For years, I've sought out the lilac bushes in every neighborhood I've called home. Most often, it's their distinctive scent that guides me to their brief but beautiful blooms in late spring and early summer. These roadside or between-homes’ bushes evoke memories of early mornings before school — the grass still dewy, reflecting with the sunlight — and my mother gathering handfuls to brighten our kitchen window.

A lot can change in the few weeks these florals are in bloom, in the same ways we change and transform across the seasons of our lives. Amidst everything, the sight of lilacs grounds me; a reminder of the many places I consider home. Whether you're biking through the Chippewa Valley and catch their fragrance from a distance or strolling through your neighborhood — appreciating the 'No Mow May' participants' yards — here are three Eau Claire spots with particularly beloved (lilac) bushes, worthy of praise.

Behind the Woltersdorf House, pictured.

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BEHIND THE HISTORIC WOLTERSDORF HOUSE. As my girlfriends and I were walking along the Chippewa River State Trail, a dynamic display of lilac bushes — behind what I learned to be the historic Woltersdorf House (751 2nd Ave., Eau Claire) — caught my eye. According to the city of Eau Claire Landmark Commission, this Queen Anne-style home was built by Frederick and Mary Woltersdorf in 1893. Despite the homes' decorative trim and aged red exterior, the most striking feature is the beautiful crown of lilacs lining its perimeter — displaying hues of white, traditional lilac purple, and rich magenta. I often return to this historic home year after year, consistently captivated by the abundant fragrances and displays of my beloved flowers.

 

Entrance to the pedestrian tunnel under 5th Avenue, pictured.

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THE PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL UNDER 5TH AVENUE. Riding your bike on the trail, your sniffer might be the first to detect the lilac bushes surrounding the two ends of the pedestrian tunnel under 5th Avenue in Eau Claire. Beside the Mayo Clinic Health System Luther Campus parking ramp (1221 Whipple St., Eau Claire), these lilac bushes offer a lovely display for passersby. Before their season in bloom ends, I’ll frequently clip some blossoms to bring home for vases or to share with friends (I won’t encourage picking flowers from people’s yards, so this option makes it possible to snag a few). This year, the bushes beautifully frame local artist Joe Maurer's ongoing mural work in the pedestrian tunnel, "The River Above Us."

 

Entrance to the Volume One headquarters and The Local Store's outdoor patio, pictured.

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ENTRANCE TO THE PATIO, THE LOCAL STORE. It would be an oversight not to mention my (recently discovered) favorite bush, at a new place I now call home — the Volume One headquarters and Local Store on Dewey Street (205 N Dewey St., Eau Claire). Walking into the office each morning, rain or shine, there’s always something to enjoy in this pocket of the North Barstow District. My discovery of these residential lilacs in bloom that surround the building has instilled an even greater appreciation for this location. Whether I am on a lunch break or shopping our array of locally-sourced memorabilia, I’ll stop and smell the flowers. This expression — that now takes on a literal meaning — encourages me to slow down and appreciate the beauty and simple joys of life.