Welcome to Sequim, lavender fans

Welcome to Sequim, lavender fans

Published on Wed, Jul 18, 2012 by Michael Dashiell, editor

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Forgive the Sequim natives for a glazed look that some of us may have this week. We've been through this before.

It's not that the luster of the Lavender Weekend has worn off. Quite the contrary; many of us enjoy the festivities and fanfare, enjoy a tour of a local farm or two, snack on a lavender-infused goodie and listen to some tunes at the street fair, or show some visiting friends and families the sights on the Olympic Peninsula.

It's just that lavender is just so … so … relaxing.

In fact, I'm battling a severe case of nap fever as I write this.

However, with so many events going in the span of three (hopefully) gloriously sunny, beautiful Sequim days, I hardly think any visitors to our valley will have the same problem.

What you may find during your visit, be it a single day or a week, is a bit of traffic. Maybe not Seattle-sized traffic, but some congestion just the same. See, in a town that generally holds 6,600 or so residents, we generally get about 25,000-30,000 interlopers during this action-packed weekend. So understand that traffic may be moving a little slowly. Have patience. The lavender isn’t going anywhere.

Our regular Lavender Weekend visitors know that Sequim’s natural beauty isn’t all about lavender. I encourage newcomers to take time to see the rest of the valley. Explore the Dungeness Spit and Dungeness Recreation Area, Sequim Bay at Port Williams Beach and John Wayne Marina, hike in the foothills of Olympic National Park, stroll along paths at Railroad Bridge Park and/or Robin Hill Park, pick some berries at one of our U-pick farms or, if you’re adventurous, cruise through the Olympic Game Farm and see some wild wildlife. You even may see our Roosevelt elk herd on a stroll of their own.

Many of our local businesses (understandably) get a big boost on this particular weekend and depend on your friendly tourist dollars to stay open. For an indicator of what’s local and what’s not, look for non-box-like, single-story shops.

Some of you may have read about our split of lavender groups. Last year was the first year with two large groups presenting attractions for the lavender crowd. Hopefully any kinks from that first year are worked out. Either way, there's plenty to do.

The Sequim Lavender Farmers Association hosts the Sequim Lavender Farm Faire, with its bus tour to seven large area Heritage Farms (fees apply) and the Lavender in the Park festival at Carrie Blake Park, featuring dozens of exhibits, musicians, vendors and more.

The Sequim Lavender Growers Association hosts the Sequim Lavender Festival, including a self-guided, free tour to farms throughout the area, plus the annual street fair and car show on Fir Street.

In addition, our town has quilt and driftwood shows, an art studio tour and more.

We hope you find our lavender activity special section (found in this edition) helpful and we've included additional stories in our main news and "Community" section.

Michael Dashiell is editor of the Sequim Gazette. Reach him at editor@sequimgazette.com.

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