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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