Lavender is a surprisingly large part of early American History so when the opportunity came up to take the family to a historic festival celebrating that, we jumped! Thank you to historic Highland Springs Ranch and Inn who sponsored our visit to the Lavender Festival. The history belongs to lavender. But all photographs, stories, and opinions are our own.
A Little Lavender History
Long known for it’s beautiful and calming scent, lavender has been a part of human life for over 2500 years. Lavender was used as a remedy for the Great Plague of London in the 17th Century and before that glove makers perfumed their wares and thereby escaped disease. When Queen Victoria took a big interest in lavender in the 19th century, English lavender became all the rage… ever heard of Yardley’s of London?
As was the custom of colonial times, if it was a big hit in Europe, it became a big deal in the New World. History marks the Shakers (a super strict sect of English Quakers) as the first to grow lavender commercially in America. It was about the same time that Queen Victoria was ALL about it. The Shakers developed herb farms and produced medicines and other beauty products including those made of lavender. When they became super cosmopolitan in New York, American lavender began being shipped world wide.
Personally I think the big sell was that lavender warded off bubonic plague. Yes it’s calming and delightful but you gotta love a pretty flower that wards off the plague! That right there is cause for a festival, don’t you agree?
Back to history and such…
So far I haven’t been able to pin down the first lavender festival. The idea of a festival built around a crop has long been a part of history but when a festival such as this began has yet to be pinned down. If history (and google) tell us anything, America loves its celebrations so it’s no surprise that while lavender grows in other countries it appears the festival as a family doing, was invented here in America.
Lavender likes full sun and good drainage. It likes rocky soil and drought like conditions. So naturally, Southern California is an excellent place to grow lavender and so it thrives! We visited The Lavender Festival at Historic Highland Springs Ranch and Inn and the whole family fell absolutely in love with lavender.
10 Lovely (and historic) Lavender Fun Facts
10 Lavender derives its name from the Latin ‘lavare’ meaning ‘to wash’
9 It kills bacteria-it’s an antiseptic
8 Lavender has been used in cooking since ancient Rome
7 Oil of lavender has a history of soothing migraines and motion sickness
6 Lavender is in the Bible under it’s Greek name, Spikenard
5 Insects and Spiders don’t like lavender. Spider Repellent
4 It is said lavender repels evil (Please refer to fun facts 9,7, and 5…)
3 First history recorded arrival of lavender in America was with the Pilgrims in the 1600’s
2 Lavender under a newlyweds bed is said to ensure passion (repelling spiders probably helps)
1 Lavender was a staple in colonial sachets and potpourri
Make Your Own Potpourri
Family friendly, has stood the test of history, wards off the plague AND spiders?? uh….Let the festival begin!!!
A Purple Party
In America, we do love a good festival, especially if it’s themed. There are plenty to be found throughout the country but more on that later.
This Family headed to historic Highland Springs Ranch and Inn for their annual Lavender Festival. They’ve been welcoming guests since it was a stage coach stop in the 1800’s. In the early 1900’s it played get away to people of history like Einstein and Hollywood’s Elite. Riverside County’s First Historical Landmark, now it’s one of California’s largest organic lavender farms and each year they host the incredible Lavender Festival.
(They also host a sheep shearing festival, a sausage and beer festival, a chill festival, sourdough bread festival, a pumpkin festival, olive festival and a Christmas festival–all family friendly and the right amount of history and old time simple fun made contemporary)
READ OTHER AWESOME ADVENTURES IN CALIFORNIA HERE
Heirloom Chicken Egg Harvest and Farm Tour
A step away from the festival itself, but still on property and offered year round and was delightful as well as educational. This family activity they offered was a first hand look at how Highland Springs Ranch and 123 Farms cultivates and harvests. It’s a little glimpse of early America but not with living history, rather completely modern farm but organic old ways. It was extraordinary! We got a tour that included a wee bit of the farm’s history, seeing a variety of edible flowers, (sneak peek of their Farm Flower Tour) and various fruits and vegetables.
The girls harvested fresh strawberries and filled their tummies with rich red organic goodness. In true farm ‘nothing wasted’ fashion, the family was instructed to keep the berry remnants to feed the chickens on our next stop. After we fed the chickens we got a lesson in how to pick up and hold a chicken. What happened next was a family memory that will go down in history. One of my daughters was a natural. Born to be on the farm.
The other one, well…
But the fun didn’t stop there! We had barely recouped from laughing our heads off with what is now known as ‘The Chicken Event’ when the family got a lesson in how to collect eggs from the coop. Josh and I have collected eggs before. We’ve both spent time on family farms but this was new for the girls.
Again, one went at it flawlessly. No issues at all.
The other, well, she DID eventually get an egg…but boy did she earn it! I didn’t know chickens could laugh but I am telling you, this chicken laughed at Madison. It mocked her and I tried to get a video of it but I was laughing so hard I could barely see through the tears streaming down my face. You’ll have to take my word for it, or ask the tour guide.
Needless to say the story is now in family history infamy!
I wouldn’t have traded this experience for anything. Living in a city, it is easy to forget these life experiences that make us appreciate the conveniences in this modern life. America has a long history of farming and this experience was priceless for the family. It was hysterical, yes, but also valuable for these kids to learn what life was like in our family and so many others just a generation or so ago. In addition, to really appreciate our farmers now, their place in history, and to understand the vital role farms played in early America (and modern America too).
OH! And they got to take their eggs home and cook them up so THAT was cool! You could say it was Egg-stra special!!!
TIP: When attending the Lavender Festival, do this tour first before it gets too hot. There is plenty of shade and cool drinks once in the area where the actual festival is. Also bring a camera… you never know when family history will be made 😉
Lavender Crafts
Back to what we came for…the lavender festival!!!! One thing I really appreciated about the festival was that you could purchase bouquets and wreaths (as expected) and such but there was also opportunity to create your own.
If you follow This Family Blog, you know we are ‘doers’ so this was a perfect opportunity for the family to try something new. The girls made beautiful lavender crowns and Josh crowned them both. (What a good dad!) It was a nice way to celebrate Father’s Day although Madison Bella may have still been a little traumatized from the chicken experience.
Lavender Libations and other Purple Goodness
Ummmm….two words… LAVENDER MOJITO. In addition it being Father’s Day, it was another day in our personal family history…Madison Bella’s 21st birthday so we celebrated accordingly.
What else did we try? Let’s see Lavender lemonade (that was a family fave), chocolate lavender ice cream, lavender beef brisket sandwich (also family fave), lavender cheese, herbed salami, various lavender oils and vinegar, lavender sugar, three varieties of lavender honey, oh and a lavender donut!
I don’t know if early America enjoyed lavender in quite the same way this family (I haven’t seen a lavender donut in any history books) did you know, history evolves and when it looks and tastes like this, I’m not mad one bit. 🙂
You would think we were lavendered out but nope!
I believe this will be an annual family trip because I didn’t get to sample the lavender cheesecake or the honey lavender ice cream. And I also want more lavender lemonade….it was beyond delightful! I would like to take home a vat (and the girls begged me to) and possibly this cookbook.
Lavender Life
The Lavender Festival is a completely immersive family experience. It involves all five senses and carries you off to a magical purple world (where there are no spiders or bubonic plague).
We learned so much about this herb that has a history older then I ever knew. I mean, I knew about it’s use in colonial America and I knew there was a history of people using it to invoke calm… BUT I didn’t know lavender, in its over 400 varieties, has befriended itself to so many cultures across the globe and it was fascinating to learn how things like Lavender Aromatherapy and Essential Oil have played such a role in not only beauty history but medicine history for generations.
The family brought home not only amazing information and excellent memories, (I casually remind you of The Chicken Event) but new ways to incorporate this beautiful and useful plant into our lives. We even brought back a plant to grow for ourselves.
And to top it off…what did Madison Bella ask for dinner that evening? Chicken…(brined in lavender of course with a side of vindication)
Learn more History of Lavender in America
This family put together a couple stories and videos of some hands on things to do that includes bite size bits of history of lavender in early America check out:
How to Make Your Own Potpourri
History of Lavender in Early America
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO THE LAVENDER FESTIVAL
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So apparently there is an apothecary in the family history (of early America). What I wouldn’t give to sit in early America with the guy who ran it and soak in all the history of the lavender uses and the family in general. My sister and I have a running dream of running our own family apothecary, partly because history and lavender but mostly because we just like to say apothecary.
The history of America and family history fascinate me (duh that’s the drive behind the blog) and I tend to fall down amazing research habit holes. Lavender seems to be one of those, and I’m loving every minute of it! As I’ve researched lavender in America and in history, I’ve learned a couple tid bits from my readers and my family. It’s kind of awesome and a wonderful topic to share.
Now, completely off topic but required for my SEO so more people can find this article of awesome, here are some terms. Please ignore… it’s like seeing the curtain pulled back in OZ… LOL family history America, family history America, family history America, family history America.
I love lavender. I want to seek out a lavender farm around here. One thing I loved about France, we were surrounded by it.
OOH yes, French Lavender is amazing! Do they have a festival there? I’m wondering if it’s an America thing. But they have a longer history with the plant. I hope you get to take your family to one here! Would be fun to compare.
Lavender is one of my favorite scents! My oldest daughter is a chicken whisperer! Our neighbor had some so she has been around them for most of her life.
Chicken whisperer in your family LOL I love that! Maybe she can give my daughter lessons. LOL Yes the history of lavender in America and the world really is fascinating…and in my humble opinion, a lovely reason for a festival!
What a fabulous time! I love those lavender fields!
Aren’t they simply beautiful? The smell was amazing. The whole family enjoyed the festival. I hope you get to experience and lavender festival like this somewhere in America…it’s history and contemporary fun blended perfectly!
Lavender is my favorite scent, and I’ve been looking for lavender fields to tour. This looks like a great time for the entire family! Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful! I hope you get to take your family to this festival. This festival in particular was done well…. just the right amount of history, crafts, eats, and modern fun. My family has diverse interests so when a festival like this comes along where everyone gets a chance to explore their own interests, it’s something to note. I need to do a little research on other lavender festivals in America but I gotta be honest, this one is hard to beat.
I love Lavender. I diffuse it every night, it calms and soothes me so that I can turn off the never-ending chatter in my head. This festival looks so fun to attend. I can’t believe all of the foods you were able to try as well.
The variety of lavender food was incredible. I never knew how truly versatile this plant is. I knew about the history in early America but didn’t know it spanned across so many cultures and time. I have to say, this festival had something for everyone in the family and it was a really well done festival. We’ll return for sure. (Plus I want to scope out more of the Hollywood history of the ranch)
I adore the scent of lavender and have several dried bouquets in my home. This would be a fantastic destination for me to visit!
Indeed! The ranch has a rich history to explore of folks coming out to relax. The festival is one of several they host each year. I’d like to see the Octoberfest festival and the Christmas festival as I hear those are pretty great too. I think this particular festival was well laid out and with the variety you could come with friends or family and there would be something for everyone. Only in America can you get a ranch, hollywood history, great festival all in one, 🙂 I loved it!
I have lavender in my backyard. The recent seasons have been rather tough on it, and it’s dying off. I know it will grow back again. My granddaughter has rescued chickens and loves and names each one.
You have lavender and chickens in your family? I’m a wee jealous…. my family had such a great time at this festival. Maybe yours would like visiting and learning some history and experiencing some more. I hope you get the opportunity to do so. 🙂
I would love to see a fresh lavender farm … and the mojito! YUM!
Tricia, this festival is so up your alley! a little history, a little yay America, and a whole lot of pretty and yum!!! Just add family…or just you LOL 😉
I LOVE lavender! It must have been so beautiful and amazing smelling!
It was!!! No matter where the family wandered (and they did wander) the smell was everywhere and intoxicating! Honestly they didn’t want to leave. The festival was so full of rich experiences. I really enjoyed the history parts and uses. It is worth exploring to see if there is another festival of this nature anywhere else in America. I could see a whole series dedicated to lavender festival across America? Can you imagine how calm the family would be? LOL
this looks like so much fun! I’ll have to check this out
I hope you do. The Lavender Festival is one of four the ranch hosts annually. There is an October festival and a Christmas Festival… they even have a chili festival and sheep shearing festival. It’s a little like Oprah… You get a festival! You get a festival! I’m not mad at all..lol so much family fun. A little bit of old timey America but not history overload, lots of contemporary fun.
Lavender is so pretty and so versatile. i love mixing a little in cream cheese to add to a cucumber sandwich during the spring and summer.
That sounds absolutely delightful! I’m trying it! Maybe you should see about bringing it to the festival 🙂
I can just imagine how wonderful this place smells! Lavender mojito? Yes please!
The whole festival was amazing! I really enjoyed the mojito as well as the history bits. I’m now on a quest to see what other lavender festivals there might be across America. It’s a great bucket list, right?
I didn’t know you can make so much out of lavender. Wow! I use my lavender oil every day but didn’t know you can make tea, desserts and many more out of it. Very informative post. I wish we have Lavender Festival here! I would love to visit.
Right??? The history and the uses of lavender blew my mind! And I’m a history geek so I thought I knew! I’m going to do some research to see about other lavender going ons across America so stay tuned… I did a post on sunflower festivals across America…seems like there is interest in a post to find the lavender festivals across America.
I love everything about this post! I want to go!
Amanda I hope you do! The history the smells, the pretty, and the yum! It’s hard to beat!!! There is some interest so I’ll look for more lavender festivals in America and see about a post. Perhaps we can find one closer to you, but I gotta say, this one was pretty great. 🙂
Love lavender, both the color and the benefits. Enjoyed the fun facts!
The history of lavender in America and the world is fascinating. I could have done a whole article on just those facts in history…or just in America… maybe I will. LOL Glad you enjoyed!
Lavender is my favorite. This would be a really cool festival to go to. I’m not sure what my daughter would think of the lavender donuts though. She might just be a purist when it comes to donuts.
hahaha I am so tickled you have a donut purist in your family!! Haven’t run across one of those in my history adventuring but I love it! only in America!
I love lavender and this festival looks so cool. I use lavender oils in many ways, one being on my dryer balls in my dryer it makes our clothes smell so fresh!
The festival as amazing! Lavender drying balls? I have to look into that. That sounds awesome! I was really interested in all the different uses throughout history. who knew? I knew about a lot of lavender in early America but all the history before that was really pretty new to me. SO MANY uses!
Love lavender…the history and fun facts are awesome! Love to learn about the origins of things.
Isn’t it? I really thought it was just an early America thing. Surprise! I mean, it was an early America thing but apparently lavender was a lot more places with a way bigger and richer history then I ever imagined!
Okay, my favorite part was the look on Madison’s face when she was trying to hold the chicken. Born farm girl there!
hahahah wasn’t that priceless? She cracks me up. She had me laughing so hard I was crying and could barely take pictures.
This sounds wonderful. Lavender is one of my most favorite scents. We saw so much of it in France last summer. I need to see if there is something like this near me.
That was probably the best smelling festival of all time! Lol
It was! It has set a really tough standard for all our travels across America now LOL
So great! This sounds like so much fun and such a great learning experience. I love your daughters lavender crown-so pretty. Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful time. I enjoy lavender. This would be a wonderful place to visit.
The festival was great! Family friendly…. just the right amount of history, yay America, pretty and yum! I highly recommend a visit if you can
I actually just found out that lavender plants ward off mosquitos! So many fun facts and such a great trip! Love your photos too!
What? How did I not know about that… so lavender wards off spiders, bubonic plague AND mosquitos. Clearly it’s magic and I will now surround my entire life in it. Yeah that’s reason enough for a festival or five! My family are those people the mosquitoes just love so this is big news! We have a history of being a buffet whenever we adventure into the wilds of America. Heck. I’ll have my own family festival to celebrate!! LOL
I heard about this on the radio…all the way in Texas! But your article paints a MUCH more beautiful picture! I am so jealous that you got to go! Looks like it was a fantastic way to spend the day. Hopefully we will make it there one day. Thank you for sharing!!
Our local lavender festival in Texas? How cool!! That’s a long way for a festival to travel LOL Well listen, the festival is super family friendly, the right amount of history and contemporary fun and a great road trip for you across part of America. I hope you get a chance to experience it! If not, there are so many lovely ways to bring home lavender to your every day and have your own little family festival at home.
I love the crown of lavender! I would love to try all the different foods made out of lavender, I mostly think of oils and sprays not food!
At the festival, I don’t think I tried anything I didn’t like. It was all so very lovely. My family really liked the beefsteak. meat…yay America LOL I’m very interested in their other going ons… maybe more your speed. 🙂 sausage festival, christmas festival, sheep shearing festival, I think they have a festival almost every month! Something for everyone in the family
I love the smell of lavender but I never know all the benefits of it. Thanks for sharing
Glad you learned a little something. I hope you and the family get to a festival. The history of lavender in America as well as the world is fascinating. And with recent events, You never know when you will need to be protected from the bubonic plague…
Lavendar is my absolute favorite essential oil so I would love this!! Bookmarking for future reference. Thank you!
Excellent! Bookmark for a great family trip!
In regards to oil, I have a ton of links for different lavender products throughout history…some of them very unique and all of them very useful. Let me know which ones you enjoy.
I LOVE LAVENDER! This looks amazing!!!
Oh so many lovely ways to enjoy this amazing herb! Did you know about its history in early America or World history? Some of that was new to me! My whole family enjoyed the festival and the lavender itself. Hope you get to go!
I love this! I have always wanted to visit a lavender farm.
Me too! It’s something I’ve wanted to take the family to see for a long time. The festival did not disappoint. I was very interested to learn lavender actually prefers the arid conditions. I always associated lavender with England…cold and wet. I guess that’s the history we think we know. I also didn’t know it grew so well in America. I’m doing some research to locate more festivals throughout America and another post on lavender history. Stay tuned!