By: Tanda Gmiter | tgmiter@mlive.com

The newest place to find some delicious refreshment – with an amazing waterfront view – is Rose’s Afternoon Tea now being offered at Mackinac’s historic Island House Hotel.

Described as a genteel and relaxing experience, hotel guests and island visitors alike are invited to sit down for an assortment of sweet and savory bites that can be paired with a selection of brewed teas. If you want a bubbly pour or a cocktail, a full bar menu is also available as a side order.

And if you feel inclined to raise a pinky as you toast the day, you’ll feel perfectly at home to do so.

The Island House is now serving Afternoon Tea every day at 3 p.m. in its 1852 Grill Room, which looks out over the marina. Space is limited, so you’ll want to make your reservations at least by 11 a.m. on the day you plan to arrive for tea.

There is no official dress code, but you can feel free to dress up for the occasion if you’d like.

For full details on pricing, menu and reservations, check the Island House website here.

The Afternoon Tea tradition is steeped in island history, where more than a century ago well-heeled ladies and gentlemen arrived via trains and then steamer ships to stay for weeks each summer at the hotels and lodging spots that cropped up near downtown. Island House is actually one of the oldest hotels on Mackinac, and one of its past owners perfected the art of a social and well-mannered tea.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer afternoon tea this year for our guests,” said Peter Badour, general manager of Island House.

“We are always looking to find ways to help our guests create memories with their family and friends, and over the years we have had many requests to add an afternoon tea service. This was the year to make it happen, so we worked diligently over the winter to curate the perfect experience that gives a nod to our rich history and helps create lasting memories for our guests. We are so excited to share this experience this season. ”

People who have tucked in a napkin for a chef-curated Afternoon Tea before know that they are in for a delicious treat. Tiny tea sandwiches will be nestled next to homemade scones and little tarts. There will be sides of clotted cream, lemon curd, and sweets that include colorful macarons and truffles.

There is also a Children’s Tea available for those bringing younger guests.

Rose Van Allen Webster

Island House’s new Afternoon Tea is named after Rose Van Allen Webster, who was not only an early businesswoman on the island, but a social matriarch who took things up a notch for Island House.

Her father, a Great Lakes captain named Henry Van Allen, bought the Island House Hotel in 1865 and did what probably was the most significant move for its future – relocating the hotel from the shoreline about 300 feet back to its present day location. This gave the hotel room to expand, cementing Island House’s future as a premiere resort on Mackinac.

And expansion is just what Rose Van Allen Webster and her husband undertook when they began running the hotel in 1892. They added the flanking East and West wings, made other architectural improvements, and generally infused the property with an air of refinement that its guests were craving.

From the Island House Hotel history page: “Over the next 25 years, the Island House thrived under Mrs. Webster’s astute guidance, attracting discerning guests from prominent cities such as Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, and New York. These esteemed visitors indulged in delightful afternoon high teas and reveled in the splendor of grand ballroom dancing accompanied by full orchestras. The hotel became synonymous with luxury and refinement, leaving an indelible mark on Mackinac Island’s hospitality scene.”

Rose’s Afternoon Tea will continue through Oct. 24. To reserve, book online through 1852 Grill Room reservations or call (906) 847-3347.