Lavender Fields Forever

A flower is transient. Lavender is one of the few botanicals that retains its beauty even when dried, emphasizing its versatility. That versatility extends to the farm where it is grown.

Located down the road in Dearing, Ga., White Hills Farm grows this enduring bloom and creates a variety of products with it. But it also holds open farm days and tours for fun or education, and hosts classes and events throughout the year. Past events include yoga retreats, wreath-making classes, pictures with Santa and an intensive series on tea. They even hosted the Augusta Boucherie in 2019. It’s agritourism at its finest!

Owners Patrick and Amy Sutter are passionate, not only about lavender but sharing their knowledge and space with the community. The Sutters keep the wheels turning by making nearly every product they offer, and they are constantly researching best practices for new ways to use lavender. Volunteering and working with Augusta Locally Grown and McDuffie County, Amy advocates for her farming community by networking with others who are enthusiastic about the same things. This also helps her collaborate on the classes/ events they host at White Hills Farm.

The focus of agritourism is to provide an opportunity for the community to experience farm life. The importance of rural agriculture is evidenced by the clear, direct links to the food and products that are used in daily life. The “lavender barn” provides the perfect atmosphere for events like scrub making and classes on native pollinators in a beautiful, climate-controlled environment, resplendent with string lights and bundles of dried lavender.

Though peak lavender season is in June, the farm is open throughout the year for tours. There are open farm Fridays in the warmer months, exclusive events like farm-to-table dinners with guest chefs and educational events for children, teams and clubs.

The short season and fleeting lifespan of the lavender bloom is nothing in comparison to the beautiful farm that grows it. To visit White Hills Farm or learn more about the many teas, honey, beauty products, household cleaners and gifts, or to sign up for any of their events, visit whitehillsfarm.us.

This listing of select area restaurants is compiled for the benefit and convenience of our readers. It is not, however, intended to be a recommendation by Augusta magazine®. Restaurants in this listing include 2022 Best of Augusta winners as voted by our readers. We encourage calling the restaurant before visiting. Recommendations and suggestions from readers are welcomed. Send them to Good Taste Editor, Augusta magazine®, 725 Broad St., Augusta, 30901 or email aimee.serafin@ augustamagazine.com.

PRICES

Average price of a dinner entree (lunch, if dinner isn’t served)

$ = Under $10

$$ = $10-$15

$$$ = $16-$25

SYMBOLS

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner

T = Take Out k = Best of Augusta Winner k ABEL BROWN SOUTHERN KITCHEN & OYSTER BAR

Modern Southern cuisine offering a seasonal menu that features locally sourced seafood, pork and beef.

491 Highland Ave., Surrey Center (706) 738-6491

D$$$ abelbrownaugusta.com

AIKEN FISH HOUSE & OYSTER BAR

Southern seafood menu including shrimp, oysters, chicken and catfish.

1376 Whiskey Rd., Aiken (803) 266-0260

T LD$$$ aikenfishhouse.com

ARSENAL TAP ROOM + KITCHEN

Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, 100+ craft beers, cocktails and a beer garden. 1419 Monte Sano Ave. (706) 925-2960

D$ arsenaltaproom.com k AUGUSTINO’S ITALIAN EATERY & PRIME STEAKS

Breakfast and lunch buffets. Private dining for up to 30. Award-winning wine list. Marriott Augusta at the Convention Center.

2 10th St. (706) 823-6521

BLD$$ augustinos.net k BACK PADDLE BREWING

This small batch brewery offers farm-to-table dining.

3472 Bethany Church Rd., Lincolnton

(706) 359-8057

T LD$$

BBQ BARN

Class barbecue from ribs to pork sandwiches.

10298 Atomic Rd., North Augusta (803) 278-7202

LD$ bbqbarnna.com

BEAMIE’S AT THE RIVER

A spot for fried seafood in a lively and comfortable atmosphere.

865 Reynolds St. (706) 724-6593

LD$$ beamiesattheriver.com

BECK’S

Oyster bar with a fun, lively atmosphere that offers quality food and good beverages.

2111 Kings Way (706) 922-1501

D$$ becksaugusta.com

BELAIR DONUTS

Delicious small breakfast items, donuts, pastries and coffee.

4045 Jimmie Dyess Pkwy., (706) 364-6522

720 E. Robinson Ave., Grovetown, (706) 869-5091

T B$ belairdonuts.com

BODEGA ULTIMA

A spot for breakfast and lunch, served inside an international food market.

353 Highland Ave., Surrey Center (706) 426-6661

BL$$ bodegaultima.com k THE BOLL WEEVIL CAFE AND SWEETERY

Light menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. Extensive dessert selection.

10 9th St. (706) 722-7772

T LD$$ thebollweevil.com