Saturday, November 29, 2008

Los Olivos & Lavender

Today is Saturday -- of Thanksgiving weekend -- and we have been in the Flying Flags campground in Buellton, CA for a few days. We did some small town exploring -- to Los Olivos and Solvang ("The Danish Capital of America"). This is the area where the movie Sideways was filmed and there are so many wine tasting rooms in each town. But those of you who know me know that I will choose lavender over wine anytime.

So, in addition to perusing art galleries and bookshops, we drove out to a lovely organic lavender farm. Clairmont Farms -- you can check out their website.
http://www.clairmontfarms.com/

Enter through an olive-tree lined driveway to a field of 12,000 lavender plants. Herbalists -- they grow mostly the Grosso variety. Loved their setup and explanation of their outdoor distillery (pictured) where they make their own lavender essential oil. And sell that along with the other usual lavender products -- sachets, creams, sprays, sprigs, culinary sprinkles, and recipes (lavender cookies and lavender coffee, anyone?) I also liked the BARRELS full of dried lavender buds.

Turned out the man went to Brandeis (Rebecca's alma mater)!!
And the woman, Meryl, and I hit it off -- although the place was buzzing with customers she took the time to chat, to view our vehicle, and take a photo next to their Statue of Liberty -- which you can't see -- is surrounded by other more-perfume-grade lavender varieties.

What a find on another sunny CA afternoon.

 
 
 
 
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2 comments:

Judith said...

Hello Barbara & Allen,

You look as if you are having great fun. I thought I would check in and say hello from Vincent and me.

Good luck in your further adventures.
Judith

The Afton Vision said...

Hey, Judith and Vinnie,

As usual, thanks for stopping in -- and leaving a comment. Yes, we are having great fun and really appreciating the weather.