TEA TIME

top places across America to channel your inner Downton Abbey

BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH

There’s something about a spot of tea. It warms the belly and lifts the spirits. The health benefits are real, too. Many studies have shown that tea is good for you, boosting the immune system, fighting inflammation and possibly even offering some protection from cancer and heart disease.

Taking time out for tea can also be a nice respite while traveling and another way to learn more about the area you’re visiting. With that in mind, we offer up a few special spots for tea times you won’t forget.

On the road

DRISKILL HOTEL

Austin, Texas The historic Driskill Hotel in Austin has been wowing visitors since 1886 and its teatime options are no exception. Take your choice of Austin Breakfast, a Ceylon black tea or Texas Sweet Dreams (with organic rosehips, lemongrass, hibiscus, orange peel, Texas lavender, stevia leaf, and natural vanilla). The Iron Goddess of Mercy is oolong tea with a honey

 Regroup with tea and delectables at the Waldorf Astoria in Atlanta.

amber infusion of fragrant, earthy flavors and plum notes. If you fancy, have sparkling wine or nonalcoholic sparkling cider.

Any tea worth its sugar includes delectable goodies. The Driskill doesn’t disappoint with orange-cranberry scones, Devonshire cream, lemon curd, and fruit preserves. Course two tea sandwich options include salmon phyllo cups with crème fraiche, dill, and caviar; truffle deviled egg; chicken salad, red grapes, fine herbs, and a tartlet cup; cucumber and cream cheese; and prosciutto, fig jam, brie, and focaccia. Save room for the final round options of lemon poppy petit fours, chocolate custard tarts, rose raspberry Linzer cookies and anise tea cakes with vanilla Chantilly.

When you’ve had your fill of tea, rest for a spell and get ready for the raucous fun that is Austin, including barhopping on Sixth Street, listening to some of the best music anywhere, and dining at world-class restaurants.  https://driskillhotel.com

THE FAIRMONT

San Francisco, California Afternoon tea has been a tradition at the Fairmont since 1907. The elegant setting in Laurel Court with its stainedglass windows and chandelier sets just the right vibe for an elegant tea. Options include a variety of teas; delicious Dungeness crab with mango salad and chives on sourdough; chicken salad with grapes, apples, and cashews on Turmeric toast; cinnamon raisin scones; and sides like lemon curd, Devonshire cream and fruit compote. You can add bubbly to the afternoon with the champagne tea service.

While you’re in the City by the Bay, be sure to make your way to the de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor museum, and San Francisco’s many unique shops, to name just a few of the multitude of options in this vibrant city.  www.fairmont.com/san-francisco

BROOKS LAKE LODGE & SPA

Dubois, Wyoming If you’ve checked into the Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa, you’re in for a treat come Governor’s Tea Time. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of outdoor revelry. The tone is set with the historic Tea Room’s mountain views, stone fireplace, and leather sofas. Visitors can choose from a variety of fruits, cheeses, cookies, crumpets, tea, and, yes, cocoa and coffee.

When you’re ready for action, options include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and, for those who want something a little less active, playing horseshoes. The 100-year-old Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa is named after Wyoming’s seventh governor, Bryant Brooks, who discovered the valley where the guest ranch makes its home.  https://www.brookslake.com

NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN

Napa Valley, California The Napa Valley Wine Train recently added an afternoon tea service to its tour options. Take a 3-hour journey on a vintage train as you sip your choice of teas, sparkling wine, toast and cheese, demitasse portion of soup and petite salad course, finger sandwiches, scones with accompaniments, and signature mini desserts. Want to take your tea to the next level? Add a caviar course. With stunning scenery and good food, this is a ride you’ll remember.

Finding other things to occupy your time in Napa Valley will not be an issue. In addition to a plethora of vineyards, the valley offers a multitude of fine dining options, bike tours, hot air balloon rides, shopping and more.  https://www.winetrain.com

WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD

Atlanta, Georgia The new afternoon tea service at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead caused a buzz along with the opening of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Brassica. Teatime in the solarium combines classic traditions with Southern flair. The menu offers teas like Organic Emperor Jasmine and Sencha Fukujyu Chan, and French and Southern-inspired sweet and savory treats. Popular bites include the Kentucky Benedictine cucumber sandwich, smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese, and the chocolate ganache and peanut butter tart. A harpist adds to the lovely atmosphere.

Looking for other things to do in Atlanta? History buffs will enjoy the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, which includes a museum. Great food abounds. If you’re not sure where to start, consider checking out one of the city’s food halls.  https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/atlwawa-waldorfastoria-atlanta-buckhead

COURTYARD TEA ROOM, BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Boston, Massachusetts You know tea and Boston have quite a history. What may come as a surprise is that tucked into the historical McKim Building, home to the public library, is the Courtyard Tea Room that overlooks a stunning Italianate courtyard. Not only can you have a classic, traditional tea with sandwiches, scones, jams, petit fours, and some 15 locally sourced teas, but the library also features the Map Room Tea Lounge, where you can drink tea-infused cocktails featuring literary inspired cocktails from authors who mentioned spirits in their novels or drank spirits while writing.

Copley Square, where the library is located, offers plenty of other things to do. Old South Church is a short walk away while Newbury Street, also within walking distance, is a shopping mecca. Other don’t-miss options while visiting Boston: the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Science.  https://www.librarytea.com

 Options for enjoying a spot of afternoon tea around the country include (clockwise from top left) the Napa Valley Wine Train, Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa in Dubois, Wyoming; and the Driskoll Hotel in Austin, Texas.

Close to home

THE TAILORED TEA

Latham The Tailored Tea has charm and then some. The 1806 farmhouse features vintage furnishings, linens, and china, but you’ll also love the modern touches. The tea party options, which are available every day from noon-4 p.m., are many. The Hudson, for instance, includes a choice of three tea sandwiches, such as cucumber and mascarpone on white/whole wheat bread with a bit of honey; egg salad and olives on banana bread; or smoked salmon and cream cheese with scallions on pumpernickel, plus your choice of a scone, a sampler of mini desserts, and a half-pot of tea or other beverage. The Mohawk includes salad or soup, two types of scones, a mini dessert sampler, and a half-pot of tea.  http://thetailoredtea.com

MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE

New Paltz What better place to have an afternoon tea than a Victorian castle resort in the mountains of the Hudson Valley? Relax and take in the experience that includes an assortment of teas served in the most elegant of tea sets, house-made scones with jam, chocolate truffles, petit fours, and sandwiches.

Want to continue the pampering experience? The award-winning spa at Mohonk is legendary. Or work off the tea with a little forest bathing and hiking.  https://www.mohonk.com

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Care for the Long-Term

BY BRIAN M. JOHNSON, MBA, CLTC | DIRECTOR, ADVISORS INSURANCE BROKERS

When it comes to where and how you live, and what you do with your money, you want the freedom of choice and confidence that you’re making the right decisions. The same is true with your Long-Term Care strategy, helping you set the stage for the future and the legacy you have planned.

Long-Term Care is quite simply assistance with simple everyday tasks, even as simple as eating or getting dressed. The need for care could arise from an accident, illness, cognitive impairment, or the aging process. You may never need it. But, the best time to start thinking about it is before the need arises and while you’re still able to take control. Many Americans work hard, save diligently for retirement, yet fail to address the single biggest risk to their portfolio and families: extended healthcare.

When it comes to Long-Term Care, do not be swayed by common misconceptions such as: “It won’t happen to me.”

People unrealistically downplay their personal risk. 79% of people put off discussions about long-term care, but 98% of financial professionals say they have clients who have needed it. In fact, being healthy presents even a higher risk of needing Long-Term Care services than someone who is managing a chronic condition. “Medicare or Medicaid will cover me.”

If qualified, Medicare will likely be insufficient for long-term care needs while Medicaid does not account for your choices or preferences, and one must financially qualify for benefits. “That’s what my savings are for.”

Many Americans significantly underestimate long-term care costs. Home Care, Assisted Living and Nursing Care can run between $40,000-$150,000 per year in today’s dollars. “My family will take care of me.”

This might not be a misconception; however, do you really want to put the burden on your loved ones?

Interestingly, women and adult children are more likely than men to become family caregivers. Due to life expectancy rates, women are also more likely to need care. With an aging population, that contradiction means it’s more important than ever for women to be open and honest about the expectations for the future. 87% of caregivers surveyed say emotional challenges are among the most difficult aspects of providing long-term care.

When should you begin planning? Clients tends to wait until they age 60 before beginning their long-term care planning, but financial professionals suggest moving that timeline up a decade or more. The earlier we start, the more options we will have. Planning ahead not only protects our assets and loved ones, but it also gives us peace of mind. LongTerm Care is in the back of all of our minds and dealing with it up front can be extremely freeing.

When planning, we should consider: • Caregiving: Let your loved ones know your preferences.

Do you want to be home, in assisted living, etc? • Health-related decisions: Designate who has authority to discuss your medications and treatment, and inform your physicians. • Finances: Find out what the costs of different types of services may be where you retire. Take inventory of your assets, income, legacy planning goals, and any debt obligations. • Legal matters: Make sure you have a living will, a trust, a durable power of attorney and healthcare proxy — and be sure your attorney is also in tune with your wishes and desires.

Above all, planning starts with a conversation. Some of the most important conversations about your care are not the easiest, however, the easiest time to discuss the topic is when you’re healthy and not yet in need of Long-Term Care. Remember, it’s never too early to address Long-Term Care and the sooner you do it, the sooner you’ll have that peace of mind. n

ADVISORS INSURANCE BROKERS

Brian M. Johnson, MBA, CLTC is a Director at Advisors Insurance Brokers in Clifton Park. He can be reached at (518) 371-5522 x154.