The 2012 Oregon Lavender Festival once again showcases beauty in bloom with dozens of lavender destinations open July 14 and 15 for hands-on harvesting and delighting in the fields.
Three Washington County destinations are offering unique, once-a-year events to celebrate all things lavender.
This year’s highlights are numerous:
Festivities at Helvetia Lavender Farm
Helvetia Lavender Farm in Hillsboro
Here you’ll experience 60 varieties of lavender. After cutting your selections, you’re invited to tea in the pavilion on the grounds. Take in the scenery and the live Celtic and folk music. If you’re lucky enough to arrive during their weekend lunch hour (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), you can enjoy hamburgers from Helvetia Tavern. Kids can enjoy a mini bungee jump, as well as lavender crafts and a treasure hunt, while adults can browse in the gift shop full of lavender products.
Helvetia Lavender Farm festival hours are Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jackson School Lavender in North Plains
Choose u-pick or freshly cut for assembling your ideal bouquet of lavender. And for the scent to carry on, choose from a selection of lavender goods that include soaps, lotions, oils and sachets. To experience the taste of lavender, enjoy the specially made lavender jam, honey and cookies.
Jackson School Lavender festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
Mountainside Lavender Farm in Hillsboro (Scholls)
After taking in the sweeping mountain views, make your way through more than 20 lavender varieties–some of which are even white and pink–for u-pick. Enjoy live folk music while watching a distilling demonstration, followed by a tasting of lavender-themed food and perusing the work of craft vendors and local artists on display. Relax with a massage as the sweet scent of lavender soothes as well.
Mountainside Lavender Farm festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.