Outside the Provence region of France, the Sequim-Dungeness Valley in Washington State boasts the highest concentration of lavender plants. Nicknamed “Sunny Sequim,” the town is nestled in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. With less annual rainfall than neighboring cities on the Peninsula, the location provides the ideal climate for the flowers to flourish: maritime breezes and sandy, drought-resistant soil.
The annual Lavender Festival, held every third weekend in July, has attracted thousands of tourists worldwide for over two decades. This year, 16 lavender farms opened their fields to the public, offering farm tours, U-picks, hands-on activities, and lavender paraphernalia—from the kitchen to the bath, and beyond.