Virginia's Lovely Lavender

What comes to mind when you hear the term “lavender?” Perhaps your mind's eye sees a beautifully pale shade of purple so popular in spring and summer. Or maybe you think of your favorite scented candle with its delicate aroma, wafting through the air. Besides the color and the candle, lavender serves a number of purposes in the bed and breakfast industry. This includes such things as linen sprays, baking ingredients, natural aromatherapy, massage oils, and much more. So, where does lavender originate? One source happens to be located in various places around Virginia—lavender farms. At these farms, you can tour the varieties of plants, bring a picnic lunch and eat amidst the scent of lavender, shop the farm products, and clip off a branch of lavender to take home with you. Inglewood Lavender Farm, Arrington, VA- “Inglewood Farm, originating in 1829 as a Cabell tobacco plantation,” is open ever Saturday and Sunday through September, or by appointment. Lavender Fields Herb Farm, Glen Allen, VA- Lavender Fields Herb Farm “grows Central Virginia's largest selection of USDA Certified Organic Herb and Vegetable plants and all you need to go with them.” They are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, July through December. White Oak Lavender Farm, Harrisonburg, VA- White Oak Lavender Farm is a “family owned farm in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.” They grow “many varieties of lavender,” and they make their own “soap, lotions, creams, and aromatherapy products for your purchase.” Tours are at 11am or by appointment. Beliveau Estate, Blacksburg, VA- Besides being a winery and a B&B, Beliveau Estate also grows its own lavender. The last Sunday in June is the establishment's annual Lavender Festival, so make sure to mark your calendars for next year's celebration! [caption id="attachment_7729" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo by Steve Daniels[/caption] Looking for lodging? Click here to check out our BBAV member inns.   By Tara Stoll