May 8, 2025 - Thursday - We were all excited about our adventure today in Idyllwild, CA. Of course we had to drive 6,000 feet above sea level to get there.
Our destination was Gary Parton’s colorful and fragrant Idyllwild (Alpenglow) Lilac Garden, with 165 different colors of the old-fashioned flowers that resemble clusters of tiny grapes with an intoxicating scent, sometimes spicy and sometimes sweet. The colors range from blue-violet and magenta to pinks and whites and, of course, dark purples, some of which resemble the burgundy hues of red wine.
Gary came out to meet us and he gave us a short tour of his property. Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of him, but this is from his Facebook page.
When we first talked with Gary he said "they're flexible" and proceeded to bend a branch way over. And he said if you really want to smell them, then stick your nose right in, and we both did.
For more information about Gary's lilacs, check out this Los Angeles Times article.
After the lilacs, we had lunch at the famous Red Kettle.
Judy had their fish sandwich with Alaskan cod, which was good, but it needed more fish in it.
I had their Rueben sandwich with pastrami, cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing.
If you're in the area, please stop by before June 8, 2025 since the property is up for sale and the lilacs may soon be gone.