Historic Fletcher Steele Garden Tour and Afternoon Tea (A Trails & Sails Event)

Program Details

Join us on Thursday, September 18th for a special day with our Historic Fletcher Steele Garden Tour as part of Essex Heritage Trails and Sails and then stay for Afternoon Tea at Rolling Ridge.

Fletcher Steele is recognized as one of the most influential landscape architects of the early twentieth century. For 60 years Steele practiced landscape architecture as a fine art, designing nearly 700 gardens in his lifetime. The garden at Rolling Ridge was the first of his creations. Join us for a tour of this historic garden. Although the fountain is no longer in operation and the grounds are being restored, you will discover the visionary genius of Steele as we walk the grounds and appreciate the natural beauty of this 38 acre peninsula along Lake Cochichewick.

The tour begins at 12:30 pm and meets in the Rolling Ridge courtyard. The tour is free and open to the public.

Following the tour, join us for Afternoon Tea at Rolling Ridge. Seating for Afternoon Tea begins at 2 pm, end time is approximately 4pm. Reservations are required with payment in full upon registration. Participation in the Historic Fletcher Steele Garden Tour is optional.

Tables for Afternoon Tea will be in Tyson Hall, the Lakeside Gallery Dining Room, and pending weather and availability, outdoors on the patio. Book online for yourself, a companion, or a group. Limited number of tickets are available for this second time event so reserve today. And first come first booked, the Oval Room and Library are available for a private tea party with an additional fee.

Reservation for Afternoon Tea: $45 per person

Fall Menu pending.

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The MENU from our Spring Afternoon Tea

Savories

Coronation Chicken Salad

Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese and Cucumber

Ham with Butter

Tomato with Mayonnaise Bacon Jam

Scones

Strawberries and Cream

Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream

Whipped Strawberry Jam Butter

Sweets

Lemon Cakes with Lavendar Glaze

Carrot Cake Bites

Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

Double Chocolate Espresso Cookies

About the Leaders

Larry Jay

As the Executive Director of Rolling Ridge, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay works in partnership with the staff to ensure that the guest experience at the Ridge is top quality. He also partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge, and is available to speak about the ongoing ministry and historic mission of Rolling Ridge as a place of rest, retreat, and transformation. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with nature, God, and all people.