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  • 9 Things to do when the Beaches are Full 🌊
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9 Things to do when the Beaches are Full 🌊

The secret is out on Sandbanks Provincial Park – hardly a surprise, considering it’s been an attraction since the early 1800s. Reservations are recommended – book ahead using the new day use permit reservation system to guarantee your spot at the beach.

If you didn’t manage to snag a spot, here are some suggestions to help you keep your cool when Sandbanks or North Beach or Wellington Beach are full.

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.

Try a private beach

1.Β Wander the Resort welcomes non-guests to its private beach. Reserve 24 hours in advance for a $40 per adult and $20 per child day-pass that comes with loungers and umbrellas. Lakeside Motel also sells $25 day passes for its Miami-inspired pool, which offers beautiful views of Lake Ontario.

Or head across the bridge to Belleville, where you’ll find a splash pads andΒ outdoor pools.

Grab some board.

2. If you’ve got wheels, the Picton skate park has one of Ontario’s “sweetest mini bowls,” according to one skate park critic. (What does that mean? I guess it shreds, man. It shreds.)

The infamous ice cream taco at Slickers

Get an ice cream.

3. Ah, the magical healing powers of ice cream. Skip the fast-food chain soft-serve, and get a scoop (or three) from any of the local artisanal ice-creameries. Some of the hardest decision making happens at the ice cream counters of Slickers and The Old Greenhouse Ice Cream Shop (where their ‘Dessert Technicians’ serve up classic favourites alongside sugar-free options), the classics at Dari Bar and the hefty scoops atΒ Cones and Shakes. There are more than 20 places to find a sweet scoop in The County, so you’re never far from a cone.

mini golf putt-putt kids activities sandbanks

Photo Courtesy: Caddy Shack

Play (a)round.

4. If you’re near Sandbanks, you’re near the brilliantly-named Caddy Shack miniature golf course. This isn’t exclusively for kids – there are no giant clown faces waiting to swallow up the ball. It’s a course designed to improve the short game, with tricky tilts and rolls, that’ll appeal to all ages. Banking one into a cup certainly beats waiting in a hot car! Looking to use a variety of skill sets? Try out the indoor or outdoor games at Escape Camp PictonΒ – anΒ  escape room attraction located just outside of Picton. Their games are inspired by the location – a decommissioned WWII air base – blending heritage, history and an unforgettable experiences. Perfectly for families, small groups, and those who need to make last-minute bookings.

art gallery sandbanks

Yes, there are cute dogs at Mad Dog Gallery | Photo Credit: Eve Harvey

Take in some art.

5. If you’re already on County Road 11, make tracks to Mad Dog Gallery, where you’ll be given a warm welcome by their two pooches. Their gallery (and home!) is a converted barn with a stunning garden and features mostly traditional and contemporary County artists. The Local Store is filled with locally-made arts, trinkets, local food products, and more, while the old barn atΒ MacCool’s Re-use is great for a mid-century modern treasure hunt. If nothing else it’s a moment of zen if the wait’s getting on your nerves.

Something for the tall and small at Kinsip House of Fine Spirits | Photo Credit: Jenny Thompson

Park and sip.

6. If the kids are alright but the grown-ups are about to blow a gasket, perhaps a nice, cold pint would help. The County Canteen has more than a dozen beer taps featuring the best of local and regional brews, as well as a wine list featuring lots of Prince Edward County VQA pours and menu items for kids (plus the coveted high-chair!). Or travel a little further north to Parsons Brewing Company, in a converted heritage barn, where a flight of beers will smooth any ruffled feathers. Plus, they’ve got a large natural playground with family-friendly games to keep everyone entertained. If coming from Bloomfield direction, try the waterfront restaurant at the Isaiah Tubbs Resort, or the patio at Bermuda PEC. Or head to Kinsip for a cocktail outside the heritage barn while the kids check out the chickens, peacocks and picturesque swing.

Baby Audrey among the vines at Traynor Family Vineyard | Photo Courtesy: @traynorvineyard

Take a wine tour.

7. If you can steer your way out of the Sandbanks line-up, you can detour toward the South Shore, where there are a handful of wineries waiting to welcome visitors. Spend your wait tasting at Long Dog Winery (with charming, ankle-high mascots and immaculately-maintained vines); Exultet (with 100% estate grown, award-winning wines) and Lighthall Vineyards (which also serves up handmade sheep’s milk cheese).

COVID-19 tasting protocols will be in effect; inquire about reservations before setting off.

Content updated June 2021

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visitthecounty

Visit The County is the DMMO for #PrinceEdwardCounty, a rural community bursting with creative talent & natural stunners.

Prince Edward County β„οΈπŸ·πŸ½οΈπŸ
March isn’t over but with all of the delicious M March isn’t over but with all of the delicious Maple Festivities we couldn’t wait to share a recap so far.

BIG thanks to all of our lovely, hardworking local maple syrup producers and maple supporters. 🍁 

Every year March gets sweeter and sweeter so make sure you plan a visit to Prince Edward County during maple season next year.

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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #ExperienceTheCounty #MapleSyrup #March
Mark your calendars! This year's Waterfalls Tour Mark your calendars!

This year's Waterfalls Tour event is on April 8 & 9 from 11am - 4pm each day. A family friendly event organized by the Rotary Club of Picton to take in the beauty of two of Prince Edward County's picturesque waterfalls. Big thanks to the land owner's of Jackson Falls and Cape Vessey Falls for welcoming us all.⁠
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Entry is by donation in support of Back the Build, Ukraine Relief and other projects of the Rotary Club of Picton. ⁠

Enjoy a short hike outdoors with your friends, family or simply, just your camera.

Picture by Robbie Garden.⁠

For more information please visit https://pictonrotary.ca/page/waterfalls-tour

#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #Waterfalls #VisitPEC #outdoors
We will soon be in full bloom. 🌼 Let us know i We will soon be in full bloom. 🌼

Let us know in the comments πŸ‘‡πŸΌ the bloom you are looking forward to most. We are already dreaming up sunflowers over here.

This spring image in the County captured by @kassandramelnykphoto 
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #OutDoors #VisitPEC #ExperienceTheCounty #Spring #flowers
Finding colour & beauty despite the weather today. Finding colour & beauty despite the weather today. A grey day is all how you look at it. πŸ’›
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #ExperienceTheCounty #travelphotography
🍽️ A Delicious Giveaway 🍽️ We're three 🍽️ A Delicious Giveaway 🍽️

We're three weeks away from Countylicious and to count down we're giving away $100 to each of our 16 participating Countylicious restaurants. 
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Comment on the post below and mention who you would want to take out for a Countylicious meal at one of the five following restaurants: ⁠
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🍽 Chef Sean Finnerty of @parsonsbrewing has worked up delicious $30 Lunch and $60 dinner menus featuring dishes such as Concinita Bibil Torta and Elote Caesar.

🍽 At @jacksonsfallscountryinn, Chef Chris Wylie has developed a $20 Lunch menu that can be enjoyed on weekends throughout Countylicious. If you struggle to choose between sweet and savoury brunches, this is the menu for you. 
⁠
🍽 Chef Amanda Ray of @drakedevonshire is serving up an inventive $60 dinner menu with spring-inspired dishes like Mushroom & Leek Mezzaluna and Honey Chamomile Pannacotta. 
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🍽 At @pastaonesta Chef Martin Brzozowski's $20 lunch and $45 dinner menus will transport you straight to Italy with dishes like Focaccia with mortadella, arugula and fior di latte, and Rigatoni with quanciale, pomodoro and pecorino. 
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🍽 Chef Leah Marshall Hannon's $45 dinner menu @stellaseatery features a host of must-try dishes like Braised Bison Brisket and Cedar Crème Brulée. 
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Swipe to see their menus and head to countylicious.ca to book your table! Come back every week for even more restaurant features and giveaways! ⁠
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Content Rules:⁠
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1. Follow @VisitTheCounty on Instagram⁠
2. Like this post⁠
3. Comment and mention a friend. 1 comment with unique mention = 1 entry. Max 5 entries per person.

Winners for each individual giveaway will be contacted via Instagram DM and announced on stories the day following contest closure.⁠ Winners will be assigned a gift card at random from the group of restaurants featured in this giveaway post⁠. Winners will only be contacted by @VisitTheCounty. DMs from any other handles should be considered spam.⁠
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Contest closes March 29 at 11:59pm⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #countylicious
🍁 Maple in The County is back! 🍁 Maple seas 🍁 Maple in The County is back! 🍁

Maple season is in full swing and the celebrations in Prince Edward County will culminate in the long-awaited return of Maple in The County from March 25-26, 2023. Featuring 5 local sugarbushes and a host of local businesses, Maple in The County is a wonderful outing for the whole family. Come on out to tour a sap house, enjoy a pancake breakfast, walk through the maple woods, and so much more. Head to mapleinthecounty.ca for more information and to plan your Maple in The County route! 

Participating Sugarbushes: 

Sweetwater Cabin / Hubbs Sugarbush
Fosterholm Farms
Vader's Maple Syrup @vadersmaple 
Roblin's Maple Syrup @roblins.maple 
Loha Farms @lohafarms 

πŸ“· by Ramesh Pooran of the Wellington Times

#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #mapleinthecounty
🌱 Spring Countylicious 🌱 Countylicious is b 🌱 Spring Countylicious 🌱

Countylicious is back for spring from April 12 - May 1, 2023! Come out to The County for three weeks of prix fixe dining at restaurants you know, love, and have been dying to try. Stay tuned as we reveal menus and gift card giveaway from all 16 participating restaurants: 

@flameandsmith 
@7numberspicton 
@bloomfieldpublichouse 
@555brewingco 
@parsonsbrewing 
@pastaonesta 
@theroyalhotelpicton 
@TheWaringHouse 
@DrakeDevonshire 
@MerrillHouse1879 
@JacksonsFallsCountryInn 
@BocadoPEC 
@MatronFineBeer 
@StellasEatery 
@HartleysTavern 
@waupoosestatesrestaurant 

Head to http://countylicious.ca/ today to start planning your Countylicious experience.

#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #Countylicious
🍁 Maple & More 🍷 Wondering what to do in Th 🍁 Maple & More 🍷

Wondering what to do in The County this March? Check out our latest blog for a round-up of everything you can see and do this month, from indulging in maple treats at local sugar bushes and eateries with @maplemadnesspec  and @mapleinthecounty, to tasting wines at the inaugural Γ‰levage: PEC Winter Wine Festival hosted by @pecwine , and everything in between. We've also included a preview of what you can expect next month (hint: it's de-LICIOUS πŸ˜‰).

Link in bio πŸ‘†

Image description: Sweetwater Cabin at Hubbs Sugar Bush, Maple in The County participant, taken by Karen Palmer. Above the image is a banner which reads "Experience Maple & More in The County this March." 

 #PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #MapleInTheCounty #MapleMadnessPEC #elevagepec #pecwine #MarchinTheCounty
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