On a lazy, hot afternoon in June, a friend and I ventured down to The Rosemary House Bed & Breakfast in Pittsboro, NC to enjoy an afternoon tea.  Afternoon tea is served at the Rosemary House on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons from 12-3 pm, by reservation.  The canopy of sugar maples and front porch of the inn were a welcome sight on a very sultry day.  Weather permitting, you can enjoy your tea on the expansive wrap-around porch, but since it was absolutely sweltering, we sat inside in the library to enjoy our tea.  Our teas were served with a beautiful tiered tray of finger sandwiches, scones, brownies and other treats.  There was a good selection of teas to choose from, and the teas, food, and service were great!  Our special request for iced tea was quickly accommodated with a smile.  Next time you plan to be in the Pittsboro area exploring the local antique stores and pottery studios, make sure you plan to stop in the Rosemary House for a pleasant afternoon diversion.  We hope to return soon, on a cooler day, so we can enjoy that front porch!

The Charleston Tea Plantation isn't a tea room, but is a place that tea lovers will want to visit just the same!  The Charleston Tea Plantation is the first place that tea was grown in the United States, and tea is still grown there today.  On a recent visit to Charleston, we had the opportunity to spend several hours touring the Plantation.  The tour includes both the growing fields and the tea processing center and ends in the Visitor Center gift shop where you get a chance to sample and purchase the Charleston Tea Plantation's signature tea American Classic Tea.  They've also developed several loose leaf tea blends which are available as well.  In May, the Plantation holds a First Flush Festival with food, fun, and entertainment to celebrate the first cutting of the year's tea crop.  It's off the beaten path, but next time you're around Charleston, be sure to stop by.