This past weekend, Bas and I visited Prince Edward County (PEC) and it was magical. We've wanted to escape the city to PEC for a couple of years now but the timing has never worked out (and it's only a two hour drive from Toronto!) But this past weekend, we finally made it and I can assure you we will be back! We loved it so much that this whole post is a little different and is completely about PEC, so here are my WEEK 29 FEELS:
Stay:
We stayed in The Walter (#7) at the adorable Angeline's Inn. This B+B is super sweet and very affordable. Everyone who worked there was so friendly. The room is very clean and basic (we usually don't spend too much time in our room). There is a light breakfast (croissant and coffee) included and upgrades to a full cold or hot buffet at a very reasonable cost (for guests only). They have a restaurant - The Hubb on site (they serve lunch and dinner), as well a really cute Tuck Shop with local goods. Angeline's is in Bloomfield, a town in between Wellington and Picton (those are the three main towns), so the location is great!
We stayed didn't stay at The June Motel but I would totally recommend it. It's an Instagram dream and perfect for a girls weekend. The exterior is so fun with the millennial pink doors and garden flamingos and the interior is so boho beach chic with metallic accents and neon pink PEACE, LOVE, WINE sign (the lady working insisted on taking our photo in front of it - so cute!) Each room is decorated with as much thought and stunning detail as the common areas - so I hear! The June is located in Picton just outside the town centre (you definitely need a car to get around - but that's the case for most of the county). Also, you will need to book far in advance... I think they are full for the summer!
Eat:
When in PEC, you must eat (and drink) at the Drake Devonshire. It did live up to the hype and is a really unique spot. It has a similar vibe to the Drake Hotel in Toronto but it's on the water. Great food, great drink, great decor, and great art. Go early (or stay late) to wander around and play some yard games.
Everyone told us to try Slickers ice cream (which we did - burnt marshmallow is pretty ridiculous) but my fave was nice ice baby.
We didn't get the chance to eat at The Courage but we peeked inside and it is so gorgeous... if the food is anything like the decor... I'd recommend it. I also had the best banana cake ever from The Saylor House. They have a really sweet garden patio to enjoy your treats on.
Drink:
There are so many amazing wineries and breweries in PEC. Here are a few of my faves that have all have something special about them:
Rosehall Run Vineyards (PICNIC food truck!)
Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard (wood-fired pizza!)
Hinterland Wine Company (the cherry cider!)
County Road Beer Co. (great selection!)
Parsons Brewing Company (fun lawn games!)
Midtown Brewing Company (onsite meat + cheese shop - can buy + eat with your beer!)
... there are so many more to discover!
See:
This is definitely seasonal but if you happen to be in PEC during lavender season, it's worth the $2 entrance fee :) to frolic with the bees and butterflies in a sea of purple at Prince Edward County Lavender Farm.
Sandbanks Provincial Park. See it. Spend time. Do it. Honestly, I love nature but whenever someone gives me travel suggestions to go to National/Provincial Parks, I'm sometimes hesitant. I find them to be confusing, overwhelming and big, and busy. Some of these are true for Sandbanks, but there was something SO special about it. A couple special things about it:
The history - I fell in love with the story of an old burnt down summer lakeside resort that used to be in the park. There is information all around about this landmark that sounded like a really special, romantic summer getaway in the 60s (I think!)... I wished I could live in that time period to experience it.
The dunes - we were a little lazy but from a far we saw the really neat sand dunes.
The beaches - it was definitely busy but the sand! So soft, we could not believe we were in Ontario nevermind Canada. It really felt like we were on vacation.
Shop:
In Bloomfield, there are a number of shops along the main street. My favourites are:
The County Collective pop up, an amazingly curated shop made up of mostly Canadian creatives goods. I got some cute ceramics and Bas got the comfiest t-shirt. KOKITO a super sweet shop, where we picked up some fun handmade wooden toys for our nephews, and Sand and Sumac that had some really unique homegoods and clothing, and so many amazing textures and textiles (I really wanted this really cool patterned comb - next time).
In Wellington, my faves are:
The Parlour Studio - it is so beautifully designed and all the plants are dreamy. I picked up a ceramic diffuser from a local ceramicist, a ceramic pot and some stunning flowers and The General which has a great coffee (so I hear - we don't drink coffee), a fun selection of bulk candy (this I can confirm), Augies Gourmet Ice Pops, and lots of cute gifts and large selection of meri meri.
So let me know what you think of my faves and please let me know what I've missed! We will definitely be back again soon!
