Written by Toni Shiurba published on July 13, 2017
In the words of the Beatles, “Let me take you down, cause I’m going to…” lavender fields forever. Yes, San Juan Island has its own Magical Mystery Tour coming up July 15th and 16th from 10am to 5pm at the Pelindaba Lavender Farm. Admission is Free!
What Is Awaiting You?
When you arrive, the air is first to greet you with a bouquet of sweetness. Savor the fragrance as you stroll the twenty-five acres and circle of white tents filled with local artistic endeavors. Endless varieties of organically grown Lavender fill the fields with a brilliant, violet color. The air is perfumed with the calming scent. Don’t forget to bring your cameras.
Kubatana, a local Marimba band continues the harmony of your senses. Zimbabwe is credited with the origination of this percussion instrument. The resonating beat of a striking mallet hitting wooden bars is mesmerizing to hear. Watching the players using multiple mallets move across long rows of bars is a dynamic experience. Come and hear for yourselves this part of the magic.
Need some new wall art, useful home items or body decorations? Thirty artists showcase and offer for sale their enterprising creations. Find imaginative, hand-made ceramics, artistically designed gemstone jewelry and watercolor paintings. Mosey on to see hand-forged silver adornments, beguiling floral artistry and Northwest Indian inspired feather and bead jewelry. You will find a sea of savvy creativity!
Does your mood need readjusting? Been feeling anxious lately? Try some smell therapy. Yes, aromatherapy is the real deal. And the scent of Lavender has been confirmed to have calming effects, improve sleep and relieve headaches. You can smooth the essential oil on your skin for burns, put a few drops on your pillow at night or add it to a favorite cookie recipe.
Want to Learn How to Cook with Lavender?
The festival has that covered with demonstration booths on just that. Renowned chefs from both the Tucker House Inn and Coho Restaurant will de-mystify the sorcery behind it. Maybe, you want to know the in’s and out’s of how to grow your own. I’ve learned it is good to border vegetables that are “over-loved” by pests with legions of Lavender. Deer don’t eat it! What??? That’s right, finally a beautiful flowering plant that deer walk right by. Who knew? Catch Anna Maria teaching at 11am and 2:30pm each day!
If you can’t make one of the demonstrations, we will also be serving sweet and savory crepes all day long. And of course, we feature lavender. You can choose between a ham and cheese crepe or a vegetarian grilled vegetable crepe seasoned with Herbs de Provence. Both served with a fresh salad featuring a lavender vinaigrette. Then, for dessert, you can choose to have your chocolate crepe filled with either sweet ricotta and fresh berries or a homemade chocolate hazelnut spread with bananas. Or, you can do what my family does and get one of each and share!
But Wait, There’s More!
Now lest you think all the fun is for you, stop right there. Be sure to bring your little ones. A coloring contest and scavenger hunt will give their boundless energy some focus. There will be mini workshops where kids can stuff an Orca with Lavender buds or create a magic wand or wreath for Grandma. If you’re good, you can do some of these crafts, too!
The weather will be perfect. Sunny and warm. Perfect for some Lavender lemonade and crowd-pleasing, Lavender ice cream. Bring your own picnic lunch or buy one at the Festival.
How to Make The Trip
Accommodations are available at the beautiful, conveniently located Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites.
Having trouble making ferry reservations for your vehicle? You can always leave your car in Anacortes and walk on the ferry. Or would you like to speed up your arrival? Kenmore Air, Friday Harbor Airlines, Westwind Aviation and other air charter choices can be found.
Once you are here, there are car rentals, taxis, mopeds and scooters, bicycle rentals, shuttles and even our new Jolly Trolley fleet. So what are you waiting for? Make some plans for a weekend of fun and come to the Pelindaba Lavender Festival. You’ll be glad you did!
