My daughter wanted to celebrate her 8th Birthday by going to Afternoon Tea with our family. Since her grandmother had flown down from Connecticut, I decided to splurge and go to The Umstead for Afternoon Tea on a Sunday afternoon with her, her 15-yr-old brother, my husband, and my mother-in-law. It turned out to be a wonderful afternoon!

The tea is held in the hotel lobby just off the bar. A harpist was playing lovely music and we looked out onto the deck with the pond fountain beyond. My son knew he didn't want tea so he asked for hot chocolate. My daughter chose the white tea which was labeled as the lightest caffeine and light and floral. (There were no herbal choices.) She had a little bit, but then decided that she would rather have hot chocolate like her brother. Then her brother, after finishing his hot chocolate, decided he wanted milk. Our server graciously and cheerfully accommodated their requests. We all had individual pots. The adults loved their different, full-flavor teas. When I called and made the reservation, I asked if they could substitute peanut butter and jelly for some of the tea sandwiches for her. They came out with a tray of peanut butter and jelly, nutella and fluff, and ham and cheese. She was in heaven! The rest of us had delicious savory sandwiches (cucumber, chicken salad, smoked salmon, and sun-dried tomato) and beautiful deviled quail eggs. Next came a basket of delicious blueberry scones and lemon curd, raspberry jam, and clotted cream. The finale was a peanut butter chocolate layered mousse, a french macaron, strawberries and grand marnier-infused cream, and a corn madeleine cake.

The food was delicious, the atmosphere was modern, soothing, and elegant, and the service was impeccable. Yes, it was expensive, but worth every penny for the overall experience!

My boyfriend and I came here for dinner at the Herron. The restaurant was posh, the service was impeccable, the food was creative and the wine was delicious. Our server Hannah and the rest of the waite staff took care of us all night. Our glasses were never empty. Any questions we had were answered, including a suggestion for a Cab Franc from the Sommelier that was the best wine I've ever had. We decided to get a room at the hotel and our server took care of the details. At the end of dessert we had 2 room keys. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable. We were even left a small bottle of champagne we a note from our server Hannah thanking us for our stay. I would go here again in a heartbeat. Top notch service!

French Toast.
but other than that, a super stay.
Oh, also, Herons grows iits own vegetables, except avocados.

Recently enjoyed our first stay at The Umstead! It was as fine as we have experienced anywhere in the world. Check in was smooth and personalized. Our upgraded lakeview room was plush and well equipped with the balcony overlooking a small peaceful lake. TV was large and true HD. Bathroom included double sinks, separate shower and large tub with marble everywhere. Pillowtop kingsize bed was comfortable. Rooms were very quiet, as was the whole property. A complementary shoe polish was expedited before dinner.
Herons Restaurant was superb - from greeting/seating to wine and food quality and service. Corkage is reasonable. You pay for what you get but it is a most worthwhile splurge.
We did not visit or use the Spa.
We will return.