It's Happening: Local Attraction Series Story #2 - Stone House Lavender
By Julie Perine on July 09, 2023 from It’s Happening
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It’s called pillow spray.
But I spray it everywhere, each time pleasantly reliving my visit to Stone House Lavender Farm.
Located in Fairmont, just minutes off the White Hall exit, the farm features row after row of fragrant lavender. There are seven different varieties, each belonging to either the French or English lavender families. The English lavender – darker and denser - can be used for culinary purposes. The wispier lighter French lavender is equally lovely.
Admission is $5. When visiting the farm, one can pick his or her own lavender bouquet for an additional $5. Provided are scissors, a twist tie, and a quick lesson on how to properly clip the plant so it will replenish. I visited on a Thursday evening, opting to pick my own bouquet. It was a relaxing experience and that isn’t surprising since lavender – a member of the mint family - is known for its calming effects. I strolled the rows of plants, observing plenty of busy bumblebees and honeybees feeding on the rich pollen and nectar. I also watched other visitors enjoying their time among the luscious lavender. It’s just one of those simple pleasures, like stopping to smell the flowers. A true farm atmosphere featured fresh hay bales and grazing livestock.
Also on site is a most beautiful barn which is utilized for weddings and other special events. The facility spills over onto a spacious patio that stretches close to the lavender fields. At the gift shop, an array of lavender products is available for purchase. Among those options are bunches of dried lavender which double as décor throughout the little boutique. Created at the farm are lotions, scrubs, soaps, sprays and relaxation oils, and sachets which can be purchased separately or in gift sets. The shop also carries culinary products, such as lavender-infused olive oil, which are made off site.
When visiting, enter the gift shop where you will be greeted and provided lavender clipping instructions. When ready to leave the farm, you can pay for your entrance, any lavender you pick and products purchased.
At the entrance of the farm is a stone house which has been occupied by the family for eight generations, dating back to the Civil War era. Featuring hand-forged floor nails and hand-cut stone walls, the structure was built in 1850 for less than $100.
Despite the longevity of the home, farm and family charm, the lavender crop is somewhat new. In September of 2017, Mit Abbott and family delved into agritourism, starting about 1,000 lavender plants on a half-acre of land. And as they say, the rest is history.
Just 20 minutes from Bridgeport, Stone House Lavender Farm is open 1-6 p.m. Sunday and 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday with barn tours by appointment only. Lavender season is June through August
, so if a visit is on your summer bucket list, do it sooner than later. Visit by the end of July to experience the lavender in its glory.
, so if a visit is on your summer bucket list, do it sooner than later. Visit by the end of July to experience the lavender in its glory.
Stay up to date and get directions to Stone House Lavender Farm at its Web site HERE. Also follow the Stone House Lavender Facebook page.
See more photos in the gallery below.
Read Local Attraction Series Story #1 Wild Goats Farm HERE.
