One of my favorite things about California is that nothing is too far away! Mountains, forest, beach, city, farm country… You name it and it’s almost guaranteed to be found here in the Golden State.
On the regular I hear, “California is too busy, the cities are too big, too much traffic… ” Well, hold your horses’ people! If rural areas are more your thing, then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Just an hour and a half east of Los Angeles you will find the gem of Riverside County: Highland Springs Ranch and Inn.
The property is a whopping 2,400 acres comprised of an organic farm, restaurant, inn and endless beauty. Calm and soothing, this raw, yet well maintained, expanse of land leaves you feeling content, creatively inspired and a little bit more connected with mama nature.
There are many seasonal events and festivals that take place at Highland Springs Ranch and on our list this time was the 14th Annual Lavender Festival!
*What you need to know*
Season: Summer (Two weeks in mid-June)
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Thursday – Sunday
Prices: Adults $8
Parking: Free (Plenty of street parking)
Pets: Service animals only
Wheelchair accessible: Yes!
Fit for families: Yes!
I recommend checking out the website prior to your visit (you can do so here!) to answer any questions and confirm the above details as they may change season to season.
We attended the flower frenzie on a Friday and it wasn’t overly busy. After talking with some of the employees (all of which are so friendly!) we found out that Saturdays are most poppin’! So, be prepared to face the crowds if you plan to go on a weekend.
*Food*
Let’s start with the good stuff: food. Now, this being the lavender festival, you can expect EVERYTHING to be lavender infused! Some of the yummy treats I enjoyed were lavender lemonade, lavender lemon bar and honey lavender ice cream! (Think I have a sweet tooth much?!) All of these goodies were exquisite but my favorite was the honey lavender ice cream. It doesn’t get closer to heaven on earth than a creamy, floral scoop of ice cream in a waffle cone.
The Olive Groves – The olive groves host a romantic, candle-lit, farm-to-table dinner buffet that uses organic produce from the farm. Emerald green leaves intertwined with sparkling soft lights set the mood and delicious, hearty smells filled the air of this quaint dinner locale. If you’re interested, be sure to make an online reservation! Even on a Friday when the festival wasn’t overly busy, all the tables were booked in advance.
Afternoon Tea – There’s also a charming afternoon tea service with all the house-made lavender goodies your heart could desire! Boasting the most adorable atmosphere on the shady lawn, what makes this tea service different than most is the authentic, countrified scene and naturally calming air that comes with it. If you’re an avid high-tea attendee like myself, then this is the perfect spot for you and your ladies to have a girly afternoon!
Vendors – Some of the other vendors at the festival were whipping up lavender cheesecake, strawberry lavender shortcake, lavender beef brisket, roasted chicken sandwiches with lavender honey mustard dressing and even lavender beer and wine! (Gasp!) There are a lot of good lookin’ items on the menu so make sure to bring your appetite.
*Activities*
Flower crowns – After acquiring a lavender treat (because fuel) making lavender crowns was the first thing on our to-do list at the festival (because priorities). For $10 you can make your very own flower crown with freshly picked lavender and your choice of purple ribbon. If this is your first time, don’t worry, they’ll show you the ropes. This is a fun activity for both children and adults as all are welcome to join the crown crafting fun. Be sure to leave yourself an hour or two to get the job done.
Wagon tours – If you’re like me and you like to explore wide open spaces then hop on the wagon tour for a relaxing, countryside ride. Guided tours on a horse-drawn wagon will take you for a stroll past the lavender fields and give you some fun, intriguing history about the farm. The tour takes approximately 15 minutes and costs $9 for all ages.
Cooking demonstrations – Want to learn how make your own flowery sweet treats? Gale Gand can help! This acclaimed author and chef will teach you how to make some heavenly dishes using lavender from Highland Springs farm. There’s a $35 fee for the class and everyone leaves with a gift!
Lavender distillation workshops – Lavender is quite the remarkable herb possessing a long list of health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties, relieving anxiety and treating insomnia. Carol Hambre will be leading free demonstrations explaining how essential oils are produced and how the can serve you. What an amazing way to learn more about plant medicine! Go Highland Springs!
Gardening workshops – Is your inner farmer ready to fly? Learn more about hydroponics, water-wise landscaping, plant health, bees and, of course, lavender with the daily, free gardening workshops. If you’ve never had a “green thumb” then here is your chance to finally work on it! Space is limited so arrive early to claim your spot.
Live music – What better way to color an experience than with some good tunes!? Ranging from classical music to oldies, each day of the festival Highland Springs Ranch will be hosting a new artist at their afternoon concert. Sit and relax with a cold beverage or dance (we were literally twirling) amongst the trees while you groove to all the fun festival tunes.
*The Organic Galleries*
The Galleries are SO cool! These twelve, rustic boutiques showcase products that are locally sourced and brought to you by the farm. Here you will find everything from soaps to sourdough bread and olive oil to writing stationery. Walking into each room was like opening a present: I didn’t know what I’d find next! There’s a lot to see and a lot of goodies to try. I walked away with a jar of rose infused honey! YUM!
*The Lavender Fields*
Who doesn’t like to wear a flower crown and frolic in wide open spaces with their best friend while giggling and taking photos?! This was the best part of the day. Highland Springs Ranch is beautiful and once you enter the premises you’re free to explore the property at your own leisure. We walked (and danced) through the lavender fields for HOURS. Have fun, enjoy the farm and, of course, be mindful of all the good things they’re growing!
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There’s something to be said about the history of Highland Springs Ranch, as it’s been a favored spot by remarkable people like Albert Einstein, Elizabeth Taylor, and Ernest Hemingway. Maybe celebrating the austere simplicity of something like ‘lavender’ reminds us that it’s life’s humble, grounded experiences that make us feel most inspired and that fuel our creativity.
You have two weekends out of the whole year to enjoy this festival, so put on a cute dress (or button down, boys!) grab your bestie and make your way to a special day in California’s countryside!
P.S. Highland Springs Ranch has fun festivals and events ALL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR! The wine and cheese festival, sausage and beer festival, and chili festival are just a few of the many fun things taking place on this gorgeous expanse of land year round. Be sure to keep an eye out for all the good stuff coming’ up 😉
