From Purple to Gold
Spring 2027*
1 day | 2-3 guests — minimum 2, maximum 3 | Available
*Dates TBD based on bloom timing. We'll confirm with waitlist members once planting is finalized.
There's something about the smell of lavender that slows you down. One moment you're walking through rows of purple blooms, the next you're standing in a sea of sunflowers turning their faces toward the late afternoon sun. Somewhere in between, there's a scoop of ice cream and a reminder that the simplest things still hit the hardest.
From Purple to Gold is a single day — unhurried, fragrant, golden. Just the open road, wide fields, and the kind of afternoon that makes you wonder why you don't do this more often.
$625*
Per Person
2-3 Women
Group Size
1 Day (13hrs)
Trip Length
Light
Physical Intensity
Approx. 3 hrs
Longest Driving Day
15-45 min
Typical Driving Day
Curated Journey
Travel Style
*Journey fee only. Meals, snacks, and activity fees are not included. See What's Included for full details.
Along the Way
Lavender Fields TBD
Ice Cream Stop TBD
Sunflower Fields TBD
Additional stops and discoveries Because the best moments are often unplanned.
How the Day Unfolds
This itinerary* is a general guide to give you a sense of the journey. Every day is shaped by conditions, light, and the moment — because the best experiences rarely follow a script.
Day Prior [Arrival evening] Meet at designated hotel near HOU, brief pre-departure orientation, confirm pickup time for Day 1
Departure — 8:30-9:00 AM
Drive to lavender farm — approx 1hr 45min
Lavender farm — 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Drive for ice cream stop — approx 15 min
Ice cream stop — 12:30 PM
Lunch stop — nearby
Drive to sunflower field — approx 40 min
Sunflower field / golden hour — 7:00-8:30 PM
Drive home — approx 2 hrs
Estimated return — 10:30 PM
Comfort Profile
Climate-controlled vehicle / fuel stops / restrooms
You'll travel in a climate-controlled vehicle, and there's always a restroom stop if needed.
Meal/snack stops
A stop for lunch before setting up at the sunflower fields.
Walking surfaces / footwear
Walking surfaces at our destinations vary — expect uneven terrain, gravel, and natural ground. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended. Also, bring rain boots in case the fields are muddy.
Weather / layering
Weather conditions can vary significantly — from humid, warm mornings to warm/hot afternoons, and/or possible rain. Dress prepared for changing conditions.
What’s Included:
✅ A carefully curated itinerary
✅ Your travel companion for the entire journey
✅ Photography guidance (available for those who want it)
✅ Pre-journey conversation
✅ Power bank and car inverter for device charging
What’s Not Included:
❌ Meals, beverages, and snacks
❌ Entry fees and attraction tickets (if required)
❌ Transportation to the designated departure point near Houston Hobby Airport (Airport code: HOU).
❌ Camera gear — bring your own or rent before your journey
NOTE: Don't have a camera? LensRentals.com is a great resource for renting quality camera gear before your journey.
What to Pack
Before you Pack
Space in the vehicle is shared, so we ask that each guest bring one or two small personal items — a purse, camera bag, or daypack.
Personal Gear List
Walking shoes and/or hiking boots, rain boots
Layers
T-shirts
Long-sleeves for sun protection
Light rain jacket
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen and bug spray
Reusable water bottle and/or camelbak
Small/medium backpack
Personal medications (if needed)
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)*
Comfy clothing for long driving days
Smartphone for personal photos and your charging cable(s)
Headlamp and/or flashlight
Cash (some locations may only accept cash)
* See Fine Print for additional details
Camera Gear (Photographers)
Digital SLR or Mirrorless camera body
Wide angle zoom lens (15-35mm on full frame, 10-22mm for crop sensors) - If there is early morning Milky Way shooting
Mid-range zoom lens (24-105mm) - For general daytime shooting
Telephoto lens (optional) - If we encounter wildlife
Sturdy tripod and ballhead
Remote shutter release/Intervalometer — minimizes camera shake
Extra camera batteries and charger
Desiccant pack (the air may be humid in the early mornings)
Extra memory cards
Lens cleaning kit — blower and microfiber cloth
Circular polarizer filter and/or ND filter (optional)
Camera backpack for gear protection
Flashlight/headlamp (just in case)
Don't have a camera? LensRentals.com is a great resource for renting quality gear before your journey.
Fine Print
Travel on this day trip may involve changing weather conditions, unpaved or uneven roads, and itinerary adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances. While the day is researched and planned carefully, flexibility is an expected part of the experience.
Cancellation Policy:
Bookings 90+ days before departure:
60+ days before trip: Full refund minus $100
30-59 days before trip: 50% refund minus $100
Less than 30 days: No refund
Bookings less than 90 days before departure:
Full payment required upon booking
30+ days before trip: 50% refund minus $100
Less than 30 days: No refund
Family emergency — reschedule or refund consideration at owner's discretion, request must be submitted in writing via email
Insufficient Bookings — If a minimum of 2 travelers cannot be confirmed, full refund of all deposits and payments made to SHIGEYOSHI
Unsafe Conditions — If dangerous weather, road conditions, or safety concerns make the journey unsafe, we reserve the right to cancel. Full refund of all SHIGEYOSHI trip payments or option to reschedule to an alternative date
Host Illness/Emergency — If Julie is unable to lead the journey due to illness or personal emergency, full refund of all SHIGEYOSHI trip payments or option to reschedule
Please Note:
Guests must be able to walk on uneven terrain, stand for extended periods, and independently enter and exit a full-size SUV
Due to the seasonal nature of this journey, bloom conditions will be confirmed approximately 2-4 weeks before departure. We strongly recommend guests refrain from booking non-refundable travel arrangements until bloom confirmation is received. SHIGEYOSHI is not responsible for travel costs incurred prior to bloom confirmation.
Guests are responsible for their own accommodations the evening prior to departure. SHIGEYOSHI is not responsible for costs associated with third-party bookings. A recommended hotel near Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) will be provided upon booking confirmation.
All guests are responsible for their own transportation to the designated departure point near Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Details provided upon booking confirmation. Out-of-town guests are encouraged to arrive the evening prior. A recommended hotel near HOU will be provided.
The price reflects my time, expertise, vehicle, lodging, and experience navigating and photographing the American West. Portions of this journey have been personally scouted; others — including McDonald Observatory — we'll discover together for the first time.
"We plan carefully so you can travel confidently."
Prepared for the Road
CPR/AED and First Aid certified
First aid kit on every journey
Starlink Mini for connectivity in semi-remote areas
Routes carefully researched before departure
Nearest medical facilities identified before every journey
Emergency contact information exchanged before departure
A full emergency reference guide travels with us on every journey
If conditions aren't right, we find another way
How to Book
Join the Waitlist — Add your name below (free, no commitment)
Two Guests Confirm — Once we have minimum 2 interested travelers, we'll send you our Client Agreement, Liability Waiver, Health Disclosure, and Photo Release to review and sign
Submit Deposit — After signing, deposit is due to hold your spot (refundable per cancellation policy). If a minimum of 2 travelers cannot be confirmed, we will refund your entire amount.
Final Payment — Balance is due 90 days before departure.