Images of the lavender fields of Provence, France have always intrigued me. Fortunately, we do not have to travel far or spend a fortune to see these exquisite flowers. Here in the United States, lavender fields abound at Lavender By The Bay lavender farm, on New York’s Long Island. I knew this would make for the perfect summer getaway. Lavender blooms peak around mid-June to early July. My visit took place during the weekend of June 25th-26th . The English Lavender fields were in full bloom, while the French Lavender was just beginning to show its color.
The trip is such a quick and easy journey for those of us living in the Northeast. I drove approximately two hours from Massachusetts to New London, Connecticut, then hopped on a ferry for a two hour and twenty minute ride to Orient Point, Long Island. Upon arrival at the ferry dock on Long Island, the city bus took me five miles down the road to East Marion, where the Lavender By The Bay farm is located. It is one of the largest lavender farms in the United States. They grow both English and French Lavender varieties. Located on Long Island’s North Fork region, it is a top tourist destination each bloom season. The fields boast of lavender in many hues of purple from light to darker, as well as white flowered blooms. French Lavender flowers are planted in the fields closest to the farm entrance.
English Lavender grows in the remainder of the fields on the massive farm. Row upon row of fragrant flowers grace the fields in several gorgeous shades of color. Purple painted andirondack chairs are strategically placed in a few spots within the fields so that visitors may pose for that perfect photo against the background of stunning lavender.
I took advantage of the photo op in the vibrant and colorful lavender fields.
Lavender By The Bay also has a pretty impressive gift shop on the premises. They sell a nice variety of lavender products. I purchased a French Lavender tea and a small bouquet of newly harvested English Lavender flowers. I really enjoyed my visit to the lavender farm.
An island bus brought me to East Hampton on the east coast of Long Island in about an hour and half time. After settling into my airbnb, it was time to grab some lunch. Simply Sublime (Simply Sublime Restaurant) is a very vegan-friendly market and casual cafe. For my lunch time meal, I ordered the Crunchy Thai Salad Wrap with peanut sauce, coleslaw, and roasted veggies. My beverage was the Summer Love smoothie made with strawberries, pineapple, basil, banana, and pineapple juice. It was a really tasty meal.
After my eating lunch, I was set to stroll about Main Street to experience the fancy shops and galleries that are synonymous with “The Hamptons”. East Hampton boutiques offer stylish clothing that is popular among the island residents.
Dinner time eventually arrived and I was eager to dine at a fairly upscale establishment. Nick & Tony’s Restaurant (Nick And Tonys Restaurant) is a very popular restaurant in East Hampton. The waitstaff was very accommodating to my vegan dining requirements. The chef prepared an entree of roasted gold yukon potatoes, chickpeas, and sauteed spinach in olive oil. A side dish of marinated olives and bread accompanied the meal. Everything was delicious.
The next morning, I headed to Babette’s Restaurant (Babette’s Restaurant) for breakfast. This casual and spacious restaurant offers several vegan options. I chose the vegan French Toast made with whole grain bread dipped in vanilla soy batter, seasonal fruit, tahini, custard almond maple granola, and maple syrup. A side of grilled tempeh was my side dish. For my morning beverage, I selected a fresh watermelon juice with lime. I really enjoyed my incredibly flavorful meal!
A quick jaunt through town presented me with the opportunity to see some of the elegant mansions and historic inns and buildings along Main Street, on my way to the beach.
When I arrived at Main Beach, the view was spectacular. The soft white sand beach was voted one of the Top Ten beaches in the United States, just a few years ago.
My time at the beach was limited, as I was mindful of the ferry on the other side of the island, that would head back to the mainland in the evening. That said, I wanted to get some lunch and a takeaway dinner meal prior to getting on the ferry. I took the island bus from East Hampton to Southampton, so that I may see the other popular town in “The Hamptons” and to grab some food at a vegan-friendly cafe. A quick walk up and down Main Street allowed me the opportunity of experiencing the chi chi boutiques for which Southampton is known.
Juice Press (Juice Press) is a vegan-friendly juice bar and cafe on Main Street. I purchased a raw ravioli meal for lunch and a Turmeric Power Blend juice containing orange, turmeric, pineapple, grapefruit, carrot, ginger, and lime. The meal and beverage were very satisfying. The cafe menu offers many varieties of nutritious raw juice blends and healthy raw meals.
I purchased a green juice, a chia pudding dessert, and an avocado toast sandwich with chipolte mayo, for a takeaway dinner. Once I arrived at the ferry, I devoured the tasty sandwich and enjoyed the juice beverage.
The chia pudding was really good treat after dinner.
As the ferry departed from the Orient Point docks, I reminisced about the wonderful time I experienced on Long Island; from the beautiful lavender fields to the posh boutiques of The Hamptons and the wonderful vegan food. I truly enjoyed my weekend visit to Long Island.