Monday, August 29, 2016

Three-day Outing to Lakeside, Ohio

I arrived at my girlfriend's house at 9:30 a.m. last Friday to depart for Lakeside, Ohio for a three-day outing with four wonderful ladies.  Lakeside is about a two-hour drive, and we had 11:30 a.m. reservations for Afternoon Tea at Tea by the Sea tea room.

This was my second visit to Lakeside Chautauqya.  I blogged about last year's visit here. The quaint, gated campgrounds, which is run by the United Methodist Church, West Ohio Conference, sits on the shores of Lake Erie and is open from May until September.  Since 1960, they've held an amazing antique show on the grounds every August, which is our main inspiration for going.

Approximately 300 picturesque cottages line narrow streets, 100 of which have year-round residents. It's a restful, slow-paced community, and reminds me of what Martha's Vineyard must be like [although it's not on an island]. Below is the gate we entered this year - much smaller than the main gate.  Tickets are purchased upon entering and must be shown when leaving and re-entering the grounds. 





We drove to the cottage where we were staying to unload our luggage, and had the privilege of meeting the hospitable owners who were out-of-town when we went last year. Then we rang for a 5-passenger golf cart [the mode of transportation on the campgrounds besides walking] to transport us to the tea room.


 Tea by the Sea is located inside Rainbow House.



Charming owner, Ruth Ann, was ready and waiting for us.


[L-R:  Louise, Barbara, Suzanne, Me, and Linda]


Our tea began with Swedish Scones, which look similar to Crumpets.  They're Ruth Ann's signature scones, and as long as she owns the tea room she won't share the recipe, but she said variations can be found on the Internet.


The first tea we selected was Coconut Pouchong by Golden Moon.  It was delicious with a wonderful aroma.  Later we switched to Ginger White Tea.


~ Three-tiered server laden with wonderful food. ~


Savories/Sandwiches


[Top L-R: Cucumber/Cream Cheese on Wheat Bread; Egg Salad on White Bread; Ham and Cheese pinwheel; Smoked Pimento Cheese on open-faced Pumpernickel triangle; and Chicken Salad in a fried Won Ton Wrapper - in center. Ruth Ann used fresh herbs from her garden - mint, dill, parsley and lavender.


~ Fresh Fruit ~


~ Desserts ~


Dark Chocolate French Truffle; Individual mini Apricot Cheesecake; and Neiman Marcus Bar. 


~ The meal concluded with a dish of Sherbet ~


~ A peek at the tea room ~


The wicker lady below was in the parlor.


[L-R:  Barbara, Louise, Suzanne; Me and Linda]

Then we were off to shop in the quaint stores at Lakeside until they closed at 5:00 p.m. Below is the yard of Marilyn's - a shop near the tea room.


You wouldn't think we'd be hungry again, but someone recommended Ciao Bella restaurant in nearby Port Clinton, so we went there for dinner.  


It was a lovely restaurant and I ordered Portabella Ravioli with cream, herbs and white truffle oil. It was delicious!


We drove back to our cottage with very full tummies, and sat around in our jammies and talked until bedtime.

To be continued...

* * *

Today I'm joining Rose Chintz Cottage for No Place Like Home
Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Bernideen's Tea Time Cottage for Tea in the Garden


13 comments:

  1. Oh, what a fun outing! Sounds like the first day was delicious, I'm looking forward to hearing about the rest of your stay.

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  2. It looks like you had a wonderful time! We try to visit Ruth monthly when she is serving tea. Our second visit this year is Wednesday. Tea By The Sea is a lovely place for afternoon tea. Can't wait to hear about the rest of your weekend!

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  3. What an adorable photo of the 5 of you standing outside. That should definitely go in a frame. It was sure a lovely place. I have seen articles about the area before in magazines. Thank you so much for sharing!

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  4. What a wonderful place for a get together! The tea room looks wonderful...and it's not just that it's time for lunch here. Wish I'd been part of the group! Wonderful! Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  5. I'm always so envious of your fabulous adventures to tea rooms, Phyllis! What a beautiful tearoom with such a lovely array of food. The wicker lady is so adorable!
    Happy Birthday to your daughter. She's a beauty, like her mom! My second oldest has his birthday today...his last year of being in his 30's!

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  6. What a delightful tearoom! I'm intrigued by the Swedish scones. I wished that I had a chance to try them when I was in Sweden!

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  7. Phyllis, what a fun thing to do! I've never heard of this place, so I'm looking forward to reading more about your adventure. I love a delightful afternoon tea!

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  8. Now this looks like quite a fun place! It's charming, it has a unique history, and it sounds quiet and laid back, which is tops on my list when it comes to leisure destinations thes days. And with such a great tearoom as well? Awesome!

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  9. What a charming place! You ladies must have had a fabulous time, what with the lovely tea time and shopping. The wicker lady is quite unique, isn't she? Thank you for sharing all the fun with us and we look forward to hearing more.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  10. Oh what fun! What a cute picture of all of you all dressed up!

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  11. I've always thought those Chautauqua houses were so cute, though I've only seen them in magazines. Here in Texas, there's a Chautauqua building in Waxahachie. It's an octagon shaped building, all wood construction, with a soaring ceiling. People used to come and camp outside around it for the events held there.

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  12. Ah- I had asked you on Part 2 if this was your first time, apparently no. You know, growing up there I have only ONCE been to that tea room? My best gf in high school treated me to tea there - oh my gosh it was so wonderful. You and your ladies look so pretty. What a special day!

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  13. Dear Phyllis,
    I am featuring your post at No Place Like Home this week. Thanks for sharing with us and have a delightful day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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