I have been spending time with my brother and his friends at the Natchez Coffee Co. on Franklin Street in downtown Natchez.

This morning we shared a bagel and lox for breakfast, served with cream cheese, capers and grape tomatoes. Can you imagine? Delicious bagels and lox in a cozy independent coffee house at the end of the Natchez Trace? I think I'm in love.

A side benefit is that I know many of the people who stop by to chat in the mornings, and I'm meeting new, interesting people every time I visit.

Children and babies are welcome. In fact, there's a quiet, comfortable chair for breastfeeding outside the restrooms and an antique changing table in the women's. Now, whether there's one in the men's, I don't know, but I'm sure the ladies would make way for a gent who wanted to change the baby there.

Far above average, healthy, tasty food at good prices. A real gem.