Tecumseh, MI

From Governor Croswell tearoom in Adrian, we drove 12 miles to Tecumseh where the British Tea Garden is located along with several other shops and antique stores.

The Village of Tecumseh was platted in 1824, and named after a Shawnee Indian Chief.  As you can see in the picture below, the charming downtown buildings are quite old.

Rochelle Bird has been the proprietor of the British Tea Garden for over 15 years. I visited for lunch with a girlfriend several years ago. [It's the dark blue building in the center above.] Tuesday was a clear, mild day, perfect for browsing the shops lining Chicago Blvd.

We went inside to browse, but not eat.  In the pantry area are lots of British foods, loose-leaf teas, and tea equipage.  I took interior photos, including a sectioned off area where British memorabilia is displayed, but not sold.

~ Below is the Tea Garden Cafe area.  It was late afternoon, so the booths were empty. ~

We went into several shops and a couple of antique stores.  I made two purchases at Tecumseh Antiques.  I spotted a red transferware teapot trivet that was made in England and imported to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.  For $12 I couldn't pass it up.

With beautiful Christmas decorations and music playing in all the stores, how could I not be drawn to Christmas dishes? When I inquired about a Rosina sugar, creamer, and accompanying tray, the vendor told me she'd include a plate and candy dish for $25, so they came home with me too.

I already had a Royal Tuscan teacup in the "Noel" pattern, and it matches the Rosina Christmas china perfectly.

It was a fun day, and I'm happy with the 'treasures' I purchased to remember it.