Timber Lane Coffee isn’t just a café, it’s a love letter to the community of Boscobel. Tucked into what was once an old corner-store pharmacy (and at during my mom’s time, a bar), this charming coffee shop was lovingly brought to life by a retired Illinois school teacher with a dream and the grit to chase it.
She used part of her own retirement to transform a space that had fallen into deep disrepair into a beautiful, welcoming haven. Some of the original brick wall now proudly stands exposed (seen behind the piano), adding a rich sense of history. The ceiling is refinished but original and it gives the whole café a timeless elegance. Even the floors have a story: a local laborer was so moved by the owner’s vision, he refinished them without taking a dime. Which to this day, the thought of, nearly moves the owner to tears.
While snapping a few photos during my visit, I had the privilege of meeting the owner herself. She came up with a warm smile, asked a few kind questions, and before I knew it, she was flipping through a photo album filled with memories of my birth town’s past, the old bar, the pharmacy, and even earlier days. It was a honor to be shown the rich history of the building by the current owner. She showed me the “before” pictures of the space, and I was floored. The transformation is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a testament to her hard work, discipline, and an unshakable belief in creating something meaningful.
Although I didn’t make it upstairs (thanks to a rough migraine), but what a view on the way. Lined along the stairwell were whimsical teapots turned into lamps, part of a rotating display of local artists she proudly hosts each month. Upstairs holds even more of their work for sale. It’s a beautiful tribute to the creative heartbeat of the town; a space where art, community, and caffeine meet.
The downstairs space offers plenty of seating, natural lighting, and cozy nooks perfect for chatting with a friend, catching up on some reading, or browsing one of the many free newspapers they offer.
The menu has all the classic café favorites and a few unexpected twists, like an Arnold Palmer made with Earl Grey tea, which my boyfriend really enjoyed. I treated myself to an Oregon chai and vanilla bean frappe. Yes, it was a bit on the sweet side (note to self: maybe don’t mix two frappes into one cup next time), but it was blended to perfection and absolutely delicious.
I never got the chance to ask her why, as someone from Illinois, she chose Boscobel, Wisconsin as the place to bring her dream to life. But after sitting in her café, seeing the love she’s poured into every inch of it, and hearing her speak so warmly about the past. My guess is, Boscobel chose her, too.
In a world that too often forgets the value of heart, effort, and community, Timber Lane Coffee is a breath of fresh air. It’s more than a coffee shop, it’s a symbol of what passion and persistence can create. And it’s lucky for all of us that this remarkable woman, who could’ve been relaxing in retirement, decided instead to spend her days serving up joy, one...
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