If you've thought about visiting lavender fields but don't want to drive too far, you're in luck.

There are two lavender fields that are both just a short ride from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Evergreen Valley Farms, conveniently located in Olympia, grows 11 varieties of organic lavender. They are locally owned by Thane and Peggy Bryenton, who bought the land, planted the lavender, and officially opened to the public in 2012.  The farm features a gift shop with essential oils and sprays along with hand-made gifts.  

This beautiful farm with aromatic lavender fields also hosts weddings and events like yoga and high tea, and makes a beautiful backdrop for portraits. They are a seasonal farm and are only open mid June through mid August, but they do open their gift shop by appointment.  Thane and Peggy make all their own lavender products, distill their oils, and feature local artisans in their shop. They offer culinary lavender that is a little milder than other varieties, and is great for cooking.  They feature lavender recipes on their site, in case you need ideas, such as lavender lemonade and lavender currant scones.  

Evergreen Valley Farms, 9733 Evergreen Valley Rd. SE, Olympia, open Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 360.754.2002, www.evergreenvalley.com

Stringtown Farms is a great little stop in Eatonville, especially if you happen to be on the way to Mount Rainier.  Developed in 2002 by a husband and wife duo, this cute farm has lots of lavender products to choose from along with providing cut lavender to take home. Their gift shop has a large variety of soaps, oils, insect repellents, candles, along with lavender infused honey, baking products like scone mix and even lavender fudge.

Besides lavender, Stringtown also grows grapes and produces their own wines. They offer free wine tasting of their nine varieties, along with tastes of locally smoked cheese.  One of their most popular wines is their lavender honey wine, along with Trio, a balanced blend of Merlot, Grenache, and Leon Millot grapes. They invite you to bring a picnic to enjoy at their tables.  Bring your own food or purchase wine and cheese in the shop. Stringtown also has a small Christmas tree farm, and features events throughout the year such as a wine and chocolate tasting in February.

Stringtown Farms, 9121 Stringtown Rd., Eatonville, Washington, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 360.832.4743, www.stringtownfarms.com

Due to the unusually hot and dry weather this year, the fields are being harvested early.  Both of the farms will be done with their lavender season soon so make sure to call or check their websites before you go.