Free Blanco Lavender Festival June 12th — 14th, 2009
Tours of Local Lavender Farms. Visit beautiful Blanco in the heart of the Texas Hill Country for the fourth annual Blanco Lavender Festival. A Lavender Market will be held on the grounds of the Old Blanco County Courthouse featuring arts and crafts and local lavender products. Tour many of the local lavender farms where you will experience the beauty of lavender in the fields and the unique vision of each farmer.
Blanco, Texas is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. 45 miles north of San Antonio and 45 miles west of Austin. Built on the banks of the Blanco River (named for the white limestone riverbed visible in times of drought), Blanco, Texas was originally dubbed "Pittsburg" and was first settled a little downstream and across the river from its present location.
In Spanish, Blanco means "white." The town of Blanco was named for the limestone hills and banks along the river here. But another color has come to characterize this area: lavender—as in the pale pastel hue of small buds that bloom in late spring at the many lavender farms nestled among the region's rugged hills and live oak groves.
In honor of this exciting regional crop, the Blanco Chamber of Commerce will host the fourth annual Blanco Lavender Festival June 14th - 15th. The lavender blooming season generally runs May through July.
The dry weather and alkaline limestone soils around Blanco make the area particularly suitable for growing lavender. The first commercial lavender farm in the state, called Hill Country Lavender, was started near Blanco in 1999. The climate and terrain reminded the farm's owners of Provence, where they had recently visited. After planting their lavender, they gave seminars to others who wanted to grow the beautiful flowers. Currently, more than ten farms are located near Blanco with more farms being added every year.
During the festival, many of the farms will be open to the public for tours and cutting lavender blooms. Admission to the farms is free.
Visitors will be able to see the lavender farming industry in different stages of development. Since all farms are within 20 minutes driving distance, visitors can stop at several in one day. Each farm will offer activities and events related to lavender, such as classes in aromatherapy and demonstrations of lavender oil distillation.
Lavender Farm Tours
Texas Lavender Hills
Miller Creek Lavender
Hill Country Lavender
Heron's Nest Herb Farm
Chantilly Lace Country Inn
Blanco River Lavender Company
Wimberley Lavender Farm
Hummingbird Farms