Photo by Jennifer Best
	The porch at the Loading Dock in Old Orcutt

By Jennifer Best

I wipe a whipped-cream moustache from my upper lip, put down my mug of mocha, lean back and turn my attention from my coffee to the rolling hills that stretch from The Loading Dock to the horizon. An old piano to my left tempts me to tickle its ivory. A traffic signal on my right has been hung as art.

This is no ordinary coffee shop. Then again, is it a coffee shop at all?

The Loading Dock, 315 S. Broadway in old-town Orcutt, serves coffee, smoothies, pastries, wraps and antiques all under one old warehouse roof. The combination provides funky decorations for the coffee-end of the business, and the inviting scent of coffee, hot chocolate and warm pastries for the antique side.

Old-town Orcutt itself is a small collection of genuine general store buildings from the town's early farming days mixed with newer shops built in the western style. It's just a 10-minute drive south of Santa Maria. Old-Town, and the Loading Dock, are the perfect spot to spend a sunny morning or afternoon sipping coffee and browsing antiques.

The Loading Dock operates out of an old warehouse. It looks as utilitarian now as it ever did, but stylized letters painted directly on the wall outside announce, "You are here." A giant painted hand points the way to the front door.

The fun begins on the dock where tables and chairs are set out for customers' convenience. A gazebo across the lawn shelters more tables. An old, artfully decorated piano sits open, welcoming visitors to plunk out a tune. A stoplight hangs from the wall. Old wooden doors have been painted and nailed to the railing to serve as countertops. A giant sunshine marks the doors.

The interior seating area blends in with the shop as antiques and collectibles stretch from front door to back wall. Glass-topped tables separate latte from puzzle pieces. The guests' bookshelf is laden with classics for reading or purchase.

The collection of goods on sale varies with each visit. Glassware and furniture are a constant. But also expect to find old luggage converted to modern art, not-so-old collectibles and clothing. You can wander there just about any day; the coffee-and-antiques shop is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

To find the Loading Dock, take U.S. 101 to the Clark Avenue exit south of Santa Maria. Take Clark Avenue west about 2 miles, crossing under Highway 135 (also known locally as the Orcutt Expressway) and continue into Old Town Orcutt. Turn left onto South Broadway (at the Union 76 station). The Loading Dock is the last building on the right before the road curves and grazing land begins.

For information, call the store at (805) 934-3471.

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Jennifer Best is a writer and Central Coast native who knows the difference between the Loading Dock (an antiques and coffee shop in Old Town Orcutt) and the Loading Chute (a bar and dance hall north of Pozo).