Reader Submitted Article/About the Author
This article was submitted by Alisha Cooper. Alisha is a devoted mom to three kids—and more pets than she can count—juggling parenting, work, and her passion for writing. Fueled by coffee, outdoor adventures and a determination to document it all, she loves creating content that inspires you to explore Hickory and find something to do!
Being a mom means wearing many hats, but it often leaves little room to wear the most important one: the one that takes care of you. Personal time can feel like a luxury, and self-care often takes a backseat to everything else. For years, I neglected it, telling myself I’d “find time later.” But as we all know, *later* rarely comes.
Since moving to Hickory this summer, I’ve made a conscious effort to carve out small, meaningful moments for myself. These “mini mom breaks” have become my secret to recharging amidst the chaos. Whether it’s sneaking out for a quick errand while my husband watches the kids or simply savoring a quiet moment, these tiny pockets of time have been a game changer for my sanity and happiness.
Last week, I decided to make my weekly grocery shopping trip a little more enjoyable. Instead of rushing straight to my usual store, I planned two things: to try out a grocery store I’d never visited and to treat myself to coffee beforehand. A quick Google search revealed no shortage of coffee shops nearby, so I settled on a highly rated spot close to Lowe’s Foods.
The coffee shop I chose was located in Union Square, downtown Hickory—a place I’d only ever heard of thanks to my “Hickory-opoly” board game (a housewarming gift). As I drove in, I felt a spark of excitement. Union Square turned out to be a charming discovery, complete with a farmers market, unique restaurants, and boutique shops. It was the perfect spot to indulge in a small treat before diving into my errands.
When I arrived, something unexpected caught my eye: not one, but two coffee shops sat directly across the street from each other. It was a quirky little detail that made me smile. Though I’d initially planned to visit the one I found on Google, I was drawn to the bright, colorful, vintage vibe of the shop across the street. Without hesitation, I changed course and walked in.
Established in 2001, Taste Full Beans is a family-owned coffeehouse, café, and gallery dedicated to specialty coffee and teas, healthy food, local art, and fostering a vibrant downtown community. In other words, it was exactly my kind of place.
But Taste Full Beans is more than just a spot for a great cup of coffee. The walls are adorned with local art, all available for purchase, and they even sell their signature coffee beans so you can brew “taste-full” coffee at home (see what I did there?). My favorite features were the must-try quirky art vending machine—one of several in the area—and the massive plant arrangement in the seating area, which I’m convinced has been thriving there since the shop first opened its doors.
In the spirit of fall, I ordered the Drunken Pumpkin, a pumpkin latte with bourbon caramel, and paired it with a pumpkin cheesecake muffin. With my treats in hand, I stepped out into the crisp autumn air, ready to explore.
However, my next stop didn’t take me far. In fact, I only made it next door before stumbling onto the next surprise in my mini mom adventure.
Trade Alley Art Gallery feels like the perfect complement to Taste Full Beans. This local gem features a diverse collection of fine art from regional artists, showcasing mediums such as painting, sculpture, woodworking, glass, and jewelry. Art galleries are naturally quiet and serene—except during events or sales—which makes this space an ideal spot to support local artists while taking a calming moment for yourself
I was warmly greeted by a gentleman named Chad, a featured artist at the gallery and a talented pottery maker. One of his standout pieces was a beautifully crafted clay pot adorned with a trout—a design he seemed especially proud of. As we chatted, Chad explained that the gallery operates as a co-op, with over 20 local artists contributing to a rotating collection of artwork. This setup ensures the selection is constantly evolving, making each visit a unique experience.
Most of the artwork is available for purchase at surprisingly accessible prices. I couldn’t resist picking up a few ornaments and trinkets to use as Christmas gifts, but otherwise, this delightful side quest is entirely free and offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy local art at your own pace.
While sipping my artisanal seasonal coffee and browsing the diverse selection of local artwork, I found myself getting to know a little about each artist through their creations. It felt like a more intimate, small-scale version of a wine-and-hors-d’oeuvres event you might attend at a gallery opening or fundraiser at the Mint Museum in Charlotte.
This mini mom break was exactly what I needed: one uninterrupted hour of peace and discovery, sandwiched neatly between the demands of daily life. It wasn’t long enough for anyone to notice I’d been anywhere other than the grocery store, yet it left me feeling recharged and ready to take on the rest of the day.
For just $11—my coffee, muffin, and a few small gifts for the holidays—I found joy, inspiration, and a much-needed moment to breathe. These mini breaks may be small, but their impact is anything but. They remind me that self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming; sometimes, it’s as simple as a warm latte, a stroll through an art gallery, or an hour spent treating yourself to something that feels just for you.
As moms, we often prioritize everyone else before ourselves, but even a short pause can make all the difference. So, the next time you run an errand, consider turning it into a little escape. You might be surprised by what you discover—and how refreshed you’ll feel when you return.