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Arts & Entertainment

Taking Time for You

Tea at the Colonial Inn, spa services, and some art.

 

Good morning, people! It’s Monday, the first day of a brand-spanking-new week, full of possibility and promise of all things good. And, I have no doubt, a crazy long list of things that need to get done: Cookies that need baking, items that need wrapping, meals that need planning. It’s exhausting just thinking about it, and the week has just begun – what’s a body to do??

I’ll tell you: Take a breather and renew your energy. You know you want to, you know you need to. Just an hour or two to yourself, to recharge your batteries and take up the charge anew. But how do you squeeze that in, what with that very long to do list?

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I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve.

First up: Afternoon tea at the Colonial Inn. This is a lovely tradition started by the British in the 1840s, typically taking place between 3 and 5 p.m. in the afternoon, a way for the upper classes to have a snack while visiting, and for the lower classes to fortify themselves toward the end of their workday. But now we use afternoon tea as a respite in the afternoon, a short break in which to step away from the sturm and drang of the day and be transported to a place of calm reflection and cozy visiting.

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If you’re looking for the more formal experience, the Colonial Inn offers a formal tea on weekends from 3 to 5 p.m., for which you do need reservations. They’ve got a wide variety of lovely little sandwiches, gourmet pastries, and of course scones. But if you’re looking to slip out on a weekday afternoon, they’ve also got an informal tea, no reservations required, with simpler fare of scones and fresh berries. It runs Monday through Friday, also from 3 to 5 p.m.

Either way, you can take a friend and let someone else do the food prep for a change.

Relaxation of a different sort

Maybe you’ve had enough goodies already, or maybe tea just isn’t your thing. Or maybe you need more relaxation than a simple beverage can offer. Take your bad self over to 1 on 1 Self Indulgence Spa, in the back warehouse over on Beharrell Street. They offer all manner of massage services over there, from your head down to your feet.

Really, the building looks like nothing special, but once you walk inside, you’ll feel as if you were transported to an oasis of calm. Yes, it’s a little indulgent, but you’ve been buying gifts for everyone else, and deserve a chance to give a little something to yourself. And, honestly, it’ll be like you stepped far, far away from your everyday life and went to a place where other people take care of your every need. Who doesn’t want that, even for a little while?

Feed your soul

Sometimes it’s not about your physical needs, but your inner peace and tranquility. If that’s the case, take a walk through the exhibit at the Concord Art Association, at 37 Lexington Road. They’re currently showing Holiday Originals, a collection of paintings, photos, ceramics, fiber arts, and more, much of which is on sale. Their galleries are clean and quiet, a lovely place to sit and reflect while being surrounded by beautiful artwork. And admission is free!

They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

May you find your place of peace this week.

 

Do you have something you would like to share? Contact me at stefanieac@comcast.net and I will be happy to help you spread the good news. And follow me on Twitter: @stefanie3131.

 

 

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