Top-rated locations in Georgia’s first city
Text by Shelby Duffy | Photography by Kyle Carpenter
Steeped in rich and alluring history since its founding in 1733, scenic Savannah, Georgia, has become a fascinating juxtaposition of old-world charm with a vibrant art scene and nightlife. Take a stroll down one of countless historic avenues and parks shaded by a canopy of trees dripping with Spanish moss and then stop by any of the following five venues to enjoy a welcoming respite and a spot of tea, the Southern way.
1. Perry Lane Hotel
256 East Perry Street • Savannah, GA 31401
256 East Perry Street • Savannah, GA 31401
Tea and books often go hand in hand, which is why it is no surprise that Perry Lane Hotel’s delightful afternoon tea service is hosted in the hotel’s spacious, yet welcoming, library.
Inspired by the colorful adventures of Adelaide Harcourt, a fictional world traveler and seventh-generation Savannahian that was said to have donated countless family heirlooms and travel souvenirs to Perry Lane Hotel, the hotel’s library is filled with a collection of colorful, richly textured art. One such piece includes the beloved Flora painting by Deborah Brown, which is prominently displayed across from a stunning grand piano and surrounded by a variety of eye-catching sculptures and trinkets. The library effortlessly creates an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and intimate, and it is perfect for a casual afternoon spent reading books or enjoying a private tea party.
Visitors can book a private event to enjoy afternoon tea in this idyllic setting with up to eight attendees. Upon arrival, guests are served zero-proof cocktails, meant to excite the palate before enjoying tea. Artistically crafted, gourmet blends of teas and tisanes are served from charming teapots, along with a tempting selection of tea fare, including house-baked pastries and sweets, such as indulgent macarons, an assortment of differently flavored tartlets, and chocolate-covered strawberries, various tea sandwiches, and savory hors d’oeuvres. This indulgent affair is perfect for a special occasion with close friends or as a luxurious treat for just one or two.
To book a private tea party, offered Sunday to Friday, email info@perrylanehotel.com.
2.Gryphon
337 Bull Street • Savannah, GA 31401
912-525-5880 • scadgryphon.com
The Savannah College of Art and Design, or SCAD, is a private institution located in the downtown area of Savannah, Georgia. In 1979, SCAD purchased and renovated the Savannah Volunteer Guard Armory to serve as the first classroom and administration building. Following their goal to preserve the history of Savannah, they acquired space in the Scottish Rite building, which previously housed A. A. Solomons & Co., a turn-of-the-century pharmacy. In 1982, the space underwent renovation to become the university’s bookstore and eatery. The Gryphon opened in 1998, with the restoration led by SCAD president and founder Paula Wallace and retains many of Solomons & Co. original features, including carved mahogany bookcases and original stained glass panels.
Today, Gryphon offers an elegant afternoon tea service, surrounded by the warmth of vintage books, high ceilings adorned in vibrant patterns, and keen additions of antique décor inspired by the history of the building. Tea-goers are ushered to their seats and served by SCAD students, who regale visitors with tales of the past and interesting tidbits about the campus and city.
Guests can enjoy a delightful selection of Harney & Sons tea blends, thoughtfully paired with tea sandwiches, scones served with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves, fresh fruit, and various sweets. The Gryphon pastry chef creates everything from seasonal mousses and rich chocolate confections to fruity tartlets and luscious cream puffs.
Gryphon is open Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
3. The Tea Room Savannah
14 East Macon Street • Savannah, GA 31401
The Tea Room Savannah opened in 1997 and was once a restaurant serving lunch fare and afternoon tea. However, the beloved location transformed in 2013 to focus on expanding its tea offerings and soon became a warm and friendly boutique offering a variety of loose-leaf teas and accoutrements. Described as a small speakeasy tea store, this 400-square-foot building nestled in the historic downtown area of Savannah offers visitors an intimate setting to escape from the busy rush of day-to-day life.
The shop is run by Anastasia McDonald and Elizabeth Ruby, a quirky and fun pair that are full of tea knowledge and value comradery and one-on-one interactions with customers rather than high turnover rates. They are more than happy to educate visitors on the current selection of teas and enjoy the opportunity of finding an interesting recommendation based on a visitor’s unique preferences and taste palate.
The Tea Room Savannah is open Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4. Ashford Tea Company406 East Oglethorpe Avenue • Savannah, GA 31401
Inspired at a young age by watching his mother steep sun tea, Wayne Ashford says that a love of tea and its numerous health benefits has been a major catalyst for his success as a business owner. With more than 30 years of experience in the tea industry, including over 20 years running his own tea shop (Tea’s Me Café in Indianapolis, Indiana), Wayne sought a change of scenery and decided to move to Savannah, Georgia, where he opened Ashford Tea Company in 2018. This multifaceted business offers tea lovers a variety of tea-based experiences, including a shop, tasting room, studio, and lounge area.
Ashford Tea Company offers both instructional classes and private tastings, where guests are invited to explore the world of single-origin, imported teas while engaging in enriching discussion. During the tasting, participants savor a curated selection of teas, paired with healthy fare, as they learn about the art of tea and its benefits. Wayne explains, “These gatherings foster an open dialogue about well-being . . . It’s not just a tea tasting—it’s a celebration of living consciously and with intention.”
The Ashford Tea Company store is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit ashfordtea.co for event and tasting schedules and to purchase tickets.
5. Yaupon Teahouse + Apothecary349 Abercorn Street • Savannah, GA 31401
As a young boy, Lou Thomann was always passionate about native cultures. He spent countless hours reading Native American stories and learning as much as he could about a variety of civilizations. In 2010, Lou took a weekend trip with family and friends to nearby Ossabaw Island, where he was introduced to yaupon holly [pronounced YO-pon] and heard about Native Americans’ medicinal use of the plant. His love of learning was reignited after they picked, roasted, and brewed yaupon leaves to create their own tea.
After three years of meticulous research, Lou and his wife, Lori, launched The Yaupon Tea Company and went on to purchase two farms, where they grow and cultivate their own yaupon plants to process. In 2019, Lou opened Yaupon Teahouse + Apothecary in Savannah, Georgia. The compact, sun-bathed space is a combination of natural wood elements and sleek, modern interior design, which creates a wonderfully Zen setting that perfectly displays their selection of teas and botanical-based wellness items. Both their brick-and-mortar store and their website offer a variety of yaupon products, including teas (both loose-leaf and ready-to-drink bottled tea), infused and herbal skincare products, snacks, and even yaupon incense.
Yaupon Teahouse + Apothecary is open Thursday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Products are also available to purchase online at yauponteahouse.com.
