From one side of the country to the other, I am still loving lavender. I had just returned from Ohio, where I fell in love with the herb. I knew California was a much more friendly climate to the plant, so I looked up local lavender and found an entire festival to celebrate it that very weekend. Central Coast Lavender Festival, in Paso Robles, was only a 40 minute drive from home, so of course, I made plans to attend.
The town of Paso Robles is just over the coastal hills from us, a hotter and drier climate, perfect for lavender cultivation. I had driven through Paso Robles hundreds of times and visited other areas of the town, but never had I seen the lovely central downtown park. I had heard of its charm and of its many restaurants, so I was eager for the visit.
Paso Robles is a wine-country destination, famous for its vineyards. It draws people from all over the world to visit the wineries. The food scene there is keeping up with the call from the tourists: fresh, local, organic meals that compliment the local wines. I knew that several of these restaurants were in the downtown square. Lavender and a good meal? It would be a pleasant Saturday.
As we drove into town, I wondered if I should have gotten more specific directions. I knew basically where I was going, but the details were hazy. Actually, since I’d never been to this particular area, the details in my head were non-exsistent. But it seemed like it would be simple, and it was. Up ahead as I drove into town was a throng of people. Logic would have it that that was where the festival would be, and today, logic prevailed. I found easy parking nearby, grabbed my hat, and walked toward the crowd. Just down to the end of the block was one of the most pleasant downtowns I’d ever seen. Why had I not visited before?
Paso Robles can get hot in the summer. I left home enjoying 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) and arrived to the festival in 90 degrees F (32 degrees C.) But the downtown square was designed to keep people out of the sun, with trees shading the sidewalks and a huge canopy of greenery towering over the entire park-like square. Today, the aroma of lavender pulled me toward the booths, laid out along the walkways of the outdoor plaza.
Lavender-colored bags were handed out to everyone, encouraging us all to fill them with not only live plants, but also lavender essential oil, lavender soap, lavender spray, lavender sachets, lavender tea. Then there were all the other items that accompany festivals in California: hand-crafted wooden bird houses and cutting boards, hand-crafted beads and jewelry, hand-made hats and baskets and clothing.
Under the enormous live oaks, people cheerfully sold and others bought whatever their desires or pocketbooks allowed. Entertainers took their turns providing music and dance and authorities gave information about the benefits of lavender. Apparently, it helps every known ailment. As I walked the pathways, I enjoyed the outdoor scent of lavender, the sound of people enjoying themselves, talking and laughing, and the sight of a California main square restored to perfection.
I escaped the growing heat by sitting down to a nice lunch at the corner deli. A crowded gathering had enticed me to finally visit this buzzing downtown. Why had I waited so long? Now, I looked around the square, planning my next visit. Which restaurant would I try on my return?
One Small Walk... 
Paso is one of my favorite places to visit! We often stop there for the night when we travel up or down the coast… there or Moro Bay. The festival sounds like fun! Lucky you for living so close.
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Half-way between the powerhouses of California, it’s a great location for a stopover. I guess it had just been too close to home for me to be a ‘tourist’, but boy was it fun. Susan
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We discovered We Olive in Paso and now it’s the only store we buy balsamic vinegar from (fortunately they recently opened a store close to us in La Jolla). Pricey, but well worth it.
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Janis – thanks so much for the recommendation – I diddled around in their booth at the festival, but didn’t know what to buy. Now I do!
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Thanks for taking us with you. What a beautiful place.
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You’re welcome, Hugh. Paso Robles has really done a nice job keeping their downtown a hub. Susan
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Oh, ich mag Lavendel ! Habe selber viele Lavendel in meinem Garten. Grüsse. Ernst
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Ernst – Love your German language. I can read it enough to appreciate your love of lavender and wish for it’s presence in your garden 😉 Thank you for stopping by.
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This was the kind of festival I’d love to visit too! It’s amazing that we can find interesting things to do just around the corner 🙂
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So true, Tiny. Our own ‘neighborhoods’ can be the very best places to explore. 🙂
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I think you’re getting your lavender on, Susan! Quite a difference in temp between Pasa Robles and your home town but the walkable downtown looks so beautiful! I love these kinds of festivals with handmade offerings where you can buy unique gifts (or gift yourself too!) and support talented artisans. Lavender has lots of medicinal and aesthetic benefits but right now, I’m just imagining the smell wafting through the air! Anita
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Anita – I’ve heard the Algarve is a good climate for lavender! The thing that surprised me most is the lavender tea – delicious. Susan
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I love lavendar too. We once visited a lavender perfume factory in the South of France. It was incredible, and I can still smell it! Pasa Robles looks quite charming!
Peta
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Peta – Paso Robles is charming, and the scent of lavender really settled in the entire downtown square. I wonder if the entire region of the south of France has the aroma of lavender? I think one of the most common varieties is named ‘Provence.’ Cheers – thanks fr stopping by – Susan
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Yes you are correct, I forgot about “provence”. However, even in Provence there is a rich tapestry of other fragrances to discover. Beautiful region. The Grace area is really a treat from a fragrance point of view. Its where all the perfume makers spurce their smells.
Peta
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