Higinbotham's Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room
(80 reviews)102 Lincoln Way W, New Oxford, PA 17350, USA 717-624-1866 Website Suggest Changes
Our tea room and bed and breakfast is located in the quaint town of New Oxford, PA. (antiques capital of south central pa.)
Before or after browsing our wonderful antique shops, enjoy a delicious five course tea in the sunroom, library or by the fire in the dining room.
The food is prepared daily and all homemade. Make reservations for birthdays, showers, clubs or bus trips or just to rekindle an old friendship and catch up.
"Had the pleasure of having High Tea at the eloquent and charming B&B and Tea Room for a bridal shower. It is definitely Five Star all the way" Rachel from Alexandria, VA.
Private Parties - (groups of ten or more)
Buses - limited to thirty people
Recent reviews
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Barbara Baumgardner
What a wonderful experience we had visiting this lovely tea room. Great food, friendly people and an adorable gift shop. I cannot wait to return. Thank you so much for making the day special.
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Robin O'Brien
I can not say enough about our experience here at Higinbotham's Tea Room. We had my daughter's Bridal Shower here and from our first meeting with Mary Jo to go over the menu and details, I knew immediately why my daughter's Matron of Honor had selected this Tea Room. The atmosphere was elegant, spacious , private and comfortable. Mary Jo was accommodating, helpful and involved in our planning. The 5 course Brunch was amazing in presentation and taste. Special dietary foods were also included with our bunch of ladies; all over the top delicious. Service was lovely and relaxed, never feeling like our lingering and playing "Bridal Shower Games" were a nuisance or needed to move quickly on. I must also mention that our "surprise party" was running an hour late due to that the very pregnant Matron of Honor who was bringing the" Bride to be", car broke down on her way. Mary Jo was ONLY concerned with their safety and told us waiting to relax and visit and lunch will be served when they arrived. So lovely!!!! Feed back from our guests were..."BEST BRIDAL SHOWER EVER!!! " Cannot wait to go back!
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Jane Phillips
Once I discovered I am Gluten-intolerant, going to teas became problematic, but not at Mrs. Higginbotham's. My blueberry scone was delicious, as were the other courses. For dessert I was served a lovely mix of berries with whipped cream. Thank you for a wonderful tea.
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Jessica
We hosted a bridal shower for my sister at Higinbotham's Tea Room with a 5 course tea. We were served Cinnamon Scones, Pumpkin Soup, Caesar Salad, Savories and Desserts. The food was excellent! There were multiple pages of teas to pick from and the bride enjoyed trying multiple flavors. After the 5 course tea we retired to the sitting area to allow the bride to open her presents.
All of our guests had a lovely afternoon celebrating the bride. We would like to thank Mary Joe for hosting this event in her beautiful home and helping us make this a special day for my sister.
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Debbie
visited here for the first time and found everything A . The relaxing antique decor was beautiful. The food was delicious and served in a very relaxed manner allowing lots of time for conversation and relaxation. Choice of teas was a wide variety and the Spiced Pear and English Garden were brewed very nicely. My only suggestion is to use tea cozies on the teapots to keep tea hot. We will definitely be returning to this delightful tea room.
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Nancy
This tea room is in beautiful old B and B. There are several different rooms and an enclosed patio/porch to choose from. The food is excellent and you will not go away hungry. You get 5 courses. There are multiple pages of teas to pick from; so you should be able to find one that will suite you. We had a lovely afternoon - recommend it to everyone
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Barbara Ann de Leon
The 'Partners in Thyme'Herb Club of Southern York County and Northern Baltimore County celebrated 25 years as an herb club at the Higinbotham's B&B and Tearoom in New Oxford, Pa. with a 5 course tea that would delight any Epicurean and herbalist. The dining area was beautifully decorated with pots and planters filled with live herbs. It was a three hour culinary experience with pots of hot herbal teas. The club members enjoyed the afternoon reminiscing the past quarter century of meetings, gardening tours and herbal activities.
Thanks to the Higinbothams
Barbara Ann de Leon (Publicity)
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Dana Westbrook
This is by far my step mother and I's favorite tea room!! We have been to many tea rooms in the area and Mary Joe beats them all. She gives you a very wide variety of teas to chose from (I love when you get to chose) and allows you to try quite a few. The food is always delicious and plentiful, you wont leave hungry. Her home is BEAUTIFUL and always decorated very nicely and according to the season. New Oxford is a beautiful town so take the time to walk or drive around and look at all of the beautiful homes and businesses.
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MaryDee Harris
The very best tea room in our area. Was extremely pleased with this choice.
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Kathy
A Christmas Tea at Higinbothams was the perfect beginning to our groups Christmas season. The gorgeous tree in the parlor as well as the mantel decorations created an ambiancee of elegance as we entered. The warmth and friendliness of Mary Jo and Jim put you at ease as you settled in for a festive event. Special holiday touches to the menu from the egg nog scone to the cut out sugar cookie made you feel quite special. Tea at Higinbotham's Tea Room is a unforgettable gift and the perfect touch to make any event in life one which will be savored as it is steep in joy and friendship
Thank you,Mary Jo and Jim for a great day!
Kathy 12/04/13
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Tammy
Each year my friend and I take each other to a tea house for our birthdays. I chose Higinbotham's for her this year. We were not disappointed. The house is beautiful. The service and food were excellent. We plan to return with a larger party. We have visited a fair number of tea houses and this one is right at the top of the list. We were not hurried at all. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
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Kay
Wonderful, Marvelous, Excellent!!!!
One of the best Tearooms I have been to and I have been to quite a few. The Atmosphere was superb(I love old houses and this one is kept to History quite nicely. The food was amazing. I couldn't have ask for a better place to spend with my friends on St Patty's Day.
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Elaine
This time, at Higinbotham's, I was invited by some girlfriends to join them. And Mary Jo has not disappointed me yet! I thoroughly enjoyed the freshly brewed loose leaf teas that we chose. My favorite? Cinnamon Plum, YUM! The rest of our tea was heaven for the taste buds. Not sure that I will ever find a tearoom that I love more!!
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Lorraine Nagy
I was also one of Elaine's guests for Tea at Higinbotham's B&B, and it was wonderful! The place settings were beautiful and the tea was hot and delicious, served in wonderul teapots that made the experience so special. I loved the scones, sandwiches, and deserts. I can't remember the last time I had such delicious soup! I loved the variety of the teas and food, the relaxing atmosphere, and the great service. I highly recommend Higinbotham's Tea Room!
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Rose Lansing
I had the pleasure of joining Elaine at tea with friends, The orange scones were the best scones I have had in a very long time. I loved the cauliflower soup with cheddar cheese. The sandwiches and desserts were delightful.
Our tea was served piping hot in a lovely teapot. We opted to start with the herbal tea, and enjoyed it very much. The service was excellent, we were never rushed, but everything was in place when we needed it to be.
As I looked around the lovely room, I know I will be bringing my four sisters here -- soon.
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Mary Jane Solomon
My daughter and I drove a couple of hours from Northern Virginia to visit Higinbotham's for the first time today and are so glad we took this day trip. We definitely will return. What a perfect afternoon! Hostess Mary Jo seated us in the beautiful library with built-in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stocked with hundreds of mostly antique books and assorted decorative items. We had the room to ourselves. Our five-course meal - all served on lovely English bone china - included warm sour cream scones served with Devonshire cream and raspberry preserves, potato bisque, Waldorf salad, savories (open-faced toasted cheese sandwiches, miniature chicken turnovers and tuna salad on baguette slices)and a trio of tiny desserts:a dark chocolate-covered strawberry, a gooey brownie and an absolutely perfect vanilla cupcake with a luscious caramel frosting. We enjoyed two pots of tea - Nutcracker and Spiced Pear - and Mary Jo offered to bring us additional varieties to try. Jim kept our crystal goblets filled with cold water.Everything tasted delicious, and the warm and welcoming service and delightful decor, including autumn-inspired arrangements and Halloween accents, added to the experience.We spent about two and half completely relaxed hours at tea, then walked around the cute town, which features lots of antique shops. Both of us highly recommend this tearoom!
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Jane Przybylowski
The food was delicious and we even got the recipe for the wonderful tomato soup. There are 5 courses and we enjoyed all of them. Great scones and desserts. We left there full and relaxed. This will not be our last visit to this tearoom.
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Heidi Singleton
This was my first time to Higganbotham's and it will not be my last!! The food, the atmosphere, the service, everything was absolutely fabulous!! Just don't eat anything before you go because you will be full when you leave. Can't wait to visit again!
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Amanda Miller
My Lioness-Lions Club had a holiday tea at Higinbothan's and it was out of this world. The service was excellent. Tea was wonderful. And the food was mouth-watering. The Charm of the Bed and Breakfast is the icing on the cake! Looking forward to coming back again.
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Lisa G
Simply outstanding! I have been to more than a dozen teas over the past several years and I think this was the best one yet. The house is like a museum, elegantly restored. The the table was beautifully prepared for our arrival. The tea menu offered just the right amount of choices and was expertly prepared and food was delicious: warm,tender scones with a generous dish of clotted cream, perfectly prepared waldorf salad, soul soothing acorn squash soup, dainty tea sandwiches and a lovely pumpkin crumb cake. Service was quietly attentive-leaving my friend and I uninterrupted time to chat. This is now #1 on my list for tea. I can't wait to get back here.
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Karen Alwine
We had a delightful afternoon Tea in a beautiful home in New Oxford. We were offered a large selection of Teas to enjoy. Each course of the meal was scrumpious. This has been added to our 'must come again' Tea Rooms.
Karen 10/20/2011
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April
I've visited several tea houses in PA over the last few years and this by far outdoes the others! Ther service is friendly but not intrusive, the food is OUTSTANDING and the team is prepared with perfection. My mother and I have made it a tradition to come every year in October for a mother daughter weekend that will start with Tea for Two at Higginbothams as long as they are around. I can't wait to bring my daughter here when she gets a little olders! Thanks MaryJo and the team for a very memorable experience!
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D. Maeder
Our little group of Purple Hatters have taken tea here many times and have never been disappointed. Numerous teas to select from and the food is to die for. MaryJo and Jim make you feel like part of the family, so much so, we Purple Hatters stay overnight in their beautiful and quiet bedrooms once a year, just to have breakfast, which of course is FABULOUS!!!
The decor is absolutely stunning, which is no surprise, since MaryJo is an acclaimed Interior Designer and Jim is no slouch at renovating either!
We will continue to come here as long as we can drive.
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Sandy and Cathy Siskos
The very best afternoon tea that I've had on either side of the Atlantic. The food not only went way beyond traditional afternoon tea fare but was simply spectacular. Come empty because you will eat well. Plus, the tearoom is in the living room and library of a lovely old house that is also a bed and breakfast. A simply outstanding experience.
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Terry
Higinbotham's offered a wide variety of teas (black, green, red) - many tasty holiday versions that were appropriate for the occasion. The food was simply outstanding - probably the best I've had at any tea room. Beautiful old mansion house and kind and solicitous hosts. You don't want to miss this one - it's a keeper!
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Becky
My friend & I attended Afternoon Tea @ the Higinbotham's B&B and were extremely pleased.
We visit many tea rooms throughout our area & this one will now be in our top 3 thus far!!
The food was absolutely wonderful. We had plenty of delightful things to eat.
Their teas were some of the best we have tasted. The host/hostess were pleasantly hospitable.
We will definitely make another visit, and bring friends!!
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A. VanOver
Enjoyed our tea very much, sure would have loved 2 scones, LOL atmosphere was breath taking and the service was excellent, not to mention the great food.
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Janis
Loved this beautiful tea room, just two things could be improved as I see it. It would be nice to have two scones instead of one and not such a long time in between the courses being served. Other than that, I had a very enjoyable time.Thanks Jim and Mary JO, you have a beautiful place.
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Celeste B
8/4/2010 I was one of the 17 ladies Jan mentioned below.. it was my first visit to Higinbothamns and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Delicious and plentiful food and tea; wonderful setting and very friendly and attentive hostess/host. The Strawberry rhubarb was my favorite tea and I loved the toasted peacon scone. But all the food was unique and delicious! I would definitely go again. Thank you Mary Jo & Jim for a delightful time!
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Jan Sherburne
8/4/10. Today was my 3rd or 4th visit to Higinbotham's and the high quality of food and variety of teas has been consistent. Included in the teas we drank today was a black tea, a white tea and green tea. The lemon cream tea was so unusual and delicious as was the strawberry rhubarb, a green tea and one of my favorites, strawberry chocolate with dessert. The zucchini soup with nutmeg was a delightful change from broccoli or spinach cream soups, and the toasted pecan scones were another first-time treat for me. At Higinbotham's you never leave hungry. We were served 5 sandwich/savories, two of which were served hot. This was outstanding considering we were a group of 17 women. Everything was wonderful as usual and one of our ladies made a reservation to stay in this Bed & Breakfast for an anniversary get-away in October. Thank you Mary Jo and Jim for taking good care of us. We will be back!
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Jen Raup
My mom and I visited this beautiful tea room on 5/21/10. We've been to a number of tea rooms and this has been our favorite! We each chose to our liking from an extensive list of teas. From the warm scone through the next 4 courses, everything was delicious. We were made to feel so welcome; truly guests in their home. We will visit again!
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B Slenker
My friend and I had a wonderful experience at the Higinbotham's Tea Room! Our gracious hosts welcomed us into their beautiful home. During our leisurely 5 course tea our hosts were attentive to our needs and anxious to please us. A wide variety of tea was available. We each had our own pot of tea which was refreshed as needed to keep it hot. Each course:scones, soup, salad, tea sandwiches and dessert was delicious and beautifully presented. We departed feeling that we had a very special experience and looking forward to a return trip.
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Kristi
This was my first visit to Higinbotham's Bed & Breakfast. We went to visit for tea. The owners were very warm and gracious. The decor of their house was formal and charming. The house was decorated beautifully with lovely wallpaper and draperies. The food was delicious from beginning to end. They served a wide varity of whole leaf teas. They also served food. Our meal started off with homemade honey scones and tea followed by a delicious walnut, cranberry salad with a homemade vinegrette dressing. We also had soup and assorted tea sandwiches, and for dessert strawberry shortcake. We had a wonderful evening and can't wait to return
again!
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Tiffany
I called to make a reservation here and was told that I could not bring my 5 month old son. The woman said that it would be unfair to the other guests but how is that fair to me?? I understand that a cranky child can be loud and annoying but so can a party of 15 women. I could get a babysitter but even if I did I wouldn't waste my time at a place like this. It is my mothers birthday and I am sure that she would rather spend it with her grandson then at a stuck up place like this
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Connie
There is a large selection of teas and both of the ones chosen were delightful. The atmosphere is inviting and relaxing and the decor is beautiful. The owners are very hospitable and attentive. Five courses were served and each one was beautifully presented and delicious. Attractive touches to the sandwiches and fantastic strawberry shortcake. Having experienced many tearooms, this one has become my favorite. A very pleasant and enjoyable experience. I was hoping for a nice experience but this tearoom definitely exceeded my expectations.
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Christopher Chambers
My wife and I have taken tea several times at Higinbothams and will keep going back until we find something (tea or food) that we don't like! Thank you Mary Jo and Jim!
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Juls
I had the most wonderful baby shower at this beautiful tea house. The food was fabulous, the decor was charming, the service was diligent and accommodating, and, of course, the tea was excellent. Higinbotham's offers a wide variety of teas so that it would be easy to find an appropriate tea for any occasion or time of day/year. Tea can be taken on the porch, in the library, or in the dining room. This offers groups the opportunity for intimate occasions.The atmosphere is refined, fulfilling any dreams of a 1800's style tea. I would recommend this place to anyone and I can't wait to go back.
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Cassie Dries, Dixie Rose Relief Society
The members of our Civil War Reeanactor's Group had a very plesant and enjoyable Tea at the Higinbotham's. The Home is charming, furnished beautifully, the owners and servers were most gracious and accomodating. The selection of Tea was beyond belief and the food was exceptionally prepared and the assortment wonderful. I know our group and I will be back again. I'm hoping to bring my cousins for a tea in the near future. I wish they would consider a 'cookbook'. Presentation was just perfect.
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The teas and foods were scrumptious! The service was wonderful and the decor beautiful. We will definitely return!
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Teri Coe-Dixie Rose Relief Society
Our ladies' Civil War reenacting group was treated like royalty at the Higginbotham tea room in March 2010. We will return for sure !
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Betsy and Family
We visited the tea room this afternoon and it was absolutely lovely. Such an inviting atmosphere really made a dreary winter day spectacular. We voted best scones around! And a hostess with the mostess. Highly recommend and will be returning for furture teas...
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Dianne Smith
Visited this tearoom, Saturday October 8th and everything was just wonderful.The butternut squash soup was out of this world. The owners are kind,gracious & attentive.
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patti
My friend and I visited on the 14th. The home and decor were beautiful, it felt like we had stepped back in time. We were seated in the library and had the room to ourselves. Initially we were disappointed to learn that we would only select one tea between the two of us and we would be sharing with a table in the next room. We had never been to tea room where your tea was not left on your table. However, we quickly overcame that when we asked for two teas, as our tastes are very different, and also asked to have pots left at our table. The hostess was very accommodating and cheerful about it. Everything else was absolutely superb. We started with a homemade scone, followed by a delicious summer squash soup. A plate of sandwiches followed, and although the 'traditional' tea sandwiches were not served, what we did have were delicious and innovative. We wrapped up with a single piece of warm chocolate cake served with ice cream. Again, although not the traditional mini pastries, it was excellent. The hostess advised that her menu changes daily. This is a tea room worth trying or going back to, and if you like antiquing, there are plenty of high quality shops in the vicinity to enjoy after your tea.
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Marcia Leveque
I visited this Tearoom with my sister in law and her friend last week. I was visiting from St. Louis, MO. It was simply wonderful! The varieties of teas and the presentation of all the teas, scones, fruit cup, soup, tea sandwiches and desserts were simply superb! When visiting Gettysburg, this is a must-do! The ambiance was so beautiful and we felt so relaxed, never felt rushed! The host and hostess were so kind and appreciative of their guests. I will definitely go back and recommend it to all my friends.
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Heidi Bohannon
One of my oldest and dearest friend and I visited this beautiful tearoom recently. I must say, every course was unique and delicious...from the melt-in-your mouth scones to the yummy sweets. I would highly recommend this tearoom to anyone looking for a wonderful atmosphere and truely tantilizing tasty tea....
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Cathi Miller
My mother and I visited Higinbotham's on Friday, June 5th, 2009. We both were so impressed with how wonderful the tea selection was, and, how absolutely perfect the food and ambiance was.
Thank you for making an outstanding afternoon for my Mom and I!
- Cathi
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Kathy Trimmer
The tea selection and quality was very good. The food (Scones, cream of asparagus soup, tea sandwiches, sweets) was some of the best out of the many tea rooms I have visited. Beautiful Civil War era building. I will definitely return!
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Gayle L Arigo
My friends and I had a simply divine afternoon of high tea in this new tea room. We will definitely be looking forward to revisiting this establishment. The tea, food and decor were excellent. It was charming.
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Laura Delanoche
The Higinbotham's Tea Room is a delightful destination. The Tea Room resides in an equisite historic home with the ambiance of another time. The service is wonderful with a large variety of teas offered with a delicious menu. The Higinbothams are a charming couple who make your experience a memorable one. Definately a place that you will want to experience more than once.
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Linda Miller
I have been to several tearooms over the past several years with varying degrees of satisfaction. A long-time friend and I recently visited Higinbotham's Bed & Breakfast and Tearoom, and were completely delighted with the ambiance, the care given to setting a beautiful table, the wide selection of teas offered and absolutely wonderful lunch. With each and every course we were given a brief description of what was being served and suggestions of a complimentary tea. We felt so special - the service couldn't have been better. The lunch was absolutely top notch -- one of the best I can remember. Each course was unique and delicious. Take the opportunity to visit Higinbotham's Tearoom for a wonderful experience -- it was such a treat. I definitely will return the next time I visit New Oxford, PA.
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Mikki Wheeler
I recently visited Higinbotham's with friends for tea. The decor, atmosphere, service, tea selection and food are top notch!! I truly felt pampered by the Higinbotham family every step of the way!
I have already made my next reservation and highly recommend everyone experience this fantastic way to share time with friends!
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Sharon Hart
What a delightful experience! This is a traditional style tea room where the food was delicicious, the decor charming, and our host and hostess were warm and friendly in spite of dealing with a larger group. Although only three teas were offered, they were all very good. Each food item we were served was delicious and left me wanting more. Not because there wasn't enough, but because it was so good. I highly recommend this wonderful addtion to this area's tea room venues.
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Elizabeth and Ellen
Beautiful home, everything very eligant. Tea service and table setting beautiful.
A complete menue, everything made from scratch by MaryJo.
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Rachel Wheelock of Alexandria, Va
Had the pleasure of having High Tea at this eloquent and charming B & B for a bridal shower. It is definitely 5 star all the way. Varieties of teas exceptional,food
outstanding and service superb.
Doesn't get any better than this !
Highly Recommend
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Tiera
I visited Higinbotham's last week with my parents and sister. I have been to many tearooms in my life and I must say this is one of my top picks. The food was very delicious and the tea always came out piping hot. The Owners were so kind and loving and always willing to be of any help to you. To say I'm not a big asparagus fan the cream of asparagus soup was tasty. I can not wait to go back and visit!
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Virginia 03/25/09
What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon - taking tea in this elegant atmosphere, away from the stresses of today's world. The variety of teas is outstanding. The menu includes scrumptious food from beginning to end. It is obvious that a great deal of planning and care goes into the preparation and presentation. The owners are very hospitable and friendly. Service is perfect. Taking tea at Higginbothams is a must!
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Bobbie Knickman
A perfect experience. The food was magnificent, especially the asparagus cream soup; the house was decorated in comfortable elegance; and the hospitality was outstanding. This tea is definitely on the list for a repeat visit. Make your reservation today!
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Tammy Armagost
WOW!!! What a terrific experience!
This tea room is EXACTLY what you want for a relaxing, wonderful afternoon tea. The refurbished 1800's home is exquisite. The owners have achieved a relaxing and enchanting environment. The service is top of the line. MaryJo and Jim neither neglect you nor hover over you. They were not intrusive into our conversation (like at other tearooms) but they were more than willing to answer our questions when we engaged them in conversation. The food, I cannot say enough about. It truly was the best food I have had at a tearoom. From start to finish, the food was incredible! The tea was excellent. The aroma of the tea was as enjoyable as the flavor. MaryJo and Jim were so gracious and was more than willing to take us on a 'tour' of their beautiful home. I am already making plans to return many times in the near future as well as making plans to stay in their bed and breakfast when it's ready for guests. Thank you MaryJo and Jim for exceeding my expectations and giving my friend and I a wonderful afternoon tea to remember; and many more to look forward to!:)
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Dawn Renaut
I visited Higinbothams this past Saturday, and what an experience!! I have to say this is now my favorite tea room by far! The service was excellent, and the food was absolutely the best! I could not say enough to Mary Jo and her husband Jim about how delicious the food was. My friend Tammy was with me, and we were raving about it!! The tea was very flavorful, the atmosphere very pleasant, just an all around great experience!
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Wanda
Four of my girlfriends and I had the pleasure of having tea at Higginbotham's this past weekend. We were celebrating a birthday. We all had a lovely time. The food was delicious and the tea room was very elegant. If you enjoy historic homes, you will enjoy an afternoon of tea here in New Oxford.