Prince Edward County is a great choice for people contemplating whether to hop on a jumbo plane or travel overseas. You will find beautiful water views, sandy beaches, and 800 km of shoreline. There are also many wineries, wonderful chef-driven, farm-to-table cuisine, boutiques, antique shops, and art studios. There are many hiking and biking options.
PEC’s proximity to Ottawa is a major draw. It is located less than three hours from the capital. It’s a scenic and easy drive away. Many treats are waiting for you once you arrive. If you are looking for Anne of Green Gables, or red fields of potatoes, then you’re in the wrong place. Prince Edward County is not an island. This Ontario vacation spot is a haven of peace and tranquillity.
In years past, you may have visited on a wineries tour or a gastro adventure, a girl’s weekend, or a family vacation. PEC is well-known for its Sandbanks Provincial Park and dunes. As it is known, the County is now celebrated for much more. Autumn 2021 is the perfect time to make the return. The harvest has arrived, and summer crowds are fading.
Our stay began at The Waring House. This charming, historic inn has beautiful grounds and delicious dining.
It is worth noting, however, that the COVID regulations will allow the on-site cookery schools to reopen with cooking school meals and accommodation packages.
The Waring House is open to guests at all times. This inn is located in Picton at 395 Sandy Hook Road. It offers five unique guest rooms.
Drake Devonshire, 24 Wharf Street, is another must-see address. This stunning, art-filled lakeside location, the hip PEC offspring from The Drake Hotel in Toronto, features a bar, Restaurant In PEC, and boutique hotel. We enjoyed drinks and appetizers from the new menu. The best lobster roll I have ever had. Amanda Ray, the new executive chef, was great, and the drinks were great. It’s a wonderful spot to enjoy dinner with a beautiful view.
The County boasts close to 40 wineries and is the fastest-growing wine region in the province. We could taste the wines and enjoy the unique atmosphere at three wineries: Huff Estates Winery and Grange of Prince Edward Winery, and Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard.
Huff Estates Winery is located at 2274 County Road 1 (Bloomfield) and has a beautiful covered patio and a brand new pizza oven. It was a fun place to have a tasting and lots of laughter. Huff has a large covered deck that overlooks the vines. It is truly amazing. Another popular product is wine in a bottle.
Grange of Prince Edward Winery is located at 990 Closson Road, Hillier. It’s a treasure. Caroline Granger, a 20-year-old woman, returned to her family farm to plant grapevines and vines. Caroline Granger’s daughter Maggie is an integral part of the family winery. All wines from the Grange are hand-crafted and estate-grown. We enjoyed our tasting in the charming, historic barn. Old-Salt Cocktails also offers wine by the glass, cocktails, and snacks like sausages and frozen poptails.
Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard is located at 1152 Greer Road, Wellington. It was established in 2003. It’s open daily and dog-friendly. There’s also a restaurant, pizza oven, and gift shop. This year’s edition is the Oyster Bar. Other big hits include the outdoor patio and the pizza hut, but the real stars are the wines. They were memorable in the best possible way.
