When customers walk into the small shop on 22nd Avenue in Northport, they’re greeted with a low-lit, calming atmosphere. The wooden panels on the walls offer a cozy feeling, as the barstools and tables welcome guests to stay awhile.

“It’s a goal to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible when they walk in,” said Natalie Wulf, who works at the shop.

It is named Tea Town Alabama and is unlike other tea shops because their teas are all blended in their shop using mostly local ingredients, some grown by Tea Town’s owners themselves.

“Our goal is to have all locally grown herbs,” said Becca Gardner, the owner of Tea Town.

They are well on their way. Tea Town recently purchased more land to begin growing even more herbs for their teas, Gardner said.

Why use local herbs?

Gardner said the organic quality of herbs is better the fresher they are. Therefore, the closer to the herb is to the teacup, the better the tea.

Using local herbs not only improves the taste of the tea, it also helps the community, which Gardner says is important to her.

In addition to using locally grown herbs, Tea Town serves tea with medicinal herbs such as immune boosters and liver cleansers.

Tea Town uses recyclable materials “to be good stewards of the environment,” Gardner said.

All the wooden panels and building materials used in Tea Town are recycled. Washable cups and mugs are used to cut down on waste.

Tea Town Alabama also hosts events that encourage community building. They offer live music, knitting nights and classes such as a fermentation class and classes teaching the health benefits of herbs.

Every Thursday night, Tea Town hosts a poetry reading or live music. They have a food truck brought in so that guests can enjoy local food with their tea and music in the courtyard of Tea Town.

“Being a student, it’s easy to get trapped in the bubble of campus,” Wulf said. “Since working at Tea Town… I’ve gotten to know even more people outside of campus and it has been such an amazing experience to just talk with people in the community when I’m fixing them a drink.”

Gardner’s love for the community has rubbed off on her employee. Wulf said that Gardner has really shown her how great of a community Tuscaloosa is.