Exploring Historic Elegance at Spring Tea Garden

Hey, fellow wanderers! Today, I’m sharing my afternoon tea experience at Spring Tea Garden nestled in the heart of Downtown Fullerton, California. If you’re not familiar with this city it’s less than five miles from Disneyland. This elegant tea house is located in a building that was constructed in 1920 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally a Masonic lodge the building has been transformed into a tea lover’s paradise.

Let’s talk ambiance. As you drive up you’ll notice the Spanish mission revival architectural style. Tea houses tend to be cozy, not the case here with the grandeur of the high ceilings and dazzling chandeliers. Still, it’s perfect for those who crave intimate conversations without constant interruptions. While the tea room can hold parties of up to 60 guests it is set in the historic Spring Field Banquet Center. So they also have a ballroom that can accommodate parties up to 300 guests. Talk about a tea party fit for royalty!

Lets dish about the menu. Spring Tea Garden offers an both an a la carte menu and several afternoon tea options. They have array of treats to tantalize your taste buds. However, if you’re like me and prefer a little more zing, you might find the flavors a tad on the mellow side. They have extensive tea selection that is also available for purchase in their shop. They also labeled the teapots during afternoon tea – adorable touch!

Our afternoon tea selection for the day – The Royal Tea.

• Sandwiches: Avocado and cream cheese; Dill and cucumber open face; Dill, cucumber and tomato open face, egg salad, chicken salad
• Petite garden salad
• Fresh seasonal fruit
• Toasted scones
• Desserts: tiramisu, raspberry chocolate cake, cheesecake, lemon mousse, cream puff with white chocolate
• Champagne
• Tea: Carmel Vanilla Cuppa Cake and Apricot Decaf

Whether you’re celebrating a bridal shower, baby shower, or simply indulging in an elegant afternoon, Spring Tea Garden promises an experience that’s as delightful as it is refined. So, grab your besties and prepare to sip, savor, and soak in the splendor of this hidden treasure. Until next time, keep steeping in style!

Spring Tea Garden

501 N Harbor Blvd; Fullerton, CA 92832

Tea Room Hours

Thursday through Sunday 10am-4pm

TEA ROOM HOURS (90 min Table Sitting)

MORNING TEA

• 10:00 – 11:30
• 10:30 – 12:00
• 11:00 – 12:30

AFTERNOON TEA

• 1:30 – 3:00
• 2:00 – 3:30
• 2:30 – 4:00

Walk-ins welcome subject to availability

Reservations recommended.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday by reservation with a group of 20 or more. 

Office Hours: 10am-6pm Daily

Call: (714) 447-0579

Exploring The Huntington: A Sanctuary For The Soul

Hey, fellow plant enthusiasts! 🌿 If you’re anything like me, finding the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty is a top priority. And let me tell you, if you’re in Southern California, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, or simply The Huntington, is the ultimate oasis you’ve been dreaming of!

Diana the Huntress
by Anna Hyatt Huntington

Nestled in San Marino, CA, this gem boasts around 120 acres of meticulously landscaped botanical gardens that will leave you breathless. From the serene vibes of the “Japanese Garden” to the striking allure of the “Desert Garden,” there’s something for every nature lover here. But let me spill the tea on my personal favorite: the “Chinese Garden,” aka Liu Fang Yuan 流芳園, the Garden of Flowing Fragrance.

Picture this: lush greenery, tranquil lakes, charming pavilions, and the aroma of blooming flowers dancing in the air. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, believe it or not, this slice of paradise is the largest Chinese garden outside of China! Talk about impressive.

During my visit I had the chance to chat with a landscape architect. In his professional opinion this Suzhou-style garden with its superior design and imported rock formations from China is the best garden to visit at the Huntington.

All of the garden’s visible building materials—wood beams, roofing tiles, granite terraces, paving pebbles—were sourced in China and installed by teams of Suzhou artisans. I was thrilled to find a teahouse and a tea shop serving up the most delightful blends. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a cute little shop where you can snag some souvenirs to remember your zen-filled day.

JAPANESE GARDEN

Now, let’s talk history. The Huntington isn’t just any old botanical garden; it’s a piece of living history. Named after Henry and Arabella Huntington, this place was once their private estate before being transformed into a public institution in 1928. So, when you wander through these gardens, you’re not just experiencing nature’s wonders—you’re also stepping into a legacy of passion for art, literature, and, of course, botany.

The Conservatory

The Conservatory

So, whether you’re craving a peaceful day of solitude or a picturesque backdrop for your next Instagram post, The Huntington has got you covered. Trust me, it’s more than just a garden; it’s a sanctuary for the soul. Grab your sunscreen, your favorite plant-themed tote, and let’s get lost in paradise together!

The Huntington

1151 Oxford Road; San Marino, CA 91108 USA

Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. every day but Tuesdays (closed) 
Reservations required Friday–Sunday, Holidays, and Peak Seasons; no walk-ins. Capacity limited daily. Reservations strongly recommended for week days.

Entrance fees: $13-36 Order Tickets Here

Free parking.

Why You Should Do A Semester Abroad While You Are In College

If you haven’t traveled much, but you want to, a semester abroad is the perfect way to start! Most of the trip details are planned for you: flights, ground transportation, housing, weekly tours. Some of the tours are included and some you have to pay extra for, but the ones that cost extra are optional. There’s also plenty of time to explore on your own. One of my favorite things to do was sit in the park and paint or draw. It made me feel like a local. You’ll also meet great people who probably have similar interests and love to travel.

In a way, this is were Travel, Tea and Me began. I started this blog after I ran away with the circus, but before that I spent a semester abroad in London with these amazing girls going to museums, eating the best Indian food I’ve ever had and, of course, drinking tea.

Side note, I did not actually like tea before this trip, but afternoon tea in London changed that. I love the whole experience – the pretty plates, beautiful tea cups and the fabulous tiny food. Some how the tea tasted better too (although it may have been all the cream and sugar I added). In London afternoon tea isn’t always the fancy set up you see in hotels in the United States. Sometimes it’s just a small meal to hold you over until dinner, but it’s always best served with friends.

I started thinking about doing a semester abroad before I graduated from high school. So the minute I heard about it on campus I knew I had to find a way to to go. 

I have always wanted to travel. I joined choir in eighth grade because I knew they were going on an out-of-state trip. Side note – I cannot sing, but guess I managed to carry a tune on audition day. I didn’t even know where they were going, but I was in. I grew up in a college town in central California surrounded by farming communities. By the time I left home at eighteen I had managed to travel all over the country including San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, and Washington DC. I was ready for more.

The Doctor Who Experience 

Sherlock Holmes place at 221B Baker Street

Buckingham Palace

A Castle in Cardiff

We’re All Potterheads

Platform 9 3/4

The London Eye

Our Last Night in London.

A semester abroad is very reasonable. When I went in 2013 it was roughly $8,000 through AIFS Abroad which cost about the same as tuition plus room and board for one semester at one of the state universities. So for the same price you could spend a semester in some old dorms in the states or a semester hanging out in London – no brainer.

Plus this might be the only time in your life you can just take off for three or four months to live abroad.

If you’ve ever heard stories about 20 somethings backpacking through Europe and assumed that’s only for the wealthy —- not true! Travel is encouraged for college students throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. Many of the museums are free, there are special rates for the Eurorail and reasonably priced hostels. After the semester ended I extended my trip for a few weeks to travel through France and Italy with two of the girls I met during the semester.

FRANCE 

I realize I am wearing the same beanie in a lot of these pictures. In my defense, 1) I made it myself 2) I was pretty proud of that 3) everyone looks back and high school / college pictures and says I can’t believe I wore that. 

ITALY

I met a wonderful group of girls while I was living in London and we have kept in touch. We try to meet up once a year for afternoon tea, a day at Disneyland, or a weekend at the the lake. Even during Covid in 2020 when our trip was postponed, we got on Zoom to catch up. Every time we get together it’s like a reunion. We talk about where we’re living now, what we’re doing and our shared memories of London. I don’t know if everyone makes life long friends during their semester abroad, but for me it was the best part.