The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
8525 Garland Road • Dallas, TX 75218
214-515-6611 • dallasarboretum.org
With gorgeous horticulture to admire, educational opportunities for people of all ages, and pleasurable settings in which to take in the wonder of nature and sit awhile, The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is home to copious chances to pause and enjoy natural beauty through meticulously manicured flora. The vast 66-acre property, appropriately placed among the hustle and bustle of the ever-growing city, has provided a much-needed oasis for locals since 1984, boasting a marvelous tea service for more than 23 years. In 2000, the CEO at the time was adamant about offering elevated experiences, and afternoon tea was at the top of the list.
The extensive gardens, especially idyllic in the springtime, have been deemed by premiere publications as one of the top botanical gardens in the world. They afford views of seemingly endless lush vegetation, remarkably colorful flowers and plants of many varieties within themed gardens, and fun surprises along the way—think gushing waterfalls, unique architecture, and immaculate foliage. Afternoon tea is housed in the center of the grounds at the historic DeGolyer House, a 1939, 21,000-square-foot charming home originally owned by a husband-and-wife duo who were very active in Dallas. Beauty abounds in every inch of the acreage.
Taking tea at the Arboretum feels special, magical, and historical—an enjoyable divergence from the quick pace of normal life. “Afternoon tea here has been around for a long time,” states Angela Rollins, Director of Special Events. “It started off very small and has become a huge source of revenue for us.” For $62 to $65 per person, depending on the time of year, guests can expect to savor a scrumptious, three-course meal per tradition, available seven days a week by reservation. The fare includes a seasonal soup, assorted tea sandwiches, and an impressive selection of eight to ten miniature desserts and scones. The tender scones are served warm and come plated with the tempting sweets course. The menu changes seasonally so that patrons who frequent the teatime establishment are continually presented with a new and pleasant experience; however, customer favorites, like chicken salad and cucumber sandwiches, tend to be staples, as they are just too divine to part with for a season.
To accompany the delicious goodies, each course is perfectly paired with a different tea. The chef carefully chooses blends that seamlessly complement the light bites and bring out the best flavors in the food. “We get all of our teas from La Crème,” Angela explains. “Earl Grey is a bestseller. We would have a huge riot if we took it off the menu.” Distinctive flavored elixirs and tried-and-true classics are served at the teahouse to appease taste buds and introduce unfamiliar and exciting options to expand the beverage palates of those who attend.
For those who expect an extraordinary afternoon-tea meal but are additionally in search of something memorable beyond a perfectly baked macaron, The Dallas Arboretum is sure to provide a fabulous afternoon of entertainment, enchantment, and infinite “oohs and ahhs.” “It’s a Southern seated tea, taking about an hour to an hour and a half to go through everything,” Angela notes. “We try to bring a fun experience that people can come back for over and over again and make it a tradition. In the fall, we have nearly 100,000 pumpkins and in the spring half a million tulip bulbs. We aim to build an experience so that people want to come back throughout the entire year.”
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is open for tea Monday through Sunday, with seatings at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Reservations are required.
