The drive out to Cambria, New York is a scenic one, full of lush treescapes and vast farmland. In the summer months, Niagara County blossoms into something of an oasis, attracting visitors from all over the world. Despite the rural charm, you’re still within 40 minutes of Niagara Falls, downtown Buffalo and the Ontario, Canada border.
One of those dreamy oases? Kin Loch Farmstead. The lavender farm hosts U-Pick weekends each July, as well as on-site events throughout the year including yoga, floral-arranging classes, candle making and luxury picnics for small groups. There are also handmade, lavender-infused products available to purchase.
When you arrive at Kin Loch, you’re greeted by a stunning wooden barn and a sprawling mix of field and forest. This barn was specifically designed and built on 30 acres with a lavender farm in mind.
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“When we found the property, it was all soy,” says Alexandra Plante, owner of Kin Loch. “The soil happens to be perfect for lavender—very sandy, almost like a sandbox.”
The transformation from soybean fields to lavender farm wasn’t just about the soil—it was personal for Alex. Kin Loch means “family lake” in Gaelic, a name that honors both her family’s Syracuse restaurants and the land itself. The acreage was once covered by Lake Ontario, which created the lavender-friendly soil.
Alex and her husband, Ryan, created a retreat from scratch, erecting the barn and planting eight varieties of lavender along their property. Since lavender isn’t native to Western New York, the couple faced challenges determining which varieties could handle the unpredictable climate. After plenty of trial and error, they opened to the public in 2019.
“English lavender does well here, but others, like Spanish lavender that thrives in a Mediterranean climate, do not,” Alex says. “Most visitors don’t realize there are so many varieties until they visit. We grow pink, white, a bluish variety and a pastel purple in the English variety.”
Alex’s love of lavender began when she lived in New York City and turned a creative outlet into something more. She began harvesting and making cold-pressed soaps, candles and lotions. Her passion for cultivating dreamy details is apparent in each thoughtful touch on the Farmstead, from the quaint trail leading to the lavender field to the vintage camper, nestled in the woods along the path.
Visiting Kin Loch isn’t just about picking lavender. It’s about making beautiful memories.
“I am honored that my farm is a part of feel-good experiences,” Alex says. “My family always went to the same Christmas tree farm every year, and I have such fond memories of those trips. For my farm to be a part of a family’s tradition is such an honor.”
While you’re there
Kin Loch Farmstead is minutes away from some of Niagara County’s best offerings. Plan a day or a weekend getaway to take full advantage.
