Southern Tea Time Getaway - Day 3 Part II

We split up for shopping and reunited at 12:30 p.m. at the Vineyard Café for Afternoon Tea.  The square in Marietta had some very nice shops.  My girlfriend Lori and I both made purchases in the 'Shop 'til You Drop' Ladies Boutique.

I purchased a lovely black lace jacket by Pretty Angel, and was happy to get it half off!

Louise, one of our traveling companions, makes beautiful silk floral pins, and we each received one the night we exchanged gifts at the Cumberland Inn.  I can envision my pin on my new black jacket.

Two members of our group, Judy and her niece Cheryl, became TV personalities while in Marietta.  With the Royal Wedding just two days away, a TV reporter and cameraman were walking around the square interviewing shoppers about the upcoming wedding.  Judy, with her cute little black and white polka-dot dress and fascinator was the perfect candidate for an interview.  Who knew we'd be traveling with TV personalities!  ;-)

A private room upstairs was ready and waiting for us.

Our tea began with a plate of Fresh Fruit and Crackers.

Cream of Broccoli Soup, and if I remember correctly, I ordered Georgia Peach black tea.  Notice the French Presses they used for tea.  Our brew didn't become over-steeped because once the plunger pushed the tea leaves to the bottom, they couldn't continue to steep.  It was a fun change from the usual teapot.

Tiered Server with desserts on top:  Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies; Blueberry, Cinnamon, and Cranberry Apple Scones; Cream Puff; and Cherry Cupcake.

The sandwiches were delicious:  Mini Chicken Salad Croissants and Turkey and Bacon with Mixed Greens.

With full tummies we were ready to get back on the van for a four hour ride [263 miles] to Charleston, South Carolina.  While walking to the van I noticed an antique store across the street from where the van was parked, and predicted some of our ladies would not be able to resist going inside. Sure enough, we watched them spot the antique store then dash across the street and into it.  ;-)  The teapot below is what Linda spyed almost as soon as she walked into the store.  It was the perfect keepsake from our trip.

When we crossed the state line into South Carolina, we were ready for a stop at th Welcome Center.

The Palmetto is South Carolina's State Tree.

A group picture by the state sign.

We arrived in Charleston shortly after 7:00 p.m. and checked into our rooms at the Hampton Inn in the Historic District.  Friday was going to be a full and enjoyable day... next post.