Oh, lavender,
Beside a lonely road beneath the trees,
Her pale hair, blowing in an unseen breeze.
She waits alone.
— Beach Boys, 1961
Still, it blooms. It’s the scent of summer that wafts over the Chehalem Valley: eucalyptus, mint, rosemary, and roses. It completes our summer the way sweet tea and mom’s apple pie do. Even though the virus might force us into social distancing, nothing can prevent the way lavender graces our yards and hillsides.
The 2020 Willamette Valley Lavender Festival & Paint Out was canceled, but like the lavender it celebrates, the festival still blooms — this year, it’s online — and it’s still one of the top 10 things to do in Newberg!
• Do you have a favorite Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) photo you’d like to share? Post it to any of the popular social media and link it to @tastenewberg also include the hashtag #onlinelavenderfest20
One of Newberg’s ice cream nirvana is Cream Northwest. You’ll have to try the new flavor they’re scooping up — it’s lavender and blueberry ice cream! Visit Cream’s inside-Chapters Books and Coffee location. And while you’re there, you ought to step over to the Chapters’ counter and order a cup of their yummy Lavender-Chamomile Tea.
Coffee Cottage is a favorite of our team. Their seasonal items include Lavender-Rosemary Scones as well as two lavender syrups that you can add to the drinks of your choice. Note: Coffee Cottage has just renovated its coffee shop and bakery. There’s plenty of socially-distanced outdoor garden seating available, as well as drive-through service.
Herbs in Jars, our local apothecary, across the street from The Painted Lady, has a host of lavender products. Herbal teas with lavender are a positive boost for your well-being.
Wolves & People, the award-winning farmhouse brewery on a hazelnut farm, reopened their beer garden with expanded seating. All-outdoor ordering is the new normal, as is a new snack menu, which includes “Purple Haze,” a lavender-infused goat cheese to enjoy with crackers and a glass of farmhouse ale.
The Little Lavender Shop is new to Downtown Newberg at the Pollinate store. They produce several lavender-centric culinary, home, bath, and body products at their little farm in Dundee. Their shop is open Wednesday to Saturday, at 108 S. College – Suite C.
Simple Alchemy is a local eco-conscious home and body care company, who make multiple body care products containing lavender, such as their Matcha Lavender Solid Lotion. Their products are for sale at Chapters Books & Coffee as well as Pulp & Circumstance in downtown Newberg.
Of course, you can experience the Newberg Lavender Trail for yourself. Our friends at Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast planned the route in their recent blog article. Please read it for yourself, by clicking here.
Chehalem Flats is an outstanding weekend stop. There, you can walk among the rows of lavender, then shop in their outstanding farmer’s market. It’s one of the best things to do in Newberg, especially if you’re looking for a break from wine tasting.
Another great place to get your lavender fix is at Wayward Winds. They’ve got one of the largest lavender U-pick fields in Oregon. The U-pick is open through the end of July. Hankering for a little education? They’ve got five dates in July where they’re offering classes in lavender wreath-making. Tickets are required, but you can easily get them on their website.
By now, you’re ready to get going — there’s a lot of lavendering to do! The perfect accompaniment to your trip down the Newberg Lavender Trail is a custom lavender-centric playlist. We’ve got you covered! Surf on over to Spotify and check out the music.
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