There are those who like one season more than the next – fall is my personal favorite, but the Petoskey Area is a wonderful place to visit pretty much any time of the year. There is, however, a place that particularly shines in July.
Lavender Hill Farm is one destination that’s always on my list of must-dos. The lavender is usually in bloom at least the first couple of weeks in July and between the beauty, the scent and the flavor (yes, they use lavender in food, too), this delightful Boyne City business is a celebration for the senses! 25 varieties of some 10,000 of the fragrant plants mean lavender lovers experience pure bliss.
In the last couple of years, Lavender Hill has expanded under the watchful eye of new owners Rita Robbins and Bill and Erin Mansfield, to offer even more than gorgeous gardens and a welcoming gift shop. These days, Lunch & Lavender offers gourmet box lunches highlighting lavender. There are movie nights, aerobics, Yoga in Bloom and a fantastic music schedule called The Series featuring popular bands. You can even take a tour on a golf cart!
Lavender Hill Farm is open 10am – 5pm daily, and I highly recommend visiting anytime you’re in the Petoskey Area from mid-May to October. I just like to be sure I get there at least once in July.
Need a place to stay while visiting Lavender Hill Farm? Plan ahead and make a reservation especially if you’ll be visiting on a weekend. I suggest traveling midweek if you can – lodging is less costly and you’re more likely to be able to stay in your first choice. And one more tip – hashtag your photos (Lavender Hill Farm is a definite photo op!) #petoskeyarea and #LHFarm and tag us, too. Maybe we’ll share your blooming talents!
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About the author
Diane Dakins is passionate about all the lakeside communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of northern Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Alanson and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has "been there -- seen that" when it comes to virtually every area attraction. Her blogs give potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.