Tour and Tea at Kelton House

Columbus area residents: when was the last time you had afternoon tea? Don’t you think it’s time you did? Wouldn’t it be grand to indulge in tradition, atmosphere, and pamper yourself all at the same time? Well, it’s easy to do, and one great place to do it is at Kelton House Museum & Garden in Columbus.

For a real walk into the past, a walk into an elegant and simpler time, head on down to 586 East Town Street, tour the museum, and enjoy the light offerings of afternoon tea.

Kelton House, (open Monday-Friday between 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m.) is your ticket to experiencing a beautifully furnished Victorian home, chock full of artifacts.

Do you know about the Keltons? They were a prosperous Columbus family, and their home now tells a story of 19th century Columbus life. The history of this fabulous house does not stop there. The Kelton House was one of several ‘safe houses’ on the route of the Underground Railroad: yes, the same ‘railroad’ that eventually led north to Lake Erie, and into Canada. The family was sympathetic to the abolitionists’ cause, and was one of many safe houses in Ohio. There’s more still that awaits your visit here. The ideas behind Grace Kelton’s garden have been essentially recreated. Every summer the parterre beds behind the Carriage House are filled with the kind of showy annuals beloved by the Victorians. You don’t have to use your imagination; you will see a newer garden pergola standing on the site of an earlier arbor.

To plan out your trip, why not visit their official website here: www.keltonhouse.com. The cost to visit is just $17, and it will be money well spent. Reservations are required.