Perhaps it's the desserts and finger sandwiches. The assortment tempts you for more than one trip to the buffet table.

Or, it could be the warmth of the fireplace. Add to that a melodic Chopin etude performed in the background on a grand piano.
It is, oh, so relaxed an atmosphere, evident in the several conversations floating around the room.

Then comes the hot tea brewed to your table offering so tempting a flavor on an otherwise cold wintry afternoon in northwest Ohio.

You'll discover this relaxing mid-week mid-day opportunity about 15 minutes from home, every Thursday afternoon. It's the Thursday tea in the lobby of The Inn at Ohio Northern University in Ada. The Inn at ONU is an advertiser in The Icon.

"We've created a great place for groups to gather in a comfortable setting with warm features. Tea brings people together," says Tallene Eichelberger, The Inn's general manager. "We serve lots of tea, including black, white, rooibos, green and herbal."

The Thursday tea succeeds in accomplishing "luxurious comfort, distinctive elegance...a true destination," as promised on the flip side of Eichelberger's business card.

On the Thursday of this visit, the featured tea was pineapple kona pop, paired with pineapple upside-down cake. Other teas choices were Mind and Body Blend, Black Dragon Pearl (my choice during the visit), My Morning Mate, Ginseng Vitality Rooibos, Thousand Mountain Jasmine and Relaxation Blend.

"Each week we will feature a specific tea paired with finger sandwiches or dessert, along with other varieties of tea and pastries," she said.

The Thursday tea takes place from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Reservations are appreciated. Special group tea reservations may be made for alternate days of the week.

If you wonder whether you fit in the Thursday tea crowd, Eichelberger encourages everyone to try it. "We are open to couples, groups for birthday parties and we see lots of generational family guests," she said. "Often we'll see a grandmother with a daughter and a granddaughter."

The tea concept is a relative new one for The Inn; it is not quite one year old. Sunday brunches and wine tasting have taken place there since August of 2009.

Fireside Fridays
Tea is not the only event on The Inn's calendar. For example, each Friday now to April 29 is "Fireside Friday," from 5 to 7 p.m.

"During this event you may enjoy one of our featured cocktails and then consider extending your evening with our dinner special or a snack in our dining room," said Eichelberger.

Entertainment for Feb. 4 is Jonathan Wey of Ada, who holds a master's degree in choral conducting. He writes and performs his own music. On Feb. 11 Anastasia Barkett, a fifth-year pharmacy major, and member of the ONU Symphony, ONU Chamber Symphony and ONU Pharmacy string ensemble, will perform.

Sunday brunch
Served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Sunday is a brunch. The culinary team includes Bluffton native Chef Todd Garrett and Sous Chef Jeff Jameson. Reservations are required.

Wine and food pairing events
The Inn also offers wine and food pairing events. Once monthly this winter and spring, the dates include:

• Friday, Feb. 25
• Thursday, March 31
• Thursday, April 28
• Thursday, May 26
• Thursday, June 30

73 guest rooms
The Inn has 73 guest rooms, including four suites available. It offers a range of accommodations, featuring one king- or two queen-sized beds, suites and specialty rooms with fireplaces. It has a 24-hour fitness center, guest laundry facilities, multiple guest lounge areas and much more.

For specific information visit The Inn's website.
The Inn at Ohio Northern University
401 W. College Ave.
Ada, OH 45810
Toll-free: 866-713-4513
[email protected]

To view a brief video of The Inn click here.