Explore the World of Tea in South Carolina


The Doctors Bruce and Lee Foundation Library presents a two-part virtual tea program that includes The Charleston Tea Plantation: Exploring the World of Tea, presented by the Bigelow Tea Company. The video explores the history of tea, as well as the early years of growing tea on Wadmalaw Island, located a few miles south of the historic city of Charleston. Following this presentation, Top Hat Special-Teas, in Florence, gives a brief virtual tour of their restaurant.

The Charleston Tea Garden offers nine flavors of tea. In 2003, The Charleston Tea Plantation was purchased by family-owned Bigelow Tea Company. The Charleston Tea Plantation provides an educational opportunity to learn firsthand how tea is made during an informative factory tour. Additional information about The Charleston Tea Plantation and recipes on how to make good iced tea can be found at www.charlestonteagarden.com.

Top Hat Special-Teas, a longtime fixture of downtown Florence, is owned and operated by Laurie Crouse. She opened Top Hat Special-Teas after visiting tearooms all over the country. The restaurant serves lunch and afternoon teas, with a wide variety of teas and daily specials, and offers dine in, take out, or delivery. Top Hat Special-Teas was voted Best Sweet Tea of the Pee Dee in 2020. More information can be found on their Facebook page, or at www.tophatspecialteas.com.

Information about the Doctors Bruce and Lee Foundation Library’s virtual programs is available at www.florencelibrary.org. This program is sponsored by Friends of Florence County Library.