This week I’d like to tell you about another local business, Seasons Café, at 204A East Second St.

The café is open from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. There’s a daily special which is usually a soup and sandwich or salad combination along with the regular delicious selections of Panini and other sandwiches, fabulous salads and an amazing chicken salad.

They also serve smoothies and specialty coffees that many customers swear rival Starbucks. Owned and operated by Ray and Beth Long, the café has been open for a little over six years.

Beth said it had always been her dream to have a café, and it shows from the moment you walk in the door. You’re met by a thoughtfully chosen, cheerful and artistic atmosphere.

The space is always decorated for the different holidays and at Halloween the staff even has a pumpkin decorating contest that the café patrons can vote on.

There are works on display by local artists including one you’ll find behind the counter making smoothies and coffees and generally brightening the day of anyone who crosses her path (which you’ll have to on the way out to pay for your meal).

That’s Beth’s daughter, Marlee, and she’s someone worth meeting, bill or not. This talented family also showcases their handmade jewelry for sale as well as the pottery of local artisan Rhett Buckner. The café is the only place in North Baldwin County to buy his work. 

Those who know me know that I’m a regular at Seasons Café. Whether to sit at the bar and enjoy a leisurely lunch in good company or grab take-out to eat as I sit in my car at the Kids Park listening to an audiobook, I’m a huge fan of the restaurant. Canaan Lamp, who can frequently be found enjoying a broccoli and cheese soup, his favorite, said emphatically that he likes everything about the café, from people to prices to food and atmosphere.

He’s also a big fan of Season’s desserts, particularly the Boston Crème Pie. Lamp added that the service is excellent and advises my readers to “get coffee if you are here because the girl behind the bar makes the perfect Frappuccino.”

Everything you taste at Season’s is made from scratch and the menu features several of Beth’s original creations, including my personal favorite the apple cheddar. One bite and it’ll be yours, too. It’s a Panini prepared with turkey, apple slices and apple jelly. Trust me, it’s delicious! The most requested dishes, according to Marlee, is the potato soup or the shrimp and grits along with a pasta salad side — another must have for regular customers.

Also, if you’re like me, one of the things you look for and consider when choosing a restaurant is the health rating and that is another plus at Seasons Café. The Longs have maintained a 100 rating for more than a year which is something for them to be proud of and for their customers to appreciate.

Still another consideration that everyone will appreciate is the great service. Your waiter, Drew Bailey, is always a warm and courteous beginning note to a meal at Season’s and Marlee can be counted on to send you back into your day with a smile. Everyone at Season’s will leave you with the unmistakable feeling that they’re glad you dropped in including Brittany Lins who you probably will not see because she is behind the scenes helping make the wonderful lunch creations. You can’t go wrong making Seasons Café your destination for lunch.

 If you haven’t stopped by already then a wonderful new habit is a short trip downtown away. Your new best friends, Marlee and Drew and Beth, have a seat and a smile and a great meal just waiting for you.

 So make plans to treat yourself to Season’s Café. It’s a year round downtown treasure you have to discover for yourself. I’ll see you there.