Have you noticed those colorful cottages between Osprey Avenue and U.S. 301 on Fruitville Road? They are collectively known as The Historic Downtown Village of Sarasota, and one of them—The Tea House—is a tea-lover’s dream. With 120 organic varieties—from delicate white teas to potent blacks—the friendly staff will happily help you pick your perfect flavor. (Pro tip: Add one of sweet snacks provided by Canopy Road Cheesecakes, also located in the village, to your order.) Sit and sip a small solo pot while catching up on your reading, or share a pot with up to eight friends during open mic and music night in the backyard garden (every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.). We found the space to be accommodating for friends, families, businesspeople and students—pretty much everyone will find happiness in a cup here.

[new_royalslider id="17"]

Other recurring events:

Acoustic music writers and musicians circle, every Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Poetry night, every third Monday at 6 p.m.

Fourth Friday Village Celebration, every fourth Friday from 5-9 p.m. featuring vendors and local crafters

The Tea House is located at 1869 Fruitville Road. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Follow @SarasotaMagazine and the hashtag #sarasotahotspots on Instagram to see all the places we're loving locally. >>