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  • Fall for Arts & Culture in The County πŸŽ¨πŸŽ­πŸ–ΌπŸŽ™
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Fall for Arts & Culture in The County πŸŽ¨πŸŽ­πŸ–ΌπŸŽ™

Whether you want to add to your art collection. immerse yourself in a exhibition, witness public art, attend a performance or go behind the scenes at an artist’s studio, Fall is an incredible time to visit The County. Here’s just some of what you can experience throughout the region this season.

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

 

County artist Pamela Carter looking to her left and smiling at the camera wearing a lime green shirt and black painting smock. In front of her is an easel and canvas featuring a work-in-progress painting. In the foreground is a coffee tin filled with paint brushes and a palette of blended paints, the same colours as in the piece on the easel. ⁠

Artist Pamela Carter works in her studio in Prince Edward County. You can visit her studio as part of the PEC Studio Tour. Photo courtesy of PEC Studio Tour.

Go on a PEC Studio Tour

From September 24-26, 2021 follow the PEC Studio Tour throughout The County for a chance to go behind the scenes, meet the artists and observe their creative processes. If you’re in the market, this is a great opportunity to start or add to your collection, or if you’re just looking for inspiration, this is a fantastic activity that will take you off the beaten path.

Hit the PEC Arts Trail

The Arts Trail is a year-round, self-guided ‘choose your own adventure’ tour of artist studios and galleries, featuring sculpture, visual arts, photography and more. It’s a great chance to meet some of the artists who give The County its flare.

 

Related: How to Curate a County Art Collection 🎨

 

A harvest table set for dinner amidst a field on a vineyard.

Table Settings at Coldcreek Vineyards, October 2020, Hillier, PEC. Image courtesy of Alchemy Artists Residency.

Experience Ontario Culture Days with Alchemy Artists Residency

Temporary public art installations will be on display from September 25 – October 24, 2021 at wineries throughout Hillier as a part of FIELD NOTES by Alchemy Artists Residency, part of Ontario Culture Days 2021 Creatives in Residence. Alchemy’s Table Settings is a powerful project bringing together artists, vintners and vineyard workers together, with the artists bringing healthy and delicious dinners to farm and vineyard workers. The exhibition features sculpture, collage, tactile objects, poetry and painted works inspired by these dinners and collaborations. Find exhibitions at Broken Stone Winery,Β Stanners Vineyards, Closson Chase Vineyards,Β Hinterland Wine Company,Β Casa Dea Estates Winery,Β Cold Creek VineyardsΒ and Redtail Vineyards. Experience these installations in person, free of charge. Be sure to pre-register here to receive background content on the installation to enhance your self-guided tour (this will be released September 30th).

Browse a Gallery or Two (or Ten!)

The County is fill to bursting with amazing art galleries to suit every style, and many galleries are hosting special exhibitions and sales this fall, like the 7 Artists Outdoor Exhibition and SaleΒ and Treetopia at ANDARA Gallery, which is a bright spot on any art tour in The County with its Crayola-coloured faΓ§ade and knit-bombed trees.

 

Related: 25+ Places for Art in Prince Edward County πŸ–Œ

 

Red barn against a blue sky with a brightly coloured barn quilt above the barn door.

A barn quilt square adorns the side of a red barn in Prince Edward County. Photo by George Fischer.

Discover the Barn Quilt Trail

Many visitors notice them, but few really know what they’re looking at. We’re talking about barn quilts, one of the most common (and eye-catching) forms of public art in the area. Barn quilts are eight-foot square (and smaller) painted replicas of actual fabric quilt blocks, painted on wooden or MDO boards, then mounted on a barn or other buildings. While cloth quilts are usually made up of a series of the same pattern placed together, a barn quilt is a single pattern square. Barn quilts become rural eye candy glimpsed as we roll down our rural highways, drawing attention to Ontario’s disappearing rural landscapes, timber frame barns, and the family farm. They can also be seen on homes of all kinds in The County.

While you’re more than likely to happen across a barn quilt or two during your visit, if you want to seek them out, be sure to follow the PEC Barn Quilt Trail and discover this unique part of County art and heritage.

 

Foraged botanicals arranged on a canvas.

Creating an encaustic painting with foraged materials as part of the Pause experience. Image by Susan Wallis.

Become the Artist

Don’t just come to The County to see art, come here to make it! The Department of Illumination – a local organization dedicated to creating magical arts experiences for everyone – is hosting their annual Scarecrow Festival this October over Thanksgiving weekend, which is a perfect opportunity to make some fall art with the kiddos. In November their Firelight Lantern Festival takes to the streets, bringing light and life to the colder and longer night that settle in at this time of year (stay tuned for details about the 2021 event).

Want to try your hand at encaustic painting? Don’t miss Pause, a special County experience which connects visitors to the healing powers of nature through a meditative forest walk, followed by a studio session at Melt Studio Gallery where encaustic artist Susan Wallis guides guests in creating an original encaustic painting using natural items collected during the walk.

Related: Plan Your Fall 2021 Visit to Prince Edward County πŸπŸ‚πŸŽƒπŸŽπŸ»πŸš²

Let us Entertain You

Fancy art of of the auditory sort? Have a laugh with Martha Chaves at the Regent Theatre (presented by Comedy Country), take in the final Saturdays of live music at Karlo Estates (with Alison Joan Borgin Burke(Borgin), Trevor Norris, and the summer performers at their annual Thanksgiving Jam), or attend the annual Prince Edward County Chamber Music Festival. Celebrate self-expression by taking in a drag show at The Hayloft or The Grist Mill, or enjoy a film or live performance at The Regent TheatreΒ which has joyfully reopened after being closed since March 2020.

 

So plan to put a little art into your Prince Edward County visit this Fall. We know you’ll be inspired.

See something missing? Have ideas for our blog writers? Contact us atΒ tourism@pecounty.on.ca

 

 

 

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Prince Edward County β„οΈπŸ·πŸ½οΈπŸ
❄️ A Winter Bucket List for PEC ❄️⁠ ⁠ ❄️ A Winter Bucket List for PEC ❄️⁠
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We're going to let you in on one of our best-kept secrets: winter in Prince Edward County. Sure, it's colder and quieter, but for us those are just added benefits that make for some unforgettable experiences. For the uninitiated that may need some convincing, so head to our blog to discover our complete bucket list for an incredible winter experience in The County.⁠
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Link in bio πŸ‘†οΈβ 
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Note: this bucket list might not be accomplished in a single weekend getaway, but maybe that calls for making a PEC winter getaway a tradition. Or better yet, book a longer stay to enjoy a whole week of winter fun in The County. Discover unique and luxurious accommodations on our website at visitthecounty.com/stay⁠
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πŸ₯Ύ Hit the Trails πŸ₯Ύβ  ⁠ There's nothing li πŸ₯Ύ Hit the Trails πŸ₯Ύβ 
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There's nothing like a walk in the forest after a snowfall. Luckily, Prince Edward County has lots of options to get you breathing that winter air between brunch, wine tasting, and your next indulgent County meal. ⁠
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πŸ¦‰ Macaulay Mountain Conservation area is a great stop for a walk after spending the morning in Picton. With access from Macaulay Heritage Park, this @quinteconservation area has a large trail network that allows for you to customize your routes. Be sure to download a map from the Quinte Conservation website  and wear appropriate footwear as the path can be wet in places in mild weather, though with a fresh cover of snow it's a dream! If you're looking for an easier stroll or if you just want to take a look at one of The County's loveliest community arts projects, be sure to check out @birdhouse_citypec.⁠
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🌲 Sandbanks Provincial Parks really shows off in winter with six trails to choose from of varying lengths and difficulty. From snow on the beach on Dunes Trail to quiet, riverside moments on Cedar Sands, you're bound to stumble upon countless magical "are we in Narnia?" moments for your memory bank. Head to the Ontario Parks website to learn more about accessing @sandbankspp in Winter, and don't forget these crucial safety tips: ⁠
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1. Stay off the lake. Shore ice can be very precarious and it's not worth the risk. ⁠
2. Start your walk with plenty of time before dark to help ensure you get back to your car safely. ⁠
3. Dress appropriately. Winter boots. Layers. Gloves and hats. This is no place for sneakers! ⁠
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❄️ The Millennium Trail runs the length of The County and is just as much a major artery through the area in winter as it is in the warmer months. Cross country skiing, fat biking, walking, and snowmobiling are just a few ways you can enjoy this public linear park. ⁠
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Image Description: Yellow and green arrows mark a trail in Sandbanks Provincial Park during winter. The path ahead is covered in snow and lined with snow-frosted pine trees. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #WinterinPEC
🍳 Brunch Season 🍳⁠ ⁠ When you have a day 🍳 Brunch Season 🍳⁠
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When you have a day of wintery outdoor adventures planned, there's no better way to start your day than with hearty brunch. Luckily, winter in Prince Edward County is brunch season, with many spots offering seasonal brunch menus in addition to our already popular brunch offerings. Here are some delicious brunch experiences you will want to have this winter: ⁠
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πŸ₯“ @creekside_cafe_pec won our hearts with their stunning brunch menu when they opened last summer, and the good news is that they're still at it this winter, and with new menu items to boot. Brunch starts up again this Saturday, so don't miss it! ⁠
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πŸ›οΈ Come for the weekend and stay for the brunch starting January 15 at @jacksonsfallscountryinn. Not staying at the inn? That's okay - you're invited too! Just be sure to make a reservation in advance. ⁠
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🍾 Head to @karloestates for their bubble brunch every Sunday - all-you-can-eat vegan pancakes, handcrafted sparkling wine, and a cozy barn setting - what more could you want?⁠
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🍺 Run to @parsonsbrewing to experience their seasonal brunch menu before enjoying a wintery pint by the fire and a skate on their outdoor rink (weather permitting). ⁠
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🍳 Check out the new breakfast menu at @thecountycanteen featuring deliciousness such as an epic breakfast burrito and an indulgent breakfast poutine. ⁠
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πŸ₯ž They're available all year round, but we'd be remiss not to mention the decadent brunches at @drakedevonshire, @theroyalhotelpicton, and @pictonharbourinn. ⁠
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πŸ“… Visiting in February? Don't miss brunch @stellaseatery and @bermudapec to help lift you out of your deep winter blues. ⁠
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Image description: Patrons enjoying brunch at Creekside Cafe. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
✨ 2023 ✨⁠ ⁠ Gliding into the new year like ✨ 2023 ✨⁠
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Gliding into the new year like... ⁠
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With the holidays behind us we're looking forward to a winter filled with outdoor adventures, delicious culinary experiences, and cozy moments inside stunning accommodations. ⁠
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Have you booked your winter getaway to Prince Edward County yet? Head to visitthecounty.com today to start planning. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
⁠❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠ ⁠ #3 Gettin ⁠❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠
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#3 Getting Cozy on an Outdoor Patio⁠
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Sure, it's great snuggling up indoors next to a fire, but there's something equally as great about embracing the chill, bundling up and enjoying some locally-crafted beverages by the fire pit. Whether @gillinghambrewing or many of Prince Edward County's wineries, breweries and cideries, this is an essential part of the winter experience in The County. Bonus: it's family and pup-friendly, with space for kids to enjoy the snow and the ability for pups to join you on your County outings. ⁠
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Have you booked your winter getaway to PEC yet? Start your planning at visitthecounty.com today!⁠
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Image description: A couple smiles as they cheers with another couple @gillinghambrewing on their patio in wintertime. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #WinterinPEC #WinterTravel
🌟 All is Bright 🌟⁠ ⁠ Happy Holidays from 🌟 All is Bright 🌟⁠
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Happy Holidays from Prince Edward County! We hope you and yours are staying safe and enjoying a beautiful time together while sipping on PEC wine, noshing on locally-produced goods, and opening County-made gifts. ⁠
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As for us? We're reflecting on another year of beautiful memories made in The County, and looking forward making more in 2023. We hope you'll join us! ⁠
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What PEC adventures do you have planned for next year? Let us know in the comments! ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #VisitPEC
⭐ Holiday Hours ⭐⁠ ⁠ Spending the holidays ⭐ Holiday Hours ⭐⁠
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Spending the holidays in PEC? Wondering what's open and closed over the holiday period? Be sure to check out our Instagram story highlight for an ever-growing round-up of 2022 holiday hours from Prince Edward County shops, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and more. ⁠
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Don't see a business mentioned in our highlight? That's great! It's very likely they are open and running as normal. But it's always best to reach out before making the trip to be sure - follow them here on Instagram, check out their hours on their website, or give them a quick call to confirm. ⁠
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🌨️ Please note these hours are subject to change, especially with the expected inclement weather, so be sure to stay tuned in if you're thinking of going out, and adjust plans if necessary. Stay safe out there! ⁠
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Image by OneLook for Visit The County⁠
Image description: An arial shot of a frozen Picton Harbour in Prince Edward County under a blanket of fresh snow with blue sky on the horizon. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠ ⁠ #2 Skating a ❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠
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#2 Skating at Parsons⁠
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One of the great things about Prince Edward County in wintertime is that there is plenty of fun to be had for the whole family, and one of these hubs for winter family fun is @parsonsbrewing, where kiddos and kiddos at heart can take to the covered rink, sip hot chocolate and make s'mores by the fire. Stick around for their delicious food menu (or come early for Sunday brunch!) and of course their extensive list of handcrafted beers. ⁠
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To have this winter experience, be sure to follow @parsonsbrewing for updates about the opening of their winter rink. This experience is of course subject to the weather! We're 🀞 for colder temps so we can enjoy the rink for as long as possible! ⁠
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Have you booked your winter getaway to PEC yet? Start your planning at visitthecounty.com today!⁠
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Image description: A boy skates on the rink on a chilly January day at Parsons, his parents looking on. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #WinterinPEC #WinterTravel
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