When customers step inside of Walnut Street Tea Company, they are greeted with a symphony of aromas — the scent of over 100 varieties of loose-leaf tea and over 40 varieties of gourmet coffee lining the shelves.

Tucked away on a corner in downtown Champaign, Walnut Street Tea Company may be a surprise for C-U residents who haven’t visited the shop. But over the past 35 years of its operation, the company has collected its share of loyal customers, earning the title of Champaign-Urbana’s best kept secret.

“We have people that come from all around Central Illinois and, honestly, Indiana and Northern Illinois because there’s just nothing quite like us,” owner Hilary Porter said.

Walnut Street Tea Company also offers a selection of accessories including teapots and mugs, as well as goodies like chocolates and cookies to enjoy with the teas and coffees.

Customers can grab a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee to-go at the company’s second location, located at 2510 Village Green Place in Champaign.

“We just really hope we can continue to bring good tea and coffee to the C-U community and have a fun place for people to explore,” Porter said.

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