Northern New England has more than its share of dreary winter days. Happily, there’s a perfect antidote: elegant afternoon tea. Accompanied by multi-tiered trays of scones, finger sandwiches, savory treats, and tiny sweets, tea is served in cozy inns, frilly tearooms, and grand hotels. Here’s where to sip; reservations required.
New Hampshire
Omni Mount Washington Resort
Ladies (and gentlemen) have taken tea here since 1902. The Princess Tea features smoked duck breast, smoked salmon mousse, lemon tarts, and lemon-curd macaroons. There’s also a children’s tea menu. Friday–Saturday. , 310 Mount Washington Hotel Road, Bretton Woods. 603-258-0330; omnihotels.com/mountwashington.
The Cozy Tea Cart
Enjoy soothing harp music as you dine at Danielle Beaudette once-a-month, themed afternoon tea in her café. For example, in March, it might be an Irish tea. 104 Route 13, Brookline. 603-249-9111.
Vermont
Inn Victoria
Dress up with a chapeau from the inn’s assortment of men’s top hats and ladies’ ascot-worthy choices and then select from 50-plus teasas well as a personal pot and cup from a large collection. Weekends; other days possible. , 321 Main Street, Chester. 802-875-4288; innvictoria.com.
The Governor's House in Hyde Park
Tea-culture expert Suzanne Boden serves a delightfully proper tea in the inn’s library. Thursdays and Sundays. Little finger up or down? Boden’s etiquette lessons explain the correct way to hold a teacup (down). 100 Main Street, Hyde Park. 802-888-6888; onehundredmain.com.
AAA Travel Alert: Many travel destinations have implemented COVID-19–related restrictions. Before making travel plans, check to see if hotels, attractions, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants, and local authorities have issued health and safety-related restrictions or entry requirements. The local tourism board is a good resource for updated information.
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