& HELENA’S CAFE CREPERIE

“It isn’t just serving coffee and making cake,” says Chef Matt Hicks, owner of Helena’s Cafe & Creperie in Carlisle. “It’s us getting to know people.”

Helena’s is a communal meeting point that just so happens to be known for its rainbowcolored case full of French macarons (except, of course, when demand eats into the stockpile). With options like dulce de leché, salted caramel, and pistachio, the macaron flavors run the gamut.

In addition to the macarons, take note to try the sourdough donut holes in the morning, a sandwich in the afternoon, and even some local-only grocery items while you’re in for a visit at any time of day. If you’re after a crepe, Helena’s has sweet (like chocolate and raspberry) and savory (like gruyere cheese, bacon, and egg). Then there are the cakes—red velvet, chocolate lavender, and orange creamsicle, just to name a few.

Altogether, Helena’s has the bakery thing on lock, and Carlisle locals and visitors alike can rely on the spot to be “the first smile they get in the morning,” Hicks says.

6 W High St, Carlisle helenascafe.com