Did you know we have a store? Since the vast majority of our customers are e-commerce folks, many of you may not realize we actually have a bricks & mortar location – in truth, we have two in the U.S. and a few more abroad! We have a store in SoHo in New York City, and we have a store in Tokyo! But today I’m going to spill the tea on our store in Millerton, New York, which is where our headquarters are located. It was the first store we opened…well, sort of.
Our first shop was in an obscure location in Lakeville, Connecticut, close to one of our early factories. It was a charming location with a brook and a swing for kids (and the young at heart) to swing on. However, we outgrew that factory and moved to Millerton to a larger facility. That move meant there was no reason to keep the shop at that location, and it gave us an opportunity to move to a prime location in the newly bustling town of Millerton. That was in 2005.
When it comes to opening and running the shops, my wife is the star of the show. Even as a young mother, Brigitte balanced her family and this new venture, bringing charm and style to the store. She continues to oversee the Millerton shop, bringing some French flair to little ol’ Millerton. Customers love to come in and catch up with her, and Brigitte loves to catch up with our regular customers, see pictures of their grandkids or trips.
When you come into the Millerton store, you’ll see tea stacked high on the walls. We carry several hundred teas in the store (since that’s what people expect when they come to a Harney & Sons Fine Teas store!) as well as items that Brigitte calls “lifestyle.” Brigitte’s natural charm and training have rubbed off on her staff, who are equally charming as they assist customers with teas or finding other nice gifts from our selection of whimsical, fun, and stylish merchandise.
Another thing customers enjoy when they visit Millerton is food! When we bought the site, it had recently been a restaurant so the bones were there to create one. Little by little, our son Alex and Brigitte expanded the offerings to include nice sandwiches and salads as well as cheeses, soup, hot plates and desserts. While the menu does change, if I were to say we had a specialty I’d probably say there is the Brigitte sandwich of ham and butter on a baguette. Very French. Sad to say that the Mike sandwich was removed – not fair! We do work with a Catskill Mountain cheesemaker to create a few cheeses using our teas. Always something to inspire or intrigue you!
While Alex has moved on from being the chef at Millerton, he still oversees it. He has a great curiosity about food and has developed some good skills. As parents, we would like to take credit, but Alex deserves pretty much it all! It’s a lovely place to try some new teas, have some food inside the restaurant or at our outdoor seating. It’s more than a store; it’s a destination that people travel quite some distance to experience as our “flagship” store.
The pandemic affected us, of course, as it did the world. We had to close for several months but began reopening slowly in the fall of 2020. Because of COVID, tea tastings have also been restructured and continue to evolve – they are much more restricted than they were pre-pandemic. If you’re coming and would like a tea tasting, it’s best to inquire ahead of time.
We hope you have the opportunity to come visit our Millerton store! One of the many great things about having customers drop in is that, unlike ecommerce, we are able to interact with customers and learn what they like (and dislike) about our teas. Nothing beats hearing it from someone right in front of you.
Whichever store you visit – Millerton, SoHo or our stores abroad – we’ll have tea and smiles waiting for you!
23 comments
gretchen fermann
My dad grew up in Pine Plains, just a stone’s throw from Millerton. This past weekend, I toured around the Hudson Valley with my daughter and the Harney teas shop was a special destination. The young girl who helped me pick a gift for my brother was so kind and knowledgeable about tea that it made my gift selection a joy. Thank you for a lovely in-store experience!
My dad grew up in Pine Plains, just a stone’s throw from Millerton. This past weekend, I toured around the Hudson Valley with my daughter and the Harney teas shop was a special destination. The young girl who helped me pick a gift for my brother was so kind and knowledgeable about tea that it made my gift selection a joy. Thank you for a lovely in-store experience!
Margaret
Why do I keep thinking that you may have been located briefly in Brookfield CT. Perhaps I’m confused, but I could have sworn I had seen your name in the area which is now Simpson and Vail on Quarry Road. My son, daughter and I have visited your Millerton location numerous times. Quaint little village and most definitely worth the drive.
Why do I keep thinking that you may have been located briefly in Brookfield CT. Perhaps I’m confused, but I could have sworn I had seen your name in the area which is now Simpson and Vail on Quarry Road. My son, daughter and I have visited your Millerton location numerous times. Quaint little village and most definitely worth the drive.
Jill
I grew up in Litchfield county. Several years ago while visiting family in the area on a drive on a Beautiful Fall day in October ( my therapy, leaf peeing), I came across the Millerton store. Now when ever I visit family , I make sure to stop at the Millerton store even thought its an hour drive from my parent’s it worth it !
I grew up in Litchfield county. Several years ago while visiting family in the area on a drive on a Beautiful Fall day in October ( my therapy, leaf peeing), I came across the Millerton store. Now when ever I visit family , I make sure to stop at the Millerton store even thought its an hour drive from my parent’s it worth it !
Kent
I have a special memory of not the Millerton STORE , but of the Millerton WAREHOUSE! As a long time Harney tea drinker I happened to drive past the warehouse/main office, slammed on the brakes, backed up, and decided on a lark out of the blue to see if I could get a sneak peek of how they packaged the tea, what the tea sacks looked like, etc.. expecting to have a shipping clerk or a office secretary let me look in the window for 10 or 15 seconds then leave. I asked the first person I saw about a tour and they said “Ahhhh let me see, hey Mike, do you have time to give a quick tour”? I almost went limp and lost consciousness when the gentleman turned around and said “oh, sure, hi, I’m Mike Harney, be glad to”! And there I was- given a warm, personal tour by the big man/top banana owner Mike Harney himself, who couldn’t have been more down to earth, gracious, and welcoming (and gave me samples of whatever tea I wanted to top it off!). I have found Harney teas to be unquestionably the most exquisite in flavor, selection, and quality and any other measure, clearly the result of Mike’s personal dedication to make every aspect of the “Harney Tea experience” a memorable one!! “Thanks for the memory”
I have a special memory of not the Millerton STORE , but of the Millerton WAREHOUSE! As a long time Harney tea drinker I happened to drive past the warehouse/main office, slammed on the brakes, backed up, and decided on a lark out of the blue to see if I could get a sneak peek of how they packaged the tea, what the tea sacks looked like, etc.. expecting to have a shipping clerk or a office secretary let me look in the window for 10 or 15 seconds then leave. I asked the first person I saw about a tour and they said “Ahhhh let me see, hey Mike, do you have time to give a quick tour”? I almost went limp and lost consciousness when the gentleman turned around and said “oh, sure, hi, I’m Mike Harney, be glad to”! And there I was- given a warm, personal tour by the big man/top banana owner Mike Harney himself, who couldn’t have been more down to earth, gracious, and welcoming (and gave me samples of whatever tea I wanted to top it off!). I have found Harney teas to be unquestionably the most exquisite in flavor, selection, and quality and any other measure, clearly the result of Mike’s personal dedication to make every aspect of the “Harney Tea experience” a memorable one!! “Thanks for the memory”
Michele Krupka
We first went to the Lakeville shop many years ago and have been a fan ever since. Our son lives in the Berkshires, and we live in Maryland. We always make sure we stop at the Millerton store on our way to visit him. And of course, we try out new teas each time.
We first went to the Lakeville shop many years ago and have been a fan ever since. Our son lives in the Berkshires, and we live in Maryland. We always make sure we stop at the Millerton store on our way to visit him. And of course, we try out new teas each time.
Walter Lempart
My first visit to a Harney Tea Shop was in Saiisbury, Ct. As I recall, it was across the street and down a bit from the White Hart Inn. Always a warm welcome and pleasant chat with John Harney, about the history and benefits of drinking tea. I have been drinking Harney’s ever since, with “Golden Monkey” being my all-time favorite.
My first visit to a Harney Tea Shop was in Saiisbury, Ct. As I recall, it was across the street and down a bit from the White Hart Inn. Always a warm welcome and pleasant chat with John Harney, about the history and benefits of drinking tea. I have been drinking Harney’s ever since, with “Golden Monkey” being my all-time favorite.
Janet
Thank you for stirring warm memories. Many decades ago I stopped at a lovely tea shop. I was returning to Manhattan from Williamstown in the northwest corner of Massachusetts. As a change, I took the scenic drive through the Berkshires and stopped in Salisbury, Connecticut. I’ve always remembered that place as the Harney’s tea shop. Now, when I make the same trip, but drive my usual route, I’ll stop for tea and a lovely sandwich or salad in Millerton.
Thank you for stirring warm memories. Many decades ago I stopped at a lovely tea shop. I was returning to Manhattan from Williamstown in the northwest corner of Massachusetts. As a change, I took the scenic drive through the Berkshires and stopped in Salisbury, Connecticut. I’ve always remembered that place as the Harney’s tea shop. Now, when I make the same trip, but drive my usual route, I’ll stop for tea and a lovely sandwich or salad in Millerton.
Cathy Tobin
Living at the Jersey Shore, I guess I should make a trip to Soho, as it is so close, but Millerton sounds more like my jam. I started drinking Harney tea 10 years ago when I received it as a gift for my birthday. I have recently switched from caffeinated Hot Cinnamon Spice to decaf. It was a smooth transition, and I will continue to enjoy it for as long as you offer it! I do look forward to visiting the Millerton location one day soon. I’m thinking a long weekend when there is a light snow forecast would be awesome!! Now, to find some great lodging… Thanks for all you do! … Cathy in Jackson, NJ
Living at the Jersey Shore, I guess I should make a trip to Soho, as it is so close, but Millerton sounds more like my jam. I started drinking Harney tea 10 years ago when I received it as a gift for my birthday. I have recently switched from caffeinated Hot Cinnamon Spice to decaf. It was a smooth transition, and I will continue to enjoy it for as long as you offer it! I do look forward to visiting the Millerton location one day soon. I’m thinking a long weekend when there is a light snow forecast would be awesome!! Now, to find some great lodging… Thanks for all you do! … Cathy in Jackson, NJ
Cookie
Love, love, love your tea! Can’t remember when I started buying it in your Millerton shop. My friends and I would camp in Taconic State Park and the summer wouldn’t be complete without several trips to your shop. We would stop at the tasting room, make purchases and then relax outside with a cup of tea and a bite to eat. One special summer we met Mr Harney and he gave us a personal tour of his factory. That was such fun. I no longer camp, but I do travel. My last trip to New Zealand was amazing and even more incredible when I found an old friend. Two places that we visited served Harney’s Paris blend. It happens to be my ultimate long-standing favorite tea. Though I do have several other favorites in my tea closet at home. What is truly amazing is that depending on your mood, Harney’s has just the right tea for you. I have given Harney’s gifts to so many people and they are always impressed.
Keep up the fantastic job!
Drink tea and carry on!! :)
Love, love, love your tea! Can’t remember when I started buying it in your Millerton shop. My friends and I would camp in Taconic State Park and the summer wouldn’t be complete without several trips to your shop. We would stop at the tasting room, make purchases and then relax outside with a cup of tea and a bite to eat. One special summer we met Mr Harney and he gave us a personal tour of his factory. That was such fun. I no longer camp, but I do travel. My last trip to New Zealand was amazing and even more incredible when I found an old friend. Two places that we visited served Harney’s Paris blend. It happens to be my ultimate long-standing favorite tea. Though I do have several other favorites in my tea closet at home. What is truly amazing is that depending on your mood, Harney’s has just the right tea for you. I have given Harney’s gifts to so many people and they are always impressed.
Keep up the fantastic job!
Drink tea and carry on!! :)
Joanna
I didn’t know there was a store – anywhere! I wanna visit now so badly. It looks like such a wonderful experience. I will have to plan an excursion to Millerton. Luckily it’s not to far from the city…. checking train schedules now! Clearly, I need to check out the Soho store too… I am behind the times here.
I didn’t know there was a store – anywhere! I wanna visit now so badly. It looks like such a wonderful experience. I will have to plan an excursion to Millerton. Luckily it’s not to far from the city…. checking train schedules now! Clearly, I need to check out the Soho store too… I am behind the times here.
Kenna
I was gifted Hot Cinnamon Spice for Christmas several years ago and I have been an e-commerce customer ever since! We live in California, but if we are ever on the East Coast we would definitely make a trip to Millerton!
I was gifted Hot Cinnamon Spice for Christmas several years ago and I have been an e-commerce customer ever since! We live in California, but if we are ever on the East Coast we would definitely make a trip to Millerton!
Julie
I so enjoy my visits to the Millerton store yet also have fond memories of the Lakeville shop…. We make an annual summer visit each year to Millerton to purchase tea – and lunch in the restaurant!!!
I so enjoy my visits to the Millerton store yet also have fond memories of the Lakeville shop…. We make an annual summer visit each year to Millerton to purchase tea – and lunch in the restaurant!!!
Fran Pease
I was introduced to Harney & Sons in London in 2016. Visiting the beautiful Kensington Palace gift shop, I turned over a lovely light blue & white tin, only to discover that the tea was from Millerton, NY. WHAT? I live in CT—they’re my neighbors! That summer, my husband & I took the drive from Durham, through the scenic Litchfield hills and over the border into Millerton. What a treat! We’ve visited many times since, sometimes bringing friends and another time with our bikes in tow. The bike trail that originates across the street from the shop in an added attraction. The cafe is wonderful, and I’m glad to know that it’s up and running at full speed at this point. Thank you, Emeric, for the article. We will be visiting again soon!
I was introduced to Harney & Sons in London in 2016. Visiting the beautiful Kensington Palace gift shop, I turned over a lovely light blue & white tin, only to discover that the tea was from Millerton, NY. WHAT? I live in CT—they’re my neighbors! That summer, my husband & I took the drive from Durham, through the scenic Litchfield hills and over the border into Millerton. What a treat! We’ve visited many times since, sometimes bringing friends and another time with our bikes in tow. The bike trail that originates across the street from the shop in an added attraction. The cafe is wonderful, and I’m glad to know that it’s up and running at full speed at this point. Thank you, Emeric, for the article. We will be visiting again soon!
Pam
I’m not much of a tea drinker. My daughter from MN loves tea and thought I would like your cinnamon tea. Well, I am sold! I live in AZ and share my tea with friends because I want them to be as happy as I am when I drink your tea. I will surely branch out and try more flavors.
I’m not much of a tea drinker. My daughter from MN loves tea and thought I would like your cinnamon tea. Well, I am sold! I live in AZ and share my tea with friends because I want them to be as happy as I am when I drink your tea. I will surely branch out and try more flavors.
Sherri
We are harney tea experts after all these years! We use everything from Earl Grey to Green tea with coconut, British tea, English breakfast and more! It’s the best! Love the Millerton store!
We are harney tea experts after all these years! We use everything from Earl Grey to Green tea with coconut, British tea, English breakfast and more! It’s the best! Love the Millerton store!
Steve Bryce
I visited your Millerton store and the factory during the Steam Car Tour in 2014. My wife, Ann, had tried your Hot Cinnamon Spice tea at another event and recognized it. I stopped at the Millerton store and bought a tin of Big Red Sun tea for use at home after the tour. The tour was notable for the friendliness of the people at your factory. I have bought both decaf and regular Hot Cinnamon Spice tea by mail order since then. We are big fans of Harney Tea.
I visited your Millerton store and the factory during the Steam Car Tour in 2014. My wife, Ann, had tried your Hot Cinnamon Spice tea at another event and recognized it. I stopped at the Millerton store and bought a tin of Big Red Sun tea for use at home after the tour. The tour was notable for the friendliness of the people at your factory. I have bought both decaf and regular Hot Cinnamon Spice tea by mail order since then. We are big fans of Harney Tea.
Natalie Parenteau
I “found” you in your Lakeville location many years ago and instantly became a Harney girl!
The Millerton shoppe just welcomes you even before you step inside. I am now a marketing tool you never knew you had.
Merry Christmas and all the Best in 2023
I “found” you in your Lakeville location many years ago and instantly became a Harney girl!
The Millerton shoppe just welcomes you even before you step inside. I am now a marketing tool you never knew you had.
Merry Christmas and all the Best in 2023
Kym
I’ve been to the Harney factory and was given a tour by Kim. It’s magical there, the air is scented by all the teas and I would love to cuddle up in a cornet with a book and some hot tea. The machine that makes tea bags is a marvel! Thank you for the time and for a wonderful tour
I’ve been to the Harney factory and was given a tour by Kim. It’s magical there, the air is scented by all the teas and I would love to cuddle up in a cornet with a book and some hot tea. The machine that makes tea bags is a marvel! Thank you for the time and for a wonderful tour
Richard August Rosa
Not sure when I became a Harney Tea fan, but it has been a long time. I was a pretty basic tea drinker, Earl Grey, Breakfast Teas, Lapsang Souchong, etc. I am now a White Tea fan. I don’t know your associates name who tempted me to try them, but my new favorites are Chinese Silver Needle and Ceylon Vintage Silver Tips. I also have a tin of Mokalbari Golden Assam, which I will be opening in a day or two.
Love your teas, love coming up to Millerton and you have the best staff of anyplace I shop!!
Not sure when I became a Harney Tea fan, but it has been a long time. I was a pretty basic tea drinker, Earl Grey, Breakfast Teas, Lapsang Souchong, etc. I am now a White Tea fan. I don’t know your associates name who tempted me to try them, but my new favorites are Chinese Silver Needle and Ceylon Vintage Silver Tips. I also have a tin of Mokalbari Golden Assam, which I will be opening in a day or two.
Love your teas, love coming up to Millerton and you have the best staff of anyplace I shop!!
Kathie Plaskiewicz
LOVE Harney & Sons Teas! I met Mr. Harney at a craft fair in Sharon (or Lakeville?) CT many yrs ago when he was set up next to me selling his teas! Ive been buying them ever since, either by mail, or by an occasional day trip to Millerton. Ive also been to the Soho store once. Love the shop, & for yrs I have a continual pitcher of Peach Iced tea in my fridge all summer, & during winter, love Paris tea, Hot cinnamon Spice, & English Breakfast. And Ive turned friends into your customers too. Great customer service as well. - Kathie
LOVE Harney & Sons Teas! I met Mr. Harney at a craft fair in Sharon (or Lakeville?) CT many yrs ago when he was set up next to me selling his teas! Ive been buying them ever since, either by mail, or by an occasional day trip to Millerton. Ive also been to the Soho store once. Love the shop, & for yrs I have a continual pitcher of Peach Iced tea in my fridge all summer, & during winter, love Paris tea, Hot cinnamon Spice, & English Breakfast. And Ive turned friends into your customers too. Great customer service as well. - Kathie
Nancykimdavid
Love your Millerton location. We were lucky enough to come to your tea festival several years back. We were hoping you would have another. Even with being one of the hottest days, you really pulled it off. From the factory tour where we got to make our own blended teas, to the Japanese tea ceremony, it was heaven, something we will always remember. Thank you.
Love your Millerton location. We were lucky enough to come to your tea festival several years back. We were hoping you would have another. Even with being one of the hottest days, you really pulled it off. From the factory tour where we got to make our own blended teas, to the Japanese tea ceremony, it was heaven, something we will always remember. Thank you.
Debbi
We visited a couple of years ago on the way home from a family wedding in CT. We loved it.
We visited a couple of years ago on the way home from a family wedding in CT. We loved it.
Carol
Great story! Continued great success!
Great story! Continued great success!