I have to get out for a walk when I am in the office. I usually turn right out of my building to grab a chai but I decided to turn left this day instead. Our big sky and clouds never fail to completely blow my mind.
A short distance away, at the corner of Zinger and Sleepytime is the Celestial Seasonings tea company's manufacturing site. I thought you might enjoy a tour....
Mo Siegel, a Boulder icon, started the company in 1969 while he was a college student....picking herbs in the mountains and selling them locally. His company quickly grew into a tea empire. His Red Zinger bike classic drew world class talent to Boulder and the surrounding areas and put Boulder on the map as the bike training capitol of the world.
The tea shop, galleries and cafe are filled with creative murals, tile and artwork. In the spring and summertime the herb gardens are a sensual delight. Free tours are conducted daily....the peppermint room is a perpetual favorite. Any sinus issues? One good inhale clears your head right up!
Tea cups, teas and all the necessary accouterments fill the shelves of the tea shop in beautiful displays.
Seasonal teas....this one chocolate raspberry!
teacup bird feeders...
The adjoining gallery collections contain the original artwork used for Celestial Seasonings distinctive box designs.
Each painting is so incredibly detailed I want to dive right into every scene...
Artists from around the world have been commissioned to create the art for the boxes.
There is also an impressive 3-D art collection of fanciful teapots...
Some, like this one, celebrating the famous teas...
The cafe is here for the employees but open to the public as well. It is filled with murals and quotes which the teas are also famous for...this one seems to be apropos for the experience that is Celestial Seasonings...
I have always wanted to go to CS so thanks for the tour! It looks so fun and colorful. :) Cheers!
Posted by: Amy | February 15, 2008 at 09:01 AM
and all on your lunch break! Fantastic! If I could do stuff like this while at work, I'd probably still be working! Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Julie Prichard | February 15, 2008 at 09:42 AM
That is a fabulous tea shop :)
Posted by: Felicia | February 15, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Wow this was-well I am laughing- you woke me up- I was so SO SLeep Walking yet today - kinda...you know bleh and wondering how I am making it thru this work day -
And POW ! THIS WAS SUCH A TREAT ! !! And it's not over yet because I am going BACK TO ENLARGE EVERY PICTURE.
I am awakening now----oh to think you work next to this lovely ENCHANTed place. WOW
FIrst of all you get to walk under that amazing sky...
Haven't we all just marvelled at the little illustrations of secret spots of worlds we want to crawl into (and do for a moment) on the Celestial boxes ??? I mean I know I have bought some boxes (and I confess --SAVED) just for the illustration !
To be able to see the original paintings HUGE like that must be ...well ! Heaven ! I picture myself going in as soon as they open (openopenopen) and them asking me to leave because they need to close up at night and still I am staring.
Oh you showed so many goodies here ! I am delighted and doing a tea jig !
I didn't know that about him being a bike guy ( you probably told me this once...but orange margaritas tend to fog things) and that;s pretty koool.
Wow ! you work next door ! and you don't go there every day ??laughing.
Well when I get there - THIS IS DEFInITELY A STOP ! Warn them about me first , will you ?
GREAT FRIDAY HAPPY POST - oh thank you thank you thank you for the MAGIC
xxxxo! S.
Posted by: Art Tea Life | February 15, 2008 at 10:38 AM
You must have been coo coo for the mosaics in there....Have you ever done a teapot. I dont think I have seen a mosaic teapot in your garden....You know what I was wanting to do the other day? I visited Mosaic Queen's site and saw her wonderful little cupcakes that never fail to DELIGHT ! and it was the same day I had made lemon tarts. I want to make tiny yellow mosaic lemon tarts now ! Someday....soon....sigh....
Anyway... This has been TERRRRIIIIFFFFIC !
I am going for another cup of tea and this time down the hall I definitely will have a springer step !
Big X Big O
Love, S
Posted by: Art Tea Life | February 15, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Spring-Y-er that is.
ArtyLife Ebonics
Posted by: Art Tea Life | February 15, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I forgot to tell you - Thank you for that Thomas Moore quote !
That was quite a bit to transfer over and I for one enjoyed it immensley and keep ruminating over it. did I spell that right. Doesn't matter.... I aint awake anyway.
Posted by: Art Tea Life | February 15, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Oh, thank you for the tour! What a fantastic place! Must be fun to work there. Love the Thomas Moore quote too. Sadly those moments when the real world worries fade into the background are too few - maybe we all need more tea breaks! Did you see the Jennifer Garner film "Catch and Release?" Not a great film, but it did have its heartwarming moments. And one of the main characters worked at a tea company suspiciously like Celestial Seasonings, writing zingy one-liners and names of teas. :) xoxox
Posted by: Paris Parfait | February 15, 2008 at 12:07 PM
From Rock Hill SC
I have enjoyed all your wonderful pictures and sites. Keep those pictures going, it keeps me connected being a native of Colorado.
Muchas Gracis
Antoinette
Posted by: Antoinette Rodriguez | February 15, 2008 at 01:16 PM
When I visit your blog I'm never disappointed, another virtual tour I enjoyed ! I wished it was a real one !
Posted by: Steph | February 15, 2008 at 03:13 PM
I always enjoy your little tours, Stephanie. It's interesting to see what your part of the world looks like. I had no idea Celestial Seasonings was located there...very interesting. You know, I can see YOUR artwork being chosen. Have you ever thought of sending the company your portfolio?
PS - I've awarded you a You Make My Day Award today (Feb 15). :)
Posted by: susanna | February 15, 2008 at 04:01 PM
what a delightful post! - I have enjoyed Celestial Seasonings tea for a long time - what a treat to visit their headquarters and view all the lovely wonders there - thank you for the tour - and the Thomas Moore quote is one that I am going to write down - great stuff Steph!
xox - eb.
Posted by: eb | February 15, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Thank you for the wonderful tour...this is surely a magical place and the fragrance must be delightful.
I have been using their tea probably since they first started...love it Red Zinger, Peach, Pear and then there is one whose name I cannot remember, I have been looking for it for ages...the most fragrant tea I have ever had...these are my favorite. I must look them up on the web...every flavor brings memories.
Posted by: Mo'a | February 15, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Bengal Spice...that is the one whose name I could not remember...I went to their web site...tomorrow when I go shopping I will get some Bengal Spice.
Posted by: Mo'a | February 15, 2008 at 05:18 PM
OMG!!! I cannot believe that I never took a tour while I was living there. Shame on me! I'm sure I'll be passing through there sometime this summer and I will make sure I stop. Wow!!! AND Mosaics....Yes!!!
Thank you for sharing!!!
Hugs!
Michelle
Posted by: Mosaic Queen | February 16, 2008 at 10:21 AM