Lewin Farms, Lavender By The Bay and Tanger Outlets Full-Day Tour

If you’re craving a day outside the hustle and bustle of New York City that mixes fresh air, scenic beauty, and some retail therapy, this full-day tour offers just that. It’s designed for those who want to see a different side of Long Island without the hassle of renting a car or planning each stop themselves. While it’s ideal for a relaxed yet engaging outing, keep in mind that the schedule can shift if farms are closed or weather impacts opening hours.

We love how this experience combines three very distinct activities—a farm visit, a lavender field walk, and outlet shopping—into one reasonably priced package. It’s great for families, couples, or groups who want variety in their day trip. However, if you’re looking for an in-depth visit to one single location, this might feel a bit rushed. Overall, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of everything, especially if you’re eager to see local produce, enjoy natural beauty, and hunt for deals all in one go.

Good To Know

• Diverse Experience: Combines farm, lavender fields, and outlet shopping for a well-rounded day.
• Convenient Transportation: Guided transit means no need to rent a car or navigate busy roads yourself.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Visit Lewin Farms to see where your food comes from and pick your own produce.
• Stunning Scenery: Walk through vibrant lavender fields, rated as one of America’s top lavender farms.
• Shopping Value: Enjoy several hours at Tanger Outlets, with plenty of designer brands at discounted prices.
• Flexible Itinerary: The schedule can be adjusted if farms are closed, with possible substitutions like Old Westbury Gardens.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point: Lewin Farms

The day kicks off with a visit to Lewin Farms, which is more than just a quick stop. This family-run farm embodies the charm of local agriculture, with a tradition of growing various crops for over a century. Here, you’ll get a taste of what farm life looks like—and maybe even get your hands dirty picking fresh fruits and vegetables. From strawberries to pumpkins (depending on the season), this farm offers a genuine connection to where your food originates.

Travelers who have visited praise the informative guides and the opportunity to see local produce firsthand. One reviewer noted, “It’s a great way to see how food is grown and to support local businesses.” The 75-minute stop allows enough time to explore, pick some produce if you wish, and snap photos of lush fields. The best part? Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly start to your day.

Lavender by The Bay

Next, the highlight for many is Lavender by the Bay, often rated among the top lavender farms in the country. Located in East Marion, this 17-acre farm boasts over 80,000 lavender plants and offers a sensory experience with fragrant, purple fields stretching as far as the eye can see.

The farm’s owners have been cultivating lavender for over 15 years, and the care they put into growing high-quality plants really shows. As you stroll through the vibrant fields, you’ll breathe in the natural scent—so much better than any air freshener. The farm’s shaded pavilion allows for a relaxed break, and the farm shop sells handcrafted gifts made from lavender, perfect for souvenirs.

Keep in mind that lavender season typically runs from mid-June to the end of July, so timing is key to see this in full bloom. Several reviews mention the magical atmosphere and the opportunity to take classic lavender photos. One visitor shared, “The fields are stunning—like stepping into a dream,” highlighting how photogenic and calming the experience can be.

Outlet Shopping at Tanger Outlets

After a breath of fresh air, it’s time for some retail therapy at Tanger Outlets Riverhead. This outlet mall is a shopper’s paradise, offering discounted prices on designer and popular brands. With around three hours allocated, you’ll have plenty of time to browse, try on, and find deals on clothing, accessories, and more.

Travelers often say that this is an ideal spot to stock up on essentials or indulge in some impulse buys. It’s worth noting that the outlets are well-organized, with a variety of stores to suit different tastes and budgets. Plus, with no entrance fee, it’s an accessible way to add some fun to your day.

The Drive and Flexibility

The total driving time for the day is roughly five hours, including transit between stops and rest breaks. The guided transportation means you don’t need to worry about navigation or parking, allowing you to relax and enjoy the views. The guide or driver may adjust the order of stops or the length of each depending on weather and farm schedules—a helpful flexibility that ensures the day runs smoothly.

In case farms are closed (a common issue outside peak lavender season), the itinerary might substitute a visit to Old Westbury Gardens, offering a stately estate experience instead. This adaptability ensures you still get a memorable day, even if some locations are unavailable.

Practical Details and Pricing

At $116 per person, the tour offers solid value considering transportation, guiding, and access to diverse activities. The price doesn’t include lavender farm admission, but it covers everything else, including the driver-guide, vehicle, and the convenience of a pre-planned day.

Food and beverages aren’t included, so bringing snacks or plan to grab lunch in the outlets. For families with children, booster seats are available for an additional $10, which is useful for safe bus travel with little ones.

The tour operates with group sizes capped at 55 people, ensuring a comfortable experience, and cancellation is free if made 24 hours in advance—making it flexible for spontaneous plans.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

While formal reviews are limited, some travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides who made the stops more engaging and informative. One review noted, “Our guide was fantastic—full of interesting facts, making the farm visits even better.” The lavender fields, in particular, received high praise for their beauty and fragrant atmosphere.

A common theme is the well-paced schedule—long enough at each stop to enjoy without feeling rushed. The outlet shopping was described as “a great way to spend three hours without feeling overwhelmed,” with many mentioning finding designer brands at a fraction of retail prices.

Travelers also mentioned that weather can impact the experience, especially at the lavender farm, so planning accordingly helps maximize enjoyment.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour offers a balanced mix of nature, local food, and shopping, making it ideal for day-trippers who want variety. If you enjoy seeing how your food is grown, wandering among fragrant lavender fields, and snagging deals from top brands, this experience hits all those notes.

It’s particularly suitable for families, couples, or groups looking for a relaxed yet engaging outing. The guided transportation, flexible itinerary, and modest price point mean you’ll get a lot of value without the stress of planning every detail.

However, if you’re seeking an in-depth visit to a single location or have specific interests, this might feel a little rushed. Also, keep in mind the seasonality of lavender, which is a major highlight but only blooms during certain months.

This tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to explore Long Island’s countryside, with enough variety to keep everyone entertained and a good balance of relaxation and activity.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 to 11 hours, including transit time, stops, and rest periods.

Is transportation included?
Yes, a professional driver and guide will take care of all transit between the farm, lavender fields, and outlets.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers guided transportation, the services of a professional driver-guide, and the entry to the farm and outlet shopping. It does not include farm admission fees or food.

Can I visit Lavender by The Bay outside peak season?
Lavender by The Bay typically opens from mid-June to the end of July, so visiting outside this window might mean missing the lavender bloom.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children can join, but those under 6 require a booster seat, available for an extra $10. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What if farms are closed on my scheduled day?
The itinerary can be adjusted, often substituting a visit to Old Westbury Gardens or another scenic location to ensure a full day of sightseeing.

In essence, this tour offers a charming mix of agriculture, floral beauty, and shopping that appeals to those wanting a taste of Long Island’s countryside without the hassle. It’s perfect for relaxed explorers, bargain hunters, and anyone wanting a break from the city’s chaos—with a good dose of nature and retail therapy in one convenient package.