The Yome Away from Home: Welcome to the Honeysuckle Tea House
After two years of adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic and a freezing, sporadic winter in 2021, it’s no wonder we’re yearning for an outdoor escape. Thankfully, on the winding roads of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, lies the sweetest getaway. Welcome to The Honeysuckle Tea House.
The Honeysuckle is a two-level artisan tea house made of green shipping containers and other repurposed materials, peaking through acres of farmland with blossoming flowers, berries and herbs.
“[We have] a variety of medicinal and culinary herbs that we use in our tea blends, as well as some of our meads,” said Tana Chitwood, the director of marketing and community engagement for Unique Places To Save, a local foundation that co-owns The Honeysuckle. “We also grow elderflowers and berries, along with blueberries and muscadines, which are fermented and used in our farm-based mead.”
Choose from a variety of flavors ranging from lemon ginger to lavender.
I ordered the lemon ginger mead and paired it with the hummus and naan bread – light, creamy and served with olives and caramelized onions. It’s savory, filling, and leaves a pleasantly subtle sweetness from the onions, like a jam.
Stay on the top level and enjoy the view or wander downstairs to the impressive outdoor area, fully stocked with picnic tables, a fire pit, playground, hammock section and hell, there’s even a stage for celebrations.
The Honeysuckle AirBnb
Just a short walk from the tea house is the Honeysuckle’s AirBnb, a giant dome-shaped yurt, or “yome,” made for two. The yome features a double bed, mini-fridge, hot plate and cooking supplies, a small a/c ad heater, lighting, and some minimal storage – perfect for a weekend away.
“The yome was added a few years ago as an opportunity to get folks directly connected to our land,” said Tana Chitwood. “Guests seem to find the farm very healing and love our unique tea house.”
I can see why. Something as simple as a walk through the gardens or a deep breath in the outdoors already made me feel more at ease. I relaxed and watched friends dressed in their best summer fashion take photos in the gardens. Families strolled together as their little ones roamed and picked berries. Tea house guests enjoyed the scenery, chatted and played outdoor games. Some even brought their pets for an extra dose of cuteness.
As for Chitwood, you can find her with an herbal iced tea (extra lavender), walking through the herbs and admiring the butterflies and buzzing bees floating from flower to flower.
“It helps me feel connected to the earth, and creates a serene feeling I always try to keep with me,” she said. “It’s very meaningful to cultivate a space where kids, adults, and even dogs can enjoy exploring in a peaceful setting. People also love the accessibility of picking their produce. One guest asked if they could take home a seedling of lemon balm because it was so calming for them.”
When the sun sets and tea house closes, take a moment to appreciate the space, silence and solitude on the yome’s wooden porch. Inhale the fresh air and tranquility, exhale any stress and travel exhaustion. Whether visiting from a small town or big city, in this moment, you’re the only one among the wild grass, tall trees, and night sky – engulfed in mother nature’s glory before a good night’s sleep. I know it’ll be good because that bed was fucking comfortable.
Mornings at the Honeysuckle
Early birds will chirp you awake, so embrace nature’s alarm and get energized with a morning walk. If the tea house hasn’t opened yet, the grounds are still yours to explore. Notice the lingering dewdrops among the flowers and leaves, and the roosters and goats bidding each other some crazy good morning calls from farms nearby.
Once the tea house is up and running, order a fresh ham and cheese croissant and wash it down with an oat milk latte. Take in the view one more time. It’ll never get old.
On the way out, take a snack for the road like the Thai curry pastry.
It was everything I hoped it would be in a road-trip snack and more. (photos below)
The Honeysuckle Tea House and Airbnb is not only a unique and ecological stay, it’s a reminder to stop and smell the roses, or sunflowers, or whatever’s blooming in season. It’s a sweet and simple getaway to celebrate Mother Nature and all she offers, from the fresh food from the ground to the stars in the sky. Is Most of all, it’s a reminder that despite the new-age need for smartphones and technology, sometimes it’s worth turning that shit off to spend time with loved ones and reconnect with nature and even yourself.
To check out the Honeysuckle Tea House’s Airbnb, visit the
Yome at The Honeysuckle Tea House Farm & Gardens,
For more information on The Honeysuckle Tea House, visit www.thehoneysuckleteahouse.com.
For more information on Unique Places to Save, visit www.uniqueplacestosave.org.
All photos by Daniela Toporek
