In this edition of Things I Should Have Known Earlier:
There’s a lavender farm in Steep Falls, Maine.
Yep, an actual lavender farm within a half hour drive from my house… and I’m just now finding out after all these years. It’s called Braun’s Riverside Lavender Farm (link here: http://www.riversidelavender.com/) and it happens to be veteran-owned. When I found out about this cool spot I made it my mission to go this summer aaand.. Mission complete!
This past weekend (June 26 & 27) was the first Open Farm weekend of 2021 for Braun’s Riverside Lavender Farm. I was so excited to actually see a lavender farm in person. I guess I thought that it grew elsewhere in the country? True ignorance on my part.
I had my boyfriend, Anthony, come along with me. I have to add here that the winding back country roads on the way to the farm make for a super lovely drive (aside from the potholes) and the scenery is great. You could definitely make an entire day of this little trip – especially if you hit up the river afterwards.
Once we arrived and parked we were instantly welcomed by one of the staff. We were whisked around the side of the barn and to the back where the lavender fields lay before us. Wow, just wow.
The staff told us that in a few weeks the lavender will be in FULL bloom and let us know about the craft classes they have going on as well as the really cool craft items you can purchase there. Obviously I had to come home with some home decor!
Now, onto the fields. The grounds of Braun’s Riverside Lavender Farm are freaking gorgeous. Aside from the lavender, there are multiple spots to sit and just ~chill~ and gaze at the lavender. We took full advantage.
There’s a super chill vibe on the farm. Even the animals were chillaxin. It could have been the lavender scent wafting through the air… or it might have been the fact that it was like 80 degrees at this point in the day.
In case you didn’t already know (since lavender is in literally every relaxation product ever) – here’s a couple fun facts about lavender’s chill-out magic via thesleepdoctor.com:
Lavender works as an anxiolytic (an anxiety reliever) and as a sedative, to increase relaxation and calm, and help bring about sleep
Lavender interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA to help quiet the brain and nervous system activity, reducing agitation, anger, aggression, and restlessness
Lavender functions as a pain reliever, or analgesic
Lavender has anti-bacterial capabilities
Lavender can reduce inflammation
No wonder we were feeling so great.
Our experience at Braun’s Riverside Lavender Farm was SO incredible. Anthony & I even discussed trying to come back every weekend because of how relaxed and happy we felt there. I even found out there’s a cabin that you can rent on the property!
Must. Stay. On. Farm.
If you know of any awesome hidden gems like this spot here and you think I should check it out, feel free to drop me a line at courtney@1019por.com or on Facebook (Courtney Ross) or Instagram (@justcourtneyblog)!
Find Braun’s Riverside Lavender Farm’s schedule of events for 2021 right here: http://www.riversidelavender.com/when_to_visit.html
