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; thecozyteacart.com.
Maine
Jacqueline's Tea Room: Jacqueline Soley serves soup (in winter) or sorbet (in summer) in addition to the usual courses. Guests may try unlimited teas. Walk-ins may order tea and scones. Tuesday–Saturday. Fortified by tea, you’ll be ready for Freeport’s myriad outlet stores. 201 Main Street, Freeport. 207-865-2123; jacquelinestearoom.com.
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.
