A Sheep In Wools' Clothing

NETA SPA 2009: Fun in Freeport

Both last year and this year, I have gone to SPA with a co-worker, Robyne (blogless, but Ricki523 on Ravelry).  Robyne is a blast to do things with - she is a riot of quick wit, adventurousness and intelligence.  Give her a couple of margaritas after a four year hiatus (medical reasons, not alcoholism reasons), and you can have a blast!

After a couple of margaritas at Gritty's with dinner, we went to LL Bean's on the way back to the HGI to spin on Saturday.  I needed some jeans that didn't drag on the ground (yes, I know how to sew, and yes, I could hem them up, but the reality is that I just don't do it).  Couldn't find what I needed at the outlet store, so we headed to the main store, where Dave gave us permission to slide down the banisters, and forced us to run the maze of the checkout line properly, despite the fact we were the only ones there (no, he really didn't, but Robyne did it again anyway to prove she didn't take any short cuts.  Her margaritas were stronger than mine, I tell ya!)

The LL Bean store is one of my first stops when I pick up folks from away at the Portland airport - since the shop is open 24/7/365, it is amusing to take people to see the indoor trout pond, stuffed wildlife and the beautiful Old Town canoes they have.  Now they've added a fish tank where one can duck under and into a clear bubble to see the fish - or Robyne!  And that was before she slid down the banister.

We couldn't resist the shot of Robyne "getting the boot"....

SPA 2009: Jacqueline's Tea Room

WARNING:  Picture heavy post.  If you have dial-up, you may want to abort.

When the New England Textiles Arts (NETA) SPA changed its venue last year from Portland, ME to Freeport, ME I spent some time checking www.maps.google.com to see what restaurants sounded interesting for our stay there during SPA.

Amongst the many interesting places, I found a place called Jacqueline's Tea Room on Main St, north of the Harraseeket Inn.  The tea room is open Tuesday through Friday, and alternating weekends.  Last year, we went down Friday night, and we were on the wrong weekend, so a visit to Jacqueline's Tea Room was not possible.

This year, we went down Thursday evening and I made reservations for us in advance at Jacqueline's Tea Room as part of our mini vacation SPA weekend.  Jacqueline has 76 varieties of tea from which to select.  Each patron gets their tea selection served from a beautiful 2 cup china teapot, kept warm over a candle warmer.  Each teapot at the table was different, and each was beautiful.  The teacups were fabulous as well, and each unique at the table.  Each room had a raised fireplace, at eye level.  The windows were dressed with ribbon valances adorn with awesome beads then knotted.  And each of the three serving rooms had a selection of teapots, teacups, sugar and creamers, teapot/teacup Christmas tree ornaments, etc attractively displayed, and for sale.  The tables had real linens, the teas were listed on a ribbon tied sheet, the sugar cubes had little tongs for serving.

Jacqueline, the owner, functions as hostess, waitress, chef, decorator, interior designer all wrapped into one amazing woman.  She designed the space for the tea room, which is the downstairs of her home.  She has three rooms available as  B&B rooms upstairs, each with a queen bed. 

The "Queen's Tea" started with our first pot of tea, and a hearty winter soup.  This was followed by two types of scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd and jam.  After that were the finger sandwiches - four varieties - which were fabulous, and of Jacqueline's own recipes.  (We told her she needs to make a recipe collection to sell, but she said she just shares them - it's easier for her than making the recipe book.  She won't, however, share her scone recipes).  And to finish there were little bits of four different desserts.  Given advance notice, she will accommodate dietary allergies as well.  She makes all the food herself, fresh, the morning of one's visit (hence the reservations only).

In each of the three serving rooms, there is tea paraphernalia available for sale, as well as in the entry, hallways and foyer.  She has most of her 76 varieties of tea for sale (some she concocts herself), along with tea filter bags, various strainers, tea measuring spoon (the proper amount of tea for a six-ounce serving), teapots, teacups, sugar tongs, some linens, luggage, shirts, baby gifts, hostess gifts, amazing scarves - all amazing and wonderful items.  Even the bathroom window covering was incredible and beautiful!

We were there two and a half hours, and Jacqueline was a perfect hostess.  She has definitely made it to my list of special places and people to frequent when possible.  It would be a beautiful place to have a bridal shower!  (She takes cash and checks, but no charge cards).