Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop (Washington Island, WI)

Last summer while visiting Door County in Wisconsin, a friend and I hopped on the Washington Island Ferry going to Washington Island and found this beautiful lavender farm. It was called Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop and it was the neatest thing! A field filled with lavender, a beautiful outdoor area to enjoy a glass of lavender lemonade, and a shop filled with all kinds of different lavender products. What could be better? Join me as I share with you all about this amazing place!

Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm is the largest single-site lavender grower in the Midwest, and they grow 14 different varieties of lavender. While they also own other fields, their main farm is on Washington Island. Their demonstration gardens educate visitors about lavender and create a better understanding of the many uses and benefits of this unique herb.

Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop came from a dream held by one of the founders, Martine Anderson. Martine, who had a long career for both Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus and owned several businesses both in France and the U.S., was born in France and lived in the south of France where she dreamed of one day having a large, lush, lavender garden of her own.  When she and her husband, Edgar, who led McDonald’s corporation’s global construction, engineering, planning, and sourcing and was an integral part of the rapid expansion of the company in the global markets, moved to Washington Island as young retirees, they looked for a business in which to invest. Martine kept thinking that the Island was a lot like the area around Provence, so Edgar planted a test garden at their home and at the home of friends. The gardens grew and so did the business!

In 2012 business plans were developed, plants were ordered, and so were products. In early 2013 the retail store was established in a rental space on the Island, and then in May, almost 9,000 lavender plants were installed in four fields. On May 9^th, Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop opened their doors for a “sneak peek” and the rest is history! In the autumn of 2013, Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop realized they needed more planting and retail space, as well as space for offices, drying, production, storage, shipping, and e-commerce fulfillment. So, they purchased a 21.7-acre parcel where their new retail store now stands including a field that when fully planted homes more than 30,000 lavender plants, a demonstration garden, a gazebo, and outdoor seating for their small café. It’s so beautiful!

The Lavender Shop at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm is a unique shopping destination. Located near the center of the farm, the shop offers a wide range of lavender-based products for you, your home, your kitchen, and for your pets. They also have lavender personal care products, delicious lavender edibles, lavender laundry and household cleaning items, scented candles, essential oils, and many other exciting products!

My friend and I really enjoyed walking around the lavender plants (and bees!) taking pictures and taking in the beautiful scent of lavender. We stopped at the small café and enjoyed a glass of lavender lemonade while hanging out on lawn chairs in the field! The person who served us was so knowledgeable and offered a sampling of wine with lavender in it. It was good, but very sweet!😊

While visiting Door County be sure to check out Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop for all things lavender – and have a fun ferry ride while you’re at it too!!