A Trip To Lavender Hill Farm (A Lavender Field in Michigan)
Have you ever dreamed of walking through fields of lavender with their beautiful purples and greens? Visiting a lavender field has been on my bucket list forever. We finally made out way to Lavender Hill Farm in Boyne City, Michigan which was a beautiful stop on our trip around Lake Michigan. This blog post will share my experience and a list of things you can explore here!
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Lavender Hill Farm
Imagine rows and rows of both soft and bold shades of purple. Listen to the constant low buzz from the bees hard at work, and feel the hot summer sun above.
I had wanted to visit a lavender farm forever, so I made it a priority on our road trip around Lake Michigan. Let me tell you, it was so worth it! Lavender Hill Farm is the largest lavender farm in Michigan and offers so much beyond walking through the lavender fields.
There’s farm tours, events, live music, walking trails, you can picnic, browse a shop with all things lavender, cut your own lavender, and try lavender drinks or snacks. Exploring this farm felt like an experience instead of a quick stop off the roadside. Find lots of helpful information on their website!
Where Is Lavender Hill Farm?
Lavender Hill Farm is located in Boyne City, Michigan. It’s about 15 minutes from downtown Petoskey and about 15-20 minutes from Charlevoix. It was an easy drive and you’ll see a big sign to turn in for the farm. If you’re traveling from Traverse City, it takes about 1.5 hours so plan ahead!
Where We Stayed
This stop on our road trip was a part of our Lake Michigan Circle Tour! We stayed at the Bay Inn of Petoskey, in Petoskey, Michigan and it was a short 10-minute drive from the inn to Lavender Hill Farm.
Peak Lavender Season
The best time to visit a lavender farm will be dependent on the weather and how the growing season has been. They mention that blooming can begin in June and last through August. When we visited mid-July we weren’t disappointed with a beautiful view. I’ve found that July seems to be the peak month for lavender.
If you happen to visit in August check out their drying shed and view bunches of lavender hung upside down to dry. Take in the beautiful lavender aroma that fills the farm space and check out their process which makes for a cool experience and pictures!
Things To Do
There’s many fun activities to do among the lavender flowers.
- Walk around on the trails and take a peaceful stroll amongst the lavender. Enjoy a beautiful summer day set against the perfect landscape.
- Sign up for a golf cart tour of the lavender fields and farm. This is a fun learning experience and a different viewpoint from which you can enjoy the fields.
- Check out their lovely labyrinth space which makes for a cute photo opportunity!
- Get tickets to their concert series! A lineup is posted on their website with dates and times.
- Check out their shop! Shop everything lavender from soaps, scrubs, and lotions to home essentials and baking essentials. Since I’m a baker, I was very interested in their lavender baking extract and culinary lavender.
- Get a refreshing lavender lemonade. During the time that we went, they made a variety of lavender flavored drinks. The lavender lemonade was so refreshing on such a hot summer day. (It saved me from being overheated 😅)
- Find a spot to sit and watch the comings and goings of the farm.
- Check out their calendar that features workshops and classes such as yoga in bloom. How fun is it to practice yoga among the flowers?! Or check out their growing and harvesting 101 to really learn all about the lavender!
- If you’re there when the cut flower plot is growing, check out the rows of pretty flowers! This makes for another fun photo opportunity.
- Make a picnic lunch or shop their snacks and enjoy a picnic in the fields. Lay back and watch the rolling clouds on a lovely summer day.
- Try being a farmer for the day! Email Lavender Hill Farm and have them set up a custom experience for you, a couple, or a group to try out real hands on farming! This sounds so fun!
- Check out their special dining events. Reserve your spot ahead of time for a multi-course dining experience or for one of their brunches. Doesn’t a biscuit with Lavender Hill Farm jelly, honey, and whipped lavender maple butter sound delicious?!
- Take cute pictures around the fields and enjoy a lovely day!
Was It Crowded?
We went on a weekday during the middle of July and it was not crowded. This worked out great for photos because there were hardly any people in the background! If you want to avoid the crowds, then I’d recommend going on a weekday or as early as they open.
A few helpful tips
Pictures & Posing
This is a beautiful spot if you need a pretty landscape as your background for a picture! Read below for my tips and other things to know for taking the best photo.
- Head there as soon as you can for softer light before the sun is high in the sky and casts harsher shadows.
- Pose with the light behind you for a glowing light effect.
- Pose with the light in front of you for clearer and more even lighting across your face.
- Wear something flowy and light to compliment the feeling of frolicking in a lavender field (but also to stay cool because it’s hot).
- A cute sun hat doubles as sun protection and adds to your outfit! You can pose with it in your photos!
- Sometimes it’s awkward to not know what to do with your hands. Try holding onto your hat or dress, or throw you hand in the air!
What Else To Do In The Area
I’ll be posting my travel guide for our stay in Petoskey and Charlevoix, Michigan! Check back soon!
