With lavender stretched as far as your eye can see – visiting Lavender by the Bay is truly a dream. Located in the North Fork of Long Island, Lavender by the Bay offers its guests something one would expect in the South of France – endless, stunning, lavender fields. Rated by Country Living as one of the top six stunning lavender farms to visit, this awe-inspiring, straight from a magazine scene (and only a few hours drive from the city!) is a place you absolutely must visit with your family.
Planted in History
The family-owned farm has been growing the highest quality lavender on Long Island for over 15 years. Lavender by the Bay is the work of Serge Rosenbaum and his family. While not the South of France, Rosenbaum did grow up in Paris and knew of the popularity of lavender and its many varieties. When he and his wife moved to the area, they started growing lavender in their yard eventually selling the blooms on a small bench outside the house. The lavender became popular and sold quite well from the stand, so he continued to plant more lavender to keep up with the demand. In 2002 they expanded their home-based business by purchasing 17 acres of farmland, making Lavender by the Bay one of the largest Lavender Farms in the USA.
Lavender Varieties
There are over 80,000 plants and 20 lavender varieties grown on their sprawling property. Included in this are 20 different lavender varieties of English & French lavender. These varieties include Purple Bouquet, Melissa, Grosso, Hidcote Giant, Super, and many more.These different varieties have their unique traits and coloration. You’ll see many different shades of colors, smells, and flowers during your visit.
In Bloom
Before you visit, you must remember that there are just three blooming periods during the year. Lavender by the Bay showcases lavenders from both France and England, so the blooms happen at different times.
When to Visit
English lavender is usually the first plants to bloom around the middle of June and sometimes into early July. French lavender, the main bloom and largest variety grown on the property, follows a few weeks later. Some of Lavender by the Bay’s English lavender blooms twice a season, so look for a smaller bloom of this flower later in the summer, usually mid-September, and extends into the Fall.
Lavender by the Bay keeps the bloom updated on Social Media. Follow along on Facebook for the most up-to-date bloom information.
The Buzz on Lavender Honey
Lavender by the Bay is home to thousands of bees! Each season their busy bees make the extremely popular lavender honey. The honey is unique as its naturally made from the bees after they have finished gathering nectar from the lavender flowers; the honey is taken directly from the bee’s hives that are located on the fields and kept in its natural state with no additives. Due to the demand for this popular treat – the honey is sold on a first come, first serve basis and is only available on the farm. While the timing of the honey depends on the bees, the honey is typically available at the end of July.
Lavender Fields Forever
Running through the lavender fields. The above is the English bloom.
Walking through the French Lavender bloom. French lavender typically has a more grey cast and is taller than the English variety.
Lavender by the Bay has purple Adirondack chairs perfectly placed throughout the property.
Stopping to smell the lavender. Yes, it smells as good as it looks!
Lost in a sea of lavender.
We love New York. Can you believe this is only 80 miles from Manhattan?
Walking through a Lavender wonderland!
Memories that will last forever.
Fur friends are welcome too!
All good things must come to an end. During our visit, they were starting to harvest the English lavender fields.
Take Home the Farm
Lavender by the Bay has a charming retail store on their property offering everything lavender – from freshly cut bunches, lavender plants, bath and body products, and even honey. During our visit, they were also offering Lavender lemonade for a small fee (it was delicious!). Can’t make it to the farm? Dried lavender, sachets, and other products are available year-round online or at the green market locations throughout New York City. Find a list of locations here.
Location and Additional Information
Location: 7540 Main Rd, East Marion, NY. Approximately 80 Miles from NYC.
Website: Lavender by the Bay website HERE
Note: Lavender blooms last approx 7-14 days. Lavender by the Bay cuts their lavender when the flowers are ready for fresh bunches, so expect the fields to get progressively smaller once the bloom is announced. For updates on the bloom – follow Lavender by the Bay on Facebook HERE.
