Sue Betsworth said she's always wanted to own a tea shop, and now she's getting her chance, opening Lady Anne's Tea Room and Gift Shoppe later this month in downtown Le Mars. She named the shop after her daughter named Anna and the Dutchess Anna of Bedford, a lady in waiting to Queen Victoria, who was the first to ask for tea time in England. [Click to enlarge]

Just walk downtown in Le Mars.

Sue Betsworth has put the teapot on for you.

Her new eatery, Lady Anne's Tea Room and Gift Shoppe, will be opening this month.

"All my life I've wanted to have a tea shop," she said.

Now she's looking forward to May 21, when the tea room will open its doors.

Betsworth decided it was finally time to open her own tea shop after the gift store Hannah's Treasures closed in downtown Le Mars this spring. Betsworth has owned that building for about two years.

"I thought, 'OK, I need to do something with that building, and I always thought it would be a good coffee shop or tea house," she said. "And I love to cook."

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So she and some helpers set to work doing some renovations and painting the building, which boasts wood flooring and a tall tin ceiling.

"We painted it with warm colors, lots of pink," Betsworth said. "It's a little Victorian, very comfortable."

Probably the biggest change to the former gift store is the addition of a full kitchen, including shelves of teapots and teacups. Betsworth has a fancy set she'll use for high teas -- she scouts out teacups at antique shops and auctions, wherever she can find them.

The tea shop will start the day with baked breakfast fare like muffins and scones, plus coffee and, of course, tea. About 20 varieties, to be exact. Her favorite is Earl Grey, but her offerings also include everything from green tea to peach apricot black tea.

No reservations will be required for breakfast.

Looking for the traditional tea or just a cozy lunch? The tea room will offer both, Betsworth said. The traditional tea's menu includes items like tea sandwiches, scones with jams and Devonshire cream and tarts, and the general lunch menu offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and of course, dessert.

"White chocolate raspberry cheesecake will be our signature -- I make it and I love it," Betsworth said.

For recipes, she'll be going back to some family favorites, but she's open to new ones, too.

Food will arrive on the table on vintage glass party plates, accented by pink glassware.

With all this pink, Betsworth admits the store has an undeniable feminine focus.

"It's more of a woman thing, but guys are definitely welcome," she said.

The store will also carry "girlie" gifts like purses, jewelry, cards and candy.

"I just like pretty things," Betsworth laughed. "I've always been a girlie girl."