Real talk: Truckee’s newest hotspot is where tea meets slime in a way that’s equal parts whimsical and wise. The rebranded Truckee Teas, now part of a shared space with Slime Kitchen, isn’t just a quirky combo—it’s a masterstroke of community-driven creativity. This isn’t your average tea shop; it’s a hybrid destination where parents sip matcha while kids mold glittery sludge, and grandparents find common ground with toddlers over a shared cup of warmth.
The shop’s owner, Leanne Johnson, isn’t just selling tea. She’s redefining what a local business can be. Truckee Teas offers 50 proprietary blends, from sleep-supporting chamomile to focus-boosting green tea, all crafted with loose-leaf precision. “Tea bags are a shortcut,” she says. “They’re full of microplastics and stripped of the nutrients in whole leaves.” Here, the emphasis is on quality, sustainability, and a quiet rebellion against convenience. The shop’s “mountain modern” aesthetic—think rustic wood, muted earth tones, and subtle British nods—feels like a cozy retreat, but it’s the adjacent slime studio that steals the show.
Slime Kitchen isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a 10-step, hands-on experience where guests mix textures, scents, and colors to create their own custom slime. Johnson calls it “Build-A-Bear for slime,” and the results? Kids (and some adults) leave with glowing faces and a newfound love for messy play. The space bridges generations, offering a safe, indoor activity for grandparents and kids alike during the long Tahoe winters. “There’s magic in watching a kid’s eyes light up,” Johnson says. “It’s why we did this.”
The dual-space model is genius. During the day, the tearoom hosts coworking sessions and meetings, while evenings bring book clubs, birthday parties, and PTO gatherings. The location—11429 Donner Pass Rd. Ste 3—is a testament to Truckee’s evolving identity as a place where innovation and tradition coexist.
Loose-leaf teas over tea bags, a tearoom for events, and slime-making for all ages.
Key takeaway: Truckee Teas and Slime Kitchen prove that community spaces can be both functional and fun. Loose-leaf teas over tea bags, a tearoom for events, and slime-making for all ages? That’s not just a trend—it’s a blueprint for modern local hubs.
What’s your go-to winter activity for families? Would you trade a cup of tea for a slime-making session?
Questions & Answers
What is the name of the new Truckee business?
The business is called Tea & Slime Truckee. It blends tea tasting with slime play for a fun, unique experience.
Where is Tea & Slime located?
Tea & Slime is located in Truckee, California. It offers a fun, interactive experience combining tea and slime for visitors of all ages.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
