On these recent bitterly cold days, as the wind cuts right through coats and winter gear, few things feel as comforting as stepping into a coffee shop. The wrapping of hands around a hot mug is not just about the drink inside, but also a sense of calm and relief it brings — a welcome pause from the harshness of this winter.

Catasauqua has Blocker’s Coffeehouse, and Northampton has Taylor Roasted Coffeehouse.

When you enter either of these two or other coffee shops in the area, there is a wave of warmth and aroma of rich coffee blends in the air. Both shops offer seating in the shop or takeout options. Visit Blocker’s Coffeehouse, 333 Front St., Catasauqua, or Taylor Roasted Coffeehouse at 1924 Main St., Northampton.

Both shops have online ordering. Visit blockerscoffee.com or taylorroastedcoffeehouse.com for more information. Blocker’s hours are 6 a.m.-noon Mondays, 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Taylor Roasted is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays and closed Sundays.

Megan Roth and Megan Smale, both of Catasauqua, said they love the Blocker’s ambience and warming up in the quiet environment while enjoying their lattes.

Moore Township residents Justin and Sarina Hampton noted they visit Blocker’s every Saturday. A testament that opposites attract, she loves hot coffee while he only drinks cold coffee. Blocker’s co-owner Tammy Kurtz said it’s no problem — “We serve hot or cold coffee.”

Sarina Hampton said they pick up coffee and a breakfast sandwich for her sister who is pregnant and due within four weeks. The jovial young couple noted Blocker’s is part of their Saturday morning ritual.

Kurtz and the other co-owner Serena Danner and coffee chef Bryan Diana are a happy trio seeking to serve their customers. Kurtz noted they serve dozens of different coffees, teas and mixed sodas and can prepare nearly any drink a customer might request. She added they have pastries and offer delicious breakfast sandwiches and more.

Taylor Roasted Coffeehouse’s seasoned coffee barista Jackie Livermon and John Weber offer numerous fresh roasted coffees, teas and pastries. The coffee bean roaster is out in the open for patrons to see and receive a brief tutorial about how it works, if interested.

Kaylan Wargo, of Northampton, patiently waited for his coffee order as Livermon skillfully prepared the drink. Wargo said he enjoys the warmth and coffee smells of the shop and appreciates a hot, quality-roasted coffee to warm him up on a cold winter morning.

Two patrons, David Sentiwany, of Whitehall, and Joseph Bundra, of Coplay, relaxed as they sat exchanging stories about when they played slow-pitch softball decades ago. They both played for the former Petersville Rod and Gun Club slow-pitch softball team. Bundra is a regular at Taylor Roasted Coffeehouse and considers himself a coffee connoisseur. Both enjoyed their time together in the shop.

For many, coffee shops are a kind of unofficial community living room. Blocker’s has some comfy sofas available for customers to relax in and has table seating. Taylor Roasted has a table area and an attractive indoor plant display.

Both shops are unique and represent small businesses that provide an interesting, eclectic atmosphere and personal service by entrepreneurs who, in many ways, are part of the backbone of the small business success in their communities.

In a country that moves fast and works hard, this simple pleasure of holding a warm cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate feels grounding, a reminder to slow down, warm up and savor moments of stillness while winter does its work outside.