I hope you have all been enjoying your summer and taking the time for yourselves for a tea break!  Last month, on my familys trip to Lake George, NY, we had the wonderful opportunity to take some tea breaks for ourselves.  As we drove through Vermont, we happened upon the quaint little town of Woodstock. Having left very early in the morning, we were all ready to stretch our legs, when we noticed the Woodstock Coffee & Tea shop before us (Rt. 4, 43 Central St., Woodstock, VT, 802-457-9268).  Upon entering the shop, I was greeted by Mary Urban, the shops owner.  She welcomed us with kindness and was quick to point to their abundant tea selections.  The Shui Hsien Oolong caught my eye, and after choosing some wonderful green teas for my boys and the oolong for my husband and myself, Mary and I became absorbed in tea talk. The Oolong was fabulous as were the green teas we chose. Although I had not realized it at the time, this was the beginning of a wonderful tea trip for us! 

A few days later, we took a cruise on the Minne-Ha-Ha Cruise Line in Lake George.  As we were returning to shore, the ships captain pointed out a small island known as Tea Island.  Of course, my curiosity was peaked!  After visiting the information center, we were led to the local Historical Society to purchase the book, Tea Island, A Perfect Little Gem, written by Trip Sinnott.  There we met Debbie Dawe who was delighted to assist us, (Lake George Historical Association, 518-668-5044). As my husband and children toured the old court room and jail, Debbie and I engaged in a discussion about Tea Island and breathtaking Lake George.  She was exceptionally kind and courteous in providing us with local historical information. Debbie then recommended we visit the Sagamore Hotel which offers afternoon tea; and off we went. 

I would highly recommend a visit to the Sagamore Hotel.  We were so thankful that Debbie had suggested this unexpected detour on our trip.  Even though we arrived too late for afternoon tea on the veranda, we enjoyed a casual dinner in Mr. Browns Restaurant, which seemed to be more suitable for our informal attire.  We took pleasure in the benefit of outdoor seating surrounded by a picturesque garden.  There was a small opening in the hedges which led to an expansive and exquisitely groomed lawn that sloped down to the lake.  After dinner and a delicious cup of Harney and Sons Earl Grey Supreme tea, we walked the grounds and lounged by the lake on the expansive peer that was enveloped with lounge chairs.  We all agreed that it was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about our unexpected tea vacation, and that you will take the time to visit these unique and spectacular tea locations.  You never know where the simple pleasure of a cup of tea will take you.

Loose tea - 4 oz.               $7.35     

Loose Tea – 4 oz.             $9.75