Quilted to a Tea

Summer has officially come to an end here in Northeast PA. Oh, we will still have some lovely days before the snow flies but the fun and games are done for now. It’s time to prepare the garden for its winter snooze, store the hummingbird feeders until they make their return, mulch the roses and other tender plants. Don’t get me wrong, fall is beautiful here, the colors, the smells, but it’s different from the steamy summer days.

This summer my lady friends and I took time out from all our other activities and obligations to visit some very lovely tea rooms. The first Tea Room we visited was no. 10 Palmer Place in Painesville, OH. Located just off  Mentor Avenue the Tea Room is decorated in a Victorian style, there’s also a darling gift shop and a beautiful garden room just right for a private party or bridal shower or just a photo opportunity, like we did. The ladies who work here make yummy, fresh, soups, salads, desserts and the service is superb. Our server was so kind and friendly and even helped us celebrate the birthday of one of our tea group members who was not able to be with us that day. How sweet is that!

Next up on our Tea Room Tour, Miss Molly’s Tea Room in Medina, OH. Another beautiful and elaborate Victorian style Tea Room. We were seated by the Christmas tree, decorated year round with tea cups, lace and lots of tea themed accouterments. Gorgeous! The food of course was freshly prepared and absolutely delicious with a wide choice of hot teas and my favorite, raspberry iced tea. The gift shop is a cornucopia of beautiful tea gift items, tea pots, cups, table linens, cards, and lots, lots, more. A beautiful afternoon!

For our third stop on our Tea Room journey we went to Olde Avon Village in Avon, OH for a lunch at the Tree House Gallery and Tea Room.  What a fun place for lunch! We were seated in the back room, and had a lovely view of trees and flowers and yes, it was like having lunch in a tree house. The house is a century home and is full of antiques and collectibles for purchase. The Tea Room serves delicious soups , salads, sandwiches and desserts and again, my favorite raspberry iced tea. It really is worth a trip because it is lovely and delicious. After lunch you can stroll down the Old Avon Village shops and enjoy all the unique treasures from fiber arts to bath and body to pottery and soooo much more.

Our final Tea Room for the summer was in my territory, Erie, PA. The Anastasia Mansion is home to a beautiful, ornately decorated tea room,   Maison Fine Dining, Veronica’s Day Spa and Banquet Services. Our tea lunch was served in a lovely room filled with antiques and beautifully appointed. The menu changes each month so be sure to check their web site for a sneak preview of the delights you will be served. The Mansion is available for weddings, showers, party for grownups or for a delightful childrens tea.

Tea Room Road Trip 2009 was great fun. Of course any time you spend an afternoon with your girlfriends talking and laughing and eating it is a recipe for delight. Where will we go next summer? I don’t know yet, but I’m sure it will be fun and delicious.

First stop on our fall adventures, a winery! Yea!

Filed under: Tea on September 22nd, 2009