Chris and I went on a little adventure last week and it included visiting a place that has been on our bucket list for awhile. When we were driving home from some trip we saw a sign for Table Rock Tea Company in South Carolina. Now given that this is only about 40 minutes away from us it wasn’t a huge trip but one that we had to fit into our schedule. We wanted to take advantage of the free tour they offered so we made a reservation and set the date. Let me tell you — our experience did not disappoint one bit and actually far exceeded my expectations.
Jennifer (CFO) and Steve (CEO) Lorch are co-owners of this fabulous hidden gem in Pickens County and after meeting both of them we were impressed with their entrepreneurial spirit and drive. Originally they were the founders of an international water program Hydromissions International, which helped provide clean water to thousands of people around the world. As a result of their time with that organization they became acquainted with tea farmers in Kenya and learned to love tea and the whole idea of growing tea in America took root in their minds. Not only did it take root, it became a reality.
.
.
Of course starting any business is difficult and especially one that is based on farming where Mother Nature is often in control. The first five years were difficult but their land and perseverance has produced some amazingly wonderful tea plants and I am happy to say that it appeared to me as I visited that it is a sustainable business that is going to continue to grow. And it’s tea! You know I can get behind that, right?
So what made me love place so much? Was it Jasmine the dog?
.
Was it the lovely artwork on the products?
.
Was it the absolutely wonderful tasting tea and the beauty of each and every plant that was cared for so lovingly?
.
Was it the tour led by the amazing Havah who was witty and entertaining and a positively perfect tour guide? (I did not ask permission to use her photo so you get to see her back. She was in a word — amazing. Her knowledge at her young age of tea and the entire process was astounding as well as her delivery.)
.
.
A tea rolling machine in the museum area was fascinating. While they use more modern methods in their processing now it was interesting to see how this worked.
.
.
It was all of it. Indeed. It truly was all of it. We boarded Harlan the Tea Tug and Havah took us for a short ride through the property, to the greenhouse where the plants are grown, to Lazarus field and back to the museum.
Yes, that is a tea kettle on the front of Harlan the Tea Tug.
.
I loved the entire experience. I will definitely be back and bring friends and of course, buy tea. If you know me you know that I love tea so this is a no brainer. This is one of the few tea farms located in the United States and we were thrilled to tour it. If you remember we toured the Charleston Tea Plantation as well way back in 2013.
.
Another bonus was the shop connected to the Table Rock Tea Company — Homesteader’s Dream. Havah and her family are homesteaders who are neighbors and who have created a pretty great business using pure and simple ingredients to create lip balms, soaps, tooth powder, poutpourri and more. The parents and their 10 children operate the little shop next to the Museum/ Tea Store and those kids knew their products. We were impressed with their sales pitches and their knowledge of their products and of course we bought some stuff for ourselves and for gifts. You can shop online here.
If you are ever in the area this is an absolute must visit place. The tours are free and offered a couple times a day when the shop is open but of course it is always best to check their website and social media to keep up with changing information. They request reservations for the tours and I was able to do that through a direct message on Facebook but a phone number is also listed to be used for reservations. Their online shop is easy to navigate (as is their entire website) and the owners are truly personable and kind people who are happy to talk about everything tea. Check out their website and social media channels below.
