How is it that after 10 years running the U.S. Afternoon Tea Directory, Destination Tea has yet to attend a tea festival? Way overdue! This post is for anyone who, like us, wondered what all the hubbub was about. For those of you who have attended your regional tea festivals, or the World Tea Expo in Vegas, here’s a peek at what to expect at a festival run by Tea Time Travelers. The inaugural Huntsville Tea Festival was such fun, and we were only sorry that we had to head home when we did because there is always more tea to be had!
The Venue: Annabella at Cedar Glen
This event space was already on our radar because a couple of years ago they launched an afternoon tea service, listed in the Alabama Afternoon Tea Directory (more on their afternoon tea in our review next week). Under the tree canopy and covered walkway behind the main house, vendors set up their booths. Inside, afternoon tea was served at two seatings, for an additional cost, and every hour featured a new speaker in the banquet room. Although it was sweltering hot, the shade and air-conditioned manor provided some relief.
Tea Friends, Reunited
What we loved about this event, which had 400-ish attendees, is that it became a tea industry meet-up! With folks driving in from Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky and Mississippi, the festival was the perfect place to meet online acquaintances in person, and embrace longtime tea friends. We were delighted to catch up with Lorna and Katherine from TeaTime Magazine in Birmingham, AL, Vallie from The Kraken’s Cup in Knoxville, TN, Jennifer and Julia from Three Sisters Tearoom in Campbellsville, TN, Jason and Timmy from The Great Mississippi Tea Company in Brookhaven, MS, Kitty from Civili-Tea, and of course Elena of ArtofHats Studio in Marietta, GA.
A Tea Lovers’ Paradise
Kudos to Elizabeth La Ville, the organizer behind the Huntsville Tea Festival, for creating such a well-rounded affair. There was afternoon tea, tea-themed treats, live music, beautiful tea gowns and hats, a fantastic line-up of speakers, swag bags, raffle prizes, and of course, tea! Each guest received a tasting cup so that we might visit the various loose leaf tea vendors, trying their teas before choosing which to purchase. Perfect!
Each attendee received a Huntsville Tea Festival tote bag with Effie’s Homemade ginger biscuit, Ayurvedic Green Tea and Ambrosia Black tea samples from Raven Moon Emporium, and branded tea tasting cup. Our festival haul also included limited edition Sakura Wakoucha from Water Lily Tea Lounge, Yellow Tea from The Great Mississippi Tea Company, and the secret stash Spiced Cocoa Inferno Black Tea from Annabella.
U.S. Tea Festivals, Here We Come
Now that we’ve experienced it, we think $25 per person for entrance is a steal. We definitely see more tea festivals in Destination Tea’s future, and highly recommend you explore any in your area. Before you go, check out Tea Infusiast’s tips to be prepared to have a great time. If we are missing any U.S. tea festivals in this list, please drop a comment and we will add them.
- World Tea Expo / March (part of Bar and Restaurant Expo) – Las Vegas, NV
- Cascadia Tea Festival / April – Everett, WA
- Chicago Tea Festival / April – Chicago, IL
- Eugene Tea Festival / May – Eugene, OR
- Northern Virginia Tea Festival / May – Reston, VA
- Nevada Tea Festival / June – Carson City, NV
- TeaFestPDX / June – Portland, OR
- Huntsville Tea Festival / August – Huntsville, AL
- Northeast Tea Festival / August – Watertown, MA
- Northwest Tea Festival / September – Seattle, WA
- Ohio Tea Festival / September – Newark, OH
- Pennsylvania Tea Festival / September – Mechanicsburg, PA
- San Francisco International Tea Festival / November – San Franciso, CA
Happy tea travels!
