Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, Delaware Attraction: Lavender Fields in Milton, Delaware

While spending time in Lewes, Delaware, I discovered a unique, off the beaten path tourist attraction. Lavender Fields is located in Milton, Delaware. It is a ten minute ride from Lewes Beach and a twenty minute ride from Rehoboth Beach. This is a great way to spend an hour if you are sunburned or just need a break from the beach.

Lavender Fields is a five acre property where the 3 owners, Mary Ann Etu, Sharon Harris and Marie Mayor grow and sell lavender plants, dried bouquets, culinary items, soaps, lotions, candles, sachets and unique craft items. On the property, the owners have set up the farm in many sections. One part of the property is the lavender farm. At least twenty rows of lavender plants, each approximately fifty yards long are growing in different stages.

Another highlight of the site is the shady grove and peaceful gardens. Wooden benches made of logs are nestled under a grove of shady trees. From the benches, you can observe a colorful, peaceful garden filled with sunflowers, daisies, marigolds, pansies and other vibrant flowers.

Towards the back of the farm a rock maze appears as a pleasant surprise. The maze consists of a circle that is 30 feet in diameter filled with small white gravel rocks. Narrow planks of wood were nailed into the ground to divide the circle into a maze. Y can either attempt to work your way through the maze of just walk around the circle and meditate or enjoy the lavender fragrance which permeates the entire farm.

According the Lavender Fields brochure, lavender is an easy plant to grow in and around Delmarva (Delmarva means Delaware / Maryland / Virginia) because of its favorable climate and soil. It's difficult to kill a lavender plant. You can only destroy it if you over water it or plant it in a shady, damp spot.

Behind the owners' house near the front of the property is a small building which serves as the gift shop. As soon as you enter, the beautiful scent of lavender greets you. I browsed through the diverse selection of lavender themed merchandise and found many types of oils, candles, herbs, chocolates, recipe books, lotions and soaps.

I purchased a bar of handmade lavender soap and a Dream Organic Lavender Milk Chocolate bar. The chocolate was rich and smooth, with a hint of lavender in the scent and taste. It was delicious.

For the 2009 season, Lavender Fields is open from April 1^st through December 21^st. In the summer (May through September) they are open daily from 10 to 4. During the months of April, October, November and December Lavender Fields is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 to 4.

Visiting Lavender Fields was a pleasant way to spend an hour on a cool July afternoon, after a morning at the beach. I plan on going back on my next trip to Delaware.