Big Roots Lavender Farm

I wish this was a scratch-and-sniff post, because the lavender fields at Big Roots Lavender Farm smell AMAZING! The butterflies loved it, too!

My super-niece and I loaded up the car and headed to Hawesville, KY, to experience the wonderous scent from fields of fresh lavender. I had already missed one lavender variety, and I wasn't going to miss another one. We were going to each trim a bundle and take the experience home.

I approached the cutting task one lavender stem at a time, while my super-niece was much more efficient and collected the stems by the handful and cut them with her scissors. Either way we each walked away with a bundle of fresh lavender for $10, perfect for drying and retaining the scent and the memory.

In addition to the lavender fields, there are also giant stems of sunflowers. You can also cut and buy them, but we were there for the lavender. There is also a labyrinth to really enhance the calmness surrounding your visit.

Click here to plan your own escape. I'll happily go back with you!

The Sword and The Scone

I've always thought High Tea was a great escape, and The Sword and The Scone on Blankenbaker Parkway delivered it right to my table. This time, my dining companion was my great-niece, who was having her first tea experience. If I have anything to do with it, this won't be her last!

This was the perfect greeting artfully posted in the lobby gift shop. They had a variety of super-cute items, ranging from aprons, socks, purses, and even jewelry and tiaras. But we were there for the tea!

My super-niece totally got into having her pinkie out for her pink lemonade served in the pretty teacup! It was fun to get to pick a favorite from the mismatched designs on the tables. And our three-tiers of treats were impressive as well. Bottom to top, we shared these savories: turkey pinwheels, mini everything turnover, cauliflower parmesan muffin, and chicken in a biscuit shortbread (shaped like a chicken cookie, which was an interesting mental challenge). The middle layer of scones included: chocolate chip, garlic cheddar, cherry chip, and vanilla. Our top-level sweets were: orange creme mousse, green tea cookies, strawberry-lemon bars, honey and rose pound cake, and Reese's bottom cheese cake. Wow!

Oh, and my tea choice was Captain Jack: dried ginger pieces, hibiscus, peppermint and spearmint leaves. It was delicious over ice!

Who wants to return with me?

Click here for their website.

Baby Mae's BBQ

Since Shawn's BBQ on State Street in New Albany closed in January, I've been on the hunt for another great local BBQ joint. My new favorite is Baby Mae's on Graybrook Lane, near the intersection of Grant Line and Daisy Lane.

Here you see my fall-off-the-bone rib tips, with the most delicious baked beans (I am particularly fond of the green pepper chunks), and creamy macaroni and cheese. I've tried several sides and all were fantastic. The rib tips are soooo good, I haven't tried any of their other meats!

Be sure to ask about the dessert offerings. This chocolate/almost fudge pie was fantastic! I look forward to working my way around their full menu.

Their smoker is out in the lot, and everything is freshly cooked. It also means "when it's gone, it's gone." Another bonus to Baby Mae's is plenty of outdoor seating, with a number of covered spots to enjoy your meal. You will enjoy it, and you might just see me there for another incredible meal!

Click here for Baby Mae's website.