On a bright Easter Sunday, a unique double-decker bus experience known as Tea Around Town commenced its journey through Downtown Dallas, inviting passengers to indulge in an afternoon of tea and treats.
This innovative concept, which originated in New York City two years ago, aims to cater to tea enthusiasts while providing an Instagram-worthy sightseeing tour for tourists.
With a decorated upper deck boasting pastel flowers and pink-and-white booths, the bus has quickly caught the attention of primarily influencer-type passengers.
A variety of hot teas—including mint, chai spice, and hibiscus—are served during the 90-minute ride through various districts like the Arts District, Uptown, and Victory Park.
Yet, in a culture increasingly dominated by coffee, true tea appreciation seems to have faded into the background.
As coffee drinks evolve in complexity, many tea drinkers find themselves relegated to mundane choices.
However, for Susan, a self-professed tea lover and Anglophile, this bus ride represented a nostalgic return to the splendor of traditional tea gardens.
“I saw this on Instagram before you told me about it,” Susan remarked, while sporting a chic silk scarf and cardigan, prepared for a day of elegance.
Venturing out with her daughter, she eagerly anticipated an adventure filled with flavors and experiences reminiscent of fine tea traditions.
Upon arrival, it became apparent that the bus was designed to cater to a social media-savvy crowd, with influencers capturing the scenic atmosphere and lavish treats to share with their followers.
Among them was Megan Saustad, a lifestyle blogger whose style was reminiscent of a classy Real Housewife, joking about feeling too old for TikTok.
She was accompanied by Sonia Lovett, a striking woman aptly styled in a reversible silk kimono jacket, exuding a timeless elegance reminiscent of Helen Mirren.
The anticipation mounted as challenges arose while trying to pull up tickets on the necessary app, which had to be downloaded prior to boarding the bus.
Despite the minor inconvenience, Susan found joy in bonding with a little girl dressed in vibrant colors, marking an opportunity for connection amidst the influencers.
As the bus set off, the scenery of Downtown Dallas revealed a contrast to its counterparts in larger cities; the sights were pleasant but quietly underwhelming.
The highlights of the ride included charming string-quartet interpretations of popular songs, lending a whimsical, modern twist to a classic tea experience.
Tour guide Angel provided commentary on various locations, although her insights skimmed the surface of Dallas history.
Visiting the West End, Angel pointed out the Instagram-friendly Museum of Illusions as a must-see destination, eliciting interest from several passengers, including Chelcie Jones, a seasoned influencer with a diverse online presence.
Chelcie, who began her path in social media through plus-size fashion, now shares content on a range of topics, reflecting the versatility that characterizes today’s social media landscape.
The environment took an unexpected turn as the bus maneuvered through tight corners, resulting in a glass mishap as the young servers dashed to clean up the mess.
While drinks were largely served in robust plastic tumblers, the incident highlighted the inherent challenges that can arise in a mobile dining experience.
Throughout the ride, various tidbits about Dallas were shared, including lesser-known facts about the Dallas Museum of Art and its origins at Fair Park.
Despite attempts to find beauty in the city’s landscape, the glass towers and eclectic mix of architectural styles present a unique challenge in promoting the allure of Dallas.
As the return journey approached, passengers were presented with to-go boxes filled with leftover treats, signaling the end to a delightful culinary experience.
While the $69 petite menu provided enough offerings for a light meal, many opted for the deluxe $99 experience, featuring luxurious bites that included a mini-lobster roll and a decadent red velvet cake.
Yet, the absence of alcohol on board may present a challenge in attracting a broader client base seeking the full recreational brunch experience.
Tea Around Town holds appeal for a niche audience of mothers and daughters, book club gatherings, and bridal parties who prefer a more sober yet social outing.
In reflecting on the day’s experience, Susan expressed her satisfaction, revealing that she was leaving with an entire meal intended for her husband, John.
The uniqueness of the Tea Around Town experience suggests potential for fostering new communal interactions amidst the vibrant landscape of Downtown Dallas, despite some limitations in sightseeing and engaging with fellow passengers.
As the initiative develops, it may find its true strength in the shared relationships and moments it cultivates over a shared love of tea and mindfulness in social experiences.
image source from：https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/2025/04/26/hepola-are-you-ready-for-dallas-new-instagrammable-brunch-spot-on-wheels/
