I have visited this shop several times now and always enjoy conversation with the warm and friendly owner, Melissa Hartmann. I first started visiting during the Batavia Farmers Market on River Street and bought a few loose leaf tea samples. Prices are moderate and the tea is displayed in large glass containers with airtight lids. You can buy a small sample bag, a 3oz or a 5oz can. I graduated from the sample bags to the larger cans after I was hooked on my favorite Jasmine Blueberry (a blend of green tea, jasmine flowers, blueberries and natural flavors). Another favorite is Coconut Cacao Pu-erh. (Pu-erh tea, cocoa nibs, coconut pieces and natural flavors) . They have a cozy area in the shop with lots of natural light where you can enjoy a cup of tea with a friend. Every time I'm there I see people enjoying this spot :)
I recently sampled and then bought one of their gourmet balsamic vinegars. The blackberry balsamic is just the right mix of sweet and sour and I add it to all my salads. Try it on fresh unsweetened goat yogurt to create an interesting dip for veggies/fruit. Also tried some of their lovely spices.
Lots of unique gift ideas here; handmade candles, scent diffusers, essential oils, pottery mugs. The shop setting is in a vintage building with natural limestone and brick walls conveying old-world charm. Check out their Facebook page for ongoing special events.
Glad this shop is in walking distance...
Read moreLast night, I came here with my friend for a tea tasting class. This is such a cool place! There were tables set with black linens, a pad of paper, a pen, a few tasting cups, and a fancy teacup and saucer. The owner of the shop, Missy, filled each teacup with a really yummy tea called For Her. It was very light and floral. As we sipped the tea, she went over the history of tea and the different types of tea. As she talked about each specific tea, her teammate Lauren went around and poured a sample of the tea in our tasting cups. Missy would talk about the health benefits of each tea and what notes we should be smelling/tasting. She also told us some fun stories of her conference and experiencing the whole tea making process. After the class, we could explore the tea leaves on the shelves and buy them. I got a peach oolong (which was one of the teas we tasted) and Happy Days (another fruity tea). The shop also has spices and balsamic vinegar to buy.
Missy and Lauren did such an amazing job and I really enjoyed the class! Hope to...
Read moreI absolutely love The Tea Tree! They have an amazing selection of olive oils, delicious flavored balsamic vinegars, spices and teas of all varieties at prices better than local grocery stores! I have been extremely pleased with everything item I've purchased. They also have essential oils, diffusers, candles, soaps and cute accessories. It's a great place to meet up with friends for a cute of tea, attend one of the awesome classes or pick up a quick gift for someone! The store owner, Missi and her family and staff are so welcoming, informative and extremely friendly. What a great...
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