Meandering Michigan Series: Upcoming Event, 14th Annual Michigan Lavender Festival at Blake's Orchard, Armada

The Annual Michigan Lavender Festival is an event that we rarely miss. This year will the be the 14th year for the festival. The festival offers unique gifts, plants for sale, gourmet food, workshops, arts & crafts for kids, natural health booths, and a variety of options for lunch. A full festival itinerary is located on the Michigan Lavender Festival Website as well as the vendor list. There are currently just under 70 vendors on the list.

The festival is located in Armada, Michigan  Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 15, 16 & 17, 2016 (10am – 5pm). It's located at Blake Farms and Orchard and this year it's sponsored by Blake's Hard Cider Co., located at the Orchard as well. The Brewery is a new addition to Blake's in the last year.

The Michigan Lavender Festival was voted the best festival in Michigan in 2014. Vendors include lots of lavender made and inspired products as well as other scents. One of my favorites is the lavender popcorn that Whole Foods brings, but you have to get there early for that, they usually run out of popcorn about half-way through the day. I also recommend the lavender lemonade. Pam's Pantry is usually there with an assortment of dips to try and purchase, I don't see them on the vendor list yet though. You don't have to worry about not finding soaps and lotions, there are several great vendors offering bath and body products, All Things Lavender is one of our favorites.

Each year that we've went, there has been a man that brings his Alpacas. He also brings all the clothes, hats, gloves, etc. that he makes from the Alpaca's wool. Since it's mid-July and very hot, it's hard to think of buying items made of Alpaca wool, but the products are high quality for a good price. It's also fun to see the Alpacas!

This is truly a family event as Blake Farms and Orchard has lots of fun things for the kids to do. Last year my ten-year old nephew, who was up for his annual summer break vacation with his aunt and uncle in Michigan, joined us. He had a great time at the orchard with all the activities.

Everyday activities include:

Train Rides

Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch

Haunted Village and Black Hole

Barnyard Funland:

Cornstalk Maze

Giant Straw Mountain

Water Duck Race

Barnyard 500 Tricycle Race Track

Pumpkin Jump Balloon

Storybook Barn

You can also pick your own fruit from the farm. Blake's Store has many treats including homemade doughnuts, pies, fudge, and caramel apples. The store has fruit, vegetables, jams, salsa, BBQ sauce, and other quality packaged treats. If you are interested in special events and activities, or for more information, see Blake Farms Website.

More to come from the mind of ...