Every July, the town of Newberg, Oregon, is filled with the calming presence of lavender – from purple fields to foods infused with the culinary gem to homemade goods. Whether you’re a nature lover, a fan of aromatherapy, or just looking for a peaceful escape, the Lavender Trail in Newberg needs to be on your list.

Kick Things Off with the Lavender Festival

Someone selling lavender bundles at a stall at the Newberg Lavender Festival — *Photo Credit:* *Chehalem Cultural Center*

To kick off The Annual Lavender Trail, spend the day enjoying the plein air art show, juried art and craft booths, distinctive lavender products, and lavender in myriad forms while you feast on lavender-based cuisine and refreshment at the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival.

If you miss the festival though, no worries! I didn’t make it this year, but I still had a blast. You can enjoy the Newberg Lavender Trail (20+ companies that offer a themed experience) all month long.

Grab a Lavender Pick-Me-Up

Red barn with flowers outside and Coffee Cottage sign

Multiple coffee shops around the city offer up lavender drinks and treats. I started my day with a rose lavender latte from The Coffee Cottage. What better way to charge up for a themed day of adventure?

Enjoy a Snack

Cheese plate with bread and jam at Good Company in Newberg

Now that you are all caffeinated, grab a small bite for lunch to fully fuel your body for a day of exploration. While there are a few places on the list to grab a mid-day snack, I highly suggest Good Company Cheese Bar & Bistro (yes, they had me at “cheese bar”). I asked them to create a lavender-themed cheese & jam board for me – and was not disappointed one bit. Plus, the bartender served up a lovely lavender paloma cocktail to put a finishing touch on my lunch.

Some other places to try are Luckee Dutch Bakery, Honey Pie Pizza, or the food carts at The Bite of Newberg which all offered lavender delights during the 2022 trail.

Shop Around Downtown

Lavender shop filled with lavender bundles and products

Stroll the very walkable Newberg downtown area. Window shop (or really shop) the multiple cute gift and antique stores, spot some lavender art at the galleries, or grab a book at one of the bookstores.

Little Lavender Shop is, as the name suggests, little but filled with all the goodies you could desire! Plus, it’s a family-owned/operated store with a lavender field in Dundee. I stopped in, gabbed all about herbs with the family, and left with a bottle of lavender-infused simple syrup (for all my cocktail needs).

ART Elements Gallery was a large space with friendly staff who were ready to talk about the art, artists, and the town in general. Along with their normal gallery, they had a display of local lavender scenes created by local painters.

Chapters Books & Coffee is a small, independent bookstore with local coffee & ice cream shops inside.

While these were the three shops I really got lost in, there are tons of other options to explore while walking around including some fun antique finds.

Go Pick Your Own Lavender

U-pick lavender field in Newberg, Oregon

No lavender-themed day would be complete without picking your own lavender bunches at Wayward Winds Farm! Wander through the fields, soak up the relaxing scent, take a botanical class, and snap a billion Insta-worthy photos.

Bee-ware. Bees love lavender, too. If you’re allergic, you most likely want to avoid lavender farms. And if you’re not sure if you are allergic or not, it’s a good idea to carry an EpiPen with you, just in case.

Finish with Dinner (& Dessert)

Scallops with mushrooms, foamed herbs, and polenta from SubTerra

Your day is not over yet! Did you know Newberg was voted #4 for USA Today’s 10 Best Small Town Food Scenes in 2022?! And wow! Once you bite into any of their culinary delights, it’s not a surprise as to why. I picked SubTerra Kitchen & Cellar for dinner – a lavender cocktail and the most mouth-watering, tender scallops I’ve ever had (plus, look at the size of them!) with wild mushrooms, fried polenta, and foamed herbs. Yum! For dessert, I walked across the parking lot to Newburgundian Bistro to devour their honey lavender creme brulee.

Get Some R&R

Enjoy lavender spa treatments at The Allison Inn & Spa. Then let the relaxing herbal scent drift you off to dreamland at lavender-themed lodging at The Allison, Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast, or The Setting Inn.

The Lavender Trail in Newberg, Oregon, is a beautiful and unique way to experience the natural beauty and fragrant aroma of lavender nestled in the heart of Oregon’s wine country. Learn more at www.newberglavendertrail.com.

Explore The Lavender Trail in Newberg, Oregon