U-Pick Lavender in Apple Hill - Lavender Blue Harvest Days at Bluestone Meadow Farm -

Located in the picturesque region of Northern California’s Apple Hill, the u-pick lavender days at Bluestone Meadow Farm during the Lavender Blue Harvest Days offers a unique farm experience. Visitors are invited to stroll through the fields of blooming lavender, where the air is filled with the soothing scent of this crowd-favorite herb flower. The event provides a unique opportunity to harvest your own lavender, creating memorable experiences with family.

Alongside the stunning floral vistas, guests can enjoy a variety of activities and discover the many uses of lavender, from culinary delights to aromatic crafts. They have a hands-on wreath making class, a children’s play area, food and crafts vendors, and much more.

Our family has enjoyed two back-to-back weekends in Apple Hill to take full advantage of the Lavender Blue Harvest season. Last weekend we did the u-pick blueberries at Rainbow Camino Ridge, and this weekend we went to the Bluestone Meadows Farm for the lavender u-pick.

What Time of Year Is Lavender U-Pick Open to the Public?

The Lavender Blue Harvest season typically takes place during the month of June. On the weekends a select few farms open up to the public with unique farm experiences and themed food and drinks. Bluestone Meadow Farm has the pick your own lavender bouquet from the fields, along with lavender crafts. Find their u-pick open dates on their website.

Where Is Bluestone Meadow Farm Located?

The Bluestone Meadow Farm is located in the heart of Apple Hill at 2025 Carson Rd, Placerville, CA 95667. It can be easily found by putting the address into your GPS.

Do You Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance for Lavender U-Pick?

Our family purchased the lavender u-pick tickets when the Bluestone Meadow farm first released them a couple weeks in advance. If they sell out completely, they most likely will not allow walk-in visitors to enter without having made reservations. If there’s still spots available to buy an entrance fee on the day, they will allow you to pay at the entrance. The prices may be slightly higher if you wait to pay at the door.

How Much Does It Cost to U-Pick Lavender?

We purchased our tickets a few weeks in advance online. They charged $5 to park our vehicle, and $5 per child for the Kids Zone area. To purchase the u-pick lavender, you cut your desired amount of flowers and then pay according to how big your bunch is.

The farm provides all the lavender cutting materials you will need, including baskets and scissors or garden cutters.

Beware of Bees

I have been lavender picking many times at several different farm locations. They all have one thing in common… the lavender fields are always filled with bees. From honey bees, to bumble bees, and even more bee varieties, they are actively buzzing around the flowers. These bees tend to be calm and just going about their business, but of course there’s always a risk of getting stung. If you have allergies to bees, or are just really afraid of them, you may want to think about this before your arrival.

Plan to Arrive Early

There are two reasons why I recommend you arrive early to the u-pick lavender event. Firstly, the crowds can start to build-up as the day goes on and you may run the risk of the event being full. Secondly, the summer heat is no joke in this area of Northern California. Sometimes in June the heat can peak at over 100 degrees. Stay on the safe side and take advantage of the cool morning hours.

Wear Sun Protection

While you are walking outside in the lavender fields, you are very much exposed to the sun. Because these flowers need full sun to grow, there’s no shade at all in major parts of the farm. Be sure to wear sunscreen and sun hats, and drink plenty of water.

All About the Kids Zone

We have a 6-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son, which was the perfect age range for the Kids Zone at Bluestone Meadows Farm. We paid $5 for each child to enter into this area of the farm. The Kids Zone is a very large outdoor play area with all kinds of children-approved activities. They had hands-on lawn games, water play, bubbles, a tractor-pulled train and an interactive animal petting and feeding area. They had ample shaded areas with either seating or green grass to have a picnic.

Hands-On Farm Animal Feeding

My kids really loved the animal petting and feeding experience. They got to see llamas, alpacas and goats up close, and they could feed the goats.

Is Bluestone Meadows Farm Dog-Friendly?

Yes! Dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a leash and are well-behaved. Keep in mind that it gets really hot in this area during the month of June, so leaving your dog in the car is not an option. You’ll need to allow your dog to rest in the shade and drink cold water.

Is the Bluestone Meadows Farm Wheelchair, Stroller and Wagon-Friendly?

Yes! Many of the walking paths are paved and smooth enough to roll a wheelchair, a baby stroller or wagon without any issues. Many parents has their babies and toddlers in wagons.

Food and Drink Options

If I had one thing I found a little disappointing, it would be the very limited options for food and drinks. There was around five food vendors, including tacos, kettle corn, shaved ice, coffee and more. The options were especially limited for young kids, so we ended up just getting them shaved ice.

Before our arrival, I did not ask about the rules of bringing outside food. If I had known about the limited options, I would have planned on brining a cooler with food for the kids.

Artisan Crafts Vendors

There were about 25 vendors at the festival. They were selling mostly handmade crafts, home decor, original art, jewelry and artisan foods. It’s definitely rewarding to be supporting local small creators and businesses, and you’ll find plenty of unique and high-quality products.

Lavender Products Available to Shop

The Bluestone Meadows Farm has a large assortment of handcrafted lavender products available for sale. From skincare, aromatherapy, culinary cooking and lifestyle products, there’s plenty to explore.

John the “Lavender Answer Guy” Is Available to Educate Guests

If you’re new to lavender, or just curious to learn more, John the “Lavender Answer Guy” will possibly be in attendance at the Lavender Blue Festival at Bluestone Meadows Farm (he was there for sure in years past).

DIY Lavender Wreath Making

Use your creative skills to make a beautifully scented wreaths. When you hang one of these in your home, it gives such a aromatic and calming scent that fills the room. The staff is available to help you with the wreath making, and they’ve already got plenty of pre-cut lavender ready to craft with.

Are There Restrooms Available for Visitors?

I only saw Porta Potties available for visitors at Bluestone Meadows Farm. It was very hot outside, so I imagine using those facilities would be less than pleasant. I would definitely plan on searching for an alternative bathroom in the Apple Hill area.

Because I know they host weddings at the venue, they do have actual restrooms. But I don’t think they were open for the festival.

Can You Get Married at Bluestone Meadows Farm?

Yes you can! Bluestone Meadows has a beautiful sprawling property with a large tent and amenities available for a wedding party. See their wedding package information here.

Lavender Food and Drinks to Enjoy During Lavender Blue Harvest

This year there were 14 Apple Hill farms open and participating in the Lavender Blue Harvest Days. Below I’ve listed the themed experiences with blueberry and lavender food and drinks. I would check back with these farms every year to see what they plan for every upcoming summer season.

24 Carrot – At the farm stand you can purchase organic lavender, blueberries and strawberries, along with freshly baked goods.
Delfino Farms – During the month of June, the Joan’s Apple Bakery will be selling strawberry rhubarb, strawberry, cherry and blueberry desserts for Lavender Days. The Edio Vineyards tasting room is also open for wine tasting.
Fenton Herriott Vineyards – They will be hosting bottle your own wine events from 12pm – 4pm with no reservations required.
Harris Family Farm – Enjoy live music along with Blue Lavender Days goodies such as lavender mini donuts, lavender lemonade, slushies and more lavender and blueberry pastries.
Hidden Star Camino Bakery and Brewery – Serving both hard and fresh sparkling blueberry-lavender cider, blueberry-lavender cider donuts, raised donuts and blueberry crisps.
Jack Russell Farm Brewery and Winery – Enjoy culinary masterpieces like lavender crusted goat cheese and fig pizza, blueberry ale and hard lavender lemonade slushies.
Lava Cap Winery – Sip wine in the lavender garden while listening to live music. Bring outside food for a picnic.
Rainbow Camino Ridge – Make reservations to pick your own blueberries in the orchards.
Smokey Ridge Ranch and Winery – Sip their signature lavender sangria and shop lavender bouquets.
Rucksack Cellars – Mention Lavender Days and get 2 for 1 tasting flight.
Starfield Vineyards – A highly sophisticated winery experience in the heart of Apple Hill.
Wofford Acres Vineyards – Enjoy views of the South Fork of the American River canyon and blooming iris flower fields while you sip locally made wine.
Pine-O-Mine Ranch – Plan a picnic with live music, on-site food, shakes, signature blueberry lavender lemon cocktails and mocktails.

Things To Do Nearby in Apple Hill

Taking a look at the El Dorado County area, there’s so much outdoor recreational things to do. From Sacramento and on the road to South Lake Tahoe, you’ll pass through a collection of historical and noteworthy spots.