An Afternoon Tea at Kathleen's

There’s something sophisticated about having tea, and we don’t mean throwing a tea bag in a chipped old mug and absent-mindedly taking sips while multitasking at home. We were thinking about something a big grander:

Pretty little teacups that make you want to stick out your pinky finger when you drink from them. Exotic teas poured from beautiful teapots. Crumpets and scones for tasty nibbles. And the company of a good friend in an old-fashioned English-style tea room.

Local moms don’t have to cross the pond to enjoy their tea in this kind of atmosphere. They can hop in the car and drive to in Peekskill. Kathleen’s Tea Room is a unique little space on Main St., serving more than 50 kinds of loose teas along with sandwiches, deserts, soups and salads.

The décor is inviting and cozy, and includes a fireplace and cupboards filled with assorted teapots. Different table-clothes decorate each table, adding bursts of color all over the room. For years, Kathleen’s has been a welcoming retreat for moms hoping to enjoy a different kind of dining environment, teacup in hand.

And some more reasons to sip tea:  Tea contains antioxidants that are good for overall health. And it’s been said that sipping a warm cup of tea can help you achieve a calmer state of mind.

Deciding if you will need a sitter:  Your tea at Kathleen’s might take about an hour, and if you have older kids, you might be wondering if they’re old enough to be left alone for a short time.  This article from About.com’s Childcare site will help you decide if your child is ready to be home alone.