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I briefly hit on Deland in my recent post about Volusia County towns. Deland a small town located just about equidistant between Orlando and Daytona Beach. Part of Deland’s charm is that it’s downtown/main street area has no chains and only local shops and restaurants. One such establishment is The Shoppes at Rivertown. The Shoppes at Rivertown is part antique store, part wine bar (specializing in Florida tropical wines), and part tea room. How is that much awesomeness located in one place? If I didn’t have photographic evidence, I would swear I dreamed this place up. Seriously, all of my favorite things rolled into one building?!
The antique portion of The Shoppes at Rivertown has been around for a while, but the tea room is a relatively new addition, open less than a year, and what really sets this place apart. I wandered in on a Saturday afternoon just in time for afternoon tea! And what better way to kick off afternoon tea than with a bottle of champagne?
It seemed fitting, especially with the live piano music. I mean, it’s never too early for champagne right?
The tea room portion of The Shoppes at Rivertown is located in the back of the antique store, but utilizes very similar design. The tables are all different shapes and sizes and the room is full of vintage furniture and antiques. It feels like having tea at your grandmothers house, except with better music and more wine (or is that just my grandmother?).
The tea room offers a menu of sandwiches and light refreshments, but of course I had to get the afternoon tea. I love a good tea service and this one was world class.
I just love afternoon tea so much. I’ve always loved tea, and when you combine that with a three tier tray of scones and tiny sandwiches it’s just heavenly. I think it appeases my order envy. I’m terrible at deciding on one thing on a menu, and I always regret my order. I’m happiest when I can have a sampler of tiny versions of all the menu items. How great is this?
Of course it wouldn’t be tea without scones. The scones at The Shoppes at Rivertown are house made fresh and served with orange marmalade and clotted cream.
The middle tier of course has finger sandwiches, and that’s the real star of the show. There are four different types of sandwiches on the tray. I’m sure they are subject to some variance, but while I was there there was a turkey on croissant, chicken salad, cream cheese on a sweet cranberry bread and my personal favorite, open faced cucumber sandwiches!
It’s hard to top the sandwich tier, but the dessert plate does just that… literally. (See what I did there?) For real though, the sandwiches were still my favorite. I could eat finger sandwiches all day.
The dessert plate is full of various pastries and fresh fruits. I had some lemon poppy seed bread, brownies, tartlettes, and fresh grapes. A perfect way to end a great meal. Of course, all of this comes with a bottomless pot of tea.
And when you’re done with a wonderful meal and/or glass of wine you can browse the 40+ antique dealers booths! Now that’s a perfect afternoon!
This is so fun! Will have to check it out sometime. Thanks for letting us know about this unique find in Deland 🙂
Kim recently posted…What’s the Food Like on an AmaWaterways River Cruise? Menus, Photos and Videos
Anywhere that offers a wine bar….count me in!!!
I like little shops like that. I love to walk around and just check everything out.
Nikki recently posted…Tips for Happy Babies
What a brilliant idea, antiques with afternoon tea! Looks like you had a great time!
Vourneen | Words About Travel recently posted…Conquering new heights at Connemara National Park
Aren’t little random shops like this THE BEST?! I am all about the weird and offbeat! We need to join forces sometime soon! 🙂 Thanks for the tip!
Bobbi Gould recently posted…15 unique travel quotes to inspire your wanderlust!
My mum loves antique shops and your post is right up her alley! She loves these kinds of things. Thanks for the tip!
anna recently posted…Things I learned from being a Solo Woman Traveler
Oh my…this sounds awesome! Starting with Champagne and ending with Tea…perfect afternoon. Next time, I’m coming with you.
Shann Eva recently posted…Another Week Down and TGIF
I love that there’s a wine bar and tea room in the antique store. That sounds like just the place for me.
Laura Lynch recently posted…6 Must-See Viral Travel Videos
High tea looks like fun. I love having high tea.
Also I am now mad at you. You mentioned Florida tropical wines. I really want some Kiwi wine now. I miss it.
Jennifer @ Made all the Difference Travel Blog recently posted…Mutually Assured Destruction ~ Minuteman National Historic Site
I’ve never tried the kiwi! I always go for key lime! I guess now I’ll have to go back!
Oh wow! this seems like a great place to visit. Since I am based in Florida too, I will have to put this on my list of places to go!
Audrey recently posted…ANYwhere: “Local Girls”
You should for sure! I went to Deland on a press trip, otherwise I’ve lived here for 10 years and never thought to go. I had no idea it had so many hidden gems.
Oh my gosh, I love this! I love High Tea and this place is adorable. If I ever find myself in this part of Florida, I am definitely going to check it out. I love antique shops as well so this is right up my alley!
It’s just the perfect combo! It’s maybe worth a trip to Florida in itself. I really don’t know why they don’t have these everywhere!
I would have adored walking through the antique store–for hours!
Tami recently posted…As the Sun Sets on California
…and it’s no accident that they get you full of wine before looking at all of the pretty things!
I’m in Orlando every other year, this could be a unique day trip!
Nope, never too early for champagne! What a cute place! What were the prices like?
Vicky and Buddy recently posted…Swinging At The End Of The World
Very reasonable. I don’t remember exactly, but I know the three tier afternoon tea trey was under $20 and the wine was around $5 a glass or $20 a bottle.
I love a formal afternoon tea too and don’t partake often enough. Will have to wrangle a girlfriend along for the experience (and surprise her with the champagne.) So fun.
Elaine J. Masters recently posted…Swept away – A close call and new diver tips