One the road again: Gilded Age, Gift shops, Sunsets and Afternoon tea from St. Augustine to Asheville

Charleston Tea Plantation, mid-stop on our road trip 

Last week, we logged in several hundred miles in a van, driving from St. Augustine to Asheville on my dream road trip along the southeastern coastline. The plan was to visit Gilded Age museums and tea sites as well as witness as many sunsets and get in equal number of porch sittings as we could.  It was Ahhhh-mazing!

In the next few weeks, I will devote a blog to each special place we visited. But, in the meantime, here's a snapshot overview.

Flager College, once Hotel Ponce de Leon

The actual trip began at Detroit Metro Airport with our one-way ticket to Tampa. We stayed with my in-laws for a few days before embarking on our Gilded Age/tea tour, but logged in a few sunsets and porch sittings while on the gulf coast to get us started.

First of many sunsets on "the tour".

Our first stop on the tour was St. Augustine, home of Flagler College, the site of the Gilded Age resort, Hotel  Ponce de Leon. We also toured the Lightner Museum across the street, which was once another hotel built by industrialist, Henry Morrison Flagler. Ostentatious? - Absolutely! But it wasn't called the "Austere Age" for a reason.

Inside the Lightner Museum

From St. Augustine, we headed northeast to Jekyll Island. We stayed at the Club Hotel, which began its start in the Gilded Age as well. Once the exclusive resort of the wealthy northern families, including Astors, Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, today all guests will feel as pampered as any one of the vintage one-percenters.

Jekyll Island Club Hotel, started as an exclusive resort for the Gilded Age one percenters

We had an absolutely wonderful afternoon tea in the Club Hotel's dining room. (You will want to stay tuned for the upcoming blog on this lovely tea room experience!)

Delicious tea fare at Afternoon Tea at the Club Hotel Dining Room

 Our "home-away-from-home", Sans Souci, part of the Club Hotel at Jekyll Island with big porches and beautiful furnishings.

Our  third floor room had an expansive porch with excellent views

Tried to log in a few notes for blogging before the big porch called to me to view the sun setting.

Who am I kidding? I've got to shut down - almost time for sunset viewing!

On the road again, we programmed our GPS to Charleston, with one stop along the way to Wadmalaw Island to visit the only tea plantation in the US. It was incredible to see a working tea plantation and view all that it takes to harvest this special drink.

The only US tea plantation - this had been on my list for a long time!

We took the trolley tour of the farm, the self-guided tour of the factory, and spent a good deal of time in the gift shop. With a couple cups of tea and a full tote of goodies, we were ready to go!

Across the Ashley River is downton Charleston

Next stop: Charleston. Our hotel had wonderful views of the city and (by now essential) sunsets. While in town, we dined on Southern favorites such as shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes and got a good taste of history as well. Also worked in a tour of  the Gilded Age home, the Calhoun Mansion (aka, the "OMG house"). This over-the-top residence also had a gift shop which housed my wish-list silver tea set.

The Calhoun Mansion, aka the "OMG House".

Silver tea set in Calhoun Mansion gift shop

Last stop before heading back home to Detroit was Asheville, We were crushed to find one of our favorite tea rooms, Chelsea's, was closed (best white chocolate, lemon curd cake ever!) but still enjoyed the walk in the quaint, historic Biltmore Village in addition to a raid at the Biltmore Estate Gate House gift shop.

No Chelsea's but consolation was found at Biltmore gift shop.

It was an incredible road trip, full of special places and surprises - not the least of which was meeting up with our next-door-neighbors when we stopped in Jelico, TN for gas. We had no idea of their travel itinerary, and we were as shocked-and-awed by this event as our first viewing of the Calhoun House. OMG, indeed!

OMG! It's our neighbors in Jelico, TN!!

The next few weeks, I'll be pouring over brochures and maps we picked up along the way, as well as my five-hundred-some pictures captured on my iPhone, to reminisce about this awesome adventure. I'll also be sampling some of my road trip booty:  brought back lots of books and tea. Left the sivler tea set in Charleston, though - but just another reason to go back.

Road trip booty: tea, books and china. To the silver tea set, I say, "I'll be back!"

Downton Abbey Evening Tea at Walled Lake Library

Downton Abbey tea at the Walled Lake Library

Last week, Barb's Tea Service presented a Downton Abbey-inspired evening tea at the Walled Lake Library. The turnout was fantastic and necessitated set-up at the Fire Station meeting room which is just across the library's parking lot.

Barb with fellow tea enthusiast & DA fan, Barbara Tabb

Guests came dressed for the event, many donning hats and gloves. We were excited to finally meet up with Barbara Tabb, fellow tea enthusiast and Downton Abbey fan.

We shared our stories of our visit to Highclere Castle and Bampton Village, our interview with Lady Canarvon (both featured in the January/February issue of Tea Time Magazine) as well as the lifestyle of the British aristocracy in the Edwardian era.

We served up several pots of tea, and much to our delight, many attendees stayed after the program to visit and share their stories.

Adult Services Librarian, Carrie Crossman with Rachel-Rose

A big thank you to all who came out last Tuesday and a special thanks to Adult Services Librarian, Carrie Crossman, for inviting us to the Walled Lake Library. A wonderful time at Walled Lake!!


Downton Abbey fans - we still have more DA teas coming in May. Check Barb's Tea Service's event page for more details!

Downton Abbey-inspired Afternoon tea at the Townsend: Luxurious setting and delicious treats perfect for celebrating!

Rachel-Rose & Barb surrounded by the luxurious ambiance of the Townsend tea lobby

With a luxuriously appointed tea lobby befitting of the Crawley estate and outstanding service that would make Carson jealous, Birmingham's Townsend Hotel is the perfect place for a Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea. Barb's Tea Service was delighted to present our Downton Abbey program last Sunday to over forty guests.

Guests arrive and find their seats under the crystal chandelier

Attendees were seated at the long table under the crystal chandelier or one of the round tables along the decoratively painted walls. Many guests, in addition to being Downton Abbey enthusiasts, chose the event to honor special occasions as well. What a fantastic way to celebrate and what a  treat to be part of that!

Roses and fruit plates on the table, ready for guests' arrival.

Some guests had called us before the tea, after seeing the 'Say Good-bye to Downton with a proper afternoon tea' article in the Detroit Free Press which featured BTS. We were so happy to see that Daisy Lucente and her good friends, Susan Cash and June Whittled were able to make it!

June Whittled, Susan Cash and Daisy Lucente celebrate at the afternoon tea

As we discussed the Edwardian influences on the British aristocracy, our visit to Highclere Castle and the importance of dress to both the upstairs and downstairs families, guests were treated to delicioius scones, savories, sweets and never-ending pots of finely brewed tea. A few who were celebrating birthdays were served up an extra dessert.

Ruth Mayhall with Illene Lipiski

A great time with Downton Abbey-ites: a fun afternoon with girlfriends, husbands and wives and mothers and daughters.

Sandy Dionsi & Anne Dunlap. Anne not happy with the series' finale.

Although all who were at the event shared a solidarity in being Downton Abbey fans, there was some lively discussion after the formal presentation as to whether the series ending met expectations.

Another fabulous tea at the Townsend Hotel. A thank you to Tea Director, Laura, and all the amazing ladies and gents who attended!!

We're not quite done saying farewell to Downton. See our events page on Barb's Tea Service's website for more upcoming tea events!

Downton Abbey Farewell Tea at Otsego County Library: BTS Great Time in Gaylord!

Who's a Downton Abbey fan? Just about everyone!

 Almost two weeks ago, on a bright, sunny Sunday in March, Barb's Tea Service had the great pleasure of presenting to a wonderful crowd at the Otsego County Library which hosted a Downton Abbey Farewell Tea. The events room held over 50 guests and with pastel linens, fine china teacups and scones and sweets on every table, it transformed into a charming tearoom for the afternoon.

Beautiful day and wonderful venue! 

Sharing a cup of tea with Deb Johnston of Otsego  Library

We were invited to present by Deb Johnston, Adult Programming Coordinator at Otsego Library. Like most of the guests, she's a fan of Downton Abbey.  Deb raffled off some amazing Downton Abbey-themed treasures and tea gifts to guests who scored highest on the DA quiz.

Rachel helps with handouts.

Afternoon tea fare ready to be served.

Scones, cookies and tea were served to attendees. Presentation was as beautiful as the treats were tasty!

Scones and other treats were served with freshly brewed tea.

Downton Abbey decor turned events space into a lovely tearoom

The events room was accented with Downton Abbey-inspired decor. We especially loved the silver tea set.

We shared our visit to Highclere and Bampton Village as well as some behind-the-scenes tales from Jessica Fellowes. We also discussed fashion of the area and the advantages of the Edwardian tea gown. Some guests came dressed in period attire which added to the fun.

Melanie McDougall of Gaylord dressed in period chic

Rachel-Rose  takes a quick scone break before  book sales.

A great thank you to Deb Johnston, the Otsego Library staff and all the guests who attended. We had a delightful time and enjoyed the fabulous turnout.

We are in Gaylord often, so we hope to see you all when we next visit!

And, we've got a few more Downton Abbey-inspired teas coming up. We'll be at Birmingham's Townsend Hotel on April 3rd and the Walled Lake Library the evening of April 5th.

In May, we'll be at the Schoolcraft Library in Kalamazoo County and Sweet D's Tea Room in Linden.

For more information, check out the events page of Barb's Tea Service website.

Tea from China at Baldwin Library: Great event and featured in the Observer, too!

Baldwin Library  Everyone's Reading Shanghai Girls & t BTS presents Tea from China

As part of the  Everyone's Reading 2016 program, which features the book, "Shanghai Girls" by Lisa See, Baldwin Public Library is hosting a number of events celebrating this captivating book. On March 13, Barb's Tea Service presented "Tea from China" as part of this community program. 

A reporter from the Observer was also in attendance and wrote a great article about the event in this week's edition:  Try Chinese Tea at Everyone's Reading.  We'll be presenting the same program at the Canton Library next month. 

Rachel & Pam brew the teas for tasting, and Taylor assists with set-up.

Our presentation on the history of tea included a demonstration of the Chinese tea ceremony in addition to a samping of four Chinese teas. Our expert brewers, Rachel and Pam, prepared and served the tea and Taylor assisted in set-up.

Three of the four teas sampled came from Socra Tea in Detroit

Three of the four teas came from Socra Tea in Detroit:  milky jade oolong, dragon well and keemun. We enjoyed sampling these delicious teas as much as our guests!

Barb with Maria Williams, Head of Adult Services

We displayed Chinese teaware, including the curious clay baby, which has a novel way of indicating when the water is warm enough for tea.

We were special guests of Maria Williams, Head of Adult Services at Baldwin Library and honored to be part of the Everyone's Reading program.

Barb's Tea Service Team:  Rachel, Pam and Barb

Barb's Tea Service had a wonderful time with a great turnout at Baldwin Library.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Canton Library April 17th for more Tea from China!

Count down to Downton Abbey Series Finale: End of an Era, but still more to celebrate with Barb's Tea Service

The doors to Downton Abbey will close tonight, but we'll leave the light on for you.

The grand doors of Downton Abbey will close for the last time tonight when the series finale of the Masterpiece period drama airs tonight. Downton Abbey enthusiasts -  ourselves included -  have anticipated this with mixed feelings. Anxious and hopeful for some happy endings, it nonetheless will be sad to see the Crawleys and their downstairs staff leave our Sunday evenings forever.

But, maybe not!

Tonight may bring some closure to some of the characters' lives (oh my gosh, will Edith ever find lasting happiness??), but aside from that, true Downton Abbey fans will keep the story going in their hearts, their travels, and their desire to celebrate this tour de force with other DA devotees.

Rachel is ready to snap wedding photos at St. Mary's/St. Michael's

For your season finale tea party, The Detroit Free Press' (March 5)  article 'Say Good-bye to Downton Abbey with a proper afternoon tea', includes tips and a few quotes from Barb's Tea Service.

Aside from tonight, there's still more in the way of celebrating Downton Abbey. Barb's Tea Service has a record fifteen events on the books from January to May, and ten of those are Downton Abbey-inspired.

We kicked the year off at the Southfield Library with our Downton Abbey afternoon tea in January. This was followed by three events at Meadow Brook Hall  and one at the Addison Library (see last blog story) in February.

Rachel holding a picture of our visit to the real DA at MBH

The teas at Meadow Brook Hall were especially fun as Rachel-Rose was able to participate in one and family and friends came out to join us, including my cousins, Dianne, Kathy and Karri and tea friends Phyllis Barkey and Lori.

But wait, there's more!

In March, we'll be in Gaylord at the Otsego County Library with our Downton Abbey-inspired presentation. In April, we're back at the Townsend Hotel and two days later,  Walled Lake Public Library.

Back at the Townsend in April!

Then, we pack up our suitcases in May and we'll be at the Schoolcraft Library on the west side of Michigan, followed by fun afternoon at Sweet D's Tea Room in Linden. (Check out barbsteaservice.com for all updates!)

Having tea at Highclere with our Highclere tea mugs, of course!

In the meantime, sit back, get the tea kettle on, reserve a box of tissue, and spend a fun-filled two hours this evening saying a fond farewell to our favorite aristocrats and their charming staff.

Cheers to all our fellow Downton Abbey devotees!