☕🌳 Welcome to Coffee and Trees 🌳☕

Episode 1!

Introduction

I get it — this is a weird mixture.
But here’s the rationale: we’re a tree care company based in the Upstate, and we all really enjoy coffee. So… why not talk about both?

The Upstate has some incredible trees. It’s also home to some seriously good coffee shops. I can’t promise that this blog will always flow perfectly, but what I can tell you is this:

This blog exists to keep you informed about your trees — and to give you a few helpful hints on where to grab a great cup of coffee.

So without further ado… Let’s roll.

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Tandem: Coffee and Crêpes

Is there a better coffee shop to kick off this blog?
I submit that there is not.

Tandem Crêperie & Coffeehouse is a standout spot in Travelers Rest known for its absolutely delicious crêpes and well-crafted coffee.

Meanwhile, Lagerstroemia trees, AKA crape myrtles are among the most common landscaping trees used across the Upstate.
So we’re going to talk about both. Naturally.

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☕ First up: Coffee

There are several metrics I use to judge a coffee shop. I’ll be using the same ones for every place I cover on this blog. Since this is the first post, here’s the full breakdown:

📝 Metric Breakdown
Menu

1. Beans – Taste, quality, and roast — from the drip to the fanciest pour-over.

2. Drip – Not the fashion kind. Just your standard cup of coffee.

3. Pour Overs – Brewed with precision. Requires barista skill (or a very fancy machine).

4. Espresso Drinks – Lattes, cortados, cappuccinos, etc.

5. Non-Coffee Options – Tea, matcha, hot chocolate, steamers, soda, etc.

6. Food – Because let’s be real, coffee is better with something to eat.

Location
7. Vibe – Overall feel. Staff, music, art, design, plants — all of it.
8. Seating – Is there room? Is it comfy?

Workability
9. Workability – Outlets? Wi-Fi? Is this a place I’d want to work from?
10. Parking/Accessibility – Can I get in and out easily? What’s the bathroom situation?

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☕ Tandem’s Scorecard

Overall: 87/100

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The Highlights

Tandem has one of the best vibes in the entire Upstate. No exaggeration — this is probably my favorite breakfast and brunch spot in the area, and that’s really saying something. It’s tucked right into the heart of downtown Travelers Rest, just steps away from the Swamp Rabbit Trail, making it a perfect stop whether you’re out for a walk, bike ride, or simply exploring the town.

From the moment you arrive, there’s an inviting, happy energy. The staff is consistently warm and welcoming, and there’s even a subtle dress code — think casual button-ups and clean aprons — that gives the whole place a polished yet approachable feel. It leans more toward a trendy restaurant than your average coffee shop — and I mean that in the best possible way.

You place your order at a charming little yellow van parked out front, then find a seat either inside, on the covered patio, or out on the porch. Each seating area has its own charm, whether you’re looking for a cozy indoor table or want to enjoy a breezy morning outside.

The design and aesthetics here are spot on. It’s a café that understands the importance of details — from the branding and color palette (a calm grey accented with pops of cheerful yellow) to the way each menu item is plated. Tandem just does the little things right, and it shows.

Now, let’s talk about the coffee — because that’s the real test of any coffee shop. Tandem is best known for its crêpes and lattes, but let me tell you: their coffee game is strong. Surprisingly strong, in fact. They make some of the best pour-overs in the area, and that’s not hyperbole. They use a precision pour-over machine that consistently delivers a clean, flavorful cup, and they’re thoughtful about the beans they serve. When I’m craving a well-crafted pour-over, Tandem is one of the first places that comes to mind.

I especially love pairing their coffee with a savory crêpe — the Lumberjack is a popular go-to (and for good reason ;). But honestly, you can’t go wrong. Every crêpe I’ve tried has been a hit. They’ve got both sweet and savory options on the menu, often made with fresh, local ingredients. And if crêpes aren’t your thing, don’t worry — they also serve waffles that are just as crave-worthy.

Tandem is an experience built on hospitality, good design, and quality food and drink.

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The Drawbacks

There aren’t really any drawbacks—once you understand what Tandem is and what it’s aiming to be.

This isn’t your typical grab-a-latte-and-open-a-laptop coffee shop. Tandem is a full-on breakfast and brunch destination: lively, social, and often bustling with young families, trail bikers, and folks from all over enjoying a slow morning or catching up with friends. The atmosphere is vibrant and full of its own life and energy, but not always suited for deep focus or quiet work. If you’re hoping to be productive, try coming early on a weekday—or bring headphones and embrace the buzz.

Parking can be a bit of a puzzle, especially during the brunch rush, so give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot or be ready for a short walk.

But if you’re after a cozy breakfast date, a spot to gather with friends, or just a warm, welcoming weekend treat?
Tandem delivers—every time.

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Now… Let’s Talk Crape Myrtles

You see these trees everywhere in the Upstate — with their smooth, mottled bark and those big bursts of color that seem to show up just when everything else starts to wilt in the summer heat. I personally love them.

They’re tough and drought-tolerant, and they look great in parking lots, front yards, and downtown medians. And let’s be honest: WAY better than Bradford Pear trees.

(More on that mess in a future post — I have thoughts.)

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The Problem: Crape “Murder”

One of the biggest issues we see with crape myrtles is improper pruning. Ever seen one that’s been chopped back like crazy, almost like it got in a fight with a pair of hedgeclippers and lost?

Yeah. That’s what we call a “crape murder.”

It’s pretty common, especially in late winter or early spring. People hack them down to stubs, thinking they’re doing the tree a favor — or maybe just trying to keep it small and tidy. But while cutting branches all willy-nilly isn’t ideal, it’s also not the end of the world. Crape myrtles are tough. Some folks even prefer that look, and hey — more power to them. Your yard, your style.

That said, when you do take the time to trim them properly — thinning instead of topping, keeping the natural shape, encouraging strong branching — it makes a big difference. A well-pruned crape myrtle grows into a graceful, vase-like form that shows off its blooms beautifully. And when they flower? They can absolutely steal the show. Bright pinks, purples, whites — like confetti in tree form. Done right, they’re not just another landscape filler. They’re a centerpiece.

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So What Should You Do?

Best option: Have an expert (like us!) stop by and assess the health of your trees.
We can put them on a simple yearly trimming plan and keep them looking amazing.

Want to DIY it? Totally possible — and there are some great resources out there.
Here’s one I recommend:
▶️ How to Prune a Crape Myrtle – YouTube

Need help? We offer tree trimming, pruning, and tree health assessments throughout the Upstate.

Visit our website to learn more
Contact us for a free tree assessment

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In Conclusion

If you’ve got a crape myrtle, let us swing by for a free health assessment. And if you’ve got a free morning and a craving for a crêpe (and a cup of coffee that won’t let you down), head over to Tandem in Travelers Rest.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for the next edition of Coffee and Trees —

— Zac Johnson
📍 Dill Tree Care| Request an Assessment