Pretend you've stepped onto the set of Bridgerton or Downtown Abbey and enjoy a fancy tea time.

The Victorian Era

The Victorian era took place from around 1820-1914 and influenced many things from culture to architecture.  According to Brittanica: 

Victorian era, in British history, the period between approximately 1820 and 1914, corresponding roughly but not exactly to the period of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901).

The Victorian era even influenced America, and you can see much of that influence in historic homes built during that time period.

With shows like Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, and Outlander becoming massively popular, the 1800s have become a time that people find fascinating.  Many people love to learn about that time and many shows, movies, and books are inspired by that era. It's so interesting to sit back and see what life was like during that time (even though we know many of these shows are very loosely historically accurate).  Still something about sitting in a fancy dress on a warm spring afternoon while sipping tea and eating scones does sound appealing.

Hillforest Historic House Museum

Located in Aurora, Indiana is the Hillforest Historic House Museum.  This stunning house was built in 1855 and is beautiful.

The charming Ohio River town of Aurora is home to Hillforest Victorian House Museum, a stately 1855 Italian Renaissance mansion just blocks from the river and downtown historic district. Home to industrialist and financier Thomas Gaff and his family between 1855 and 1926, the mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992.

You can visit the house for a tour of the museum, but if you want to get immersed in the ambiance, they have several tea-time events throughout the year.

Live Out Your Victorian Era Tea Time Dreams

If you've had dreams of sitting in a fancy dress and enjoying tea time out of a fancy teacup, you'll love these tea time events! Throughout the year Hillforest Historic House Museum hosts different tea time events, where you can feel transported back in time, and actually enjoy tea in a Victorian-era house.

For instance, in May they have a special Mother's Day Tea Time Event:

Celebrate the “special lady” in your life by treating her to a delicious three-course tea in the elegant Hillforest parlor.  The event includes a “special gift for mom” and a guided tour of the historic Hillforest mansion.  Cost is $35.00 for members of Hillforest, $40.00 for non-members and children 5-12 $20.00 each. Sorry no menu substitutions.

I mean, come on! How fun and fancy! They also have a Garden Tea Event in June.

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Scone Baking at Hillforest Mansion

In March, they are offering a really neat class called Scones, Make, Bake, and Partake.

An English Tradition Comes to Life…  Join us as we offer a hands on baking class led by Hillforest’s expert scone bakers to MAKE and BAKE Hillforest’s famous scones.  Participants will PARTAKE in a tasting and tea and take home their tasty treats.]

You can find more events and plan your trip to visit the beautiful mansion, here.