Head to the town of Newberg, Oregon, and you’ll encounter fields filled with a purple bloom during the summer months.
Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a massively productive agricultural region, perhaps best known as Oregon’s Wine Country. But everything grows there. Including thousands of acres of lavender, which is in the peak blooming season in the summer.
In addition to being the childhood home of president Herbert Hoover and the home of George Fox University, Newberg is also the home of the Lavender Trail.
The brilliant purple bloom is not just pretty and fragrant. No, it’s more than just a pretty face. Local merchants in Newberg have infused lavender into products such as chocolate truffles, cocktails, lattes, syrups — you name it.
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And who couldn’t use a little relaxation? Chapter Books and Coffee is one of the must-sees on the Newberg Lavender Trail.
Conveniently located in the Chapter Books and Coffee building is Cream Northwest, a gourmet ice cream business.
There are two local farms that supply all the lavender for these varied and unique products.
Just minutes from downtown Newberg is Wayward Winds Lavender Farm. The moment you step out of your car you are embraced by the delicate, sweet smell that is floral, herbal and evergreen woodsy from the acres of lavender that surround you.
There is a you-pick field of lavender. Professional photographers come here for incredible photo ops. There is a lavender maze for the kids — don’t worry, they can’t get lost!
And an on-site shop carries many of the multiple lavender products they produce right here at Wayward Winds — muscle rubs, syrups, lotions, neck warmers, eye pillows, candles, pet care items, room fresheners and more. They also have a full schedule of classes.
Miss Hannah’s Gourmet Popcorn in Newberg was not about to be left out of the Lavender craze. They got a bit of a head start on the Lavender Trail.
Lavender’s brilliant purple bloom normally lasts through July. But if there is heavy late spring to early summer rains, that bloom can extend to August.
All details are available on the Newberg tourism website, tastenewberg.com. There’s even a map of all of the Newberg businesses taking part.
