Several years ago, on Mother’s Day weekend, I had the pleasure of attending tea at The Hermitage, the historic home of Andrew Jackson, just outside Nashville, Tennessee. It was a special outing shared by three generations: my mother-in-law, my daughter, and me. Although my own mother was traveling and could not be with us that day, she was very much in my thoughts. Mother’s Day has a way of making us grateful for all the women who shape our lives, whether they are seated beside us or loved from afar.
The setting made the afternoon feel like more than a simple tea party. The grounds of The Hermitage provided a beautiful backdrop, and ladies dressed in period-appropriate clothing welcomed guests, led the tea, and appeared throughout the property. Their presence added charm and a sense of stepping gently into another time.
The Tea
The tea itself was traditional, elegant, and distinctly Southern. Our tea choices included black breakfast tea, green tea, and Earl Grey, classic selections for an afternoon tea. The savories featured familiar Southern staples: pimento cheese, egg salad, chicken salad, and cucumber salad. Fresh strawberries, pineapple, and cantaloupe added color and brightness to the table.
The sweets were just as inviting. Brownies and powdered sugar lemon cookies rounded out the tea tray, offering the kind of small treats that make an afternoon tea feel complete. It was a lovely balance of savory and sweet, formal and familiar.
The History
The Hermitage is best known as the home of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. Jackson purchased the property in 1804, and over time it became his family home and plantation. Today, the mansion and grounds remain one of Tennessee’s most recognized historic sites, giving visitors a glimpse into life in another era.
While The Hermitage is closely associated with Andrew Jackson, Rachel Jackson’s presence is also an important part of the story. The home and grounds were part of their family life, and Rachel’s beloved garden became one of the most meaningful places on the property. After her death, she was buried there, and Andrew Jackson was later buried beside her.
That history gave the tea a special atmosphere. The period clothing, the historic grounds, and the tradition of taking tea all worked together to make the afternoon feel gracious, reflective, and memorable.
The Tidbit
What made the day most meaningful, though, was not only the location or the food. It was the company. Three generations of women sat together over cups of tea, celebrating Mother’s Day weekend in a place shaped by generations before us.
My mother-in-law represented the generation before me, my daughter the generation after me, and I sat between them, aware of the gift of being connected to both. Mother’s Day has a way of making us think in both directions. We remember those who came before us, cherish those beside us, and look with hope toward those who will carry family traditions into the future.
That day at The Hermitage became one of those treasured family memories. The historic setting gave the afternoon its charm, but the heart of the day was the tea table: black breakfast tea and Earl Grey, plates of pimento cheese, egg salad, chicken salad, cucumber salad, fresh fruit, brownies, and lemon cookies, all shared in the warmth of being together.
Sometimes the most meaningful Mother’s Day memories are not made through grand gestures, but in quiet, beautiful moments across a table.
This May, may we remember that time spent together is often the sweetest tradition of all.
P.S. My mother was not able to join us that day, but no story about tea, tradition, and generations would be complete without her. She is part of the love and legacy behind every Mother’s Day memory.
Finding Tearooms
As a Nashville native and one who has resided in middle Tennessee all my life, I am starting local with my adventures shared through our new Tea & Tidbits column. Still, I also want to share great resources to find your local spots for tea so that wherever you find yourself, you can track down a lovely tearoom and take a moment for yourself.
You might also find tea service in places other than a traditional tearoom, like what I discovered in a local bakery. Below are several resources to help you find tearooms in the United States:
1. Destination Tea
This online resource offers a directory of tearooms by state, allowing you to browse and find venues that provide cream tea, afternoon tea, high tea, or tea ceremonies.
Website: www.destinationtea.com
2. Great Tearooms of America
This growing directory lists over two thousand tea rooms nationwide. You can search by name or zip code to find tearooms near you.
Website: www.greattearoomsofamerica.com
3. AfternoonTeaing
This site lists the best places for afternoon tea in the USA, including elegant hotels and cozy tea rooms.
Website: https://afternoonteaing.com/
4. TeaMap.com
TeaMap.com is an online directory dedicated to helping tea lovers discover tearooms across the United States. Created by Adagio Teas, the site allows visitors to search by state or ZIP code and browse detailed listings that include descriptions, user reviews, and style categories ranging from Victorian to modern.
Readers exploring the site can expect an easy way to find nearby tearooms, learn what each one offers, and even contribute their own reviews to help other tea enthusiasts. It’s a practical starting point for anyone looking to experience local tea culture while traveling or close to home.
Website: https://www.teamap.com/
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