More tea shops in western Michigan
Both tea shops in western Michigan I stopped by, Global Infusion in Grand Rapids and HumaniTea in Ludington, are small outfits wirh small selections. Global Infusion had the wider tea options, but i enjoyed the atmosphere at both. Global had more of a laid-back hippie vibe to it: it also boasts a small gift shop. I bought some mango black tea and had some of it iced. Really hit the spot. In Ludington, I was in a hurry to get out of town so I could catch my train out of Kalamazoo, but the manager and I chatted for several minutes while my blackberry sage tea steeped. Neither shop is hardcore tea nerdity, but for me that's not always the point. A major thing I've noted over the years of visiting tea shops is how eager manager and staff are willing - even eager - to chat. It doesn't even have to be about tea. Mind you, it *starts* with tea, but the conversation can evolve from tea to travel or the community or even what's happenibg at the local library. I don't get this as much at coffee shops or bars. When you get down to it, tea makes me feel like I'm at home no matter where I am.