Being a Guppy, as I spend my time roaming the world in search of my next fix, I’ve made it my mission to be as discerning and eco-conscious as possible. Over the past decade, I’ve sought out adventure towns (towns known for skiing, surfing, mountain biking, trail running and other adrenaline-rich sports) with a green bent. Towns that go beyond mere exploitation of their environment for the purposes of tourism. Towns made up of real people and business owners who are committed to preserving the very environment that enriches and sustains them. In fact, I’m convinced there’s a correlation between cool towns and coffee. The hipper and ‘greener’ the town, the better chance your cuppa joe will be delicious, organic and fair-trade. Whether you’re traveling near or far, here’s some of my favorite finds that prove my point.

 

> > NELSON, BC, CANADA > coffee at Oso Negro Coffeehouse & organic fresh brioche at the French Bakery

> > Ski WhiteWater or Cat ski with Baldface Co.; mountain bike the best homemade course this side the border

> > NOSARA, COSTA RICA > Café de Paris > Surf Playa Guiones: good five-footers, empty beach!

> > PAIA, MAUI > Anthony’s Coffeehouse > Surf Ho’Okipa if you dare (where the big bad boys go)

> > ISLA DE MARGARITA, VENEZUELA > The locals’ café, El Yaque > Windsurf El Yaque beach (the world’s best windsurfing)

> > MERIDA, VENEZUELA > Café Abadia > Bag a 5,000 meter Andean peak

> > CARACAS, VENEZUELA > Cinnabon (okay, another big bad chain, but how can you resist?) & fresh Venezuelan coffee at airport coffee stands > Drive through any Caracas neighborhood at night (keep your car doors locked at all times)

> > SALIDA, CO > Bongo Billy’s by the river > Mountain bike single track at the Rainbow Trail

> > NEDERLAND, CO > Train Cars > Ski West Ridge at Eldora

> > CRESTED BUTTE, CO > Camp Four Coffeehouse > Ski The Northface or mountain bike the 401

> > TELLURIDE, CO > Steaming Bean Coffee Co > Backcountry ski trip to Lost Dollar Hut

> > SNOWMASS, CO > Zele Café > Get a high while skiing the most sustainable ski area in America

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