Afternoon tea is simply the best Southern tradition

You may have recently heard a relative or friend reference a scheduled T-Time at a local golf course or country club throughout the past summer months. Unfortunately, this particular T-Time lacks the scones, pastries and overall elegance that a summer activity of a very similar name guarantees.

Afternoon tea, offered at a variety of charming tea rooms and cafes across the South, offers an elegant experience that even the best summer waterslides or family barbecues fail to match. Before you wet-haired, fresh-faced, bikini-wearing, or God forbid I say, coffee lovers, begin to doubt such a statement, let us explore the reasons to replace your summer glass of sweet tea with a sophisticated cup of steeped Earl Grey.

Escape the heat

With Southern summer temperatures rising faster than your little brother racing down the local pool’s waterslide, afternoon tea destinations provide an air conditioned getaway for those in need of a break from the sun. Though yes, the hot tea delivered to your table upon arrival may lack the refreshing nature of an iced Arnold Palmer, there will be plenty of chilled cucumber tea sandwiches to keep you and your guests of choice calm, cool and collected.

A switch of wardrobe

Admit it – bikinis, swim trunks and wet hair can get old. With that said, if your stock of pool towels or one-pieces is running low, afternoon tea encourages summer dresses or more formal ensembles to be pulled from the depths of your closet. After all, you didn’t spend all those days laying on the beach to show off your tan to the fish in the ocean. Sitting around a charming spread of scones, sandwiches and tea, feeling momentarily sophisticated and spoiled, will leave you happy to keep that swimsuit hanging to dry.

A getaway for a small fee

Afternoon tea is a tradition originally rooted in the classic and sophisticated culture of Great Britain. As the South, somewhat like England, shares a love for simple charm and hospitality, this region of the country was quick to adopt this tea-focused afternoon activity.

When the beaches of the South become too crowded or your sunburn finally sets in, a day spent enjoying afternoon tea can transport you to the palaces of Kensington or Buckingham. Far from England, however, if you spill your tea or scarf down your scone, no proper British eye will be looking on.

A change in cuisine

Let’s be honest, if we are going to talk about afternoon tea, let’s talk about the tea-time treats that await you. An accompaniment of scones, tea sandwiches, pastries and more are included in a typical order of traditional tea. When Southern summer delicacies such as barbecue and popsicles have been over-consumed, afternoon tea’s diverse delicacies will be a pleasant surprise for your taste buds. Tea time tip: be sure to ask for clotted cream and a jam of your choice to accompany the provided scones.

Broaden your tea horizons

It is no secret the South is home to some of the most refreshing, fruitiest and sweetest iced teas in the country. Hidden away in private tea rooms, small cafes and charming dining rooms of this same region, however, the South’s hot steeped teas are of similar standards. Though these teas will most likely come unsweetened, there is an unlimited amount of sugar cubes – and cream – for your tea-drinking pleasure.

It is time to replace your splash in the pool with a splash of tea. Grab some of your closest friends and family members and add this perhaps unexpected and unique Southern activity to your summer schedule. Just remember, pinkies up.