TEA.....

Every Tuesday, my blogging friend Donna http://thehomemakingarts.blogspot.com/  has a tea party!  I think this is such a delightful idea for all of us that enjoy tea so much.  I am particularly fond of Green Tea and of Earl Gray teas.  My daughter bought 2 little coffee table books on tea at the book store and let me read them.  I found out so much about the history of tea!! 

But something I already knew from living in South Carolina is that The Charleston Tea Plantation is the only American grown tea.

About Us

The Charleston Tea Plantation is located on historic Wadmalaw Island in the heart of the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The history of the Island dates back to mid-June of 1666 when it is believed that Captain Robert Sanford and the crew of the Berkeley Bay landed on the shores of what is now known as Rockville, South Carolina. On June 23, 1666, he and his crew claimed the land for England and the Lords Proprietors. Today, Wadmalaw is considered to be one of Charleston's most unspoiled islands. It is approximately 10 miles long and 6 miles wide. The Island's only connection to the mainland is a bridge that crosses over Church Creek.

Home to the Charleston Tea Plantation, Wadmalaw provides the perfect environment for propagating tea. With its sandy soils, sub-tropical climate and average rainfall of 52 inches per year, Wadmalaw process idyllic conditions for the Camellia Sinensis plant. This plant is currently used to produce both black and green teas and exists in over 320 varieties on the 127 acre grounds of the Charleston Tea Plantation.

The Plantation sits right off Maybank Highway. Driving down Maybank is like taking a step back in time. Wadmalaw has not and cannot be commercially developed, therefore much of the land remains untouched. The Island is also home to other unique and historic attractions such as Irvin-House Vineyards, the only domestic winery in Charleston, South Carolina as well as the Angel Oak, a Live Oak tree that is believed to be over 1,500 years old.

Open 7 days a week, with the exception of a few holidays, the Charleston Tea Plantation is the perfect place to take a day trip. Bring the family, pack a lunch and enjoy the beauty of the tea fields. The experience is not only educational but more importantly one-of-a-kind. You will learn first-hand how tea is made during an informative Factory Tour. You can also take an enjoyable Trolley Ride through the tea fields, shop our unique Plantation Gift Shop and help yourself to all of the iced American Classic Tea you can drink.
  Back to joining Donna for Tuesday teas, here are some of my teacups, saucers and favorite pot...

Shamrock tea cup and saucer that was my Mom's.

My favorite Rooster cup and Saucer from Hubby.

Tea cups from my Mom's collection that are missing their saucers...

Teapot from hubby 2 Christmases ago.

And last but not least, my little aluminum 1-cup pot that is very thin walled and I never did use it for tea.  So I decided it would make a lovely pin cushion to keep on the kitchen counter, so here 'tis.
    Come back on Tuesday for more tea history and recipes!!
Thank you for coming and return soon, as I love your company and comments!

♥KERRIE♥
My heart to yours..


Alice in Wonderland having tea with a friend....