Tucked right off Dixie lies an oasis waiting just for the girls – you gents would probably prefer to move along to more manly pursuits that involve sturdier china and roomier tables.

But just like Tiffany’s or shoe sales, Serenity Tea House gently tugs at the pearl strings of gentle ladies throughout the county.

Perhaps it’s the extensive hat collection, just begging to be worn as you settle into the fancy furniture. Or the clotted cream, luscious lemon curd and thick preserves served with your Serenity Cranberry Orange Scones – accompaniments for the High Tea ($19.50 plus 20 percent gratuity, reservations required).

But don’t fill up on the scones, tempting as they are – two more tiers of treats await you. This is, of course, after your cup of soup (tomato basil the day we dined). There’s the tiny but complex tea sandwiches – crusts cut off, of course – in a variety of whimsical flavors. Each more delicious than the last: Albacore tuna with green apple on marble; egg salad on yellow potato bread; cucumber, scallions and herb cheese on pumpernickel; chicken salad on wheat; vine-ripened tomato on wheat.

Finally, a variety of petite fours and desserts wait for you at the end – as if you had any room. Cream puffs, mini eclairs, jam tarts, macaroons, mini cheesecakes and Madeline’s, all made in house, all waiting for you. Of course, if you do tea properly you linger over each mini-course, sip cup after cup (they have more than 35 flavors of tea), chatter and connect with your girlfriends, mother, sister.

There’s a reason tea is often referred to as a ceremony – not to be rushed but cherished.

Still, if you don’t have time for a two-hour experience, it’s an equally delightful place to stop in for a healthy yet hearty lunch. I’ve enjoyed many of their offerings in the past – from their quiche of the day ($11.50) to the Ham and Brie sandwich ($10.50) but the experience isn’t complete without a girl to chatter with and a good, strong cuppa.