This U.S. 'Lavender Trail' Rivals the Fields of Provence — and It's About to Bloom

Travel + Leisure

a day ago

Every summer, the rolling hills of Oregon's Willamette Valley welcome rows of blooming lavender that unfurl alongside the region's iconic vineyards. For a brief, but beautiful, month the so-called 'Lavender Trail' comes to life—bringing an intoxicating blend of color and scent that rivals the storied fields of Provence.
But it's not just about the flowers. From late June through July, the valley comes alive with lavender-themed festivals, U-pick farms, artisanal cocktails, and open-air markets, culminating in a two-day celebration (July 12–13) that turns this quiet corner of the Pacific Northwest into a full-sensory summer escape.
The center of all the action is Newberg, Oregon, a city that's around 40 minutes southwest of Portland and within a 10-mile radius of more than 100 wineries. The city's Lavender Trail leads travelers to over 25 local businesses that celebrate lavender in creative and delicious ways—from lavender-infused cocktails and ice cream to lavender-themed art classes and botanical spa treatments.
Highlights along the trail include a visit to Wayward Winds Lavender Farm, a U-pick lavender farm that has over 100 varieties of lavender, a lavender maze, and a store with refreshments and lavender products. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Chehalem Flats Farm Market showcases its lavender skincare products, plants, and bouquets, along with fresh-picked produce and locally made honeys and jams.
Lavender is also infused into several local dining options. Your day might start with a honey lavender latte at Chapters Books and Coffee and end with a tasting flight featuring two lavender-distilled gins at Brixeur Spirits at Trisaetum Winery. In between you might grab a lavender ice cream cone at Cream Northwest, lavender baklava at Lemon and Olive, or a bag of white chocolate lavender popcorn from Miss Hannah's Gourmet Popcorn.
The fun culminates with the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival & Plein Air Art Show, a free event that brings lavender growers and lovers together for a celebration of lavender-themed art, food, and crafts. The event, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, runs all day on July 12 and 13 and takes place at the Chehalem Cultural Center.
The complete Lavender Trail guide is available online at tastenewberg.com/lavendertrail, while printed brochures and maps can be picked up at the Newberg Visitor Center (inside the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce) and at participating businesses.