Sure, call me lavender-obsessed.
For as long as I can remember, lavender has been my favorite scent right alongside rose and gardenia. I’ve long collected images of lavender fields and lavender plants and have dreamed of walking through a lavender field.
In college, I told my roommate about a dream I had to open a bed and breakfast called Lavender Lane Bed and Breakfast. Our master bathroom features lavender bubble bath, a bundle of dried lavender, various lavender soaps and of course lavender-scented lotions and candles.
Lavender is one of my “things” but I don’t foresee myself visiting Provence any time soon. So when I was on the board of directors for HD South in Gilbert, I found out
there’s a Red Rock Lavender Festival just under four hours drive northeast of the Phoenix valley
I had to go!
That first year, we left before dawn to arrive at 9:00am when it started. It was drizzling but we had a lovely time exploring, attending the demonstrations, learning about the farm and eating their boxed lunch. The staff and volunteers were lovely and the lavender fields set against the red rocks were absolutely spectacular. Driving there and back in one day was a bit grueling so I resolved to go back the next year and make it an overnight trip.
Now I’ve visited the Red Rock Lavender Festival three times! And in 2022, we want YOU to come!
The second time, my mom and I went and took Kate and stayed at a lovely Airbnb in Snowflake, AZ, about an hour from the festival. We drove up on Thursday, ate lunch, chilled all evening (mostly on the front porch swing), spent the night, attended the festival Friday then drove home. Having extra time to relax, especially in temperatures thirty degrees cooler than home, was a welcome reprieve.
You can see the whole story and lots of pictures of the festival and the ranch at this post.
Last year we discovered an Airbnb just down the road from the festival so we booked a two-night stay to really enjoy the peace and quiet and to have extra relaxation time. Shiloh Ranch was comfortable, serene, and relaxing, and Sandee is an attentive and gracious hostess.
When we posted about it afterward, several people asked us to tell them about it the next year and we thought it would be fun to take a group up in 2022.
This year we’ve made special arrangements to offer you a mini retreat to attend the Red Rock Lavender Festival!
The dates are Thursday, June 23 through Sunday, June 26.
Grab the PDF flyer HERE.
The great news is that since last year, Sandee added an additional casita to the property and we’re thrilled to host guests in it while Kate, Mom and I stay in the guest house just steps away!
The casita is newly renovated and has two floors. That’s where our guests will stay! The top floor has a spectacular deck with a view of the entire ranch! You can’t imagine how quiet it is and how many stars you can see.
PLEASE NOTE: the casita is close to a “tiny house” experience so anyone with mobility challenges, trouble navigating stairs or who prefers roomy bedrooms and bathrooms might not be comfortable. The casita features the following:
- small bedroom with full bed on the first floor along with a compact bathroom (similar to an RV)
- cute kitchen downstairs
- two twin beds upstairs
- lounge area with a futon upstairs
- small bathroom upstairs
Mom and I are going to offer options for pampering, relaxation and art. You know we’ll take good care of you!
Mom, Kate and I will be steps away in the guest house all weekend. I plan to attend the festival every day just for fun! Guests will be welcome to eat meals inside and also just hang out with us. There’s a hammock, too, and places to sit outside. It’s so incredibly peaceful!
Three meals are included when you book a night’s stay.
Get all the Red Rock Lavender Festival details from their website here. The festival has FREE ENTRY!
A few things to note:
- Our route is to go up through Payson, which is about two hours, then it’s another two-ish hours to the festival. The ranch is another ten minutes up the road. On the way home we stop in Payson for lunch.
- Use the directions the festival provides to get the most accurate route. There are a few different options you can choose from. Concho is a very rural area. Directions here. It has good roads, though, and is well marked.
- The festival itself is a pretty small-time deal if you’re used to bigger events in the Phoenix valley or other big cities. There might only be 50 people there at a time. If you do the demonstrations, walk around the farm and take pictures, visit the gift shop and eat a picnic lunch, you’re looking at about three hours. The experience is well worth it in our opinion, and we like the smaller feel.
- Depending on the weather, it can be quite sunny and warm so plan to bring plenty of water. Wear close-toed shoes. Hats are highly recommended (plus they’re adorable).
- Most years offer a chance to clip a bouquet of lavender to take home which we highly recommend!
- The gift shop is terrific so plan to spend some fun money. They also have wine made from the grapes grown in their vineyard!
- The only on-site food and drink options in years past is wonderful frozen lemonade. There aren’t many places nearby for food so plan to bring your own snacks or picnic (unless of course you’re staying with us!).
- To really make a day or two out of it, the Petrified Forest National Park is another hour north of the ranch and makes for a great destination!
- There are other places to stay near the festival including Pinetop-Lakeside, Snowflake and Showlow. Explore them here.
- The festival is also open Thursday, June 16 through Sunday, June 19 if our weekend doesn’t work for you.
For a PDF flyer with all the details HERE.
