Happy Spring everyone! 😊 One of the things I look forward to during this time of year is...tea time with my girlfriends! I absolutely love catching up over some mini sandwiches, pastries, fruits, and of course, a steaming cup of hot tea. This past weekend, however, I got to do something different besides the traditional tea. Some girlfriends and I went to a winery and attended a "Taste of Rose Tea Party." We got to pair our food with different wines and it was delicious! 😋
If you are ever in the area, go and try Bluemont Vineyard! They have some of the best farm food and wine. I have went there for their Chef's Table brunches and dinners by the talented Chef Karli and I always want to go back for more! 😋
Afternoon Tea Suggestions
Mother's Day is coming up and I have compiled a list of Traditional Afternoon Tea places that you can go to and/or just to catch up with your friends in the Virginia area!
Places I have visited:
1. Crest Hill Antiques - located in Fauquier County, VA, they serve over 25 varieties of tea. I love their quaint little place, its comfortable and cozy, with servings of scones, mini sandwiches, tea breads, cakes, cookies, tea sandwiches, fruit plates and salads. I love how much food I get for the price, it's delicious and I am always stuffed with leftovers!
2. Ritz Carlton - located in Tysons Corner, VA, inside the hotel is the Entyse, Wine Bar & Lounge where they serve afternoon tea with "Tea through the Seasons" on Saturdays & Sundays. I have only been to one of their events, and it was the Halloween Tea Party with my kids and their friends! I remember everything was so beautifully decorated to the T with the Halloween theme and my boys enjoyed their cookies and sandwiches of ghosts and goblins.
3. Elden Street Tea Shop - located in Herndon, VA, although I have never been to their afternoon tea events, I have stopped by there with some friends for just tea and it was satisfying and hearty. Looking at their website, they do offer private afternoon tea, afternoon tea events and weekly tea shop events. Be sure to check it out here!
4. Historic Rosemont Manor - located in Berryville, VA, they have signature teas that are very savory and flavorful. I love the smell and taste of their teas that I ended up purchasing some to take home! My favorite was the Signature Bryd Blend Black Tea. Their scones, sandwiches and cookies was also absolutely delectable! Weekend teas usually fill up quick so be sure to make reservations way in advance. Here is the link to their tea schedule.
5. Oatlands Historic House and Gardens - located in Leesburg, VA, they offer afternoon tea and generous portions of mini sandwiches, fruits, scones, and cakes! They have tea for Mother's Day weekend so be sure to check that out!
6. The English Rose Tea Room - located in Virginia Beach, VA, this place offers a variety of scones, sandwiches, salads, cheese slices, fruit, and their spreads and jams are so delicious!
Places I haven't been to but plan to go visit:
1. Henwick Hard Cider - located in Bluemont, VA, they are currently offering a Mother's Day Tea Party Picnic for May 8 & 9 weekend. There are various times listed so be sure to reserve in advance and bring your own picnic blanket! The Birds Bite Kitchen will be serving a picnic spread made for two that consist of cream scones, tea sandwiches, mini quiche tarts, sweet breads and shortbread cookies. They will also have cold brew teas for purchase and farm fresh hard cider.
2. The Tea Cart Tearoom - located in Berryville, VA, they offer traditional British tea, monthly themed tea events such as Bridgerton and The Sound of Music for the month of April. They have sandwiches, scones, selections of sweets, mimosas and even champagne! They have a Mother's Day tea so be sure to reserve online!
3. Gateau Bakery Cafe & Tea Room - located in Warrenton, VA, this place offers luxury tea with sandwiches, salads, scones, and a variety of desserts such as cake pops!
4. Cafe Renaissance - located in Vienna, VA, this place offers afternoon tea time during the last Saturday of each month, so be sure to call and book in advance! Although I have never been here, some of my friends have and they raved how good this place is, especially their mini sandwiches and desserts!
5. The Jefferson Hotel - located in Richmond, VA, they offer afternoon tea with pastries, finger sandwiches, and scones on Fridays through Sundays. Their Mother's Day Tea is currently sold out but if you would like to go on the weekends, be sure to call and make reservations in advance!
6. Belle Grove Plantation - located in King George, VA, with over 200 years of history in this place, they use antique china, offers loose-leaf teas, scones, tea sandwiches and desserts!
I hope you all found this blog post helpful in finding a place for afternoon tea and as always, please call in advance for reservations and dine in updates due to the pandemic. Some of these places also offer takeout as an option if you are not comfortable dining in. Till next time, stay safe and well everyone! 💛
