Sometimes the best reset is the simplest one.
Yesterday morning, I decided to step away from my usual routine and spend an hour surrounded by nature. One of the many wonderful things about living near Portland is that beautiful hidden gems are just minutes from the city, making it easy to sneak away for a quick refresh without planning an entire weekend trip.
This time, I headed out to Mountainside Lavender Farm to pick fresh lavender and soak in the peaceful scenery.

A Scenic Drive Through Oregon Wine Country
The farm was only about ten minutes from my house, but the drive itself felt like a mini getaway. Rolling countryside, sunny skies, and quiet backroads made the short trip feel much longer in the best possible way.
Along the way, I passed a charming U-pick blueberry farm, an alpaca farm, several wineries, and a gorgeous nursery overflowing with summer blooms. It reminded me just how much there is to explore around the Portland area.
If you love day trips, flower farms, wine tasting, or scenic countryside drives, this area is full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Arriving at Mountainside Lavender Farm
When I arrived at Mountainside Lavender Farm, I was greeted warmly by the owner and immediately felt welcomed.
A small sign directed visitors to check in at the gift shop first, where I was handed a basket and scissors for harvesting lavender. Simple, charming, and exactly the kind of slow-paced experience I had been craving.
From there, I wandered back outside toward the lavender fields.
The farm had two different picking areas:
- An upper field with sweeping valley views
- A lower field tucked closer to the entrance
Since I only had a short amount of time, I chose the lower field — though honestly, both looked absolutely stunning.

A Sea of Lavender Blooms
Walking through the fields felt almost surreal.
Rows upon rows of lavender swayed gently in the breeze, filling the air with that unmistakable calming scent. Shades of purple, blue, pink, and even white stretched across the landscape like a watercolor painting.
I’ve always dreamed of owning a lavender farm someday, so spending time here felt especially magical.
Before I started cutting stems, I simply wandered through the rows taking everything in:
- fluffy lavender blooms
- tall spiky varieties
- soft pastel shades
- deep vibrant purples
Every variety seemed more beautiful than the last, so naturally I ended up picking a little bit of everything.
Meanwhile, bumble bees buzzed happily from bloom to bloom, completely unbothered by visitors and fully enjoying their lavender paradise.

Why Nature Is the Best Reset
This little trip reminded me how important it is to pause and recharge.
Sometimes getting away doesn’t require a vacation or elaborate plans. Sometimes all you need is sunshine, fresh air, flowers, and an hour away from screens and responsibilities.
Spending time outdoors always helps me reset mentally and creatively, especially during busy seasons of life.
And the best part? I came home with a beautiful bundle of fresh lavender to enjoy for days afterward.

Inspired by the Farm: Honey Lavender Sidecar Cocktail
This visit also inspired one of my favorite floral cocktails — the Honey Lavender Sidecar. The soft floral notes of lavender pair beautifully with bright citrus and smooth cognac for a refreshing cocktail that feels elegant yet approachable.
If you love lavender-inspired recipes, you’ll definitely want to try my Honey Lavender Sidecar cocktail recipe for a little taste of this peaceful farm experience at home.

Planning Your Own Lavender Farm Visit Near Portland
Lavender season in Oregon is typically at its peak from late June through July, making summer the perfect time to visit local lavender farms near Portland.
A few tips before you go:
- Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and softer lighting
- Bring a camera — the fields are incredibly photogenic
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the rows
- Don’t forget sunscreen and water on warm summer days
- Check bloom conditions before visiting since peak lavender season can vary slightly each year
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing solo outing, a romantic afternoon, or a peaceful photography spot, a lavender farm visit is such a beautiful way to slow down and reconnect with nature.
More Oregon Summer Inspiration
If you enjoy scenic day trips, summer cocktails, and seasonal recipes inspired by local adventures, you may also enjoy:
- Honey Lavender Sidecar Cocktail
- Summer charcuterie ideas for wine country picnics
- Fresh berry recipes inspired by Oregon farm stands like this Northwest Smoked Salmon Salad (Pacific Northwest Inspired)
- Easy summer entertaining recipes
What are your favorite ways to recharge and refresh?
For me, sunshine, flowers, and time spent outdoors always seem to do the trick.
Have a beautiful day!

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2 Comments
chef mimi
June 20, 2018 at 3:59 pmReally beautiful.
angela@mealstreetkitchen
June 20, 2018 at 8:29 pmThank you. It really was