When you walk into Tranquili Tea Calm Your Mind Tea House & Cafe, the first thing that greets you isn’t the menu—it’s the feeling. The soft scent of eucalyptus fills the air, the decor radiates warmth and creativity, and every table invites you to sit, unwind, and simply be.
“Tranquili, to me, means giving people a space where they can relax and find calm,” said owner Vicki Andrade. “Once you order and sit, we don’t bother you for anything. If you need us, you can signal us—but this is a place where you can just enjoy the moment.”
Located at 12 North Street in downtown Middletown, Tranquili Tea is more than a tea house—it’s an experience. Opened in April 2025, the café is the sister business of ARTVICKI CREATIONS, a customized gift shop next door that offers engraving, carving, etching, and UV printing services. Together, these two creative spaces—run by Vicki and her husband, Vinny—reflect both sides of her personality: calm and artistic.
Vicki’s inspiration came from both heritage and heart. “I love tea,” she laughed. “I’m almost 58 percent Irish! But I also noticed there was really nothing like this in downtown Middletown. I wanted to bring something different to the community—something people could enjoy in a relaxing, beautiful environment.”
Her teas are all loose leaf and chemical-free, with blends that not only taste wonderful but also provide natural benefits. “I worked in the medical field for 15 years in occupational therapy,” she said. “So when I choose a tea, it has to have a benefit—something for hormone balance, inflammation, migraines, or stress. Most of our blends have a holistic, health-based purpose.”
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A peaceful escape with a touch of elegance
Every corner of Tranquili Tea has been designed with intention. Vicki’s own artwork adorns the walls, and essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender fill the air. “It’s fancy—but in a warm, organic way,” she said.
The food menu complements the tea experience: freshly baked scones, traditional tea sandwiches, and paninis that have become customer favorites. “Our son went to Johnson & Wales for culinary arts, so he helps us with the menu,” Vicki said proudly. “We also have a tea that tastes like coffee—it has chicory in it—so it’s perfect for anyone who wants that coffee flavor without caffeine or heartburn.”
Every drink is served in porcelain cups on a tray with a timer and a napkin, emphasizing that tea here isn’t something you grab and go—it’s something you savor.
Right next door at ARTVICKI CREATIONS (10 North Street), Vicki’s creativity takes another form. From personalized cutting boards and keychains to engraved photo plaques and journals, everything is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind.
“I never went to art school,” she said. “But I’ve always been creative. In occupational therapy, you learn to think outside the box—and I just channeled that into art.”
One of her most popular items is the engraved handwriting recipe board—a way to preserve a loved one’s handwritten recipe forever. “People bring me old, worn paper from their grandmother’s kitchen, and I can replicate the handwriting exactly onto a cutting board. It’s very meaningful.”
Soon, ARTVICKI CREATIONS will also offer UV color printing, allowing customers to personalize tumblers, plaques, and more with vivid full-color designs.
A place that brings people together
In addition to serving tea and creating art, Vicki regularly hosts painting classes, afternoon tea events, and even live music performances. “People love to make things, meet others, and just enjoy,” she said. “We’ve had everything from felting workshops to ukulele performances—it’s about community connection.”
She also collaborates with nearby small businesses, offering cross-promotions with Well Worn Books, Any Old Thing, and other local favorites. “Middletown has changed so much,” she said. “There’s more energy, more people walking around. I always tell my customers—check out the shops nearby! We all support each other.”
As for what’s next, Vicki and Vinny are expanding both sides of the business. “We’re planning to add a food dehydrator for new menu items, and we’re applying for our beer, wine, and cider license,” she shared. “And of course, we’re excited for the new UV printer—it’ll open up so many possibilities for ARTVICKI CREATIONS.”
Her message to the community is simple: “We’re so thankful to everyone who’s visited us. We love downtown Middletown and are so happy we chose to be here. The support and positivity have been incredible.”
Whether you’re stopping in for a cup of Calming De-Stress Tea, a freshly baked scone, or a handcrafted gift that carries meaning—Tranquili Tea and ARTVICKI CREATIONS offer something rare: a place where calm, creativity, and community truly come together.
Tranquili Tea Calm Your Mind Tea House & Cafe and ArtVicki Creations welcome all at (845) 775-3130 or [email protected]. As Vicki affirms, “The mind is limitless!” – a philosophy that continues to enrich Middletown’s vibrant scene.
Paid promotion by Tranquili Tea & ARTVICKI CREATIONS
