August
- 12
- Introductory Chinese Tea Tasting
- 7:00 p.m.
Gong Fu Tea
Des Moines, Iowa
- Take pleasure in an introductory tasting for connoisseurs and neophytes alike with a five-sample flight of Chinese teas—white, green, oolong, black, and Pu-erh. The event also includes light snacks to cleanse the palate and a personal cupping set to take home at the end of the evening. For more information, call 515-288-3388, or visit www.gongfu-tea.com.
- 12
- Princess Tea
- 3:00 p.m.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Little princes and princesses are the honored guests at this majestic tea. Don a crown or tiara, dress in your best royal finery, and enjoy specialty teas, gourmet scones, finger sandwiches, and an array of scrumptious desserts. For more information or to make reservations, call 800-366-4664, or visit www.garvangardens.com.
- 30
- Japanese Tea Ceremony
- 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m
Japanese Garden, Missouri Botanical Gardens
St. Louis, Missouri
- Uncover the mystique and learn the intricacies of the centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony, part of the Japanese Festival planned for Labor Day weekend, August 30 through September 1. Along with the celebrated tea ceremony, festivalgoers are invited to enjoy rakugo Japanese comedy, taiko drumming, and candlelight walks through the garden. For more information, call 800-642-8842, or visit www.mobot.org.
September
- 10 & 24
- Afternoon Tea on the Skipjack Martha Lewis
- 2:00 p.m.
- Havre de Grace, Maryland
- Spend a fall afternoon on a simply elegant cruise aboard the historic skipjack Martha Lewis. Sail around the Susquehanna Flats while enjoying tea sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, and dessert. Private label black tea and green tea with red bush are also served. Even on a sailboat, every touch is polished, from the linen napkins to fine china. Cruises on the Martha Lewis are run by the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc., which promotes and preserves historic Chesapeake Bay watercraft and educates the public about the heritage of the bay. For more information, call 410-939-4078, or visit www.skipjackmarthalewis.org.
- 25
- A First Lady’s Style Tea and Tour
- The Reagan Library
- Simi Valley, California
- The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library will offer an elegant tea, complete with delicious sweets, savories, and teas; linen and fine china service; fresh flowers; and professional waitstaff. Following the tea, all guests will receive a docent-led tour of the entire Reagan Library and Air Force One Pavilion, with a detailed tour of the library’s latest exhibit, Nancy Reagan—A First Lady’s Style. As a special gift, each guest will also receive a copy of the softcover edition of the Nancy Reagan—A First Lady’s Style catalog, which contains more than 300 photographs documenting her historic role as America’s First Lady. For reservations, call 805-577-4118.
- 28
- Great Gatsby Tea
- 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Sweet Remembrances Tea Room
- Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
- Don your longest pearls and highest heels for an Afternoon Tea dedicated to the roaring twenties. Lose yourself in stories from the madcap jubilance of the decade—from decadent parties and wild jazz music epitomized in The Great Gatsby to the infamous Lindbergh trial. For more information, call 717-697-5785, or visit www.sweetremembrancestearoom.com.
October
- 3, 12:30p.m.
- 11, 2:00p.m.
- Out of Africa Tea
- New Virginia, Iowa
- Step into the world of Isak Dinesen, otherwise known as Baroness Karen von Blixen-Finecke, author of Out of Africa, as Miss Spenser portrays Karen, highlighting some of her days in Africa. A delicious four-course British tea will include soup or salad, savories, scones, and sweets. Guests will learn about this remarkable woman and her love affair with Africa and its people. For more information, call 641-342-1547, or visit www.missspensersspecialteas.blogspot.com.
- 8
- Afternoon Tea on the Skipjack Martha Lewis
- 2:00 p.m.
- Havre de Grace, Maryland
- Spend a fall afternoon on a simply elegant cruise aboard the historic skipjack Martha Lewis. Sail around the Susquehanna Flats while enjoying tea sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, and dessert. Private label black tea and green tea with red bush are also served. Even on a sailboat, every touch is polished, from the linen napkins to fine china. Cruises on the Martha Lewis are run by the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc., which promotes and preserves historic Chesapeake Bay watercraft and educates the public about the heritage of the bay. For more information, call 410-939-4078, or visit www.skipjackmarthalewis.org.
- 18
- Fall Foliage Tour & Tea
- 1:00 p.m.
- Woodlawn
- Alexandria, Virginia
- In addition to enjoying Woodlawn’s own special tea blend and early nineteenth-century confections, guests will learn about the tea customs of the 1800s and may take an in-depth tour of the historic Woodlawn house. Tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey house are also available. For reservations, call 703-780-4000, ext. 26327.
- 24
- Haunted Harvest Candlelight Tea
- 7:00 p.m.
- Victorene’s Tea
- Monogahela, Pennsylvania
- In Monongahela, Pennsylvania, the fall brings beautiful colors to the riverbanks, along with falling leaves, crisp air, and thoughts of yummy fresh-baked treats with cups of hot tea. Victorene’s Tea, set in a restored 1860s Victorian farmhouse, celebrates this glorious season by hosting a tea by candlelight. For more information, call 724-258-7199, or visit www.victorenestea.com.
- 25
- Chinese Tea Tasting Ceremony
- 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m
- Orientspiration
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- If you have never been to an authentic Asian tea ceremony, this is your chance to explore another world of teas and culture. Tea is served in accordance with the rituals of the traditional Chinese ceremony. See how the teacups are cleaned and the tea leaves are washed and watch as the tea steeps, all while learning about the culture behind the ceremony. Enjoy the most exquisite teas China has to offer, such as black ginger, green dragon well, oolong, and wild strawberry. For more information, call 919-846-0910, or visit www.orientspiration.com.
- 29
- A First Lady’s Style Tea and Tour
- The Reagan Library
- Simi Valley, California
- The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library will offer an elegant tea, complete with delicious sweets, savories, and teas; linen and fine china service; fresh flowers; and professional waitstaff. Following the tea, all guests will receive a docent-led tour of the entire Reagan Library and Air Force One Pavilion, with a detailed tour of the library’s latest exhibit, Nancy Reagan—A First Lady’s Style. As a special gift, each guest will also receive a copy of the softcover edition of the Nancy Reagan—A First Lady’s Style catalog, which contains more than 300 photographs documenting her historic role as America’s First Lady. For reservations, call 805-577-4118.
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