GREAT ESCAPE: Tea By Two

It’s the most civilized great escape you can imagine.

Quaint décor, tempting aromas and beautifully set tables welcome guests to Tea By Two for an experience of a bygone era. No need to pull out your fanciest dress though, this tearoom in the heart of Bel Air, is a comfortable setting for total relaxation.

You’ll feel transported to another time from the moment you enter Tea By Two. A small gift area at the entrance is comprised of beautiful stationery, lovely china teacups and more tea varieties than you thought possible. It is the perfect place to browse while waiting for someone to join you or after you finish your tea and want to savor the experience of being there a bit longer.

A warm greeting, typically from one of the tearoom’s proprietors, sets the tone for your visit like a friendly hand guiding you along a less-traveled path. Given the robust menu that includes more than 40 kinds of loose teas, it is nice to know that you are in expert hands.

When I’m there, the staff always thoughtfully answers my questions about the teas and their flavors and I’m left feeling that there is no bad decision to be made in choosing teas at Tea By Two. 

This is especially true when the tea is paired with a scone just out of the oven or a selection of tea sandwiches. Everything is served at a leisurely pace allowing time for conversation or to enjoy whatever occasion has brought you there, and you will leave the tearoom feeling pampered.  

Now in the interest of full disclosure, as a mom of two under the age of 6, it is not often that I can carve out the time and find a friend—many of whom are moms of two or more—to join me at Tea By Two (unfortunately.) Not to mention that the idea of coming home to laundry after having such a sophisticated outing is pretty difficult to swallow.

So what’s a girl to do when you can’t make it to a tearoom?

Carve out 20 minutes and enjoy the warmth of a cup of tea in your hands at home—and don’t be afraid to make it special. Pull out some of your wedding china or find a pretty teacup and saucer at a thrift store to use. Splurge (whatever that means for you) and buy a type of tea (green, black, oolong, white, loose, blooming) that will feel like another time and place when you drink it.

There is something about tea that forces you to slow down, to breathe more deeply and to enjoy the moment. In doing this, we can escape from the daily demands of home and work to appreciate one of the world’s most simple pleasures.

Address:  814 South Main Street, Bel Air MD

Phone Number: 410-838-8611

Website: www.teabytwo.com

Before You Go: Reservations are recommended but not required. The tearoom hosts many special events throughout the year. Upcoming events include ‘A Royal Wedding Tea’ on April 16 and ‘Mother’s Day Tea’ on May 6 & 7.

Tea Resources for Home: Teavana is described by the company itself at “part tea bar, part tea emporium.” Located locally at Towson Town Center, a stop here will allow you to sample tea varieties and pick the brains of a barista to learn more about tea, its benefits and what is perfect for your tastes. Phone: 410-494-8811 Teavana’s website at www.teavana.com is practically an encyclopedia of tea and you can order online as well.