Whenever I get the opportunity to travel Tea Search is always on the itinerary.

Recently I went to a business conference with hubby and planned out my days with tea in mind.

I prepared by researching TeaMap and found a few possibilities based on where I was staying:

 

Brightons, InterContinental Hotel Harbor Court

Teavolve,  Harbor East

Tea by Julia Faye, Tea Room and Tea Store

Lahikmajoe style, I carried my tea flask on the train and enjoyed Wenshan Bao Chong, Oolong during the ride.

The early morning tea offerings at the event were very slim, the usual conference fair, a lovely box display of tea bags.

The honey display looked inviting stacked in rows, but then I don’t use sweetener in my tea (whenever possible).

I began my day reviewing the local transportation system for the correct route. As wet, cold and foggy gray as the day was, I was determined to visit at least one tea establishment on this short trip.

In the past I have never been fond of traveling without companionship but with the leaf as my motivation, I began my journey.

I consulted the bell captain to confirm my route and he suggested I take the Orange line local bus to the stop nearest the tea salon. When he told me it was a free bus service I was sold.

The bus ride was short 4 stops to tea.

There were several additional blocks to walk to the Intercontinental Hotel where Brightons is located. I got a glimpse of part of the harbor and was joined by a feathered friend.

 

 

The Intercontinental is impressive.

When you enter the lobby you are greeted by a winding staircase, centered between inviting seating areas with fireplaces and bookcases, a lovely setting.

Ascending the staircase it was hard not to stop to admire the hanging portraits and the

beautiful art that adorns the walls.

At the second landing, two sections for dining, “The Explorers ” and “Brightons”.  I was tempted to go into the Explorers Lounge as the decor was suggestive of a safari adventure, reminiscent of my adventure exploring the leaf.

 

 

Once in Brightons a wonderful young lady seated me. I told her of my tea journey.  She explained that the formal tea service (with loose leaf tea) was only on weekends but she would be happy to brew me a cup of tea. Grateful for the offer, as I was cold and wet, I accepted and added a request for blackberries and whipped cream also on the daily menu.

When placing my order I was disappointed that tea bags were the only offering but wait they did have a Darjeeling selection which I don’t normally see in tea bag choices. So Darjeeling it was.

Brightons is a lovely restaurant within a lovely setting.  I only wished it was a weekend so I could have enjoyed Afternoon Tea.

Their Afternoon Tea loose leaf selections: Vintage Darjeeling, Formosa Oolong, Keemum English Breakfast, Sencha Green, Earl Grey, Herbal Teas, Fruit Teas, and Wedding Tea.

 

 

On the second day of the Baltimore Tea Adventure, I was determined to have loose leaf tea.

So off again on the Orange Line to Harbor East and Teavolve.

Luckily the weather had cleared and it was a brisk, sunny day so if I got lost I could at least see  the street signs clearly.

The bus left me a half block away and I viewed the sign in the distance, oh joy only a few steps to my loose leaf tea experience.

Teavolve is an tea cafe with an urban setting. It’s quite spacious with ample seating.

I also noticed that they can accommodate outdoor dining as well in warmer weather.The service was immediate and informative.

 

The young lady who served me knew her tea and was willing to make suggestions based on my mood. I ordered an Assam since I needed a morning boost, along with a Breakfast Crepe (2 eggs, smoked bacon, white cheddar, topped with cheese grits, scallions & chipotle aioli).

I must say, for me, it doesn’t get much better than this. The tea was brewed to perfection with all the extras to make my experience a pleasure. The waitress was appropriately attentive watching from the corner of her eye to see when I needed more hot water for a second steeping (I wondered if she was counting how many cups I had poured).

The food scrumptious, I savored every bite.

 

 

 

 

I also noticed that they have music performances on the weekends, which I am sure are great.

I made note that Teavolve is a keeper and would go back whenever I’m in town.

I could not get to the last place on my list, Julia’s that I’ve heard so much about, time did not permit.

My hubby has mentioned he would like to visit again in the summer so we can explore Baltimore with more time. See you then Teavolve.