Summer in Full Bloom

“The earth laughs in flowers.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wildflowers are generally associated with late spring and early summer, but Salmon has always been unconventional. July is halfway over and temperatures are climbing; the last of the balsamroot blooms may be wilted memories, but the lavender is in full bloom! On Saturday July 20, Shannon and Doug Weaver are hosting the 6th Annual Lavender Fest in Carmen, just four miles from downtown Salmon. There will be lavender wares, lavender lemonade, lavender picking, live music, and much more.

While you’re here, download a wild plants app and walk one of the nearby trails in search of other late-season wildflowers. Just north of downtown Salmon sits Discovery Hill, or Disco to the locals. Here you will find over 32 miles of trails for hiking, biking, trail running, and frisbee golf. Other great trails in the area include the Goldbug Hot Springs trail, the Henry Creek Loop, or a nature walk at the Sacajawea Center. After your walk, enjoy a Schilling “Grapefruit and Chill” Cider at the Pork Peddler. This refreshing hard cider is infused with hibiscus flowers.

I highly recommend showing up a few days before the Lavender Festival so that you can enjoy the music of the Black Lillies on July 18th at Sweetwater Hollow. I may be partial because the band is from my hometown (Knoxville, TN—Go Vols!), but American Songwriter Magazine backs me up. The magazine describes their sound well: “vocal harmonies that recall the Eagles, Steely Dan-esque lyrics, and plenty of crunchy Southern Rock guitar.” The show starts at 6:00 PM. Make a long flower-filled weekend of it by booking a riverside room at the Stagecoach Inn, walking distance to the show!

For more information about all the great things to see and do & where to stay go to visitsalmonvalley.com