Though I’m more of a coffee drinker myself (I take mine black, every single morning), I’ve always had a bit of a weird affinity for afternoon tea.
Not the tea itself, but the ritual.
I like the idea of sitting down for a warm beverage, delicious tiny treats and a civilized conversation devoid of cellphones.
My mom and I have been sharing in this practice since I was little, starting with a small tea shop in my hometown in Nebraska. When I finished high school, we made afternoon tea the theme of my graduation party.
So it only made sense for us to carry on this tradition after I moved to Colorado. Whenever my mom visits (if time allows), we like to spend an afternoon gazing up at the stained glass ceiling and sipping tea inside The Brown Palace hotel.
If you’re looking for a new mother-daughter tradition, consider these eight tea rooms across Colorado. Most require advanced reservations — especially if you’re planning to visit on Mother’s Day, when some are hosting special events — so be sure to call ahead.
The Brown Palace
Just stepping inside The Brown Palace hotel takes you away from the bustle of downtown Denver — and staying for afternoon tea will ensure you’re totally relaxed. As a pianist or harpist serenades you, enjoy plates of scones, finger sandwiches and sweets (you can ask for a complimentary second plate of sandwiches, too!). If you really want to indulge, order champagne with your tea service. On the weekends, stick around after tea for a cocktail and live jazz music.
321 17th St., Denver, brownpalace.com
Glen Eyrie Castle
Gen. William Jackson Palmer, the man who founded Colorado Springs, also built Glen Eyrie Castle, where today you can have morning or afternoon tea in the music room. After tea, consider taking a guided tour or making a reservation to stay overnight in one of the castle’s charming rooms. If you get lucky, you might also spot a herd of bighorn sheep, a flock of turkeys or some deer on the castle’s impeccably manicured grounds.
3820 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, gleneyrie.org
The Swan House
This historic home gets its name from A.M. Swan, who built the home in 1908 and owned a grocery store in downtown Loveland. Tea includes finger sandwiches, scones and dainty pastries. Or, stay for lunch and then take a self-guided tour of the two-story home; each room is decorated with antique furniture, linens, clothing and dishes.
317 E. 6th St., Loveland, theswanhouse.com
Dusty Rose Tea Room
Choose from 30 different teas during your visit to the Dusty Rose Tea Room, located in a historic 1875 building in the heart of Georgetown. The tea room shares space with Rocky Mountain Miniatures, a dollhouse store, so when you’re finished with your pastries or lunch, you can pop over to look at tiny furnishings. Feeling inspired by the menu? Take one of the tea room’s cooking classes and learn how to make scones, cucumber sandwiches and Devonshire cream.
614 Rose St., Georgetown, dustyrosetearoom.com
Miramont Castle
Take a step back in time to the Victorian era at Miramont Castle, built in 1895. Tea is served daily in the queen’s parlor tearoom, which affords visitors an obstructed view of the mountains through its tall windows. To create the castle’s tea menu, the chefs studied several 1890s menus from regional hotels for accuracy. After tea, take a self-guided tour of the castle and its beautiful gardens.
9 Capitol Hill Ave., Manitou Springs, miramontcastle.org
House of Commons
Jessica Avery, House of Commons’ owner, was born in London and grew up in a small coastal town in northern England. She regularly drank afternoon tea with her mother and grandmother, and set out to create a Denver tea room that replicated her experiences as a girl. Try one of the tea room’s authentic English scones, topped with its indulgent homemade lemon curd. The House of Commons also has gluten-free and vegetarian options, if that’s your cup of tea (pun intended).
2401 15th St., Denver, houseofcommonstea.com
Colorado Chautauqua
With the Flatirons as your backdrop, share a pot of tea in the Chautauqua Dining Hall. Colorado Chautauqua, which is celebrating its 120th birthday this year, was originally built as a summer school for Texas teachers. Though Chautauqua offers tea from November to April (with a one-off revival on Mother’s Day), this one is worth putting on your calendar for next year.
Baseline Road and 9th Street, Boulder, chautauqua.com
The Denver Team Room
What started as a service for people living in assisted living facilities has since blossomed into a full-on tea room and coffee salon. Margo Seymour, the tea room’s owner, is a certified pastry chef and tea master, so she really knows her stuff. Plus, she regularly hosts themed events perfect for your next girls’ day out, such as American Girl doll tea and royal wedding tea. 1165 S. Broadway, Denver, denvertearoom.com
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