Well, there are many of these combinations in New England and we will get into those over the next month or so but for a start lets mention one that might not be your first thought when you think New England coffee shop but maybe should be, Barnes and Noble.
In the New England states there are quite a few that have a Barnes and Noble cafe featuring Starbucks coffees. Beyond Starbucks offerings there are hot lunches, dessert and breakfast items from other vendors such as the Cheesecake Factory. Most cafes offer seasonal beverages for a limited time. There is usually the opportunity to pick up some great Godiva Chocolates for your sweetheart before you leave as well.
The experience is inviting and relaxing and offers more than just food , coffee and a chance to preview your book purchase, there is also complimentary WiFi for those with enabled cell phones or tablets or laptops.
Most stores offer children's activities or story-time (such as the Friday morning story-time in the Braintree MA store and the Manchester NH store or Saturday in Leominster MA store) which allow a parent a wonderful opportunity for alone time and some adult relaxation.
Many offer Nook Book Discussion groups or classes to boot (like the Breakfast Nook at the Bellingham store or Worcester MA store and Warwick Center RI).
Or just visit one for a relaxing rest stop when you are in town, like the one that can be found at the Prudential Center in Boston MA. There are several in CT( for example Canton where there are American Girl Club Meetings), one in Agusta ME and one in Burlington VT.
If you can find the right one with the right schedule this could work out to be a very eventful shopping experience without spending a lot of cash.
Not every Barnes and Nobles has a cafe and not every cafe has an event scheduled. Check with the B&N site store locator if you are looking for something specific in a specific area. It is a good time if you know what to expect.
