Michigan Tea Rooms: Our new book is now available!

We hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas - having a festive time with friends and family and getting everything on your wish list. If you didn't get our newly released "Michigan Tea Rooms" in your stocking, there's no need to worry - it is now available on Amazon! Check out the link:  Barb's Tea Service presents Michigan Tea Rooms.

Michigan Tea Rooms features twelve tea rooms ("Steeper by the Dozen") in the Mitten State, all that we have personally visited. The venues range from casual to luxurious and span the distance from the Keweenaw Peninsula to the heart of Detroit.

It includes upscale hotels, including the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, a Michigan tea farm (yes! tea is growing in this northern mid-west state) and a newly-minted tea room in the "D".  There's something for everyone and every taste.

We'll also be selling these books at upcoming events in 2016, so stay tuned. If you are looking for a signed or personalize copy, just send us a note.

We at Barb's Tea Service wish you a wonderful new year and all the comfort and joy that comes with a great cup of tea, whether in Michigan, US or across the pond!

Jan/Feb issue of Tea Time Magazine: Highclere Castle and interview with Lady Carnarvon written by Barbara Gulley of BTS

A Visit to the Real Downton Abbey features our interview with Lady Carnarvon

In honor of the kick-off to the final season of Downton Abbey in January, the latest issue of Tea Time Magazine features an article about  Highclere Castle and an interview with its countess in residence, Lady Carnarvon. We're excited to share that the article was written by the one who pens this blog and based on the Barb's-Tea-Service-duo's recent visit to Highclere in September.

Rachel walks the grounds of Highclere

Like many other Downton Abbey-ites, Rachel and I were thrilled to tour Highclere Castle a few months ago and walk the rooms shared by both the real and fictional families of this centuries-old abode, the Carnarvons and Crawleys, respectively.

Discover where Lady Carnarvon likes to have tea in this issue!

We were also delighted to interview Lady Carnarvon and get perspective on what it's like to have your home shared with the Downton Abbey cast and crew for a few months of the year.  In addition, we learned her favorite rooms at Highclere as well as where she likes to have tea on the estate.

Tea time on the grounds of Highclere

Like Lady Carnarvon, and channeling images of the Crawley ladies at an afternoon picnic, Rachel and I enjoyed a cup of tea on the grounds of Highclere after strolling through the very familiar rooms of the manse.

Barb's Tea Service, Michigan-based tea education business!

Just like a having friends over for tea, sharing this visit has made the experience even better! We are so very pleased to be part of this issue of Tea Time Magazine.

Highclere selfie with the Barb's-Tea-Service-Duo

We'll continue to share more in 2016. Check out our website at barbsteaservice.com. Go to the BTS upcoming events page. We have many Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon teas coming up!