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San Juan Lavender Festival: A Summer Island Adventure
Summer festival showcases the delectable tastes, sites and smells of lavender
This article originally appeared in the July 2016 issue of Seattle magazine.
WHERE: San Juan Island, Washington’s bucolic getaway, a few hours’ drive and a ferry ride from downtown Seattle.
WHY: 15th annual San Juan Island Lavender Festival & Summer Arts Fair at Pelindaba Lavender Farm in Friday Harbor (7/16–7/17; pelindabalavender.com). Hear about how lavender is farmed by going on a tour, or grab some lavender ice cream and take a stroll through the purple fields. Harvest bouquets of organic lavender while the kids craft beautiful wands and crowns out of the aromatic flower.
WHALE, HELLO THERE: Take some refreshing lavender lemonade and cookies to go and head to Lime Kiln Point State Park (parks.state.wa.us), also known as Whale Watch Park. View orca and minke whales during the height of the whale-watching season (April–September) from the comfort of land (thewhaletrail.org).
PIE ON THE PIER: When you get hungry, stop by Market Chef (Facebook, “Market Chef”), a simple Friday Harbor deli that brings big flavor. Specializing in dishes centered on island-grown vegetables, fruits and meats, the deli makes everything from scratch every day. Either eat in or grab something to enjoy on the pier. May we suggest the acclaimed key lime pie?
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