If you Google “wind powered coffee shop”, the first relevant result is a 2005 article about how Starbucks decided to offset their energy usage by buying wind power credits. But what about coffee shops that actually create their own wind power? What about coffee shops that are energy independent from the beginning instead of offsetting their energy through credits?

Believe it or not, we have one right here in Tennessee.

I read about Jo Jo’s Java Wind Powered Coffeehouse is one of the newer local papers a few weeks ago. It mentioned a new coffee shop that had just opened in October that serves 100% fair trade and organic coffee. It also talked about how the owner, “Jo Jo” Chapman, installed a windmill to generate the energy she needs to power the equipment in the coffee shop. All of the key words were included: sustainability, alternative energy, wind power, organic. It was enough to excite me to no end. So much so that I immediately picked up the phone (I was at work) and called Jim (the hubby) to tell him all about it. After all, this is big news for our “neck of the woods”. We knew instantly that we would have to make a trip to see this place in the near future.

Yesterday was the day.

Jim and I traveled the 33 miles to Jo Jo’s Java Wind Powered Coffeehouse located at 8478 Murfreesboro Hwy in Manchester, TN. Seeing as how I am “spatially challenged”, therefore sucking at directions, I consider it a blessing that my husband is the complete opposite. Then again, it helps that he knew exactly where the shop was located due to having worked in that area for a while.

When we pulled up to the building, I was immediately taken with the design. Nothing about it said “traditional coffee house”. Anyone who knows me knows that this is always a big plus in my eyes. The angles of the building, the large windows, the color, the lack of commercial feel were all selling points to me before I even stepped foot inside the door. I also appreciated being able to see the windmill working in the back as soon as we pulled in to park. Good feelings all around on initial arrival — I liked it. Walking through the front door and seeing the inside was wonderful. The openness of the floor plan, the absence of clutter, the fresh smell of “fair trade, organic” coffee, the beautiful reflections of light bouncing from one corner of the building to another, the beautiful bare floors, the local artist photographs hanging on the wall — all of these things and more just spoke to me and made me feel very at home.Jim and I were immediately welcomed by the owner, Jo Jo, and we talked for a while about various things as she prepared our coffee: iced mocha coffee for me and a double-shot mocha (hot) coffee for Jim. So, how was the coffee? Let’s just put it this way. Remember how I mentioned a certain gift certificate to my favorite coffee shop? SCRATCH THAT! I now have a new favorite coffee shop. The coffee was out of this world delicious. Jim thought so, too. And this opinion was formed on both of us trying both coffees. The official verdict is: two thumbs up, WAY up! Now, if only it wasn’t freaking 33 miles. That poses quite a problem.

After devouring our delicious beverages, Jo Jo was kind enough to let us take some photos of the place. We talked a little more alternative energy and she shared some insight with us about wind power. She explained how she stores the wind power in batteries and how she hopes to have solar panels installed in the near future. We briefly talked about biofuel (her car runs on biofuel), strawbale houses, and living off-grid. She talked of her support of the local arts and how she hopes to have some more displays in the shop soon. We discovered that we share many of the same interests, such as simple living. All in all it was a very nice afternoon visit with a likeminded person, something very hard to come by around here.

If you’ve made it this far, you may be wondering why I would post about this here. I have a couple of reasons. One is that I strongly believe in supporting local people, like Jo Jo, who are out there making a difference and daring to step up and do something against the grain. I want to spread the word and offer up some exposure to them, even if it’s only a small amount. Another reason is that it all ties in to “The Reason” for our upcoming traveling adventure. One of the things I hope to incorporate in our travels are visits to places like Jo Jo’s Java Wind Powered Coffeehouse. I want to be part of the change, support the change, learn from others who are out there doing it. And if at all possible, I’d love to participate and help out as much as possible. I want us, as a family, to immerse ourselves in the life we intend to lead. And the best way to do it is to just get out there and do it. So why not start local?

It’s my hope that if you are in Tennessee or passing through this part of Tennessee in the future that you stop by Jo Jo’s Java Wind Powered Coffeehouse for a visit. The coffee is outstanding, the owner is very nice and friendly, the atmosphere is comfy, the scenery is beautiful, and the experience is memorable. And tell her Lee and Jim sent you.