Two ways to celebrate National Coffee Day in Charlotte

I’m not normally into National [Insert Random Holiday] Day celebrations, but I did get excited when I got wind of the fact that Dunkin’ Donuts was celebrating today’s (Sept. 29) National Coffee Day with a coffee discount.

I decided to see who else would be celebrating with discounts and came up with these five deals:

Medium hot coffee for 66 cents at Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts in Charlotte (and throughout the country) shall be celebrating its 66-year history with a medium cup of hot coffee for 66 cents. (Dunkin’ Donuts: Search locations here.)

Limited free coffee at Coco and the Director

From 3-5 p.m., Coco and the Director is giving away a 16 oz. cup of house-brewed coffee with any purchase. Perhaps a pastry, or the sandwich of the day. (Coco and the Director: 100 West Trade St.)

20 percent off at Not Just Coffee

Not Just Coffee will be offering 20 percent off its cold brew and house hot coffee. (Not Just Coffee: Search locations here.)

Free coffee + free doughnut at Krispy Kreme

Participating Krispy Kreme locations are giving away a free small coffee and free original glazed doughnut (hello, sugar high) to visitors on this day. (Krispy Kreme: Search locations here.)

Free regular coffee, $1 off specialty coffee at FABO

FABO is giving out free regular coffee and offering $1 off specialty coffee drinks. Absolutely check out the artwork on the walls while you’re there. (FABO: 8428 Park Road.)

Beyond this list, my phone-call hunt for more free or discounted coffee in the area revealed little else. I was told RUSH Espresso, Nova’s Bakery and Amélie’s were not offering any coffee deals.

And why should they? Sure, it’s fun to get freebies. Especially from the food and beverage industry (free food and drinks taste better, after all).

But shouldn’t National Coffee Day be Charlotte’s excuse to go splurge a little on our local coffee scene? Shouldn’t we celebrate by supporting the businesses here?

It’s easy.

Maybe you’re craving Smelly Cat Coffeehouse’s pumpkin spice coffee. Give in. (Smelly Cat Coffeehouse: 514 E. 36th St.)

Maybe you want a different twist on fall like the autumn special at Amélie’s — the cardamom vanilla and clove sugar café allongé. Order that. (Amélie’s: Search locations here.)

Or maybe it’s time for you to finally try one of those coffee shandy creations at HEX that everyone has been raving about. Make time. (HEX Espresso Bar: 125 Remount Road.)

So you can celebrate one way — and hunt down a coffee deal. Or you can simply celebrate by getting out into the city and buying a local coffee creation. Either way, drink it in.

Did I miss any fun deals? Email me.

Photo: Katie Toussaint

This story was originally published September 29, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Two ways to celebrate National Coffee Day in Charlotte."