Tea is the perfect beverage for winter--warm on a chilly day while packing a nutritional punch. So exploring a local tea shop was a welcome diversion for a recent winter evening. Every time that we are in Vernon Hills, we never seem to have enough time to visit Tea Harbor. Finally, I found a free evening for what would be a fruitful excursion!
A Loose Leaf Tea Adventure
Immediately upon stepping inside Tea Harbor, I began my eager exploration. Metal tea tin after metal tea tin presented a vast array of loose leaf tea varietals--green tea, oolong, white, black and herbals. The selection included many teas I had heard of and plenty that I had not. One of the salespeople helped me select a new green tea to try. I was pretty impressed with her knowledge and ability to suggest tea varietals based on my preferences. Each tea is clearly labeled with a description. Samples are available for you to smell. The sample tea leaves are kept in an air tight container that is pretty cool to check out!
After weighing selections, I chose a tea to be brewed. You can have tea brewed in house to take with you. To the delight of many, Tea Harbor also makes bubble tea and smoothies. My daughter has already hit me up for smoothies in the spring so we will be back to try one! Tea Harbor also sells a small selection of baked goods including scones baked right there. Some other selections come from a bakery.
Plenty Tea Accouterments
While waiting for my tea, I was able to peruse the shop's tea accouterments. Once again, a fabulous selection including tea sets that certainly 'wow!' Tea Harbor is definitely a place to check out if you are looking for any tea-related items. If you are looking for a gift for a tea-lover, this is the place to go!
The one thing I definitely think Tea Harbor could improve on is having more space for patrons to kick back and enjoy a pot of tea in the shop. While the store does have a few tables, there really isn't enough seating.
However, I know that Tea Harbor will remain on my list of places to visit in Vernon Hills! I am always looking for new teas to experience and new tea items to add to my collection. So, I will definitely be back! Plus, Tea Harbor is a local business--a total plus and I owe my daughter a smoothie. A return visit is in order!
**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.
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