- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

They were having just as much fun on the inside of All Things T on Saturday after Mayor Ian Boddy cut the ribbon on the new shop on 10th St. West at 8th Ave.

Formerly in the historic Chicago Building on 10th Street East, Stephanie Termeer's new store has a few key advantages.  For the customers, there is free parking right out front and big sunny windows.  For Stephanie, there is a big kitchen on the same floor as the shop and lots of storage.

All Things T still has a wide selection of...well, tea...and all the paraphenalia that goes along with it - pots and strainers and teaballs and cups.  With the new layout, Stephanie will be able to refill your tea caddy (note to Waste Watchers) with most of your favourite teas while you wait.  Well, she'll be able to do that after this busy opening holiday season, when things quiet down a little. 

Local Civil Kat coffee is still here too and all the things you need to make and serve it, and lots of edible treats that might make a great gift basket for someone who doesn't need one more thing to dust.

Actually most of the gifts in the store, made by more than sixty-five mostly local crafters,  don't require dusting.  Steampunk chainmail jewellry whose creator is not even a teenager yet,  socks handknit by a greatgrandmother, handmade goat soap, and scrimshaw guitar picks and USB keys. Some things are beautiful, some are useful - most are both.  And if you have a sense of humour, ask to see the things by Gark Designs.

I'm not going to spoil your treasure hunting by telling you anything more.  Only to say that when something is one of a kind, if someone else gets there first - oh well. 

All Things T had become a downtown destination for a cup of tea or coffee and maybe a treat in a lovely setting.  In the new year Stephanie will be expanding the baking offerings, and adding something needed on the west hill: a light lunch of soups and stews and such.

What else will be new in 2020?  That's the delight of a new space and a creative woman - anything is possible.  You'll want to keep dropping in to see.

More about Stephanie and All Things T from the Hub