A Beautiful Lavender Farm in Niagara County

On a warm summer, Sunday morning I paid a visit to Kin Loch Farmstead to meet up with Alex Plante, owner and creator of this beautiful space. I learned about Kin Loch late last summer through a social media post and had put it on my bucket list to visit this summer.

Alex and her husband, Ryan moved to Western New York from New York City and opened Kin Loch in the Spring of 2018. What they have created in a short 3 years is nothing short of magical. From the lavender fields to the beautiful barn that can host any sort of event or get together, the farm brings nothing but peacefulness, calming sounds and the beautiful smells of lavender.

Learn more Alex and Kin Loch below.

How did Kin Loch come about? What made you want to start a lavender farm?

When Alex was living in NYC, she had an idea that one day she wanted to open a wedding rental business (online + in person) where people could rent out décor and furniture pieces for their special day and then return them. Part of her 10-year plan was to incorporate a barn which would be her showroom and then have a lavender field once the business was well underway.  The plan flip flopped when she and her husband, Ryan moved to Buffalo for his job a few years ago. She has always loved lavender and while she was on maternity leave, she had this idea to purchase land to convert to a lavender farm so that’s what they did. They bought a farm, and the lavender field came first. Her passion is the lavender piece and the events she plans and organizes at the barn are the more “business” side of things. When she moved to Buffalo, she wasn’t privy to one specific area she just knew she wanted to live where the soil quality was good to grow the plant.

Kin Loch sits on 30 acres and has a test field in the front entrance where her current lavender grows and where the popular u-pick classes are held. Alex uses no chemicals, making her product organic. In the back of the property sits another 15 acres where she hopes to one day house a greenhouse and large lavender field which would make it the biggest in the Northeastern part of the United States.  Lavender is grown from cuttings and are usually planted in the spring. They take three years to fully establish.

Your favorite part about owning/growing your lavender farmstead?

There are lots of parts of the business from the u-pick events to rental events like weddings, showers, and private parties we hold in the barn, but I’d say my favorite thing about owning my own business is growing and tending to the lavender fields.

Her second favorite part of owning her own business is teaching classes. Especially the Lavender 101 class. Not many people know lavender is a herb not a flower and there are lots of ways it can be used, like as a repellant, for burns, or in food. It’s beautiful to smell and is found to calm nerves and stress.

You grow French and English lavender – do you have a favorite and why?

Alex grows 8 types of French and English lavender and when asked what her favorite kind was, she said Grosso is her favorite type on the farm. It’s a French type of lavender that has the highest oil content and it’s a good size, makes a statement, it smells good and it’s reliable.

What does Kin Loch mean?

“Family Lake”

What is a typical day like running the farmstead?

Kin Loch Farm is open May thru October and in the winter months we are making product, like our candles, lavender product and planning for next year. During the peak months Alex is on-site Thursday thru Sunday and every day is very different. One day she could be chipping wood in the forest and tending to the lavender test area in the fields up front and making sure the property is up kept. If there are events going on in the barn, she’s there helping set-up, meeting with vendors, giving tours of the property for rentals, etc.

Monday thru Wednesday while she may not be on-site she’s answering emails, prepping for what is on the weeks schedule and popping into the farm when needed to fulfill orders and tend to property up-keep.

There are a lot of moving parts and being able to adjust and pivot is part of the daily grind.  

Your favorite part of WNY?

Western New York is the best of both worlds, it’s small but mighty. It’s a city that offers Broadway shows, we have access to fresh water and lakes and two professional sports teams. Some may think there isn’t as much excitement but that’s not true.

It’s also a good time to open a business in Buffalo. Buffalo is doing well, as a business owner you want to go somewhere where the economics prosper, and I feel like Western New York has that.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

To create more time, I feel like there is never enough time.

Favorite summer playlist or Song to get you through the day?

When on the farm it’s Leon Bridges and the Allman Brothers. In the car it’s the Hamilton soundtrack.

Which of the 5 senses is your strongest?

It’s not really a sense, but I’d say I’m a doer. If I have an idea, I’m very decisive – I do it, and move forward, I don’t sit, and think should or shouldn’t I.

Your spirit animal?

I like to stay busy, I’m always doing something, so I’d say I’m like a Woodchuck or Beaver, I keep going.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I went to school for journalism and wanted to be a journalist when I grew up. When asked if she had any interest in being in that field now, she said no and laughed.

Biggest fear or challenge that you’ve faced while owning your own business?

The same year we opened, Cambria wanted to change the Agri-Tourism rules so if you operated as a farm no people would be able to be on property for special events, but Kin Loch worked with other farms and neighbors in the area to make it work so that farms could host people on their property and still be respectful of each other.

Upcoming Events?

For more information on Kin Loch’s upcoming events click here.

Kin Loch on social media:

IG Facebook

7. 1. 6.

When I began this blog of mine over six years ago I never imagined the amount of love and passion I would have for the city that I am so lucky to call home. Having always loved this region I didn’t think it would be possible to find deeper meaning, deeper roots and deeper passions that I have come to find, but it has happened and there is so, so much to be grateful for in our region.

Since it is “716 day” I thought I would share my list of favorite (favorite!!) restaurants, venues, activities, events, and people I like to follow. I know I missed A LOT on this list (it’s so hard to think of it all), but take a look. Let me know what are some of your favorite things in the 716 - places you like to go, events you like to attend and people you like to follow.

Western New York may be a small region compared to big cities, but it has a ton of talent, pride and passion to share with visitors and those that are lucky to call it home.

Favorites broken down by category:

Brewery: Resurgence – Have you checked out their new location at 55 Chicago? If not, definitely put it on your list of things to do

Restaurants:

• Southtowns: Alchemy Wine Bar/The Grange

• Downtown Restaurants: Marble + Rye, Hearth + Press (especially before a show at Sheas), Hydraulic Hearth (love their outdoor patio in the summertime), Cantina Loco is my favorite spot for guac, and chips and they are my favorite spot for margaritas. Love Wasabi on Elmwood for Sushi

• Northtowns: Share on Main Street, TCB on Transit Road and Greens on Transit

Cocktails – Duende at Silo City is a pretty cool, chill place, Angelica Tea Room, Just Vino on Main Street, Blackbird Cider on Chandler Street, The Terrace at Delaware Park is a beautiful spot as well, those views of Hoyt Lake are BEAUTIFUL.

Dog Park: Hands down my Harlie girl loves the Knox Farm – whether its running around at the dog park or walking the trails it’s a happy place for her

Workout Spot: #REVLIFE is the best life. Any class at Revolution Buffalo is sure to be a fun time. It is my happy place. A place where I take in all the positive vibes that I can. I also love Love in Motion yoga. Kate and Kath bring those feel good vibes with every flow

Outdoor spots: Hands down The Outer Harbor is my favorite waterfront spot and a spot that I never get sick of. Whether it’s a run, walk, the views or visiting Tifft Nature Preserve it has a special place in my heart. Delaware Park and Artpark are also places I love to visit outdoors

Fun things to do: A fishing excursion with Brookdog Fishing is a blast and I highly recommend for anyone (at any fishing level). The Buffalo Pedal Tours are so much fun, Hatchets & Hops is also a fun place to check out as well as the Silo City tours with Explore Buffalo

Coffee Shops: Remedy House, Tipico, Public and Overwinter

Favorite places: The Buffalo Zoo (that’s a given; I mean if you know me you know how much I love animals (more than some people)). The Aquarium is another favorite spot. The Science Museum, kayaking, The Buffalo Central Terminal and the Broadway Market

Shops I love to visit: Anna Grace on Elmwood, Mod Nos on Hertel, Winkler & Samuels Wine Purveyors at 500 Seneca, Pegs Hardware

My spots for wings: Nine Eleven Tavern in South Buffalo is a hole in the wall, but the wings are one of the best in town (in my opinion), I am also a fan of Carbone’s on South Park and Duffs

Favorite social media accounts to follow/motivate me, locally here in Buffalo: Buffalo Boss Babes, Christy at Wild Blossom Hollow, Lloyds, The Buffalo Zoo, Adventures are Waiting (Jess Kelly), BKind City, We Must Dash, Indie Twenty (Rachel), Love in Motion Yoga, Balanced Bright Life (Jessica Reagan), West End Interiors, Yoga Steve (Steve Procknal), and Lauren from Rev @liittlelauren

Favorite summer time events: Jack Craft Fair and new this year – Door Open Buffalo/Explore Buffalo, I always try and visit Shakespeare at Delaware Park too, it’s a classic summertime activity in Buffalo. Wines in the Wild at the Zoo is also one I always go to. For me being an event planner I feel like I attend a lot of events not just plan a lot so when a new event is created or its an event I have never been to – that excites me more than a recurring event, unless it has “wowed” me.

My bucket list of things to do before summer is over: Visit the new Explore & More, A hot air balloon ride (this has been on my bucket list for years), learn/try to paddle board – all those years at the Harbor and I never had a chance to do it then, visit Shirt Factory in Medina, and take a class with Ren at Rise Fitness.

-B

Doors Open Buffalo

Yesterday with the talents of the Explore Buffalo staff and volunteers, Doors Open Buffalo took place. Offering inspiration and an appreciation for Buffalo’s unique history and architecture through free public access to significant building interiors.

From a visitor stand point I thought it was a great opportunity to visit historical buildings filled with beautiful architecture and so many stories. While walking thru the streets of downtown, it looked like hundreds of people took advantage of this great opportunity. While I didn’t get to visit every place on the list, the ones I did get o visit didn’t disappoint.

Kudos to Explore Buffalo and all the participating buildings for a great day!

-B

above: my photos from Hutch Tech

above: my photos from the Avant Building and M&T Bank (formerly Buffalo Savings Bank)

above photos: DL&W

Sunday Funday on the SS Columbia

My Dad and I won a private tour with cocktails on the SS Columbia back in January thru Explore Buffalo so earlier today we, along with my Mom, cousin Lisa and best gal pal and adventure buddy Lacey, met Liz McEaney {Executive Director} at Silo City {currently the SS Columbia's home} and she gave us an awesome tour!

{a little champagne to get this tour started}

The SS Columbia will eventually head back to the Hudson River, but for the next few years will be worked on here in Buffalo to make sure it can make the trip back. It has already gone through a $1.6 million hull restoration. With limited state funding a lot of money comes from private donors and people in the community for the rest of the repairs needed for the boat.

{the dining hall}

There have been multiple events, tours and community groups who have used the SS Columbia, if you're looking for a fun place to host a small, unique event you can as well. Visit their website to learn more.

{Liz showing us the ballroom the floor above this one was the beer garden, because of the repairs needed we couldn't go up to that floor, pretty cool to see}

The SS Columbia, is the oldest remaining excursion steamship in the United States and was designated as an historic landmark in 1992. It was in service for 89 years as an excursion steamship on a single run. "She" ferried from Detriot to Canada's Bois Blanc Island. To learn more of her history click here .

{selfies with my Dad}

Below are some more pictures from our tour and my short FB live video is here. 

{the engine room}

{my boo thang Lacey haha}

{the stairs to the engine and boiler room}

{classic group shot after the tour}

After the tour we popped into the silos by Marine A to snap some photos of the art. Below are a couple of those photos.

{gotta love my family}

I highly recommend the Silo City tours, there is so much going on down there, go out and experience it and have some fun!

xo

-B

Supporting Explore Buffalo

This past Saturday if you follow me on any social media platform you know that my Dad and I attended the Grain Alley Gala hosted by Explore Buffalo. This was one of my Dad's Christmas presents this year, since we had such a good time at last years gala at Sheas, I thought I would keep the tradition going. The gala was taking place at the Barrel Factory, a venue I have not been in up until Saturday night and need to go back to, to explore. Snowy Owl Kombucha!, Elevator Alley Kayak and Lakeward Spirits are all tenants inside the building {see my post on Lakeward Spirits soon!}.

{The Erie Mule}

The gala was nothing short of great, from the live music, selfie station, tour of the distillery from Adam, the specialty cocktails and great auction items {my Dad and I went in and put a guaranteed bid on cocktails and a tour of the SS Columbia Project for up to 6 people} we couldn't have had a better time and all for a great organization!

{Look at how dapper my Dad looks at the selfie station}

As I approach this year, I'm focusing more on the "adventures" {big or small} that I can take with the people that mean the most to me.

Until next time...

-B

{Above photos all Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

From The Top Looking Down

{the first view from the tops of the spiral staircase}

I'm a big fan of learning about the history and people in the Western New York area. I'm also a big fan of Explore Buffalo . They provide some really cool tours in and around the Buffalo area and yesterday my Dad and I went on one of them; the Silo City Vertical Tour. Different from the walking Silo tour, you get to go up inside these grain elevators and take in the beautiful views, all while learning about the history of the silos, how they impacted much of the Country back in the 1900's and what the plans are for them now {some are still being used today}. What we thought would be a public tour turned out to be a private tour as me and my Dad were the only two signed up. It worked out really nicely {in our favor}. Larry was are Docent and he was AWESOME! He spoke about the history, the people and told stories making it a one of a kind tour. For me, a person who is deathly scared of heights I am proud of myself for overcoming my fear to go up hundreds of stairs to the top to see the inside of these beautiful silos and to take in some of the most beautiful views of Western New York I have ever seen.

I have been to Silo City before, but to get an in depth tour of this particular area and to learn about the history was one of the best things I've done this summer and I highly recommend anyone looking for something to do to check out the list of dates this is offered. It was one of the best tours I've been on a while.

-B

{Photos are all Just a Blonde in Buffalo Photos}

{We walked across that}

{A beautiful view}

{Inside the walkway to the Perot Malthouse}

Touring the Fontana Boathouse

This past Saturday my Mom and I attended Explore Buffalo's tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fontana Boathouse. For Explore Buffalo pass holders the tour was free and for non members it was $10. You learned about the building structure, how the Boathouse was brought to Buffalo and what the building is used for today. Saturday was a little chilly, but the views by the water were spectacular.

{view of Lake Erie from inside upstairs}

{Outside on the balcony}

The tour was approximately one hour in length which for me was perfect because sometimes if tours are to long I kind of space out. I learned about a little history, got to take some nice pictures and spent a nice afternoon with my Mom at a place I haven't been to yet. If you've been to any of Frank Lloyd Wrights other buildings in the area {Darwin Martin House, Graycliff Estate} then you should put this one on your list of places to see this summer.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{it wouldn't be complete without a selfie of my Mom and me}

{Outside view}

{Downstairs storage}

Think Spring! Things to do around town in April

Its hard to believe its April and there is snow on the ground today, well really, I guess not, I mean it is Buffalo. Regardless of what it is doing outside, there is plenty to do around town this month. Here is my list of some events and activities that caught my eye this month.

Take a fun tour with Explore Buffalo - whether its at the Fontana Boat House or an architectural tour you're bound to have fun and learn more about WNY

When I think of April I think of baseball and even though the Major League teams opening day was yesterday and today, the hometown team {The Buffalo Bisons} kickoff their season on the road this Thursday and are at home on April 14th #seizetheseason

Fern Croft Floral is hosting a class on Floral arrangements April 23rd...this comes at the perfect time, gardening season is right around the corner.

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY classes this month, Macramé Hanging Plants on 4/12, Pidge Podge is back with a weaving workshop on 4/30 and in between those dates there is so much more taking place! For a complete list of classes click here

Buffalo State College's Fashion and Textile program is hosting Runway ECOLUTION April 16th. For tickets click here.

Resurgence is hosting a Toy Brewbash on 4/14. For more details you can go here.

The new EXPO Market downtown is hosting their Grand Opening on April 18 & 19th. If you haven't checked out the popular downtown food hall, put it on your calendar to do in April.

Party in the Park is back on April 22 at Marcy Casino

If you're in need of a wedding planner or need some DIY tips for your big day, MuseJar is hosting a Secrets of the Trade DIY event on 4/24. For more details check out the Facebook event page.

One event I'd like to attend this year is the Knox Farm Spring Art Fest taking place at the end of the month - April 29- May 1

Exploring the Winter Celebration event

{On stage at Sheas}

Last week my Dad and I attended Explore Buffalo's Winter Celebration at Sheas. One week after Sheas celebrated their 90th anniversary, making it a great venue to host an event. There was much to celebrate. Auctions filled with lots of Buffalo art and history, voting on new Explore Buffalo tours for the 2016 year and behind the scenes tours of the theater were offered during the night making it a pretty nice night out.

Here are some of my pictures from the night.

-B

{Lights, camera, action}

{Balcony seating}

#BuffaloLinks

Its the first #BuffaloLinks post for 2016. And with it comes a lot of fun events taking place throughout the rest of January. From outdoor to indoor events, winter in Buffalo doesn't have to be as dreadful as some make it. Whether you hit up Chestnut Ridge park for sledding, Fountain Plaza for ice skating, Riverworks for curling and ice hockey or Tifft Nature Preserve for some snow shoeing Buffalo has a lot going on. Here is a list of events that look like they are going to be fun to attend:

Chillabration at Canalside - January 15th

Be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records and take part in what may be the Longest Ice Line and help Make a Wish WNY. My cousin Nathan {wish teen} will be leading the line.

{photo- Canalside}

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY projects over the next few weeks. Check out a full list here

{photo- Makers Buffalo}

Learn all about energy at Energy Day at the Science Museum on January 23rd.

{photo Buffalo Science Museum}

Exercise and brunch- why not- Sip n' Stretch at Marcy Casino on January 24th is an event I have tickets to. Knowing I will be burning those calories so I can enjoy a mimosa afterwards is enough motivation for me to work hard during the class.

{photo Sip N Stretch event page}

Looking to learn more about this city and the history behind it. Explore Buffalo is the perfect place to go for tours. And on January 23rd they are kicking off a Winter Celebration to share all of the awesome things coming up.

{photo Explore Buffalo}

A light show and more is coming back to Buffalo's Botanical Gardens at the end of January. Lumagination was on my list of events to attend last year and never happened, so this year I've made it a priority.

{photo Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens}

Festival/Tour Guide 2015

With summer officially here I thought I would put together a list of some upcoming festivals and tours happening around town that you shouldn't pass up if you have the time. Let's hope that it starts to feel more like summer as we approach July.

• A staple in Buffalo during the summer - the Taste of Buffalo
• Galbani Italian Festival on Hertal Ave. - July 16-19th
• Elmwood Arts Festival
• Shakespeare in Delaware Park
• Explore Buffalo Tour- they offer so many cool tours to take - there is something for everyone!
• Buffalo Pedal Tours - A cool way to see Buffalo and hang out with your friends!
• Boat Tours/Experiences - Canalside has plenty of options when it comes to exploring Buffalo by Boat
• St. Leo the Great Lawn Fete- July 25th
• Queen of Heaven Lawn Fete - July 16th
• Eden Corn Festival
• Williamsville Old Home Days - July 7-10th
• Erie County Fair - August 12-23

#BuffaloLinks

{a new food truck to add to the Buffalo mix - The Flaming Fish}

{a place to check out for home décor - The Painted House}

{this Friday join Evolution Yoga at the Darwin Martin house for some yoga, tea and refreshments afterwards. For more info click here}

{want to learn more about Buffalo's twentieth century? Check out Explore Buffalo's City of Light tour on Saturday from 1-4pm. Check out the details by clicking here}

{always a fun fashion show to attend - Buffalo State's Runway event is this Saturday. Click here for all the details}