Spring Fancies

It's spring. Crocus are beginning to bloom with daffodils close behind. The birds are chirping outside and my wind chime is carolling a happy song. I actually have my front door open--its such a delight to invite the yumminess in. I've tucked away my snow boots (though, granted, I might have to pull them back out again.) And I've replaced my winter wreath with a brightly painted sign: Spring.

In honor of this lovely time of year, I thought I would share some of my favorite spots for celebrating the growing season. Every June for the last three years, my family and I have gone down to the Lavender Festival at 123 Farm. Imagine this: sitting in a grassy area, surrounded by massive trees while classical music is performed on a grand piano mere feet away, sipping on ice-cold lavender lemonade, and inhaling the sun-warmed fields of lavender wafting by on the breeze. I know, doesn't sound relaxing, right? Lavender is supposed to have calming effects, so just imagine being surrounded by an entire farm of the fragrant herb. It's like walking around in a happy daze all day :D

We love the horse-pulled wagon tour and petting zoo. My children enjoy the sprawling lawns set up with games of cricket and Frisbee while I find myself a toasty lawn chair to enjoy the cool breeze. What's that? My glass is empty? Time for another round of lavender lemonade. The festival has become known for their use of lavender in everything from soaps to sachets to baked goods and beverages. My all time favorite is the lavender shortbread cookies and the fragrant vanilla ice cream laced with the subtle flavor of...yep, you guessed it. Oh. So. Good. Don't worry, I'll place the link below. But before you run off, check out my other favorite destination for spring.

Summer's Past Farms is a cozy and inviting family-run establishment tucked away on Olde Highway 80. Filled with quaint gardens and nooks for the child at heart, Summers Past Farm is the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon with the family or a couple of girlfriends. Because of it's size, strollers aren't even necessary (this mom's dream!) After setting up our picnic blankets in the grassy area where the kids will spend hours running around in the sunshine, we usually secure our glasses of homemade Black Mango iced tea from the coffee bar, and set to exploring the farm.

There are gardens of every shape and size, an occasional cat stretched out in the sun, picket fences covered in flowers and arbors heavy with the fragrant smells of spring. My children love the playhouse with the pint-sized garden where they can explore. Our favorite time is to go in May when the Sweet Pea Maze is open to visitors. Imagine exploring a maze made entirely out of sweet pea vines. Heavenly.

The cottage-style shops will pull you into a world of seeds, teacups and all those things that have me pulling out my wallet. Don't forget to buy a package ( in my case several) of the Black Mango tea, its delicious hot or cold. Oh, and the soap shop? Divine. Before leaving, we scour the nursery and take home new varieties of our favorite flowers and herbs. A box filled with fresh parsley, colorful nemesias and lanky foxglove inevitably gets tucked into the back of the car.

So if you're in the southern California area, I hope you will get the chance to visit these beautiful farms!
The only down side is having to leave.

Lavender Festival @ 123 Farm
Summers Past Farms