My Picks for Prince Edward County

Relaxing underneath the Willows, in Prince Edward County

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had the good fortune of spending my summers beneath the whimsical Willows of Prince Edward County. Many of my favourite memories have the County as their backdrop, and I have to say, this Eastern Ontario gem gets better every year.

As more and more Torontonians become infatuated with the County, I thought I’d put together a list of my favourite spots there. Some are very much in vogue at the moment, and others simply define my oldest memories of the place, before it became the trendy destination it is today. Nonetheless, here it is; my travel guide to Prince Edward County. I hope you find this rural treasure as irresistable as I do.

A glimpse of Sandbanks Beach

1. Sandbanks Provincial Park – From the moment your eyes rest on one of Sandbanks’ three sandy beeches (Outlet, Sandbanks or Dunes Beach), you’ll wonder why you ever booked a Caribbean vacation in lieu of visiting this Canadian paradise. The provincial park spans more than 3,700 acres of land, and hosts the world’s largest fresh water sand bar and dune system. Many have ranked its beaches the most beautiful in Canada, but the park also hosts numerous campsites and a range of amenities for those staying overnight, as well as a spectacular view of the summer sun set.

The view from Sandbanks Beach at Sandbanks Provincial Park

A Sandbanks Sunset

2. Wineries – If you’re an aspiring sommelier, chances are you’ve heard the words, Prince Edward County, uttered a time or two, within your circle of well-wined friends. The County is home to dozens of quality wineries, each with its own personality and rows of meticulously maintained vines. My favourites are Huff’s and Rosehall Run, for their exceptional pinot noirs, Closson Chase for its unparalleled Chardonnay, The Grange for its delicious Riesling, and Sandbanks Estates, where just about all of their wines are taste-worthy.

The idylic vineyards at Closson Chase Winery

3. East & Main Bistro – This Wellington eatery opened years before its trendy neighbor, The Drake Devonshire, and its cuisine is equally buzz-worthy. Local ingredients, a quaint comfortable atmosphere, and friendly servers make dining here a treat every time. I especially love their sweets, so make sure to leave room for dessert when you visit.

4. Shopping in Picton – Picton is one of the largest towns in Prince Edward County, and home to a range of wonderful shops. I’ve always loved wandering down Picton’s Main Street, exploring its boutiques and cafés. Books & Company is a top-notch bookstore offering a wide variety of new and used books, and delicious artisanal coffee at its adjoining café, Miss Lily’s. A few doors down from there, you’ll find City Revival, a designer consignment store that always impresses me with its frequently replenished inventory of Dior, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and DKNY. Next on my list of Picton picks, is Zest Kitchen Shop, another Main Street boutique with an impressive selection, but this one specializes in high-quality cookware and accessories. If you’re travelling alongside a culinary crusader (which the county is great for, I might add), he or she will love visiting Zest. Gilbert & Lighthall is another favourite of mine; this inviting store stocks old and new furniture in a beautiful heritage building on Main Street. It’s the ideal place to be while dreaming of the lakeside summer home you hope to own one day. Finally, my Picton picks would not be complete without The Bean Counter Café. I love this place. I love its locally roasted coffee, its better-than-Starbucks chai tea lattes (yes, I said it), its selection of mouthwatering gelato and its in-house-baked goods. They also serve beautiful Montreal Bagels and fresh sandwiches.

Main Street Picton's Bean Counter Café

5. The Hayloft Dance Hall – This Footloose-esque Cherry Valley destination has been around for eons, but only recently became a hot hangout for members of Toronto’s music scene and County-goers enjoying a night out. Owners, Shawn Creamer and Shannon Kohlmeier, also own Toronto’s Dakota Tavern, and have brought the same live music line-up to the County’s Hayloft. I love that this bar stays true to the County’s roots by seating patrons at wooden picnic tables inside a giant red barn. Another favourite feature is the shuttle service that drives patrons back to Wellington, Bloomfield and Picton, after a night of drinking and dancing.

Apples growing at The County Cider Company

6. The County Cider Company – In addition to the County’s bountiful wine offerings, this foodie-haven also serves up some unbelievably good cider. The County Cider Company in Waupoos is picturesquely located amidst apple orchards and grape vines, and sits on a hill overlooking Lake Ontario. Enjoy a thin-crust pizza from their wood-burning oven, while sipping a pint of Waupoos Premium Cider, or my new favourite, the Peach County Cider.

The picturesque view from The County Cider Compnay in Waupoos

5. Mustang Drive-In Movie Theatre – The County hosts numerous small towns and hamlets, and the closest enclosed movie theatre is miles away in Belleville, so movie nights are best spent at the Mustang Drive-In Theatre on County-Road One. Tune your radio to the specified channel, grab a bucket of popcorn from the concession shed and enjoy the film. There’s no better way!

7. The Drake Devonshire Inn – The addition of this Drake Hotel satellite has crowned Prince Edward County the hottest destination for Torontonian weekenders at the moment. And I have to say, the Drake by the Lake did immediately become another one of my County favourites too. The atmosphere is laid-back, cottage-cozy and of course, as with any Drake establishment, quintessentially Hipster. Its restaurant serves gourmet dinners and classic brunches alongside County wines and ciders, and the inn's unique features range from a communal ping pong table to my fave suite, the romantic Stargazer Crash Pad, where guests can stare up at the night sky while cuddling under the covers - free from bug bites and the cool night breeze.

This fun mural overlooks the screened-in veranda at The Drake Devonshire Inn's Restaurant

9. Isaiah Tubbs Resort’s Restaurant on the Knoll Overlooking the Sandbanks at West Lake – In addition to having one of the longest restaurant names known to man, this long-standing gem is an all-time County-favourite. Its low-key bar and dining room do indeed, overlook the giant sand dunes at West Lake, as well as the resort’s secluded private beech. I have a soft spot for Tubbs after spending several family vacations there as a child, and to me, nothing says Prince Edward County more than spending an evening as part of the “Tubbs Club”.

10. Shopping in Bloomfield – If you asked my mother what this list should include, she wouldn’t hesitate before suggesting Bloomfield. This charming village’s Main Street hosts two rows of gift boutiques that never fail to enchant me. My personal favourites are Green Gables and Diva, although every so often, a new shop arrives that I instantly gravitate towards.

While this list outlines my top picks for PEC, I have to note that the County is also the ideal place to cycle, run, pick fresh berries, rummage for antiques, and just sit back and relax. If you’re craving a weekend getaway any time soon, Prince Edward County is certainly a destination to consider.

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