I scream, you scream… and now, you can scream for lavender ice cream at Country Lavender and Orchard in Kiel, Wisconsin! We’re back with another episode celebrating Wisconsin’s specialty crop growers. Today we’re heading to a farm that smells like summer and feels like serenity.
Sandy Buchholz and her husband, John, started Country Lavender and Orchard in 2017 with a handful of fruit trees and a dream. Fast forward to today, and their retirement hobby has grown into thousands of lavender plants and a destination you don’t want to miss. Visitors can stroll through fragrant fields of fresh lavender, shop for handcrafted products like lotions, sprays, oils, and car fresheners — and, yes, try three brand-new lavender ice creams. You’ll also find hands-on classes like wreath making, painting workshops, and even yoga right in the lavender fields.
Looking to plan your own rural getaway? Head to the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association website to find farms like Sandy’s. If you're a farmer dreaming of opening your gates to guests, WATA offers mentorship, marketing help, and licensing support to guide you every step of the way.
This podcast series is brought to you courtesy of Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. Learn more about how to engage with Wisconsin's agricultural tourism industry at https://gowiagtourism.com/.