Capture that Fall Feeling this October in The County 🎃

Sure, October is when we can officially say that summer is behind us, but there are still tons of exciting, seasonal events and activities to enjoy as the air cools and the leaves fall in The County. From Oktoberfests and Pumpkinfest to haunted walks through corn fields and graveyards, there’s plenty to enjoy whether you’re escaping for a romantic weekend or looking for something festive to do with the whole family.

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Start with Art

The first weekend of October marks the annual PEC Studio Tour. The Studio Tour features over 50 artists at 36 studio locations throughout The County, making for an epic art-filled weekend. Whether you are looking for art to display, art to wear, or art to use in your home, the Studio Tour is the perfect opportunity to discover new artists, take a peek behind the scenes, and appreciate the work in an intimate manner that is not always afforded in a typical gallery setting. ⁠
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To plan your Studio Tour route and discover more Studio Tour artists, head to PECStudioTour.com or check out the map below.

For even more art in The County this month check out 2Gallery’s John Visser Exhibit – Days of Light and Shadow – on until October 18th, visit the 6 Artists exhibit and sale from Sept 30 – Oct 2, attend an art workshop at Baxter Arts Centre (this month features sessions on life drawing, weaving, nature journaling, and resin art), or attend a Mixed Media Collage workshop at The County Arts Lab.

You don’t need to attend a special event to experience art in The County either. Galleries in Prince Edward County are open throughout the fall and are a perfect way to spend these chillier and possibly rainy days.

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Wholesome Fall Fun

If you’re looking for some wholesome fall activities, we’ve got you covered! The fun kicks off with The Department of Illumination’s annual Scarecrow Festival. A fundraising event for this beloved community arts organization, the Scarecrow Festival invites you to make your very own scarecrow to take home with all supplies provided for $40. With a barn full of clothes and a mountain of straw with which to craft a character, this is a perfect Thanksgiving Weekend activity for the whole family.

We told you about apple picking at Campbell’s Orchards last month, but this classic fall activity continues into October with hot apple cider on tap, caramel apples to enjoy on the weekends, as well as fun wagon rides throughout the farm. You’ll also be entertained by their corn maze, pumpkin patch, and their on-site cidery Apple Falls Cider Co.– a treat for parents too!

If it’s pumpkins you’re after, you don’t want to miss the festive pumpkin and squash displays at Honey Wagon Farms and Langridge’s Fresh Produce. These two farm stands turn Sandy Hook Road just off the Picton roundabout into a festive corridor at this time of year and are truly a sight to be seen if you are inclined to gourds, both decorative and non. While you’re in the area, complete your festive decor by picking up some potted mums at Lockyer’s Country Gardens.

Speaking of pumpkins, you don’t want to miss Pumpkinfest, the annual festival in Wellington which is back this year in full force after two years of modified festivals. The festivities begin at 10:30 with a parade through town, which is followed by music in the park, food truck, and a kids zone where activities like face-painting, a balloon artist, petting zoo, and lawn games will keep kids entertained. The highlight of Pumpkinfest is the giant pumpkin weigh-off, which starts at 12PM at Lehigh Arena. In addition, the Wellington Community Market is back for one more market this season and will be running all morning until 2PM at the Wellington United Church.

Want to take in the changing colours? There are plenty of beautiful ways to do so in The County. Go for a walk through the forested paths of Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area (being sure to check out Birdhouse City while you’re there), cycle along the Millennium Trail and take in the brilliant colours of sumac and goldenrod among other deciduous trees along the route, go for a County drive, or go for an autumn walk on one of the hiking trails at Sandbanks Provincial Park (you can still book your day-use permit in advance here).

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Fall is for Foodies

Looking for a delicious getaway? Fall is the perfect time to discover the bounty of The County. In addition to dining out at The County’s many fantastic restaurants, these culinary events and special dinners are sure to satisfy:

• Start the month with Oktoberfest celebrations at Parsons Brewing where you can enjoy a celebration of County beer, Bavarian cuisine and live music from September 30 through October 1. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on their website.
• Slake Brewing opened their doors in October 2020 and they are excited to celebrate their 2nd anniversary October 1-2 with two special food pop-ups. Join them on Saturday October 1 for a pop-up from Bloomfield institution Flame + Smith and on Sunday October 2 for a pop-up from Waupoos’ Stella’s Eatery. In addition you can enjoy 3 new beers from Slake alongside guest taps from  Blood Brothers (Toronto), Burdock (Toronto), Counterpart (Niagara), Dominion City (Ottawa), Sonnen Hill (Caledon) and Willibald (Ayr).
• Also at Slake, Sand & Pearl are putting on a Clam Bake and Oyster Bar pop-up that you won’t want to miss. Featuring PECish Baking Co. baguettes alongside clams, shrimp, Fogo Island crab, sausage, County potatoes, corn and herbs as well as freshly shucked oysters, this is bound to be a memorable feast. Pre-order your clam bake by emailing info@sandandpearloysterbar.com.
• The Waring House has several special food events coming up, including their Thanksgiving Dinner, Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet, a PEC Single Malt Society Dinner, and a PEC Wine Society Dinner.
• On October 23 join Sand and Pearl and Flame + Smith for the first PEC Oyster Fest. The festival will feature fire cooking, an oyster bar and a fierce oyster shucking competition. Entry is $25 per person, and if you are an oyster shucking machine you are invited to register to compete for one of two cash prizes! The competition will be judged by local chefs Charlotte Langley and Jamie Kennedy.
• Waupoos Estates Winery is hosting another Wine After Dark event, this time celebrating the flavours of fall. Enjoy a beautiful evening under the stars at this waterside winery (don’t forget to bring a blanket!).

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Spooky Season

October, of course, is spooky season, and Prince Edward County is getting into the spirit! The spooky fun begins on Thanksgiving weekend with the Haunted Corn Maze at Sunflower Fields Ice Cream Shoppe, where you can expect to wander the maze in the dark while ghosts and ghouls haunt the path. If you can’t make it on October 8th, the Haunted Corn Maze is also open on October 15.

On October 14th marks the opening of the travelling Creepy Doll Museum, which takes over the Wellington Heritage Museum through October 15th. This is the perfect way to add a spooky flair to your day at Pumpkinfest!

The County Museums continues to bring the Halloween spirit with special, candlelit editions of their popular Graveyard & Gallows tour. Join them on October 14, October 21, and October 28. for a candlelit walk around the graveyard at the former St. Mary Magdalene’s church and the exercise yards, jail cells and gallows of Picton Courthouse. Book your tickets here.

Last year’s popular Terror at Macaulay haunted walk-thru is back for a sequel, ominously called The Summoning. Experience ghosts that walk through the cemetery at night, vampires that feed on unsuspecting villagers, and witches that can be heard casting strange spells in the woods. This year, you can also experience a haunted corn maze and explore inside Macaulay’s House, while avoiding ghosts and ghouls. Get your spook on with Terror at Macaulay 2: The Summoning from October 28 – 31.

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Fall for Music & Theatre

Live performances continue into through October with everything from drag performances to live theatre and barn dances. Check out the details below or review our full event listing for more.

• Head to Karlo Estates for Karlo “À La Carte” with Melodi Ryan on October 1st. Also at Karlo Estates, join them for Karaoke in the Wine Lounge on October 14th, Life Drawing on October 21, Jazz Thursdays on October 27 and Bitchin’ Bingo on October 28.
• Enjoy some live comedy with the final Comedy Country performance of the year, Girls Nite Out at The Regent Theatre on October 15. Or settle in for some belly laughs and good beer at Gillingham Brewing’s County Craft Comedy Night on October 21.
• Looking for live theatre? Catch the final performances of Collected Stories at the Mount Tabor playhouse on October 1-2, or enjoy Shatterbox Theatre’s performances of Drowning Girls at Macaulay Heritage Park from October 20-23.

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Reconnect with Yourself

In the fall we begin to turn inward, getting cozy and embracing the hygge of it all, and in keeping with that mindset it makes fall a great time to take care of our inner selves too. Popular outdoor yoga classes like Goat Yoga with Mikenze continue through October and you can also learn how to nourish your body with foraged plants during Hawthorn Herbals’ Herb Walk at New Moon Farm. If you’re after a full weekend escape complete with plant-based meals and sound bath meditations on a stunning property in Waupoos, register for a Embodying Self-Compassion Retreat with Jenny Tryansky and Amy Faba at Harmony PEC.

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Plan Your Next PEC Getaway

You know what October is also a good time for? Planning your next getaway in PEC!  Now is a great time to start putting together all of the pieces for a great November getaway. Here’s some of what you can look forward to next month:

• Countylicious is back this year from November 2-22! Join us for three weeks of prix fixe menus at great prices from local restaurants you know, love, and are dying to try! We’ll be sharing more information soon about this year’s programming, so keep your eyes on our Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter, and here on our blog for more info.
• As a part of Countylicious there will be a series of exclusive accommodations offers available thanks to our friends at StayPEC. This information will be released soon, so stay tuned!

• When you book for two nights this November at Jackson’s Falls Country Inn, you’ll receive 20% off and a complimentary bottle of County wine waiting for them on check in.
• SavourPEC is a “Wine & Culinary Adventure” taking place from November 11-13 with Closson Chase & Rosehall Run. This immersive weekend will allow you to experience The County like never before, with exclusive access to award-winning cellars, vineyard accommodations, and an exceptional private venue for a chef-prepared winemakers dinner. Learn more about this exclusive experience and purchase tickets here.

• The incredibly charming Firelight Lantern Festival is back and bigger than ever for its 10th Anniversary this November 4-5.
• The Maker’s Hand – one of Eastern Ontario’s best fine craft shows – is back at Highline Hall in Wellington November 11-13
• Have a charming holiday photo taken at Andara Gallery and visit their Ode to Joy Art Show and Sale from November 12.

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Café your way around Prince Edward County this Fall 🍂☕ | Dine Here

Whether you’re looking for a morning jolt, an afternoon pick-me-up or somewhere you can enjoy a light meal, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in The County’s many cafés. Check out the selection below to discover old favourites and hidden gems.

 

Lily’s Café

Attached to Books and Company, Lily’s Café is a go-to spot for excellent coffee, delectable quiche, soup and salads and incredible baked goods that are baked fresh daily – we’re talking cookies (including vegan & gluten free), muffins, scones, butter tarts, cakes and more. What’s even better is after a long hiatus, Lily’s is now open again for indoor seating for fully vaccinated patrons. So if you’re craving sitting down with a coffee and a good book in a café, Lily’s is just the place for a pick-me-up on a late-Fall day.

 

Butter Dream Cakes

If you’re looking for a sweet and whimsical treat there’s no better place to go in The County. Butter Dream Cakes is known for their made-to-order cakes, but on Saturdays the shop is open for guests to come and explore an incredible selection of cupcakes, cake donuts, macarons, brownies and more. Can you say YUM?

 

The Lunch Box

Up at Picton’s Industrial Park you’ll find The Lunch Box, which serves up amazing soups, sandwiches, treats and more. If you’re in The County working remotely or want to be able to order lunch ahead, The Lunch Box is a great option as their online ordering system makes the process quick and convenient.

 

 Picnic Bakeshop & Sandwicherie

On Picton Main Street you’ll find Picnic Bakeshop & Sandwicherie where you’ll discover not only amazing lunch options but a variety of creative baked goods and excellent coffee.

*SPECIAL* Picnic is currently running a Morning Fall Special where between 9am – 11am you can pick up a bagel and an americano for just $5.

 

Saylor House Café

Enjoy hearty breakfast options and light lunch fare, including soups, salads and sandwiches, in this historic property built circa 1875. Right now Saylor House Café is preparing for limited indoor dining and their patio will remain open while the weather cooperates, so be sure to stop by for a meal, tea or coffee and a cake in their cozy setting in the heart of Bloomfield.

 

The Bean Counter Café and Bakery

The Bean Counter Café sources local ingredients and serves up friendly County hospitality year round. Offering quality espresso drinks and drip coffee (made with locally roasted beans), loose leaf tea, fresh baked goods, gelato, and made-to-order sandwiches every day. You can also take a little Bean Counter home with you with their selection of bulk coffee, tea and other local culinary fare.

 

Bloomfield Beauty Co. & Café

Whether you’re looking for a traditional coffee drink or something that will help you shine from the inside out (rose glow tea, anyone?), Bloomfield Beauty Co. is a lovely spot to drop in for a coffee while strolling Bloomfield Main Street. Better yet, book a treatment and enjoy the spoils of the café while you enjoy a little pampering.

 

Hello Bonjour

While in Wellington be sure to stop by Hello Bonjour, especially if you’re looking for diet-friendly, nutritionally rich and healthy options for breakfast, lunch and snacking. They are currently open every day of the week except for Sunday, but as with every business mentioned here be sure to check in on social in case anything changes as the season slows down.

 

Beacon Bike + Brew

Whether you need a quick bike repair or you’re in need of a coffee fix, Beacon Bike + Brew has you covered. Stop in to Beacon on Picton Main Street – which is now open indoors for fully vaccinated patrons! – to enjoy a coffee or tea, a light lunch, or to browse their fun and functional selection of cycling accessories. If you want to discover indie coffee brands, this is the place to do it. While they proudly brew Quietly Coffee out of neighbouring Stirling, Ontario, they also sell brands such as Traffic, Luna, Java, and the newest beans to their lineup: Counterpart Coffee.

 

Consecon Honey House Café

If you’re looking for a spot of coffee and a treat while in the west end of The County, Consecon Honey House Café should be your go-to spot. With home-baked treats, bread, epic breakfast sandwiches and delicious, County-roasted coffee in a charming setting, you’ll be sure to have the loveliest of times at the Honey House.

 

Discover more culinary delights in The County by visiting our Dine Here page.

Dine Here Giveaway

Head over to our Instagram to view our November 5th Dine Here post for a chance to win 1 of 2 winners of a $100 gift card to a County restaurant of their choosing. Here’s how to enter:

1. Follow @VisitTheCounty on Instagram

2. Like the post featuring the spots mentioned in this blog post.

3. Comment on the giveaway post and @mention a friend. 1 comment with unique @mention = 1 entry. You may comment more than once but only up to 5 entries per person will be considered in the final draw.

Some other notes:

• This giveaway post will close November 9th at 11:59 PM
• Winners for each individual giveaway will be contacted via Instagram DM and announced on stories the day following contest closure.
• Winners can select a gift card from any of the operators listed on this page: https://www.visitthecounty.com/dine-here/
• This giveaway has no affiliation with Instagram whatsoever.
• Winners will only be contacted by @VisitTheCounty. DMs from any other handles should be considered spam.

For complete Terms & Conditions click here. For information about more Dine Here giveaways click here. 

 

 

What’s new for Summer 2021 in PEC 🍜 🍺 🎨

Looking for something new to do in Prince Edward County? New ventures and the optimism they embody are always cause for celebration – never more so than now, in these unpredictable times. So a heartfelt and hearty huzzah to this latest crop of openings, expansions and reimaginings in Prince Edward County. May these offerings fill your belly and lift your spirit.

Please note that public health travel advisories and orders are changing frequently during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please consult our COVID-19 Essential Info page for the latest updates.

Eat

A must-visit for your Sunday morning is the Picton Town Hall Farmers’ Market. A wide variety of Prince Edward County vendors are offering locally grown and made goods; do your grocery shopping, grab a snack or enjoy some lunch in the nearby shady Benson Park.

The Grist Mill is a wedding and event venue located in Consecon at the old Cascades Pub and Grill. Four days a week, The Grist Mill operates as a public space where guests can gather to share a drink, while enjoying live music, drag events and food from pop-up caterers. Food is served on Friday night and Sunday Brunch. Fridays, find PJ’s Jerk. Saturdays Matty Boy BBQ is there with his Texas Style BBQ.

All those good smells coming from Milford lately? They’re coming from the new PECish Baking Co. Matti Matyasfalvi, baker and self-described breadhead, is turning out bread, croissants, cookies & more every week – made preservative and additive free with local wheats, honey, and butter. Take note – these fresh-from-the-oven treasures sell like, well, hotcakes – so order ahead for best selection. Long-term plans include a café and general store.

RELATED: Insider’s Tips for a County Summer Getaway

Lighthall Vineyards has a new food offering from the owners of Sand and Pearl. FirebirdPEC serves wood-fired rotisserie chicken and fresh crisp salads al fresco. Winemaker Glenn Symon has expanded his cheese offerings, and this year, the crew will be working out of a new tasting room. Assistant wine maker Chris Thompson has his own wine on the go, introducing Legal Smile Wine Co.

At Closson Chase, the new Au Verre by The Marans replaces the Swinery, offering full service dining plus grab and go options.  Sip wine by the glass and eat outside by the iconic purple barn.

Well-known Wellington Farmer’s Market manager Naz Karsan will be popping up his latest venture called TikkaChaat. Naz will offer fresh and frozen cuisine inspired by his family’s roots along the coast of east Africa, most notably Zanzibar. Follow his Instagram for locations.

Sarah Rogers has opened the eponymously named Sarah’NDipity Eats & Treats on Gilead Road.  She makes healthy meals and delightful sweets for you to order ahead and take home to enjoy.  Let her do the kitchen work for you!

RELATED: Visitor Checklist

Taste of Country occupies the corner previously home to  Schroedter’s Farm Market at the intersection of Hwy #62 and Cty. Rd. 1. They carry a wide selection of frozen foods, baked goods, gift items and other specialty goods, and are partnering with a chef for prepared foods to go. They’re also an LCBO outlet and carry local brews and Kinsip spirits.

While Waupoos has always been known as The County’s blueberry spot, there is a new kid on the isle – meet Laura’s Organic Blueberries, located just down the road from Sandbanks. Picking starts in late July into August.

Drink

Adega Wine Bar has all the chops to be a full service wine appreciation spot in Consecon, at least when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Located at the Grist Mill in the centre of town, Adega is part wine bar, part wine retailer and serves as home base for owner Thierry Alcantera-Stewart’s wine consulting, tours and tastings.

Built into a limestone hill, Slake Brewing offers stunning panoramic views of The County from its taproom and patio. They currently produce clean, balanced, easy drinking ales and lagers but will soon be introducing mixed-fermentation beers. All Slake’s beer is proudly brewed with 100% Ontario malt.

Looking to take a deep dive into the ins and outs of Caesar making? The Weekend Social, tucked behind the Bean Counter Cafe, is opening its doors to small groups this summer, for workshops, experiences and its new Caesar bar. Keep an eye on their social for upcoming dates and events.

PEC Wine Explorer app is a one-stop shop for all your wine touring needs, including detailed profiles for all local wineries, tourism businesses and retailers, as well as lists of unique wine activities. Discover which wineries host elevated tastings, which ones will welcome your dog, or which sell the wines that match your preferences. New activities are always being added, so download today, find a wine you love, and plan your perfect trip to PEC wine country. Not in The County? Most of the PEC wineries are only too happy to ship bottles to you and the app can help make the challenge of selecting the perfect bottle easy by matching your individual taste preferences to a database of all PEC wines.

Wondering what that glass glass building going up near Terra Cello and Huff Estates is? Stillus is a new craft distillery hoping to put Canadian vodka and spirits on the map. They’re aiming to be open for summer, but COVID construction delays mean we’ll have to keep watch on their social channels for exact timing.

County experiences

Encaustic artist Susan Wallis has moved Melt Studio Gallery into the space formerly occupied by Maison DePoivre Gallery in Barrack 3 at Camp Picton (Loch Sloy). Susan is introducing an experience this summer that invites guests to Pause. Partnering with Tamara Segal of Hawthorn Herbals and Bay Woodward of Honeypie Hives & Herbals, guests will begin with a walk in the forest, getting grounded in plants and their uses, and foraging for mementos to be used in their art. Then at the studio they’ll work with Susan to create an encaustic piece – encaustic art being an ancient technique involving layering pigments, fibres and more in beeswax.

Get up close and personal with the herd at Noble Beast Farms in Bloomfield. Shepherds Paul and Nadia will show and tell about their 80 quirky alpacas, Thunder the famous donkey, and other rescued animals.  The farm’s signature summer offering is Alpacas No Zoom Zoom, a half-day event with a light farm meal that will allow you to truly unwind and reconnect with nature.  Disconnect from zoom and reconnect with nature through the eyes of the alpacas on the farm. They also have a shorter trek for those who prefer a one-hour visit called The Bloomin’ Welly Little Trek.  These will sell out fast!

Don’t ride the teachers at Mayrose Farm! Patti Stacey is a second-generation PEC farmer whose pack of mini-horses are equine therapy animals. This summer she’s launching a new experience giving families and groups a chance to snuggle up to the miniatures, lead them through an obstacle course, and take home an equine themed treat bag. Horse hugs are welcomed.

Beekeeper Elis Ziegler has expanded their experience this year, offering a Bees & Blooms experience and a Bees & Brunch option. Deepen your connection with nature, pollinators and the food we eat with a unique and immersive adventure. Use all of your senses at Elis’ off-grid homestead while you learn about bees, make a balm, taste seasonal honey, spend time in the People’s Garden and have a locally made snack.

Shop

Lovers of the Nordic vibe can rejoice in the opening of SCANDISKIN, a skincare and lifestyle shop inspired by the wellness rituals and rugged landscapes of Scandinavia. At its core, SCANDISKIN is an indie brand of small-batched skincare inspired by the fresh-faced, clean Scandinavian aesthetic. There are also books, candles, tea, art, towels and home spa goods made of natural materials such as wood, wool, hemp, jute, paper, cotton, aluminum, with minimal packaging to help you embrace and celebrate timeless Scandinavian lifestyle concepts.

Bloomfield’s Main Street fixture Garb has a new sister shop. Owner Shyrl Nussey has retired her Brag store brand and launched a boutique called Swan Song in that space. The new shop features clothing, jewelry, and body and skin care products.

Spark Box Studio is popping up in Bloomfield for the summer at Handworks on Main Street. They’ve curated an art gallery that can be viewed from the outside of the tiny building made of entirely of windows!

Susan Jaehn-Kreibaum, owner of The Empty Nest Bed & Breakfast has a new online shop: emptynestshop.ca. The site features granola, body lotion and lovely hand-painted cards by Kate Jaehn-Kreibaum, a watercolour artist based in the County. This is also the place to learn more about and book their workshops on journaling, as well as art and one-on-one guided watercolour classes by a local artist, with plant-based diet workshops coming soon.

Good times

The former Fields on West Lake has new owners and a new name—The Eddie Hotel and Farm.  Mike and Alex are eager to create spaces for residents and visitors alike. This summer they’re partnering with Festival Players to present the open-air Six Feet Festival. Savour a glass of wine, sit back, and enjoy a socially distanced evening with some of Canada’s most extraordinary artists. The Eddie also plans to bring in concerts.

Also on site, the former Blooms on West Lake is now Nellie’s Shoppe and Flower Market. More than just flowers, the shop carries hostess gifts, candles, thank you notes and more to help with your next party, bouquet, or apology to your spouse.

The Hayloft Dance Hall has new owners with big plans to expand the venue’s offerings to include comedy, burlesque, drag, cabaret and more! Events will be more intimate, hosting 50 seated guests. They’ll also be open daytime on weekends, with Big Mike’s BBQ serving food and drinks on their patio.

by Sue Hierlihy

Wellness in The County

After a l-o-n-g lockdown, home schooling, working from home, separation from loved ones, and whatever else the pandemic could throw at us, we all deserve a little pampering. Here are 16+ ways to take some “me time,” whether at the spa, in nature or on a yoga mat.

Please note that public health travel advisories and orders are changing frequently during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please consult our COVID-19 Essential Info page for the latest updates.

Spa

Developing a hunch from working at the kitchen table? Hitting the “hide self” button on Zoom more and more? Maybe it’s time for a little self-care at the spa. Personal care services where masks can be worn at all time – such as haircuts and massage – are part of Step 2 of the province’s Roadmap for Re-opening. The County’s spas are ready to welcome you back.

Bloomfield Beauty Co & Cafe offers a range of medical aesthetic services, registered massage therapy, manicures and pedicures, hair removal and cosmetic treatments. Try the aptly-named Unwind Massage, a two-hour treatment sure to work out the kinks.

iFloat Spa specializes in Flotation Therapy, REST Therapy (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) or Sensory Deprivation. Float in your very own pod, in a salt-water solution in a specially designed tank for relaxation. A perfect way to tune out the worries of the world.

Guests of The Manse Boutique Inn & Spa can enjoy the pool and hot tub in the B&B’s beautiful garden, as well as registered massage therapy from in-house massage therapists.

Natural Beauty Mini Spa is an oasis of calm off Main Street Picton, offering the classic spa favourites, including manicures and pedicures. Reservations a must!

RELATED: Insider’s Guide to Summer in Prince Edward County

Wellness, beauty and natural products

Featured in House and Home magazine, Field Made Goods is a must-shop for locally-made, nature-derived products, including beeswax candles, wood turned candlesticks and ceramics. The shop also carries Sunday’s Company, a line of skin care products made in small batches, using only natural ingredients.

Love of Lavender offers County-grown lavender products, including sachets, bath and body products, along with some Ontario-made beauty products online or in-store. Or go to the source: spend some time in the lavender fields of Millefleurs.

Savon du Bois carries an extensive offering of essential oils, natural skin care products and zero-waste alternatives, available from their charming Main Street Picton store or online.

Nourish the Soul has tea blends and essential oils, one-on-one aromatherapy and crystal healing sessions, as well as ‘Soul Nourishing’ sessions available by booking. Shop for the mystical, metaphysical, and magical products you have been looking for. 

Scandiskin carries Nordic-inspired, small batch skin care products and a growing line of products gathered from across Scandinavia. Her shop on Main Street Bloomfield will appeal to those seeking clean, natural products. Handmade products are also available now on her website, itself an oasis of Zen.

Connect with Nature

Artist Susan Wallis has teamed up with registered herbalist Tamara Segal and artist/herbalist Bay Woodyard for PAUSE, an experience that starts with forest bathing and foraging before heading to Wallis’ new Loch Sloy studio/gallery to work with wax, pigments and found objects to make an encaustic painting.

RELATED: Reserve now, relax later

Yoga with a twist 

A summer hit in 2020, Goat Yoga with Mikenze is coming back for another season. Starting in late May, you will be able to take a fun yoga class along with 8-10 Nigerian Dwarf goats and kids on Saturday mornings. Hosted at OnceUponA Farm in Picton, pre-registration begins in late April. Classes are capped at 12, so be sure to mark your calendar.

Looking for more workouts with furry friends? Yoga with Alpacas at Chetwyn Farms is back for the third year. Beginning in June, join yoga instructor Alison Kelly and the Chetwyn Farms alpacas in the riding ring for yoga sessions surrounded by idyllic scenery, as the alpacas quietly watch you practice your poses. 

On Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings, start off with Yoga in the (Vine)Yard at Karlo Estates. Reservations are essential to manage COVID protocols. Find more details here. Or spend Tuesday evenings or Sunday mornings on the mat among the vines – and reward yourself with a glass of wine – at Waupoos Winery. Or spend Saturday at noon stretching out at Casa Dea Estates Winery. More details here.

If yoga from the comfort and safety of home sounds more appealing, Viniyoga Connection classes with Kelly Cade have moved online, with semi-private or private lessons also available. 

On Saturdays in July and August, take part in Backyard Yoga at Sand and Pearl Oyster Bar and then grab a vegan poke bowl lunch.

Health and specialty food

Penny’s Pantry in Picton is a great local resource for healthy bulk, local and specialty diet foods. Penny will send interested customers an email listing her bulk food offerings (mostly organic) as well as a menu listing prepared food and baking to purchase. 

Looking for some specialty, organic and whole food options you can’t get in a regular grocery store? Stop by The Good Place in Wellington or The Green Root in Rossmore for specialty foods that cater to many different dietary and nutrition needs. Staff will walk you through the store to introduce you to foods for lifestyle changes or if you are new to food restrictions.

Looking for more health and wellness offerings in Prince Edward County? See our listings of Health and Wellness services in PEC.

By Amy White. (Updated July 2021)

14 Routes for Running in Prince Edward County 👟

If you pack your running shoes when you gear up for a weekend away, you’re in luck: running in The County mixes clean country air with the high likelihood of spotting local wildlife while avoiding vehicles along the roads.

Here are some routes suggested by Tim Johnson, technical advisor to The County Marathon.

#1

The Millennium Trail is a repurposed rail bed that winds from Picton to Carrying Place, covering approximately 49 km of relatively flat terrain. More than 10 kilometres of the path has been fully redeveloped in and around Wellington, and passes close to Hubbs Creek winery, as well as the Wellington golf course. For the most part, the trail is sheltered with sumac and buckthorn and a good place to spot birds, cyclists, ATVers and horseback riders. In the winter it’s popular with skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers. Outside of the refurbished section, the trail is better suited to trail runners, Johnson says, as the surface is uneven in places with some patches of loose gravel. Additional sections of the trail are scheduled for improvements later this year – learn Everything You Need to Know about the Millennium Trail here.

#2

Pedestrians don’t need a permit to enter Sandbanks Provincial Park, so if the location of your accommodations and your running stamina align to reach the park, you’ll find a wide variety of roads and trails of varying levels of difficulty. Stop in at the Park office for suggestions and a map.

#3

Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area is one of the few places in the otherwise even County to get in some hill running. A map at the park’s entrance show hiking trails, but be aware that it’s easy to get turned around (although arguably just as easy to find your footing, if relaxed and using common sense). These are underdeveloped trails, so be prepared for challenging terrain. 

#4

The Picton Town Loop starts at the wonky intersection at the top of the town hill (Bridge and Main Streets), heads east to Johnson, south to Hill Street, north up Spencer (past the Beer Store), through the industrial park back around to Johnson, south to Barker, west to Downes, south to Short Street to Washburn to Main. Proceed west on the sidewalk to Lake Street (the lights at the LCBO), south to West Mary, east to Ferguson and north to the War Memorial. Another turn to the south puts you back on Mary St, which you can follow down past Delhi Park (becomes York Street) to Pitt Street where you turn east past the Courthouse to Union where a turn to the north takes you back to Bridge Street and the town hill. That’s about a 5.5 km loop and a great way to see some of the Loyalist architecture that’s the pride of Picton.

#5

The Mountain Loop is an 8-km run, going south from the wonky intersection to Union to Church Street, up the “mountain,” past the former army base, back down Lake Street, and winding down the back roads or straight along Main Street to end where you started. The mountain is a challenging climb – it goes on forever! – but it affords some beautiful views of picturesque Picton. Stop in at the Millennium Lookout park for a peek, particularly as the sun is rising.

#6

For those looking to put on a few more kilometres, head from Picton out to the Glenora Ferry. You are sharing the road with traffic, but there is a wide paved shoulder. Wild turkeys a common sight along the route as the road twists and rolls along the south side of Prince Edward Bay offering sights of the water, the cement plant and numerous farms and country properties. The trip is 9-km one way to the ferry, where you can see the grist mill once operated by John A. Macdonald’s ancestors.

#7

If you are looking for an even longer run, head west from Picton following Lake Street to Ridge Road, onto Shannon Road and onto Marisett Rd. That will get you 11.5 km. From there, you can either head to Sandbanks Provincial Park – a further 6 km on a sometimes busy road with a wide paved shoulder – or turn around and run back up East Lake Road, being careful of heavy boater, camper and tourist traffic. Since these runs involve roads with heavy traffic, Johnson says they’re best enjoyed earlier in the day when the rest of the world is still in bed!

#8

Around Wellington, you can’t go wrong or get lost just looping around the village. A run down the main drag – from the Timmy’s in the east end to the LCBO in the west – is about 3 km.

#9

In wine country, it’s possible to run from Hubbs Creek, along Danforth Road to Greer Road, home to Casa Dea and Rosehall Run, looping back to Danforth to visit Traynor Family Vineyard, then over to Benway Road, going north to Trail Estate Winery and Hinterland and then northeast across the Golden Mile, aka Closson Road, where you’ll find the Grange of Prince Edward, Lacey Estates, Closson Chase Vineyard, Broken Stone Winery, Gravel Hill Vineyards and The Old Third. The caution, of course, is to drink plenty of water. But be warned that the roads tend to be narrow and gravel, which are not ideal running conditions, especially in heavy tourist traffic. Use the Millennium Trail again here if you’re looking to set up your own trail-based pub crawl.

#10

In Bloomfield, running brings a chance for bucolic country scenes: rolling hills and lush, green fields. Try heading north on Corey Street (aka County Road 30) to Highway 1, south down Matthie Road and back along Highway 62 into Bloomfield. Gilead Road is another beautiful there-and-back run that passes some beautiful farms and is particularly gorgeous as the sun is setting. There’s also the triangle that’s formed when Shannon meets County Road 12 and County Rd 32, on the east side of town.

#11

Join The County Marathon, a Boston qualifier that’s fairly flat (and therefore fast), fully closed off from traffic, near the cooling effect of the lake and fully equipped with washrooms, water and transport for spectators. “It’s a small town race with a lot of amenities,” Johnson says. The run takes place October 4, 2020 and is open to runners, walkers and wheeled athletes.

#12

Register early for Terroir Run, the annual wine run that fills up fast every year. And no wonder: the run goes through the heart of wine country and a gastronomic feast awaits at the finish line, featuring some of The County’s best wines, beers and ciders and a chef-prepared dream meal.

#13

Take on the Wellington Women’s Half Marathon (or the half-half, aka a 10-km run) designed for runners or walkers who want to enjoy the experience of the route just outside Wellington. The run takes place early June and to set the tone, race kit pick-up takes place at Sandbanks Winery and includes a complimentary tasting. There’s Zumba as a warm-up at the starting line and a firefighter send off to set the pace. The run provides lots of support – and sugary treats await finishers!

#14

Join in the Sandbanks Fun Run, a 10-km run through the park, usually held in September.

The County encourages the spirit of discovery and there are plenty of routes for adventurous runners and joggers to try. Keep a calm demeanor when meeting wildlife, stay on marked paths and trails and take plenty of water. Johnson notes that areas around Waupoos better for hikers and walkers, given the road conditions and the unevenness of the terrain.

For those adventurous “soles” who like to explore the trails, beware The County is home to abundant poison ivy and ticks – but with proper caution both can be avoided.

An informal running group meets in Picton on Thursday nights for a “come as you are” run and Sundays at West Lake for a run through Sandbanks Provincial Park. Email Tim Johnson for more details.

Updated March 2021