Miss Spenser's Special-Teas & Bed & Breakfast

This tea room is wonderful. The hospitality is so charming and warm.The food is delicious and plentyful. My husband and I enjoyed the bed and breakfast and was given such a warm welcome. Thank you Donna and Spenser.

DEEELIGHTFUL!! The entire event of traveling and experiencing the pretty and peaceful tea room is a wonderful feeling, one that you would want to give all people you love in your life. It is a memory that every friendship should be able to recall. From the welcome of the young parking attendant to the tasty meal and never ending tea - then to the 'good-byes and hope to see you again', the time is well spent. I am sure that as you drive away, you will be looking forward to returning soon.

Coming into Miss Spenser's Specials Teas was a very special experience. It was very enchanting. It made me forget that I was in Iowa.

I had tea again at Miss Spenser's Special Teas and again it was so much fun! The food is fantastic and the china, lighting, welcoming attitude, and super performance of Mrs. Cratchit by the talented Miss Spenser is the best way to kick off the holiday season. The tea is so good, plus the cup is never empty. Keep doing what you do, it just makes my day.

I live and work in the hustle and bustle of the city (Des Moines) so I cherish my time at Miss Spencer's Special-Teas. As I head south on Interstate 35 I'm still wrapped up in the hustle and bustle (70-75 mph). Finally, the exit, I will now be able to slow my pace and start my scenic drive to my destination, teatime at Miss Spencer's. You've just GOT to experience it for yourself, folks!

Miss Spenser's was the perfect outing as a treat for my mother and her friend. The warm hospitality, delicious food and tea, service, and delightful entertainment with Mrs. Crachit made for a special time to remember. Even though the drive was worth it, I wish this unique treasure was closer to Des Moines because I would be booking many events there. It is absolutely charming.

Miss Spenser's has a wide variety of whole leaf, specialty teas, and the pot is 'always on!' My cup is never empty, be it tea cup or heart, while visiting Miss Spenser's, for the atmosphere is welcoming and warm while the tea is piping hot.

As always, the beautiful balance of sweet and savory are positioned perfectly on tiered trays, topped with Englishman-approved scones, accompanied by whipped cream and either jam or lemon curd. I know Donna takes great care in preparing these delicious dainties, in planning as well as serving.

Both Spenser and Donna have an eye for detail, from the table settings, to the decor of each season (in this case, Christmas), to excellence in theme. During this event, our special guest was Mrs. Crachit, famed wife of Mr. Bob Crachit, the ... (more)fortunate employee of a truly changed man! Creative and faithful to the story of Dicken's 'Christmas Carol,' and all developed and portrayed by Miss Spenser herself, it was a feast for the heart and mind to listen to Miss Spenser--aka Mrs. Crachet--dramatize the story of the Christmas Carol from a wife and mother's perspective.

Greeted with a welcoming smile by every member of the Hardin family, the service in this tea room is unmatched. The drive through the country helped me to let go of busy city life, and I left full in tummy and refreshed in heart! Mr. Don was so gracious to help each lady in need, as it was pouring buckets on the day we visited. Although I don't think he spread his coat over any puddles, he most likely would have if the need had presented itself!

If you are in need of a respite and would like to enjoy a choice cup of tea, Miss Spenser's is worth the drive! Both Spenser and Donna are quite knowledgeable about whole leaf teas from around the world, and they offer a wide variety to sip and purchase.

Bouquets to Miss Spenser's Special Teas for a perfectly delightful lunch and performance of A Christmas Carol by Mrs. Crachit, who is Miss Spenser! Her talent is above and beyond. The entire family participated in serving the food and tea and making us feel welcome! I would highly reccomend it to anyone looking for an authentic English Tea experience!

There are not enough accurate words to fully describe how wonderful Miss Spenser's is. From the moment you pull into the driveway, you are greeted with a warm smile, to the minute you walk out the door, you are left with a warm smile. Miss Spenser's is a true Iowa gem, somewhere everyone should go. The decor is amazing, the entire Hardin family goes out of their way to make you feel important and welcomed in their home. Tea at Miss Spenser's is a true experience.

Always a treat to arrive at Miss Spenser's where they greet you with a hug and welcome back. As usual Spenser was wonderful at the Christmas tea along with the tea and food, a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, can't wait to go back

Miss Spenser's provides serenity,joy,kindness and peace to all who visit the Tearoom. Blessed by God, the ladies share their love and talents with others. God Bless You!

Great way to kick off the holiday season! -Relaxing with a friend and enjoying a wonderful program by Mrs.Crachit. Miss Spenser always does a great job and the food is as usual excellant! Thank you Donna and family for such a pleasant few hours on a cold blustery day!

We enjoyed 'Teatime with Mrs. Crachit' during our tea. Everything was wonderfully presented, the food and tea were delicious, it was a delightful evening!

Haven't been able to come back since my first visit, but was quite impressed. Email all my lady friends the emails I receive about up coming events. The teas are quite unique.Fun and some cultural.Performances excellent.

I have attended several teas at Miss Spenser's and when I leave I am always thinking about and planning for the next tea adventure! The wonderful teas and food, the relaxing,inviting atmosphere and the warm hospitality are a rare treat in our hectic and stressed world! I can't wait for my next tea time!

After attending the Holiday Hodge-Podge Tea, I have several ideas for decorating and entertaining. Donna & Spenser both shared many unique ideas and recipes with us and they were all ones I had never seen or heard before. The huge Buffet table was loaded with so many delicious choices that I had to do some calculated arranging to fit it all on my plate. The food is NEVER a disappointment and is always looked forward to with EAGER anticipation. The atmosphere is always so warm and welcoming that you really hate to leave. Donna and Spenser always make sure there is a diversified selection of gift items to purchase for yourself or someone special and I love everything they have to offer. There is always something new and exciting. I have been attending their teas for many years now and always look forward to each visit knowing that I will be welcomed with open arms and leave completely contented having spent such an enjoyable time with the Hardins and my tea companions.

I did not like tea until I went to Miss Spensers. Not only is the food wonderful, but the entertainment is great. They make you feel right at home, and a part of their family. They are wonderful!

No other tearoom where I've been a guest has made me feel more at home. They call us by name even if we haven't been there for a few months. The food is spectacular and the dramas written and performed by Miss Spenser are well done.It's a 'gem' for special occasions to share with friends and family.

I have attended several tea parties over the years at Miss Spensers and every one has been a delight! The food is fabulous and Miss Spenser and Donna have a knack for making you feel at home. Also the entertainment is always fun and enjoyable. Thank you for bringing a little bit of culture to southern Iowa!

My dear Iowa friend, Linda Kacer, introduced me to your refreshing and delightful tea. It truly was a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to another visit when we visit Iowa. Betty Osgood- South Carolina

This is my daughter's and my favorite tea room. Just the right spot for quiet relaxation and the Halloween tea is the bet

I love Miss Spenser's Tearoom. I have been to several of her special teas, and can't wait to go back!

Miss Spenser's is my favorite tea room! While visiting another tea room today, I found myself wondering what was happening at Miss Spenser's. I was at the governor's tea this past spring, and while it was nice, I still missed the creativity that I see at Miss Spenser's. Whether it's the food, ambiance, entertainment or just feeling truly welcome, Miss Spenser's is my favorite tea room. It's worth the drive every time!

It was so much fun to bring someone new (Rudy Kaut) to the tearoom on Friday ... our table was full of interesting people and once again, they now feel like friends after sharing a lovely meal at Miss Spenser's. The ghost story was just frightening enough, the food and tea were delicious and so beautifully presented. As always, the welcoming atmosphere was perfect. Thank you for a lovely evening!

Enjoying an English Tea at Miss Spenser's was a very special treat. We enjoyed our trip from the moment we entered the beautiful tea room. The china, place settings, food presentation, and service were the best! The food, of course, was wonderful. Miss Spenser's Special Tea is truly one of Iowa's special assets. I continue to recommend this establishment to my friends and relatives.

I attended the Victorian Ghost Tea and it was spooktacular! I'm still dreaming about the fabulous food and pumpkin tea was delicious. Miss Spenser and Donna make us feel like part of the family, this is my favorite escape and I can't wait to go back.

The Victorian Ghost Tea was a delightfully scary Halloween treat. The food was wonderful and pumpkin tea marvelous. With a fire in the grate and the candlelight glowing, Miss Spenser wove a tale of murder and mayhem to rival any story teller, past or present. This tea room does the usual and unusual when it comes to pouring out a cup of tea, but it is always amazing!

We attended the the shadow of the shade
as always the performance was wonderful
I have been to numerous tea parties here but it was the first time with
my husband. He too was very impressed with the program and esp.
with the food! It is so delicious and even for a man plenty to eat.
The cups of tea are always filled
with special teas. All in all a wonderful night.

I attended the Halloween tea last night and it was a wonderful experience. The food was absolutely delicious and loved the tea. It is a beautiful tea room in the country. The family is so wonderful greeting everyone, helping them park their cars to keeping the tea cup full. There was a nice variety of food and all very delicious. The decor is very relaxing and tastefully done. Spenser did a great job with the program she did and what a beautiful dress which she made herself. She has a wonderful talent in the sewing department. I have attended this tea room since they opened. It started in their home before turning the 3 car garage into this special tea room. It's been great seeing all the changes over the years that has been accomplished. Donna does a fabulous job of preparing the food-- all so delicious. Karen Edgington

My sisters, neice and I had a wonderful time today at the tea room. Service was wonderful, food was excellent, and it was a memorable occasion for us as a sister time together. They even gave us hats to wear. What fun!! I will definitely try it again.

My friend, Karen Schurman treated me for my birthday in August to my first 'Tea'. I enjoyed the experience immensely, a very relaxing time and delicious food. I hope to enjoy one of the upcoming holiday events. Thanks

This tea involved a book discussion of an unsolved murder in Warren County during the late Victorian Era. It was so much fun to have an intimate tea with a yummy dessert buffet and delicious tea. Candlelit and mysterious, the setting for the tea was lovely as usual. The food is always so well prepared and delicious and since it was at night, there was regular tea and a great apricot flavored decaffeinated tea. Both were awesome. Thanks for another great event.

Love going to Miss Spenser's Teahouse. Food is always good and the atmosphere so enjoyable. My daughter is planning to treat me to a tea time together for my birthday when we can arrange a time that works. Excitedly looking forward to another repeated visit with great tea and company.

Absolutely beautiful, relaxing, atmosphere with wonderful, warm, friendly people serving. I have been there many times and am never disappointed. Whole leaf tea brewed to perfection and exceptionally tasty treats to enjoy with it. Makes a wonderful place to take friends and family for a special birthday treat. My mother and daughter-in-law both greatly enjoy that gift.

There are not enough positive words to describe the experience you receive at Miss Spenser's. If you have not yet had the opportunity to come and visit, you are missing out!! Everything is wonderful, from the moment you walk in the door, until the moment you walk out-and then you will be counting down the moments until the next time you get to return.

This is not my first visit, but every time I am awestruck by the serenity, food,fun things I learn and friends new and old. I cant wait to go back to share with my delightful tea friends.

I went to the Audrey Hepburn tea and had a wonderful time. The interpretation of this great star had the essence of Audrey herself embedded in a creative and gracious program. The food and tea were, as usual, so tasty and artfully prepared that I can't wait to go to tea again.

A special friend took me to Miss Spenser's tea room for my Birthday and what a wonderful experience the people were the greatest i loved every minute of it.Everyone should have the pleasent experience all i can say is it was wonderful the food ,Tea and entertainment Thanks to my friend Norma Love you my friend

I wanted to give my friends a 'thank you' gift for helping us after a terrible August storm in our area. Finding Miss Spenser's Special-Teas Teahouse was a wonderful, wonderful treasure. It is a 2 1/2 hour drive from our area to Miss Spenser's Teahouse, but it was fantastic!!! We talked about it all the way home! I can't wait to learn more about the many activities at the Teahouse. I think this is one of the best treasures that I have ever found, attending an event at Miss Spenser's Special Teas Teahouse. The food was heavenly and the decor was beautiful. The welcome and hospitality given by Donna and Spenser were very special. Thank you so very, very much for a wonderful day. We hope to come again very soon!!!

What a delightful experience!! From the start when each member of the tour group was warmly greeted at the door, to our exit where we were also individually thanked for attending, the time spent at Miss Spenser's Special-Teas Teahouse was truly SPECIAL. The lovely Victorian decor, the delicious food, and Miss Spenser's wonderful presentation from 'Midnight Assassin: Murder in the Heartland' all made our tea time a superb one of a kind experience. Because we were such a large group only one type of tea was served - but it was absolutely delicious, and our teacups were continually being refilled! I'm hoping to be able to come back soon with friends who I know will love the 'teatime' as much as I did!

The presentation of the whole experience was delightful. The reading from 'Out of Africa' was extremely well done and so enjoyable for myself and my guests. Everyone had their own choices of what they liked best of the food that was served, but everyone was happy with all selections. Only one tea was served due to the large group; but that was okay, it was delicious, and if you wanted something different you could ask for it. Will keep checking site for upcoming events.

The Out of Africa Tea this past weekend was fabulous! Thank you so much for creating this special time that I could enjoy with my mother. The program was top notch - Miss Spenser, you are so talented! The food was scrumptious, the formal Victorian decor was beautiful and, of course, the tea was delish! Mom and I are already talking about when we can come back and I've spread the word to friends!

Everyone should put Miss Spencer's Special-Teas on their must to do list. It is one of the greatest days around to spend with your friends. I had it on my bucket list and now I keep putting it back on the list and go again. I love to share this special place with my friends. Everyone is ready to go back to the next tea. It doesn't take us long to get their from north of Ames. A great place to take visitors from other states and countries.

I enjoyed the wonderful Out of Africa program so much at Miss Spenser's Special Teas today. Miss Spenser's voice and narrative carried me away as if I were actually experiencing a trip to Africa. The food and tea are always fantastic as well! The table was beautifully set and the people with whom I had tea were friendly and fun!

From my first contact by email to the day my sister and I had our tea date, the experience was great. Donna and Spenser were so welcoming, the tearoom was beautifully set, the food was wonderful! Thank you for a special afternoon with my sister. We will be back!

Our Grandma took us to the American Girl Tea with Kirsten's teacher, Miss Winston. We had a very fun time! The food was yummy and we played some neat games too. We can't wait to go back for another tea time. Thanks Miss Donna and Miss Spenser!!
Katelyn Schulze
Jenna Lee-Johnson

One of my Book Club Buddies suggested we visit this tea room and were we ever glad she did! We attended the Young Victoria presentation on Saturday July 16 and it was an afternoon I'll long remember. I work in a very stressful job situation and it was just the escape I needed to relax and unwind. I was transported to another world. I'm definitely going to make plans to go again. The two Sons that work and serve tea are perfect gentlemen and so cute. The food was amazing! The tea was outstanding. The presentation by Miss Spencer was captivating. I just can't say enough about how much I enjoyed experience. Make plans to go. You will not be disappointed! Linda Lee

Another wonderful experience at the tea room. The cherry jubilee cream truffles were heavenly!!!! I have been telling everyone about them. The service is always with a smile and Miss Spenser's performance as Queen Victoria was sweet and entertaining.

My Grandmother is from England and when I was a little girl she would tell me all about the tea times in England. Being at Spencer's Tea Room really made me be able to invision what it would have been like to have had tea in England with her. I have never been to England unfortunetly but I feel like I get a little piece of it there. I really loved everything! The atmosphere is very relaxing and I enjoy how she will sometimes put on a theme as well. Talking with Spencer and her Mother it felt as though they really knew so much about the tea they were serving and their hearts were truly in everything they did.

A return visit to Miss Spenser's Tea Room was just as wonderful as the first. After attending a tea in March as a guest of my sister-in-law, I told my Book Club buddies about the gem I had discovered. They were all on board to give a go. I was excited when the date finally came and could share this experience with 14 of my friends. Everyone loved it. I heard, 'Best tearoom I have ever been to' and 'I want to tell my aunt about this place.' I am sure there will be repeat visits with some of the girls with other friends and/or family. I know I am planning on another event with other friends. Donna and her family makes you feel at home from the minute you arrive. I love Miss Spenser's Special Teas.

When planning our trip from England to visit family in Iowa we contacted Miss Spenser's Tea Room to enquire about their Special Events. The warmth of the response and the exchange of emails during the months before our visit resulted in a welcome so warm we were made to feel like lifelong friends. The attention to detail at the tea room is perfect in every respect and the entire Hardin family an absolute joy. The English tea-room definitely passed the test - right down to the delicious cream scones! Our relatives, who had not been to Miss Spenser's before, were really impressed, whilst we left Iowa with memories of our visit as one of the highlights of our holiday.

When planning our trip from England to visit family in Iowa we contacted Miss Spenser's Tea Room to enquire about their Special Events. The warmth of the response and the exchange of emails during the months before our visit resulted in a welcome so warm we were made to feel like lifelong friends. The attention to detail at the tea room is perfect in every respect and the entire Hardin family an absolute joy. The English tea-room definitely passed the test - right down to the delicious cream scones! Our relatives, who had not been to Miss Spenser's before, were really impressed, whilst we left Iowa with memories of our visit as one of the highlights of our holiday.

I have loved tea parties for a very long time. When I saw an ad for Miss Spenser's Tea Room in my Tea Time magazine, I immediately contacted my sisters and we planned our tea adventure. I live in California, so I was delighted when the Little Women tea was scheduled for one of my visits to Iowa. The six of us loved everything about the Little Women's tea. The ambience was inviting and cozy. The food and tea were delicious, and we felt pampered and very importaint. Thanks so much for a wonderful day.

Lovely decorations, wonderful items to purchase, scrumptious food. What could possibly make it better? Oh yes, daughter Spenser! What a charming young woman with talent galore! You will not want to miss a tea room experience at Miss Spenser's Special-Teas. I guarantee you will be back for many a return visit!

What a wonderful time we had at Miss Spenser's Tea Room! We traveled over a 100 miles to get there and it was well worth it! It was a great outing for the women in our family. I was especially delighted when I was able to purchase a tea pot that matched my China set. A wonderful day especially with Meg (from Little Women)visiting with us. Thank you.

What to say about tea at Miss Spenser's? There are just not enough words to fully describe the wonderful, fantastic and amazing time I always have when I come to tea. I LOVE coming to tea- for the tea, the wonderful food, the amazing programs, and for the great friendship and fellowship I know will be waiting for me as soon as I pull into the driveway and the door is opened. When I enter, I feel at home and so very welcomed.
If you have not had the chance to go and experience Miss Spenser's- you MUST go as soon as you can- you will not be disappointed. You will find amazing tea, amazing food, an amazing program- but also, amazing hosts that the entire Hardin family is.

Rose, Marge and I had another wonderful time at Miss Spenser's. We attended the Gone with the Wind tea. It was perfect, as usual!! We will be back again and often.
Thank you, Donna, Miss Spenser and family.

I can't think of anything I'd rather do than spend time at Miss Spenser's being entertained by the talented Hardin family and savoring all the delicious foods made from scratch by Miss Donna.
My most recent visit was for the Royal Wedding Tea compliments of my dear friend Cindy who had given me a gift certificate. Meeting the 'Queen' and 'Kate' was a royal treat and tasting William's wedding cake was fun. The wedding cake cookies were made by my niece and an added treat. It was very entertaining to hear about the Hardin's friend's experience meeting Princess Diana. Spenser's beautiful harp rendition was soothing and the perfect way to end the day. Everything about Miss Spenser's Tearoom is always perfect down to the last detail. I LOVE IT!!!

Donna and Miss Spencer,
i just want to say what a wonderful time i had at the royal wedding tea!! the food was amazing as always. Mostly i want to thank you for letting me make the cookies! i was SO HONARD!!! thank you thank! i know my mom was right by my side and just as honard. your trully the dearest and sweetest! thank you again for letting me be a part of it.

Miss Spenser's Tea Room is an excellent destination for groups. We are a bank travel club and just returned from a wonderful visit at Miss Spenser's! The whole experience of the 4-course English Style Tea was given with grace, wonderful food carefully prepared, efficient service and Miss Spenser provides such fun entertainment for the group to top off the tea. We traveled via 54 pax motorcoach without difficulty to the Tea Room. I would recommend Miss Spenser's to any group that is looking for a special place to entertain their members.

We had a wonderful time and it was my first time at a tea. I will be going back many more times. Every detail was awesome and we loved all the items they had for sale.

I am 26 years old and I had never been to a tea party. I didn't know what to expect exactly, I honestly thought it would be kind of boring. The women in our family had a girls day out to celebrate birthdays. The tea room was beautifully decorated and you were very welcoming hosts, your whole family! It was a a Gone With the Wind theme and it was a lot of fun. The food was outstanding to say the least! The tea just kept coming until we couldn't drink anymore. We had a very nice time and I would definately like to go to another one! Thank you for making my first tea party experience an awsome one!

It feels redundant to add one more review laced with superlatives but the teas here are just that special. The entire rest of your day will seem better afterwards!

I spent a lovely visit with new friends and Miss Crachet last Christmas and had a wonderful time. I am a Victorian Lady at heart and felt at home. Thank for a lovely Christmas memory and look forward to many more.

To say that I LOVE Miss Spenser's in an understatement. I recently attended my 17th tea, the Passport Tea to Scotland, which was a new challenge for the tearoom. We who were there learned so much about the country, as well as enjoying outstanding food, Scottish Highland tea, a warm atmosphere and lighthearted camaraderie, exactly what I have come to expect at Miss Spenser's. I love to share the experience with a new friend, to see their face as they take tea for the first time at this one-of-a-kind tearoom.

If you are a person that likes thoughtful details, classic books, and food that pleases good cooks, this is the place to go.

We always enjoy Donna's writing about the featured book, as well as Spenser's monologue AND her costume (this time a vintage pattern from 1910.)

The scones with clotted cream and strawberry-rose jelly were amazing, as well as the blackberry turkey croissant, and (always!) the cucumber tea sandwich, and the orange blossom teacakes.....

You can confidently bring friends and family here, and are assured of being welcomed and refreshed.

Lovely food, lovely atmosphere, and lovely service! I was impressed by my visit. It was so relaxing and enjoyable.

Just when I thought the week couldn't get any better, I moved some papers off my calendar and saw 'TEA @11:00' and the week magically got all the better. I love looking at my calendar and seeing 'TEA,' I know that my time spent will be wonderful, amazing and thousands of other positive words. The Secret Garden tea was wonderful! Miss Spenser did an amazing job, the tea was amazing and was the food. All of the Hardins are so gracious and wonderful, as soon as the door opens, I know I will have a wonderful time, and as soon as the door closes behind me, I am counting down the time until I get to return. If you haven't been to Miss Spenser's, take the time to go and enjoy this true gem, you will not have wasted your time and will leave longing to return.

Everything was perfect - from Donna's greeting at the door to 'come back, again!' - which, I will surely do.
Beautiful presentation: tea, food, and ambience. Relaxing and rejuvenating.

The ambience and hospitality at Miss Spenser's are superb! The food was great too, as was the bottomless pot of tea!

The recent Secret Garden tea was so much fun! Spenser's performance was just what I needed after a dreary beginning to April. She brought all the sunshine and happiness of Frances Hodgson Burnett to tea participants and Donna brought the joy of glorious tea food. The strawberry soup is out of this world, as well as the scones. Thanks, once again, ladies for making my day.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of experiencing 'Teatime in the Secret Garden' at Miss Spenser's and it was an absolutely delightful experience. This was my second tea at Miss Spenser's and it will most certainly not be my last!

You have to visualize driving into the countryside of southern Iowa with its rolling hills and turning into the driveway of a farmhouse towering on the hill like an English mansion and that is just the beginning of your Tea Adventure !!! I was at a Sweet Sixteen Birthday Tea last Thursday. The peels of laughter coming from the girls as they tried on which hat to wear was priceless ! The strawberry soup,apricot chicken salad,cream scones with toppings,brownies with ganache sauce and the full cup of tea always the right temperature !! made this day to cherish forever and what a wonderful blessing for a 16 year old! It was even lightly raining when we left to add the the English tea experience !!

Very pleasant and pleasurable experience. 'Teatime in the Secret Garden'. Very professional and Tea theme always very interesting and acted out by daughter whom is very talented and pretty. The entire family is involved and very friendly. Menu of food good and attractively served. Please don't miss this experience as it is wonderful. Put it on your bucket list, you won't be sorry.

Just wanted to comment on how wonderful everything was for the passport tea. I don't really like the combination of oatmeal and chocolate but the cookies you made were wonderful. Now I can't say I don't like oats and chocolate. And the tea served was delicious. Your table settings were exceptional! The iMovie was fantastic as well. Spenser's voice was perfect for the sweeping beauty of Chase's pictures. I someday hope to travel to Scotland, but meanwhile, I really enjoyed the trip I took at Miss Spenser's Special Teas!

The atmosphere was serene. From the minute we arrived in the driveway we were welcomed with a smile by the gentleman of the home. The tearoom was elegant and the meal was wonderful. My nieces and I were invited to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with my sister-in-law, Shirley. She discovered this gem and wanted to share the experience wit us. I was very thankful to be part of the special occasion. I know I will be sharing this experience again with family and friends. Thank you Shirley and 'Miss Spenser's' family for a delightful time and a wonderful way to start the weekend.

When I read the article about the tea room in the Country Woman Magazine, I could not wait to get in touch with my Red Hat ladies. We decided to take the trip and it was certainly worth our while. The atmosphere is wonderful and the hostesses delightful. That doesn't even begin to describe the delicious food. The tea was exceptional. Hot and plentiful. Even though six ladies were all that were able to come this time I'm sure when we tell the rest we'll be making another trip. Can't wait. Martha Linn 3/24/2011

A delightful Irish Tea experience, a surprise gift from my friends, who were trying to cheer me after a dreaded big '0' birthday. It worked! The fresh brewed loose leaf tea was soothing, the themed food comforting, and the entertainment delightful and the service was pampering. Time flew by as we relaxed and enjoyed every detail. Now at home I'm enjoying several tea blends purchased that day and reminding me of a very 'special' birsthday. Thank you so much for the great memories. No one could be dissapointed here.

What a wonderful time-The Irish Theme was so much fun. And the food was absolutely fabulous. I think it is great how the entire family is involved-and a very nice family it is. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend a Saturday. This is my second time there-and I will definitely be back.

We had an outstanding repeat visit to Miss Spenser's Tearoom. This review is for the Irish Farmhouse Tea. Our special tea was the loose leaf Irish breakfast tea, and it was a wonderful choice. We enjoyed a bottomless cup until we had to leave. The food was delicious and served to each table on a beautifully arranged tiered serving tray. We started with a tasty cup of potato soup. Then 4 small sandwich selections for each guest, on the bottom tier. Wonderful oat scones and 3 dessert choices were on the top 2 tiers. Miss Spenser treated us to a lovely Irish program and soothing Celtic tunes on her harp. The entire family is involved in the business and create a very welcoming atmosphere. They make you feel like a long lost friend. Treat yourself to a themed tea, and you will want to return again and again.

A wonderful treat. The setting, food and entertainment was exceptional. You really are missing out if you don't partake in a themed tea at Miss Spenser's.
Miss Spenser's entire family was wonderful to us all.

I really wish that there was a option past excellent to pick from. Excellent does not do justice to how wonderful Miss Spenser's is.
The entire experience at Miss Spenser's is something that you do not want to miss- from the tea, to the food, to the programs, to the friends, to the entire Hardin family- and the list can continue. Having tea at Miss Spenser's should be on everybody's to-do list.
I so look forward going to Miss Spenser's- i know that I will not be disappointed.
If you have not yet been to Miss Spenser's you- you are missing out.

We had out of state guests, and wanted to share a special experience with them. Miss Spenser and Lady Donna never fail to provided a lovely and delicious afternoon. Miss Spenser's entertainment is always tasteful and beautifully performed. This is not just for ladies - - gentlemen are pleasantly surprized by the quality and ambience. Going to Miss Spenser's is like going home.

What an absolutely wonderful experience we had today at Miss Spenser's charming Victorian tea room! It was breathtaking. The tearoom is perfectly decorated, the tables elegantly set with antique china and crystal and the food delicious and gourmet level. And yes, the tea was excellent and plentiful. Plus, we enjoyed the added pleasure of the beautiful and talented Miss Spenser’s harp playing and character skit during the themed Irish Farmhouse tea event. The whole afternoon came together in a lovely bouquet of sights, sounds, and flavors that will be a lasting memory for my girlfriends and me for many years to come.

There was no better way to spend a snowy Saturday in Iowa than at Miss Spenser's with dear friends, my daughter-in-law and grand-daughter! We enjoyed tasting the various teas and learning to brew the perfect pot of tea. It is always a treat to come to Miss Spenser's.

When my daughter asked if I wanted to go to a tea tasting event, I was skeptical. I'm a coffee drinker. I just didn't know how to make a pot of tea the correct way. I used a national brand tea bag...you can guess. I learned a great deal at this event today, and I am a convert!! I really, really love good tea. I now have my own teapot and instructions on how to use it. I had a wonderful time, even if the weather was a little bad getting there. After we got there, the atmosphere was very calming, and very enjoyable. Thank you, ladies, for making my first experience a wonderful one!!

Just came from Miss Spenser's free tea tasting. What an awesome event! I learned lots about different teas and sampled some delicious varieties. This is the third time I have been there. Each time has been delightful!

I have made three trips to rural Iowa to visit this wonderful tea room. I plan to make many more. Love it!

There are really not enough words to fully describe Miss Spenser's to do complete justice. I love coming to Miss Spenser's for tea. The programs are alway amazing and well planned and presented, the food offered is always amazing, well planned out and presented. The entire Hardin family is simply amazing, and you could not ask for better hosts. I look forward to each and every tea I attend- I mark them on my calendar and hi-light them and start counting down the days.

I just went to 'Love Letter Tea'- I love it more every time I go. The surprise today was real hit, and I truly enjoyed it.

If you have not been to Miss Spenser's, you are truly missing a wonderful experience. This is one tea room that you MUST visit and return to on a regular basis.