mountain moment with kym brown Owner of A Southern Cup Fine Teas

Kym Brown opened A Southern Cup Fine Teas in 2016. She intended to open a tea shop to sell teas and accessories, but within the first week, Brown’s shop became a tearoom where friends gather to catch up, parents bring their children to teach them proper tea etiquette, and small groups celebrate birthdays and bridal showers. Brown fills her charming teal and pink cottage with elegant tea pots and cups, as well as a variety of loose-leaf tea blends. She is happy to help customers develop their palates for tea. Menus include a traditional cream tea with fruit and scones, as well as a children’s menu and a more robust afternoon tea menu.

Q: If someone is unfamiliar with the tea tradition, how do you recommend they begin their experience?

A: If they want to dip their toe in, they can come in and get a cream tea, which comes with scones, fruit and a pot of tea. If you’re not familiar with tea, I will ask questions: Do you drink coffee? How do you drink it? I recommend a black tea to start. China black is a smooth black tea. You can add milk and sugar. Next time they come in, they can try a green tea, maybe a fruity green tea or one with some spice in it.

Q: Do you have any teas that are particularly popular?

A: The one that jumps out the most is a rooibos tea. It’s called Red High Heels and Chocolate. It’s a South African tea that has no caffeine and is naturally sweet. It brings a hint of chocolate and ginger.

Q: Are these tea experiences good for all ages?

A: All ages, absolutely. Kids have to learn, and the only way they’re going to learn is to expose them to the experience. I had a little girl start coming at 2, and she came for every birthday. The shop has been a first-time tea experience for a lot of little kids.

Q: How do you blend the tea tradition of the American South with that of Britain?

A: I called it A Southern Cup because I wanted to put a Southern tradition on a British tradition. I’m from Louisiana, so I bring Southern traditions that I grew up with. And it’s not stuffy here at all. A lady came in one day, and her heel broke. I said, “Take your shoes off.” Where I come from, you walk around barefoot. Where I grew up, the door was always open and everyone was always welcome.

Q: What do you enjoy about being a small-business owner in Hendersonville?

A: The camaraderie with other small businesses is the best part. When I get up in the morning, I look forward to going in and bringing this experience to other people. Customers have become friends. I’ve had customers come in as brides, and now they’re bringing their kids back. For me, it’s a way to contribute to the community. I wanted to live in an area where there’s a lot of community, and this is my way to bring something fruitful and become a part of it.

Kym's Top 5

Hendersonville recommendations:

» Honeysuckle Hollow for shopping and quirky gifts.

» Definitely Jump Off Rock for the views.

» Just walking Main Street in Hendersonville is a treat in itself.

» The Baker’s Box. The bakery and sandwich shop started in a smaller location, and now they have a big restaurant on Asheville Highway.

» Go get a doughnut at McFarlan Bakery, if you don’t do anything else.

Wineries

Uncork your passion for vintage travel and find amazing new flavors during a visit to Crest of the Blue Ridge, North Carolina’s newest wine region.

Henderson County received the prestigious designation as an American Viticultural Area in 2019, becoming one of only six North Carolina communities to receive the honor.

Here, you’ll find classic wines made from European and French-American hybrid grapes grown in Henderson County. You’ll also discover sweeter wines crafted from native grapes.

Henderson County’s combination of distinctive soils, high-quality water, moderate climate and elevation creates the unforgettable flavors found in the Crest of the Blue Ridge. For full listing information, see the next page.

Burntshirt Vineyards (3,400 feet): This sprawling property features two tasting bars, the Vintner's Table restaurant, a food truck and an events center for weddings and celebrations. A second tasting room near Chimney Rock doubles the fun.

Marked Tree Vineyard (2,300 feet): Flat Rock’s first winery gives you the choice between an indoor tasting room and outdoor patio. Vineyard tours are available on Saturdays.

Point Lookout Vineyards (3,000 feet): The open-air tasting room boasts sweeping 270-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The tasting room can accommodate up to 300 guests for weddings and events.

Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards (2,300 feet): Henderson County’s first winery opened in 2012 and planted the seeds for today’s success. Along with a second vineyard at 3,000 feet, the winery operates Appalachian Ridge Artisan Hard Cider.

Hit the Cheers! Trail

Hendersonville’s wonderful wineries are part of the region’s Cheers! Trail, the only trail of its kind in North Carolina to feature five different types of craft beverages — beer, cider, mead, spirits and wine.

Order a Cheers! Trail Passport to get the most out of your journey as you explore 25+ different tasting experiences. Be sure to download a Cheers! Trail map to view offline since cell phone service can be spotty in rural areas.

Sawyer Springs Vineyard (2,100 feet): A small and purposeful family-run operation, this winery is on land that has been passed down through six generations. The offerings include wines made from blueberries and strawberries.

Souther Williams Vineyard (2,100 feet):

Hendersonville’s newest winery is on land that has been in the same family since 1800 and grows cooler climate varietals.

Stone Ashe Vineyards (2,700 feet): The state-of-the-art tasting room sits on a mountain bluff wrapped in vineyards and brings a taste of Bordeaux to the Blue Ridge with its all-natural wines.