Bigelow Tea has an amazing sweepstakes prize to kick off the Hot Tea month (January)! Enter our sweepstakes for your chance to win a 4-day/3-night trip for two to Charleston, S.C., and a visit to our own spectacular Charleston Tea Garden, the largest working tea farm in the continental United States! The approximate retail value of this prize package is $3,200! Yep, we said it was amazing!

Here’s what’s included:

• A 4-day/3-night trip for the winner and one guest to our Charleston Tea Garden, located on Wadmalaw Island just south of historic Charleston.
• Round-trip coach air transportation for 2 between a major commercial airport closest to the winner’s residence, and Charleston, S.C.
• Standard lodging at a Bigelow Tea selected hotel for 3 nights (1 room, based on double occupancy).
• A tour of the fabulous Charleston Tea Garden.
• $500 American Express gift card for expenses.

What an opportunity to visit our unique piece of living history – a 127-acre oasis of camellia sinensis tea plants on picturesque Wadmalaw Island! Plus the winner and a special someone gets to stay in one of America’s most charming and historic cities, Charleston, S.C.! How perfect!  The Bigelow family purchased the tea garden in 2003 and has worked diligently to preserve this unspoiled treasure. You’ll see why the gorgeous grounds are a popular setting for weddings, and you’ll learn about the First Flush FesTEAval, an established Charleston tradition and major event in the USA.

To enter the sweepstakes, simply “like” our Facebook page. Then, while on Facebook, click the sweepstakes tab under our profile picture and enter your name and contact information. That’s it! Enter until January 31^st, and one winner will be chosen in a random drawing on February 1^st.  Good luck to all you Bigelow Tea fans! Happy Hot Tea Month!

Bigelow Tea—and countless tea lovers and music fans—already know that our annual First Flush FesTEAval is a blast, but now the entire nation is going to know it! Our Charleston Tea Plantation’s First Flush FesTEAval has been selected by the American Bus Association as one of the 2012 Top 100 Events in North America!

The ABA’s experienced tourism selection committee has been choosing events for their “top 100” for thirty years. Our tea-lover’s event, which takes place annually on a Sunday in May on Wadmalaw Island in the heart of South Carolina’s Low country, was selected from thousands of nominations across North America!

“The attractiveness of the First Flush FesTEAval as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for the First Flush FesTEAval,” said Peter Pantuso, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news here is that the First Flush FesTEAval has been recognized…at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives the First Flush FesTEAval an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”

The outdoor festival, which celebrates the first tea harvest at our Charleston Tea Plantation, features great music, fantastic foods and the incomparable American Classic iced tea, served in biodegradable corn cups! Last year we were lucky enough to have Grace Potter & the Nocturnals headline the event.

Bigelow Tea is thrilled and honored to have our First Flush FesTEAval named one of 2012’s Top 100 Events – and we look forward to seeing you there next year for the Sixth Annual celebration!

As America commemorates the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 on Sunday, we remember those we lost that bright and terrible day. We also honor our troops, who continue to sacrifice for our country both at home and away. Now officially recognized as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, September 11^th is also a time for personal reflection and recommitment to our own communities. Here at Bigelow Tea, we are continually inspired by people who strive to make a difference.

Community service is integral to Bigelow Tea’s mission, so we were excited in 2009 to create the special Tea for the Troops, honoring the brave men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Bigelow Tea produced 100,000 boxes of American Classic Tea for the troops – 100 percent grown on American soil at our own Charleston Tea Plantation. It’s a small way of saying thank you to those who serve and protect. The many letters of appreciation we have received from the troops are truly heartwarming!

Aspen (left) and Autumn Cooper pack Tea for the Troops in Wesley Chapel, FL

Our extended Bigelow Tea family is also heartened to see how Patriot Day, established in memory of those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11^th, has spurred on more volunteerism across the country.  In 2009, a presidential proclamation declared Patriot Day a National Day of Service and Remembrance “as an opportunity to salute the heroes of 9/11, recapture the spirit of unity and compassion that inspired our nation following the attacks and rededicate ourselves to sustained service to our communities.” More than 63 million Americans responded by volunteering their time, efforts and hearts.

The momentum continues with the I Will page, which provides a forum for ideas in support of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Share yours with us on Facebook and Twitter!

As we celebrate the Fourth of July at Bigelow Tea, the red, white and blue continue to inspire us!  It’s a day to wear a red T-shirt and blue jean shorts, maybe lay out a tri-colored tablecloth, hang the stars & stripes and perhaps make a simple red, white and blue dessert like strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream!  With the patriotic colors and spirit of Independence Day, we thought we’d share suggestions for red, white and blue teas to drink too!

Red: our Red Raspberry Herbal Iced Tea with raspberry, elderberries and rose hips, is delicious and refreshing!White: Bigelow Tea makes an all-natural, organic White Tea With Raspberry & Chrysanthemum that’s smooth and delicate … and Blue: one of our most popular herbal teas, Blueberry Harvest, is bursting with blueberry flavor! And blueberries happen to be packed with antioxidants, so feel free to indulge!

For a truly patriotic blend, we’d love to suggest our American Classic Tea, grown and produced right here in the U.S. of A at our Charleston Tea Plantation! We wrap this singular blend in red, white and blue packaging and send it to the men and women serving in our armed forces as part of our Tea for the Troops initiative. Check out our Facebook page and specially created tab regarding Tea for the Troops for more information, and maybe leave an Independence Day note for them on our wall!

So, as you enjoy your red, white and blue tea on Independence Day, don’t forget to take a moment to remember those who fought to give us our freedom … and those who continue to serve and protect us today.

Happy Fourth of July!

Images by Patrick Hoesly, via Flickr.com and DVIDSHUB, via Flickr.com

Spring is in full swing, and summer is nearly upon us. Here at Bigelow Tea we know that summer doesn’t commence properly without first recognizing Memorial Day, honoring those who have served in the armed forces, and who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As the unofficial start to the summer, Americans celebrate these dedicated men and women of the Armed Forces on Memorial Day with traditional warm-weather pastimes like parades, barbecues, and special time with family.

In 2009, the spirit of recognizing the brave men and women who help protect our country, Bigelow Tea proudly introduced our Tea for the Troops program. Our American Classic Tea (grown on American soil, at our Charleston Tea Plantation on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina) is specially packaged and shipped to American soldiers hard at work overseas. To learn more about this program, please join us on Facebook where we featured up to date photos and letters from our troops.

On Memorial Day 2011, Bigelow Tea would like to once again extend our sincerest gratitude to all the service men and women stationed domestically and overseas. We are infinitely pleased that our teas have brought some measure of enjoyment to the soldiers who defend our freedoms and keep our country safe. Therefore, we encourage our fellow Americans to reflect—over a delicious cup of tea, of course— on the sacrifices of those have served, and those who serve now. A safe Memorial Day weekend to all!

Image via The National Guard

Nothing says spring like the First Flush FesTEAval at the Charleston Tea Plantation, continental America’s only working tea garden! Bigelow Tea is thrilled to announce that Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, an awesome blues-rock band, will headline the 5^th annual FesTEAval on Sunday May 15^th. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family to picturesque Wadmalaw Island for a unique celebration of seasonal renewal and, of course, tea! By the way, we served more than 7,000 cups of iced American Classic Tea at last year’s event, which drew over 5,000 attendees!

2010 First Flush FesTEAval

Even if you don’t live in South Carolina, our FesTEAval is worth the trip to historic Charleston, especially if you love tea and are interested in how it’s made. Check out Cindi Bigelow’s informative video tour of the Charleston Tea Plantation to get a better idea of what makes it such a special place:

Click here to view the embedded video.

First Flush tea, made from the new leaves of tea plants as they emerge from dormancy every spring is an extra-special brew. In fact, it was once reserved only for royalty! Today, First Flush tea is anxiously awaited by connoisseurs who deem it to be the purest, freshest tea.

And thanks to the FesTEAval, the Charleston Tea Plantation is known as a top destination for the best in live music, entertainment and local cuisine, as well as the tea! The Bridge at 105.5, a local radio station and key sponsor of the FesTEAval, is once again booking a lineup of hot bands. “This station event combines a great location with talent that has gotten better every year,” said The Bridge Operations Manager Mike Allen. “The show has become our most anticipated event!”

So, come join us on May 15^th – advance tickets are available through Etix – and we’ll have the tea pitchers iced, the acoustics set and the fun all fired up!

February is the perfect time to indulge your inner romantic, especially if a wedding is in your future. With Valentine’s Day on the 14^th and February designated National Wedding Month, inspiration abounds to help you express your unique romantic style.

Ultimately, a romantic wedding is in the details – those that celebrate your love story, not a hearts-and-flowers cliché. Think shared passions, favorite foods and a setting that reflects your vibe as a couple. Here at Bigelow Tea, we can’t think of a more romantic place to say “I do” than our own Charleston Tea Plantation, home of America’s only tea garden. This special place, tucked away on 127 unspoiled acres on Wadmalaw Island in the heart of South Carolina Low country, is where Jackie and Tyler exchanged vows in a ceremony that Charleston Weddings.com called “rustic-chic.” The lush and tranquil grounds served as the perfect backdrop for the nuptials of these two horse lovers, who met as carriage drivers in historic downtown Charleston.

Spark your imagination with this video tour of the Plantation. Whether you choose a simple ceremony under the majestic “wedding tree” or a more dramatic celebration amid the endless rows of tea blossoms, romance is sure to be in the air! Guests will find plenty to do, from a trolley ride explaining the Plantation’s fascinating history and how American Classic Teas are produced, to wine tasting at Irvin-House Vineyards, Charleston’s only domestic winery.  If you’re planning a spring wedding, antique lovers will appreciate Charleston’s annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 17 – April 16, 2011, offering a rare glimpse inside of some of America’s most beautiful historic homes.

With your wedding plans now under control, grab a cup of tea and relax.  In the spirit of romance, we suggest Sweetheart Cinnamon Herb Tea shared with someone special!

Think of a wedding beverage and the first thing that comes to mind may be champagne.  But how about tea? Actually, the connection between tea and nuptials goes way back. At Bigelow Tea, we’ve long understood the magical, romantic connection between tea and weddings. After all, many lucky couples have been married on our Charleston Tea Plantation, under an immense oak affectionately dubbed “the wedding tree!”  The Charleston Tea Plantation is filled with Southern charm and historic beauty. It is the only venue of its kind in all of North America, and is a simply magical wedding spot.

In China, as in many other countries, tea is an integral component of both traditional and contemporary weddings. In the traditional Chinese ceremony, the bride first serves tea alone to her parents, using her dowry serving set, which is often handed down from her mother. Holding the cup in both hands, she offers it first to her father and then her mother — a gesture symbolizing respect and gratitude.

Image via everystockphoto.com

After the wedding, the bride and groom serve tea together to his parents. A touch of sugar or honey is added, symbolizing the sweetness of the union. One traditional tea blend includes a lotus seed and two red dates, as the ancient Chinese believed that lotus and dates would ensure fertility.

Then the couple offers a cup to the rest of the groom’s family; in return the family members place lucky red envelopes, called “lai see” on the serving tray. The envelopes are filled with jewelry or money!

In more ways than one, a little tea produces big dividends!

Image via David C. Bigelow’s Archive

You know that family and community are both very important here at Bigelow Tea, ever since the very beginnings of Ruth Campbell Bigelow’s foray into the world of Constant Comment® now 65 years ago. With Bigelow Tea, we know that keeping company with family and friends makes life that much all the more delicious.

In that spirit, we believe one familial branch deserves a more prominent place in our vast family photo album. Enter Camellia Sinensis, the granddaddy and chief contributor to cup after cup of our storied past. In fact one could argue it is our family tree. Muse enough for David C. Bigelow, Co-Chairman Bigelow Tea, to grab his trusty camera and snap these family portraits during recent visits to the Charleston Tea Plantation, documenting our favorite evergreen.

Image via David C. Bigelow’s Archive

More than just a pretty face, the tea tree is capable of prodigious growth. Here you see the stages of growth, starting with the tiny cuttings…

Image via David C. Bigelow’s Archive

And with plenty of nurturing, the tea plants grow and grow….

Image via David C. Bigelow’s Archive

And zoom to the mature healthy plants, getting ready for harvest time. How quickly the kids have grown!

Throughout the celebrated history of Bigelow Tea, Camellia Sinensis has reigned alongside our fantastic Herbal Teas. Tea appreciation has generated tea societies and countless tea experiences across the globe. Author Erika Dillman writes that “After water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. It’s drunk hot, cold, plain, with sugar, with milk, and in the Himalayas with yak butter.” (We wonder if that’s for special occasions only.)

Suffice it to say, Camellia Sinensis has deep roots in our Bigelow Tea history, so welcome its bounty home to your family for a picture-perfect sip.

This year’s 4^th annual First Flush FesTEAval was amazing!!!…

The weather was perfect, in the mid 80’s and sunny…We could not have asked for a better day!  Excitement filled the air as we opened the gates at 10:00am on Sunday morning, but little did we know that by 3:30 that afternoon we would be announcing that we were closed to all guests without pre-purchased tickets.  Yes, that is right!…At 3:30 The Bridge at 105.5 announced to all of its listeners that the First Flush FesTEAval was SOLD OUT!  We had reached our maximum count of 5,000 plus attendees!  What an amazing site to see!  People and cars covering every inch of the farm… with the exception of the tea fields, of course!

People danced to the music, soaked in the sun, and enjoyed over 7,000 cups of iced American Classic Tea we had prepared for them!  We thought 7,000 cups would be plenty, but much to our surprise this tea loving group wiped out our entire supply by 1:00 that afternoon.  We found ourselves scrambling to brew enough tea to satisfy their demands!  We did it though!…Thanks to the hard work of our Charleston Tea Plantation staff and event volunteers, we were able to keep the tea flowing!

This year’s First Flush offered more entertainment than year’s past.  Not only did guests get to enjoy the music of well known performers like Crowfield, Cory Chisel and headliner Robert Randolph and The Family Band, but they were also treated to sounds of local artists presented by Mark Bryan’s (Grammy award winning guitarist/songwriter for Hootie & The Blowfish) Chucktown Music Group.  This included Amber Caparas, John Wesley Satterfield, Mac Leaphart and Mark Bryan himself.  However, to no one’s surprise, it was Robert Randolph that brought the house down with his unique style of music!  Even people who weren’t familiar with the sounds of a his famous pedal steel guitar danced and grooved to the beat!

Guests also enjoyed local cuisine and shopped the wares of Charleston artists.  Needless to say, there was something for everyone, even the kids!  The Spider Jump was a huge hit again this year and children and parents loved the new additions to the kids’ area: face painting, pony rides and Beaufort the Rescue Mule!

We can’t say it enough, this year’s First Flush FesTEAval was AMAZING!!!

A big THANKS to everyone involved in making this the best First Flush FesTEAval to date!!! Our entire Plantation staff plus over 35 event volunteers were the true heart and soul of it all!  THANK YOU again for your support, and we look forward to next year!

Cara Valentine, Charleston Tea Plantation.

Photos provided by Mark Snowberger