Category: Shopping

Land of plenty

Like many other places, Sequim was subject to panic buying in March. I knew something was up one day at Costco when I was in a checkout line where virtually every shopping cart but mine had massive packages of toilet paper.

Costco was out of toilet paper for a couple of weeks but they’ve now amply resupplied.

I still don’t get why TP became such a thing. But there’s certainly been plenty of internet humor about it.

Murchie’s, Victoria

On Monday I showed you our morning scones at Murchie’s in Victoria. In addition to offering edibles on site, Murchie’s sells tea, coffee, and accessories. The tea choices are extensive and I’ve found enduring favorites. Boxes of teas are shown here along the wall to the right, and most of them share space with small, open jars that allow shoppers to sniff the various teas. Murchie’s has standard black and green teas along with blends.

For tea lovers who like to brew an entire pot, Murchie’s sells a selection of tea cosies, warmers to cover a pot. This is one of the cutest I’ve seen.

Of course, there’s also a nice selection of tea pots, cups, and mugs. One of these pots is going to come home with me if I’m not careful.

Scented scenery

One of Sequim’s longtime nurseries, Peninsula Nursery, changed hands a few years ago. The new owners have made many improvements, including the addition of a pretty lavender field.

Not all of our lavender operations are large farms. Earth Muffin Lavender is a modest operation at a busy intersection that many visitors pass.

Sequim does lavender

Many of Sequim’s lavender operations are ready for photo ops. The scale of this extra large chair at Olympic Lavender doesn’t translate as well as it does when two to three adults or several children are seated in it, smiling for photographs. (The farm was closed when I dropped by.)

The Lavender Festival is in full swing today. The open space here will likely be filled with craft vendors and a small stage nearby will feature live music. Recent grey days are giving way to sunshine. Summer has arrived in Sequim.

Lavender fields forever

Most of the lavender farms in Sequim have been designed with an eye toward its beauty in the landscape. This is one of Sequim’s largest and oldest operations, Purple Haze. It’s gorgeous.

The farms offer photo ops galore, even in the rain. Who doesn’t want a picture in the midst of such beauty?

Over this Lavender Festival weekend Purple Haze and other venues offer live music. Many present demonstrations or short classes in growing and distilling lavender. If it has to do with lavender you can probably find it here.

Purple Haze, incidentally, is for sale. It would be a dream to be surrounded by such beauty. Just don’t forget you have to go to work when you wake up.