Vegetarians brake for Great Expectations Café, Bookstore and More off U.S. Route 33 in Hocking County. The colorful old house, a part of the Hocking Hills Farmers Flea Market, offers an array of books, food and coffee.

Owners Mike and Peggy Weldon fulfilled their dreams of owning a café when they took over Great Expectations in 2010. Since then, they have prepared many a meatless dish and delectable dessert for locals and travelers along this busy route.

“People like the atmosphere, and they love our coffee,” Peggy says.

This inviting atmosphere and friendly service, accentuated by the cheery bright green and purple walls, make the café a relaxing place to sit after a day exploring the market.

Grab a cappuccino from the café and nestle up with a good read from the shelves of books by Ohio fiction writers. Peggy hopes to expand this book collection over the winter months with more childhood favorites and Christian literature. She would also like to host more authors’ book signings.

Great Expectations, nestled modestly amongst antiques and flea market treasures, is a gem of its own.

Photos Taken by Erica Euse