Tea parties are no longer just for little girls in princess dresses. My Cup of Tea Unique Gifts, at the tail end of the 3rd Avenue village, provides a warm atmosphere where grown ups can have their very own tea party.
The small shop is owned by retiree Janet Goff, who started working at the tea shop voluntarily six years ago when it was located down the street and owned by another fellow tea aficionado.
""My daughter one day said `You know, there's a tea shop that just opened up on 3rd' because my children know I've been crazy about tea forever,"" said Goff. ""I came by and found the tea shop after I got off work that day and went in and had a cup of tea.""
Despite having her tea served in a styrofoam cup, something she feels ""takes away the ambiance"" of the tea drinking experience, she kept coming back and enjoying her favorite drink. Eventually she volunteered her services. After the former owner decided it was time to sell, Goff made an offer for the business. Once she took over she decided to move the location and do things a bit differently.
Goff explains: ""As you can see I use China. I'll do dishes. I have no problem with that. And the business picked up a lot more since she had it.""
The shop is modeled to look like a little English tea shop and carries 100 different types of tea from all over the world that are sold by the ounce, or can be enjoyed in store with a scone, lemon curd, and clotted cream. A full tea service is also available with a reservation, which includes three types of sandwiches. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and since the shop also carries adorable, knick knacks like teaspoons, teapots, and animal-shaped salt-and-pepper shakers, walking in feels like coming over to grandma's house.
As a tea drinker myself, I looked forward to trying one of the brews. Goff served up a blend of chamomile and mint that was not only delicious but also soothing. I couldn't help but feel warmed to the bone, especially because of the chilly winter weather outside. And sitting down for tea was relaxing. There was something about the experience that was calming and simply nice.
That's no surprise to Goff, who turns to tea for all ailments and emotions.
She says, ""I drink tea to wake up. I drink tea to go to sleep. Because I don't feel good. Because I'm happy. I drink it for any old reason.""
After trying her tea, it's not hard to see why.
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