I know it may not be terribly cosmopolitan, but I love living where I do. The Midwest is doing exciting things in the food, fashion, and brewing/distilling scenes. In St. Louis, we can head into the city one weekend and enjoy great local food and beer, and head to the country to enjoy the best from our local growers the next. Any direction you drive, there are amazing ways to support small, local entrepreneurs.
One of my favorite small business in rural St. Louis is Long Row Lavender. Located in the countryside between Wright City and Warrenton, this beautiful family owned farm is a hidden gem you have to make a weekend destination. We stumbled upon the farm by word of mouth a couple of years ago. The barn and the rows of Lavender were so picturesque, the porch swing so inviting, and the family who runs the farm so kind, we instantly felt welcome. At the time, the business was just finding its feet, but we made a connection and have been back many times since.
Fast forward a few years and Long Row Lavender has become a must visit weekend adventure! Upon turning in the driveway, you will be greeted by rows of lavender plants in neat little rows and a large, white barn that houses a gift shop and cafe. The lavender blooms in June each year, and customers are invited to stroll through the rows. There are other beautiful flowers, a quiet little pond, and plenty of woods on the property.
Step into the gift shop and you will be instantly calmed by the smell of lavender permeating the building. The shop carries gifts created by local artisan partners, and lavender bath products hand made right at the farm. (The bath bombs and the body butter are awesome!) They also offer culinary lavender, lavender dessert mixes, and herbal tea made with lavender grown on the farm. The Lavender Vanilla Chai and Lady Grey are made by Blooming With Joy Tea exclusively for Long Row, and are some of my favorite teas ever.
The cafe is cozy and intimate, offering lunch from 11-2 and lattes and baked goods all day. On our latest visit, we had the grilled cheese with bacon, tomato, and herbs de provence and the lavender lemonade. They were incredibly delicious. We have had the lavender chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate on another visit, which were fantastic as well.
Long Row’s barn serves as an event space that can be reserved for luncheons and showers. I attended a Christmas Tea there a couple of years ago that was absolutely beautiful. The farm also offers craft classes, yoga, and seasonal makers markets. The upcoming Christmas Open House is an event not to be missed.
Long Row Lavender is a great place for girls’ day out, an afternoon date, or even just a little solo adventure. You with fall in love with this quiet, beautiful place and the family who owns it. Long Row is a place to visit to feel renewed and encouraged. Hop in the car and head to the farm.
Forty Fat and Fabulous 