Skip to main content

✨ You’re Invited: An Afternoon Tea in Historic Rugby, Tennessee

Saturday, September 13, 2025
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. EST
Hester Hall • Historic Rugby, TN

There’s something magical about Historic Rugby—a village frozen in time, where cobblestone paths lead to 19th-century charm, and the air feels just a little lighter under the canopy of Appalachian trees.

Now imagine stepping into that magic for an elegant Afternoon Tea with WCTE PBS.

We invite you to join us in the historic halls of Rugby for a delightful and meaningful experience: a classic English tea served in one of Tennessee’s most treasured settings—all in support of local public media.

Filer image

📞 Need More Info? We’d love to hear from you.
Contact us at 931-528-2222 ext. 312 or email membership@wcte.org

Filer image
Filer image

💛 Why Your Ticket Matters

This special event is a fundraiser for WCTE PBS, your nonprofit public television station dedicated to serving the Upper Cumberland for 48 years. Every dollar raised supports:

Educational programming for all ages

Early learning and literacy initiatives

Public safety alerts and emergency communication

Local storytelling that celebrates our unique region

Thanks to the generosity of Sue Bell, and the gracious donation of Hester Hall by the Town of Rugby, 100% of the proceeds will go directly to support WCTE PBS’s mission.

📍Getting There: Historic Rugby is located on the Cumberland Plateau in Morgan County, TN. Detailed directions and parking information will be provided after ticket purchase.

Filer image

☕ A Step Back in Time—With a Spot of Tea

WCTE PBS’s Inaugural Afternoon Tea offers the chance to slow down and savor tradition. Enjoy the beauty of a lavishly set table, surrounded by the warmth of new friends and old souls.

Guests will be treated to:

  • Freshly steeped teas served in delicate china
  • A menu of exquisite tea sandwiches
  • House-baked scones with clotted cream and preserves
  • Delectable desserts crafted for the occasion
  • Stories, smiles, and the spirit of community

 

Whether you're a lifelong tea enthusiast or simply in search of a lovely fall outing, this event promises to be a feast for the senses—and the soul.

Filer image

🧺 Arrive Early & Make a Day of It

Your Afternoon Tea ticket is just the beginning. Arrive early and explore the beautifully preserved village of Historic Rugby, where you can:

Visit local shops filled with handmade goods and curiosities

Tour the historic buildings that whisper of another era

Enjoy the early autumn breeze and scenic overlooks of the Cumberland Plateau

(Consider pairing your tea with a little shopping or a heritage walking tour—Rugby is a destination worth lingering in.)