Tea and history go together like, well, tea leaves and hot water. The 1850's mining town, Columbia, is literally steeped with essences of treasure, adventure and stories.

Columbia Kate's spin on the age-old drink tells its own story while offering antiques, specialized gifts and even antique buttons which are notorious story tellers themselves.

Seated at tables named after real mining claims of Columbia's heyday, a guest may learn why women of early California had entrepreneurial opportunities like no other state at that time.

The Chamber takes great pride in saluting Columbia Kate's Teahouse, an active member since February 2006. Clare Bazley opened Columbia Kate's a year after joining the Chamber, in February 2007. Even before her business was open, she was active in Chamber affairs and actively participated in Chamber sponsored events. She was an important proponent in hiring our first event co-ordinator, Leslie Davis and continues to believe that the growth of the Chamber and the success of events depends on both voluntary participation of members and competent paid staff.

Clare's business is an important part of our community, serving visitors and a growing group of enthusiastic local regulars. In this particularly critical time with some major park concessions that cater to visitors not operating, Columbia Kate's wants to make sure that the visitor experience is not diminished.

Clare believes that the current state of our park system, the budgetary issues facing California and our concessions vacancies are not unsolvable problems but opportunities that the Chamber is well positioned to exploit. Working to align all the key stakeholders in the community to manage these opportunities instead of standing by and allowing events to dictate actions, she feels we have the ability to help ourselves thrive and prosper.

Please join us in supporting Columbia Kate's and all our Chamber members.

Clare, her staff and her award-winning desserts are standing by to help make your day in Columbia a memorable experience. Join her for lunch, dinner on Saturday's when the theater is open, or for dessert anytime. Columbia Kate's is open from 11am to 4pm Wednesday thru Sunday and until 8pm on theater Saturday's.

Ask about her latest special items - Runsas and scratch-made ice cream treats! And... don't forget, Columbia Kate's is a great place to find a gift for that special person.

To learn more about Columbia Kate's Teahouse, visit their website www.columbiakates.com and take a look at the menu and the huge selection of teas that are available to enjoy in the restaurant or for purchase to brew at home.