WRITING AN ODE TO LAVENDER? If your poem or movie or romantic novel is set in California, then we very much expect June to play a central role in your lavender love story. The reason behind our pro-June stance? The herbaceous favorite is a sensational superstar come the sixth month, at least when it comes to those places where lavender lushly grows. One lavender-y location, in the Sierra foothills, has a name and reputation that brings to mind all sorts of fall feels: It’s Apple Hill, the farm- and orchard-dotted area of El Dorado County. It’s true that cider-y sweets will soon hold sway at several Apple Hill stops, but before autumn is in view another celebration sprouts: Lavender Blue Harvest Days. The name, full of scent and splendor, speaks to the event, which blooms over two busy weekends. Fans of the floral wonder, get ready to make your way to the Placerville-close region on June 20-21, and again over the final weekend of the month, for lavender-lovely sights and smells.
THE LAV-CENTRIC PLACES… participating in the two-weekend event include Bluestone Meadow, Grandpa’s Cellar, Rucksack Cellars, and other scenic spots. Bluestone Meadow will have U-Pick Lavender Bouquets, workshops, craft vendors, and places to buy food. Good to know? Some locations, like Bluestone Meadow, will keep the lavender focus beyond Lavender Blue Harvest Days, or get an early start, or both. Your best bet? Peruse the Apple Hill farms and check the schedules, specials, and snacks before making for the picturesque area. Some of the treats and goodies you may find while toodling around the agricultural expanse include blueberry-lavender cider doughnuts, blueberry-lavender mocktails, and lavender bellinis (oh yes, blueberries are having a moment, too). Find all of the participants on this page, then keep those fall dreams fresh: Things really rev-up, autumn-wise, over Labor Day Weekend at Apple Hill