California sometimes feels like it doesn’t belong in the United States. With its deserts, lush coastlines, and bustling cities, this state has all the makings of a country in itself. Though California’s incredible landscape is uniquely American, some parts of California have a wildly European feel. For example, travelers often find a touch of France in the town of Cherry Valley, a picturesque rural community full of meadows, rolling hills, and beautiful sunsets.
With thriving lavender fields and wildflower groves in full bloom from June to July, Cherry Valley’s rich and scented air feels similar to that of Grasse, a place known as “the perfume capital of the world” in the French Riviera. However, appearance-wise, Cherry Valley is often compared to Provence, France due to not only its lavender fields but also its serene atmosphere and cherry trees (which are common in Provence). On top of its European vibes, Cherry Valley’s lake is a great place to camp, park an RV, and swim.
Another great thing about Cherry Valley is how easy it is to reach because it is located between L.A. and Palm Springs. If you are coming from outside of California, Cherry Valley is a short one-and-a-half-hour drive from Long Beach Airport. It’s also only around a two-hour drive from Los Angeles International Airport. Plus, along with great art and hikes, similar to the Los Angeles neighborhood of Silver Lake, Cherry Valley has a unique charm to it that makes it one of the best under-the-radar places to visit in the state.
Cherry Valley is slice of Europe in sunny California
Cherry Valley became famous during World War II for the pick-your-own-cherries concept, which was born out of a shortage of farm labor under conscription. And while the area is still most well-known for its cherry trees, there are many reasons why Cherry Valley is worth visiting. Perhaps the most important reason is its renowned lavender fields, which are not only beautiful but will make you feel like you’re on that European getaway. This is especially true at 123 Farm, which has the lushest and most exemplary organic lavender fields in all of Southern California.
The farm also hosts an annual lavender festival held between May and July from 5 to 10 p.m. on certain days to celebrate the farm’s thriving lavender crops. During this time, visitors can enjoy lavender-infused drinks and desserts and purchase other lavender-themed goods at the artisanal market. 123 Farm also hosts “Lavender Nights,” which is an outdoor nighttime dining experience where attendees sit under oak and olive trees that are lit up with thousands of string lights and enjoy food from the Grand Oak Restaurant, lavender cocktails, and live music. The Lavender Nights event requires a prior reservation and takes place Wednesday through Monday from August to October.
What else to do near Cherry Valley
