Tea, in its many forms, seems to be a miraculous, almost supernatural substance. Its ambrosial qualities are known to allay ailment, lower health risks, promote sound snoozing, and—in rare cases—incite political revolution.
Yet its oldest and most widely accepted function is a social one, with elaborate afternoon tea parties becoming a popular occasion among the affluent in the 17th century. And while caffeinated beverages becoming accessible to lower classes turned it into a daily tradition in most homes, you can still have the cordial, upscale experience of an afternoon cup right here in the Hudson Valley.
The many tea rooms scattered across the region offer a unique experience, complete with delicious finger foods, delicate china, and loose-leaf varieties from all over the globe. Purists can sample loose-leaf imports alongside small plates, while fans of the bubble tea craze will find plenty of colorful options across the Hudson Valley.
Charlotte’s Tea Room
Warwick
View this post on Instagram
With her favorite board game in mind, owner Joanne Graney created the Clue-inspired shabby-chic Garden Room; The Library, complete with hardwood tables and a gas fireplace; The Blue Willow Room, featuring a 1780 Thomas Minton pattern; and The Front Porch where, in the warmer months, you can enjoy your tea with a pleasant view of the sunset. Recipes from England, Ireland, and Graney’s grandmother introduce guests to a proper cup. The Tea for Two comes with two assortments of traditional tea sandwiches, scones, a fresh pot, and two desserts for $55. There’s also a Wee Tea for children under 10, complete with sandwiches, a beverage, and a vanilla ice cream or brownie sundae.
Florrie Kaye’s Tea Room and Gifts
Carmel
View this post on Instagram
“We wanted to create a space where people could step back in time,” says owner Samantha Ramos. Fresh flowers and antiques create a warm, relaxing atmosphere to enjoy an afternoon of assorted sandwiches, scones, miniature cakes, pastries, and a choice from over 95 varieties of loose-leaf tea. House-made desserts using recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation are baked daily.
View this post on Instagram
Florrie Kaye’s is a welcoming Victorian shop staffed by family and friends with a love for the herbal beverage. It serves loose-leaf varieties from all over the world, including India, Africa, China, and Japan. Expect classic sandwiches that vary daily, like the signature coronation chicken salad on zucchini nut bread or ham and brie on a croissant, plus scones, jam and cream, and even prosecco. Florrie Kaye’s is also a popular venue for bridal or baby showers, birthday parties, and anniversaries.
Harney & Sons
Millerton
View this post on Instagram
No Hudson Valley tea tour is complete without a trip to the OG. In fact, Harney & Sons sachets are what many of the region’s tea rooms choose to serve in their pots. A longtime local favorite, Harney is known for its beautiful flavors sourced from across the globe. In Millerton, the tasting bar and lounge stocks 250 varieties to pair with an elegant brunch or lunch. Take the website’s convenient quiz to find out which tea is perfect for you.
Expect all the brand’s signature sips, including Elyse’s Blend, Hot Cinnamon Spice, Tower of London, and more. They’re just the thing to wash down prosciutto sandwiches or salads tossed with green apple and candied pecans. The Millerton space is cozy and quaint, making it a dream for afternoon dates and classy brunches with friends in Dutchess County. While Harney’s black and greens are understandably popular, its fermented pu-erh blends are like the champagnes of the tea world.
Hastings Tea & Coffee
White Plains
View this post on Instagram
At this cozy shop, co-owners Joan Jia and Robert Peirce offer only organic and natural loose-leaf tea. The complex, earthy aroma of oolong partners well with pastries like vanilla pound cake and coffee cake. Pair Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and English breakfast with Bread Alone cookies or something rich and decadent like vegan chocolate spelt cake or monkey bread. Chinese jasmine and Japanese greens bring out the fruity flavors of dark chocolate. The Dragonwell blend pairs well with freshly baked alfajores—those are silky smooth dulce de leche sandwiched between two shortbread-like cookies. Make sure you check the seasonal specials; the chai and turmeric lattes are hot during the fall months!
ImmuneSchein Tea Haus
Saugerties
View this post on Instagram
Although this Saugerties tea house offers up classic loose-leaf teas and adorable teaware and accessories, it is most well known for its award-winning ginger elixirs. The ingredients that ImmuneSchein uses in its elixirs have been used for hundreds of years to support the body’s immunity against colds, promote digestion and circulation, reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation and more. So, grab a glass of tea while you learn more about the benefits of the varieties of ginger elixirs or browse the shop’s delights–from chocolate to canned fish!
The Kingston Tea Room
Kingston
This tea room holds significant historical value as it resides in the Thomas L. Southwick House in Uptown Kingston. Have a taste of tea surrounded by this bed and breakfast’s authentic colonial style decor. The quaint food menu ensures that the tea does all the talking and that you truly appreciate the trip back in time that The Kingston Tea Room offers. The signature teas include Diamond Jubilee–a combination of Earl Grey, lemony bergamot, and grapefruit essence created in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne–and Fruits d’Alsace, a black dessert tea that incorporates the apricot, cherry, and plum fruits of the Alsace region of France.
Matcha Thomas
Beacon
View this post on Instagram
Matcha Thomas may be best known for its signature matcha, but its tea selection is nothing to sleep on, either. The self-described wellness teahouse is a family business that serves only vegan and gluten-free eats and drinks, so anyone with dietary restrictions can feel good during a visit here. As for what to drink, the Matcha Thomas latte is a must for first-time visitors, while the Thai milk tea is delightful if you’re all about boba. For tea purists, Matcha Thomas carries iced Catskill Mountain Tea Co. blends in flavors ranging from raspberry chamomile to cranberry echinacea. On the hot tea front, look out for the almond matcha, Bohemian Breakfast, or coconut chai teas.
Miss Tea
Beacon
View this post on Instagram
Miss Tea carries all the staples, but its wellness teas take the cake. Lavender rose calms before bed, turmeric and ginger boosts your health and mood, Mediterranean mint soothes your digestive system, and ginger elderberry warms your body in the colder months. Miss Tea not only has a selection for all occasions, but it also carries quite the collection of tea wares for sale. Join them at the quaint Beacon shop for events like paint and sip nights, any of the SpiritualiTea ceremonies, or a simple cup of tea.
The Ridge Tea + Spice Shop
New Paltz
View this post on Instagram
Located inside a tiny shop in New Paltz, The Ridge is a pandemic brainchild that has continued to thrive in the Hudson Valley. Swing by to ogle the dozens of loose teas on offer, with everything from basics like chamomile and peppermint to the more unique Ready, Set, Cleanse! and Autumn Apple Chai teas gracing the shelves. On cooler days, try out the tea lemonades or sparkling iced teas, which rotate flavors weekly. The Ridge also posts an AstroloTea monthly, so check back to see what the special is for your star sign.
Short and Stout Tea Company
Albany
View this post on Instagram
A sweet and cozy shop in the Capital Region, Short and Stout began as an online business and gained a reputation at craft fairs before moving into its own brick-and-mortar in Albany circa 2013. With more than 130 loose teas, the shop is a paradise for sippers in the Hudson Valley. Pair a matcha with a savory chicken curry puff or a sweet macaron for an ideal afternoon nibble. Along with standard cups of hot and iced sips, the shop is known for its vast array of inventive bubble tea flavors, including cherry rose, taro, berry and cream, and more.
Tea Talk
Poughkeepsie
View this post on Instagram
Tea Talk features dozens of loose teas, bags, and sachets, as well as an ample selection of bubble tea flavors that can be further customized with assorted tea bases and flavored boba. The Poughkeepsie spot crafts themed flavors around movies and TV shows. Everything from Disney to Pokémon to Sailor Moon is immortalized in flavorful sips. On the house menu, inventive creations like Fruit Loops combine Indian Nimbu with taro, almond, and strawberry milk for a delicious concoction. Purists can sample specialty blends straight up or indulge in basics like green matcha lattes or healthy kale smoothies.
Related: The Ridge Tea & Spice Shop Serves up Sips in New Paltz
