One of my favorite Idaho experiences is the annual Lakeside Lavender Festival.  Now preparing for its sixth year, this Nampa event has attracted more than 10,000 lavender lovers since its inception.  Lakeside Lavender Farm sits just off the shores of Lake Lowell, and the view of the lavender fields in bloom is simply lovely.  The 2010 celebration will be held July 10–11 and will feature more than 1500 lavender plants available for self-harvest.  Even if you don’t plan to harvest one single stem of lavender, go out and just enjoy a different example of the “purple majesties” that speckle our country. 

        Plants are for sale for attendees to take home, yummy homemade food and beverages are in abundance (including a lavender-inspired boxed lunch), there are crafts for sale from local artisans, and massages and a host of classes are available for adults and kids alike. 

        “We are always looking for new opportunities to enhance the Lakeside Lavender experience for our guests,” said Steve Clark, farm owner (the Clark family, photographed here). “This year we’ll be holding more classes to share tips and insights on raising, harvesting, and enjoying lavender. And we’re planning… to offer horse-drawn wagon rides around the lavender fields and along the shoreline of Lake Lowell.”

        There’s an interesting background to Lakeside Lavender Farm. In 2003, Nampa resident Marie Clark read an article in O magazine about a woman who left her fast-paced city life, moved to a rural area, bought a piece of land, started a lavender farm, and changed her life.  Marie herself had moved from New York several years earlier.   Inspired, Marie and her husband Steve traveled to Sequim, Washington where there are more than a dozen lavender farms.  Together they learned how to start a farm of their own, and eventually how to share its harvest, the scent of serenity, and the vision of purple beauty with others.  

        Attend for the harvest, or to simply breathe in the sweet smell of inspiration or admire the lovely sight.   It’s worth the trip and one of the Treasure Valley’s best-kept secrets.

        Events planned for this year’s festival include Lavender Wand Making, Cooking with Lavender, Essential Oil Still Demonstration, Propagation, and Lavender Q&A. Festival and vendor hours run from 9 am–4 pm on both days.  Live music will be featured each day from 11 am–3 pm, along with those delicious lavender-centric boxed lunches from 11–2 pm (or until gone). 

        Visit www.lakesidelavender.com or call (208) 466-0523 for directions or more information.

Stephanie Worrell is a Treasure Valley wife and mother who is always looking for fun day trip ideas.  Stephanie is a freelance writer, speaker, and award-winning communications consultant who can be found at oshouldknow.com.