Great tea, Great Lake: Afternoon Tea at the Inn at Bay Harbor:

Afternoon tea at the Inn at Bay Harbor

Although it's less than thirty years old, the Inn at Bay Harbor, located in Petoskey on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, captures the elegance of century-old grand hotels with its expansive starch-white exterior, crystal chandeliered lobby and, the icing on the cake - or as we like to say at Barb's Tea Service, the clotted cream on the scone - their daily offering of afternoon tea. We visited the resort this week and found the tea service to be excellent, a perfect fit in this fashionable resort.  

Our tea guide and server extraordinaire, Xaina, 

The afternoon tea experience starts with an enthusiastic greeting. My friend, Loretta, and I were welcomed on the first floor and escorted to the tea dining area, a cozy corner overlooking the hotel lobby. Here we were introduced to Xaina, our exuberant tea guide and server extraordinaire. She showed us to our table and left us with the tea menu to look over.

Tray of loose teas and tisanes to assist in the afternoon's selection.

Xaina was back shortly with a tray of the loose leaf teas which included Earl Grey, rooibos, jasmine green, white and a rose herbal tea. There was also a special tea of the month, "Lady Lavender". With Xaina's encouragement, we examined and sniffed the teas and tisanes, finally making our selections - a pot of earl grey and a pot of rooibos. 

Three tiered tray filled with dleicous scones, sweets and savories.

Following our pots of tea, which were replenished before we knew we were running low, Xaina brought out the three tiered tray filled with a unique twist of the traditional afternoon tea fare.  Along with the de rigueur cucumber sandwiches, other savories included egg salad, cheese and tomato and salmon on a round croissant-like roll - all generous in size and delicious.  

The tearoom is a bright and pretty corner of the Inn overlooking the hotel's lobby.

The scones, the quintessential afternoon tea delight, were on their rightful place on the second tier. Two scones per person, one plain and one berry, were very tasty and served alongside honey, jam and clotted cream.

Place setting includes linen napkin roses inside a teacup.

To literally top off the menu, the sweets were amazing - miniature masterpieces that were absolutely scrumptious. Among the bite-sized desserts were a lemon pastry, a chocolate torte, a citrusy mousse in a molded chocolate cup, a macaroon, baklava and fresh strawberries.

Inn at Bay Harbor captures vintage charm

On the Lake Michigan shoreline, scenic patio views

And, although this tearoom doesn't have views of the bay, it's a lovely place for tea. The space is  bright and open and furnished in a contemporary chic decor. All tables are topped with white linen cloths and accompanied by comfy plush chairs in pink and blue hues with gold trim.  Fresh flower bouquets are on every table and a white linen rose-shaped napkin is presented in a teacup at every place setting. 

Scones are served with honey, clotted cream and jam

We selected a warm Monday afternoon to enjoy our tea and neither the lobby nor tea room was crowded or noisy. At a nearby table, a young girl, outfitted like a princess complete with silver sandals, was taking in the "Children's Tea" option accompanied by her grandmother.

In addition to the "kid friendly" menu, certain dietary restrictions can be accommodated (see their website for more). One may also add a glass of prosecco, rose or a mimosa to the tea.

We'll be back to the Inn at Bay Harbor for the patio picture postcard lake views, sandy beach, well-appointed interiors and - the clotted cream, honey, and jam on the scone - afternoon tea! 

Afternoon tea is served daily at the Inn at Bay Harbor, reservations required. For more information, see check out the Inn at Bay Harbor website:  Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection | On Lake Michigan in Bay Harbor, Michigan