Here is a full-bloom outdoor adventure for couples and friends

MAY 2022

TRAVEL TIDBIT: Tantivy is named after the sweetshop that Brian’s parents operated in Dulverton, England.

With apologies to the Beatles, Virginia is “lavender fields forever.” Actually, no apologies are in order. Brian Ross, who owns Tantivy Farm with his wife Penny, saw the Fab Four in concert in the 1960s and also at a train station in his native England when they were filming “A Hard Day’s Night.”

Now, the Rosses have set up shop at their farm located in Rockbridge County between Staunton and Lexington, and it is a great spot for an outdoor day of fun. Tantivy Farm features a gift shop, hiking trails, a waterfall, picnic areas, theme gardens and more than 1,000 lavender plants. It is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. The farm holds special events throughout the season, such as lavender wreath-making and wand-making, decoupage and making a needle-felted spring nest.

The Rosses bought the property in 1989, initially for horse-related activities. In fact, Brian was an expert equestrian judge, whose resume includes the 2000 Summer Olympics. Over time, the farm has blossomed into what the Rosses call “a little slice of heaven.”They started with 360 lavender plants in 2016, grew their passion and opened the farm to the public in 2018. It now includes a shop where they sell their home-based line of lavender products, including soaps, salves and gels (available online, as well).

“We were pretty nervous about opening up our home. But we have enjoyed meeting so many people from all walks of life and all areas of the country, and have made many new friends, both local and from afar,” Brian says. “The lavender will be in full bloom from the end of May to the middle of July, and several of our 40-plus varieties will continue to bloom into October. We encourage visitors to cut their own bunches of lavender to take home, pick up some amazing lavender gifts and try our lavender ice cream.”

1350 Decatur Road | Fairfield, VA 24435 TANTIVYFARM.COM