Smell That? Peak Lavender Season Has Arrived in New Mexico
Frolic in Albuquerque’s huge, fragrant fields this summer and attend its famous lavender festival.
When lavender is nearby, it’s easy—blissful, even—to inhale deeply and let the soothing aroma work its magic. But you don’t have to travel to Provence, France to roam the lavender fields.
New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment and it is, indeed, enchanting. From the culture to the food to the endless views, there is constant beauty to be found. Yet, one of the most divine agricultural surprises in a state full of them is stumbling across its lavender fields. Since lavender is a low-water plant, it thrives in desert environments, making it a sustainable crop for the arid New Mexican climate.
In Albuquerque, visitors can head to the Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, which has been in the lavender growing business since 1999. Looking for a way to continue Los Poblanos’s centuries-old farming heritage, owner Armin Rembe took a chance on lavender and the thriving fields have become a signature for the property. You can find the flower everywhere onsite, from the coffee shop drinks to the infused gin the Inn now produces.
For a little more hands-on experience, visit Jo’s Farms during the height of summer to wander the fields and pick your own lavender. Inspired by her time in Provence, owner Lisa Fontanarosa planted the crop in memory of her mother. “Flowers are deeply rooted in my soul,” says Fontanarosa. “I’ve visited Provence many times to learn as much as I could about growing lavender and all of its varietals.” The harvested blooms are used in handcrafted items she sells in the farm shop. Jo's Farms also hosts an annual picking event for the public in July so anyone can take a few of the purple-hued plants with them.
July is prime lavender harvesting time, so it’s naturally fitting that there is an annual Lavender in the Village Festival
on July 20 held in Los Ranchos, a village that is part of the Albuquerque metro area. “This is our third year participating,” says Fontanarosa. “The festival is a celebration of lavender farmers and artists, everyone who creates homemade, artisan products with the flower. But most of all, it’s a celebration of the love of lavender.” With dozens of vendors and every lavender product one could think of, it’s the perfect celebration for Albuquerque’s beloved crop.
Drive time
6.5 hours from Phoenix.
6.5 hours from Denver.
Where to eat and sleep near the lavender fields
Complete the lavender adventure by staying at Los Poblanos, which is a celebrated boutique inn. Rooms are spread across the farm’s property and include plenty of lavender products for guests to enjoy, including a pillow spray for sweet, lavender-scented dreams. Make sure to tour the property with its rich history and take some time out to enjoy the Spanish-inspired spa.
Campo is one of Albuquerque’s best restaurants and, luckily, just so happens to be at Los Poblanos. Renowned for its work with Southwestern cuisine, it is absolutely worth snagging dinner at this reservation-only location. It’s hard to go wrong with the menu, which utilizes some of what the Inn grows onsite and incorporates Native heritage and traditional New Mexican flavors into its dishes. Try the Lamb Birria for a truly immersive regional dish.
What else to do near Los Poblanos
The Village of Los Ranchos is a peaceful area, so if you are coming for the Lavender in the Village Festival, be prepared for fewer activities than in Albuquerque proper. However, it is worth spending time at Casa Rondeña Winery to enjoy some of New Mexico’s underrated wines. The beautiful estate and architecture are good for exploring and there are never reservations needed for the tasting room. Check for what’s going on too, as the winery hosts live music and other events.