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  • Go Mad for Maple in The County this March 🍁πŸ₯ž
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Go Mad for Maple in The County this March 🍁πŸ₯ž

Feb 24, 2022

There is nothing sweeter than the first sign of spring, especially when that sign is sweet maple sap flowing through the trees. Here in The County, sugarbushes are already hard at work tapping maple trees and getting ready for their annual harvest.

Maple season celebrations have been impacted by COVID-19 for the last two years, and it’s no different in 2022. The annual Maple in The County festival is on hold for another year, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the region’s maple syrup this year. Read on to put together a maple tour and get your fix this spring.

Maple taffy on snow. Image by Terry Culbert.

Stop by a Sugarbush

While the Maple in the County festival is not going forward this year, the sap is still flowing at the affiliated sugarbushes. If you’re looking to pick up some syrup from the source, Sweetwater Cabin/Hubbs Sugarbush, Fosterholm Farms, Vader’s Maple Syrup, Nyman Farms, Loha Farms,Β Roblin’s Maple Syrup and Justin’s Maple Syrup are open throughout the season for sales of quality maple products.

🍁

Attend a Maple Madness Event

Maple Madness is a new event series in The County which takes place every weekend throughout March, with different events and specials throughout the area to bring you a taste of maple. In addition to maple syrup producers, craft beverage producers, restaurants, and other County businesses are getting in on the fun. Here’s just some of what you can experience this month:

Waupoos Estates Winery & Restaurant

Head down to Waupoos to enjoy a maple-inspired two-course pre-fixe menu experience for $35pp. These dishes are created by Executive Chef Scott McInerney and are driven by Waupoos Restaurant’s their farm to table philosophy. Don’t forget to check out their Maple-themed drink specials while you’re there. Waupoos Estates is open 10am – 3pm each weekend throughout March. While you’re there be sure to stop across the street at Clafeld Cidery & Market to purchase maple products from the property.

One of the maple-inspired dishes you could try at Waupoos Estates Restaurant during Maple Madness. Image by @waupoosestateswinery on Instagram.

Three Dog Winery and Moonlight Kitchen

Head to Three Dog Winery to celebrate the first harvest of the season with maple waffles and traditional French Canadian maple baked goods from Moonlight Kitchen alongside sugar shack experiences and bonfires. All of that Fun for the whole family!

County Shores

Over at County Shores there’s plenty of maple-y fun to be had. Enjoy their grounds on the beautiful Bay of Quinte while playing maple trivia and enjoying a maple-inspired menu filled with delights like Maple Pulled Pork, Maple Butter and fresh Maple Cinnamon Rolls. You’ll also have a chance to learn about the maple syrup harvesting process, watching as sap turns to maple syrup in their wood-fired evaporator. On every weekend throughout March.

The maple harvest begins at County Shores. Image by @countyshores on Instagram.

Walt’s Sugar Shack

Walts Sugar Shack is open every weekend from February 19th-March 28th from 10:00am-4:00pm, and will be serving up a pancake and sausage breakfasts to showcase the best of their maple syrup harvest (some weekends will feature other menu items – check their Facebook page for updates). The store will be open for you to purchase, baked goods, beef, pork and of course Maple featured products! Free coffee will also be available.

Kinsip House of Fine Spirits

Head just north of Bloomfield to Kinsip for a maple-y outing where you can enjoy warm maple syrup cocktails made from their famous maple whisky and whisky barrel-aged maple syrup. Be sure to follow their Facebook and Instagram for more details.

The Waring House

Enjoy the iconic taste of maple at The Waring House with their Maple Cream Tea feature, plus a variety of Maple themed items on their weekend menu. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for up to date hours and menu details.

Related: 10 Fun Facts About Maple Syrup

Koopmans Maple Mountain

Get your hands on locally produced golden maple syrup at Koopmans Maple Mountain. This maple syrup is featured beautifully in maple candy, sugar and maple butter, which you can purchase alongside their maple syrups products while supplies last throughout March. While you’re there, be sure not to miss candles from The Sugar Shack Candle Co., which includes scents such as Maple Pancakes as part of their collection.Β  Note, Koopmans will not be open the first weekend in March, but will be open every other weekend.

Drake Devonshire & Motor Inn

The Drake is getting in on the fun with some maple-themed additions to their famous brunch menu. Plus, if you book a two night stay at the Drake Motor Inn this March they’ll include maple-inspired brunch for four.

The County Cider Company

County Cider is opening again after a long winter, just in time for maple season! They are celebrating with a maple-y food speicial of maple apple meatballs and maple apple hand pies for dessert. But you can’t go to County Cider without trying some of their cider! Luckily they have some cider perfect for the occasion: choose from Maple Bourbon Cider and Coffee Maple Cider in pints, or go the non-alcoholic route with mulled cider.

Prince Eddy’s Brewing Company

Make maple syrup season even more rad with a visit to Prince Eddy’s Brewing Company. They’ll be serving up a twist on their popular C.R.E.A.M Ale, this time made with dark maple syrup from Walt’s Sugar Shack. They’ll also be selling a limited number of 50ml maple syrup bottles in collaboration with Walt’s. Plus, enjoy a maple-filled pop-up from The County Canteen consisting of steamed bao buns three ways: Maple Five Spice Pork Belly with Maple Hoisin and Kimchi, Maple Soy Glazed Salmon with Maple Tonkatsu Sauce, Pickled Daikon and Carrot, and Crispy Tofu with Maple Gochujang Sauce, Garlic and Ginger Mayo, Cucumber, and Kimchi. Are you drooling yet?

In addition to Prince Eddy’s, three other breweries are celebrating maple throughout March. Barley Days, Midtown Brewing and Matron Fine Beer all have maple-y plans up the sleeves of their plaid flannel shirts, so be sure to follow them on Instagram for updates about their Maple Madness plans.

This is not maple bao, but it is bao from The County Canteen. Can you imagine the deliciousness of this bao + maple syrup? Yeah, we’re drooling too. Image by @thecountycanteen on Instagram.

The County Canteen

Speaking of The County Canteen, they’ll also be cooking up a maple feast as their Picton Main Street restaurant throughout March. On the menu is Pork Belly with Maple Cotton Candy, a Waffled Ham and Cheese Melt with Maple Butter, and a Maple Old Fashioned. Dining at The County Canteen is first come, first served, so head there early to guarantee a table.

Sugarbush Vineyards

One of the things we love most about maple season is getting outside in the early spring weather, and a great place to do that is at Sugarbush Vineyards. Go for a hike on their 2km Walking Trail that loops through the Sugarbush and Vinyard, which is open from 11:00am-4:00pm (dogs welcome). Play maple trivia as you hike, be on the lookout for fairy doors and beware of bigfoot lurking back there! After you’re done, head back to the winery for complimentary hot chocolate and a maple cookie! But if it’s wine you’re craving, wine will be available to taste, enjoy by the glass, or to purchase to take home. Be sure to wear good bootsΒ  as it could be muddy or snowy. They will be collected cash donations or non-perishable food items for the Wellington Food bank.

Lacey Estates Winery

Head to Lacey Estates Winery on Closson Road for 100% estate grown, small batch wines and while you’re there enjoy a perfect pairing of smoked sausage appetizers with maple cheddar and maple chevre.

Fifth Town Artisan Cheese

Want even more maple cheese in your life. Down in Waupoos you’ll find Fifth Town Artisan Cheese where you can sample and purchase a selection of cheeses infused with the sweet nectar. Let maple chevre, maple bourbon capreggio goat taleggio, and maple chestnut rum cressy blue cheese grace your cheese boards this March.

7 Numbers Picton

For an Italian twist on Maple, head to 7 Numbers Picton. All month they’ll be serving up maple specials like maple-brined pork belly and maple creme brulee.

Norman Hardie Winery

Join Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard for some fine wine alongside home-smoked maple-smoked trout on their lunch menu and enjoy it all from their heated enclosures. While you’re there be sure to pick up some local maple syrup from their retail stores.

Rosehall Run

Rosehall Run is getting in on the maple fun with featured maple products for sale — Nyman Farms Pure Maple Syrup & Kinsip Whisky Barrel Aged Maple Syrup — alongside featured products for sampling and wine pairing, such as Maple Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Pink Peppercorns.

Huff Estates Winery

Huff Estates is going all out this year with a complementary menu of maple munchies. Don’t miss such craveable snacks as “ultimate” maple bacon french toast, maple buttermilk pudding cake, maple chili, and maple blondie bars.

Hello Bonjour

Local cafe Hello Bonjour is the perfect hangout spot for Maple Madness. Open Saturdays & Sundays 8:00am-1:00pm for this event, this is a spot you want to check off your list! They’ll be serving up organic & gluten free blueberry pancakes (serve with maple syrup, of course!), maple pecan butter tarts, and extra large vegan maple “bacon” cinnamon rolls.

Sap boiling down on a gas stove. Photo by Terry Culbert.

Sandbanks Estate Winery

You won’t want to miss maple season at Sandbanks Estate Winery. With maple s’mores, maple hot chocolate, and maple-inspired menu features each week, you’ll find something for everyone here.

Indergaard Farm

At Indergaard FarmΒ you’ll find Walt’s Maple Syrup in their farm stand alongisde their farm fresh free range eggs. They’ll also be serving up free popcorn flavoured with Walt’s Maple Syrup. If that hasn’t already made this a must-visit stop, you’ll be excited to know that you can also visit with their alpacas and chickens!

Lakeside Motel

The Lakeside Motel is also getting in on the maple fun. On Fridays from 4-8PM, Saturdays from 9-11AM and 4-8pm, and Sundays from 9AM – 2PM throughout March, you can head to this enjoy maple in delicious style. Think Maple themed charcuterie boards, Waffles served with Kinsip Whiskey Barrel Aged Maple Syrup (or Walt’s Sugar Shack syrup if you prefer), Maple bacon, granny smith and gorgonzola pizza, as well as Maple themed caesars and cocktails. They’ll also have local artist Trevor Norris playing live music on Saturday March 12th from 5:30 – 8pm with campfires to get cozy by, as well as a heated enclosure.

Gillingham Brewery

Head to Gillingham Brewery to experience their CG County Maple Ale. An annually celebrated Canadian Spring treat fused into a delightful medium-bodied brew. A combination of honey, brown and caramel malts brewed with 100% Canadian maple syrup from LOHA Farms here in Prince Edward County. Expect aromas of soft whiskey notes which elude aged oak barrels. A smooth silky palate that finishes with a gentle hop bitterness that’s precisely balanced and lingers warming maple syrup. The perfect Canadian Spring Ale!

Karlos Estates

Karlo Estates is offering gluten-free buckwheat pancake medallions topped with Melt vegan β€œbutter” paired to their 2020 Bubble, Sausage Party Toronto Seitan Salami paired with their 2020 Ontario Chardonnay, and maple-candied pecans with Fleur de Sel paired to their 2018 VanAlstine White. All of these delights will be available for purchase Saturdays and Sundays at the winery.

Also get tickets to their β€œDinner and a Show” tasting series by clicking the link in our bio or on our website. All March β€œDinner and a Show” Tastings will not only feature a local musician and a one plate meal paired to three wines, and a delectable maple treat will be offered to finish the meal. Check out all “Dinner and a Show” events on our events page.

🍁

Cook Up a Maple-y Recipe

Grab your bottle of County-made maple syrup and cook up one of these recipes we’ve previously shared here on the blog:

Smokin Rednex County Maple Dressing

Ingredients
2 cups vinegar of your choice, such as apple cider|
1 cup County maple syrup
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Instructions
Mix and drizzle at will.

County Cider Company‘s Honeycrisp Cocktail

2 oz Rye Whiskey
1 tbsp Maple Syrup
1/2 oz Orange Juice
a twist of Orange Peel
3 dashes of bitters
4oz of County Apple Cider

In a tall glass (or awesome cocktail mug) stir together the whiskey, maple syrup, and orange juice. Add the bitters and orange peel, then top off with the cider.

Flame & Smith‘s Ember Roasted Squash with Maple Syrup, Whiskey, Candied Pecans, and Torched Herbs

This recipe is a little more involved, so we’ve have a downloadable recipe card for you!

Download Flame + Smith’s Ember Roasted Squash Recipe

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See something missing or need something updated? Send us an email atΒ tourism@pecounty.on.ca.

#PrinceEdwardCounty

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
🍁 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
🍷 Γ‰levage: PEC Winter Wine Festival 🍷 Want 🍷 Γ‰levage: PEC Winter Wine Festival 🍷

Want the chance to tour through 7 Prince Edward County winery venues while tasting wine and cider from 21 local producers?

Want to experience culinary delights from local chefs that showcase the winter cooking techniques integral to Canadian food culture?

Join us for Γ‰levage hosted by @pecwine on March 11-12, 2023 and celebrate winter in wine country.

For more information and to purchase tickets, head to the link in our bio πŸ‘†
❀️ PEC is for Lovers ❀️⁠ ⁠ Valentine's ❀️ PEC is for Lovers ❀️⁠
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Valentine's Day is almost here! Whether you're spending the day itself in PEC or you're joining us for a romantic weekend getaway, there's plenty happening this weekend to help make for a memorable stay with your love (or your bff, we're here for platonic love too)! ⁠
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πŸŽ™οΈ Enjoy Dinner and a Show on Saturday night at @KarloEstates with The Bees Knees, which includes a vegan meal and wine pairings, or start your weekend with Tasty Trivia ⁠
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πŸ–ΌοΈ Head to @oenogallery for their latest exhibition, "Conversations" and then have a conversation about your experience over a wine tasting @huffestateswine. ⁠
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🍽️ This weekend, enjoy early Valentine's Day meals at @adegapec, @wandertheresort, @flameandsmith, @grangewinery, @7numberspicton,  @the_blue_sail_seafood_company, and @TheWaringHouse. ⁠
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🧘 Start your Valentine's Day weekend with a refresh at @bodymatrixpec with Acu-Detox+Yoga.⁠
⁠
🍫 Attend a chocolate-making workshop @shedchetwynfarms (limited spaces remain). ⁠
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πŸ’ƒπŸ» Dance your way to Valentine's day on February 11 at @thewaringhouse and on February 13 at @stellaseatery. ⁠
⁠
🍳 Go for brunch at @jacksonsfallscountryinn, @bermudapec, @parsonsbrewing, @karloestates, and many more delicious spots.⁠
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πŸ§€ Have a cheesy day with a visit to @lighthallvineyards for Raclette Sunday. ⁠
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🏈 If football is your love language, spend Super Bowl Sunday in PEC at @555brewingco, @princeeddysbrewing, and @thecountycanteen.⁠
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❀️ On Valentine's Day itself experience special menus at @bloomfieldpublichouse, @creekside_cafe_pec, and @theroyalhotelpicton. ⁠
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πŸ“·οΈ Thanks to @OntarioTravel and @rto9_on⁠
Image Description: Two women, a couple, smile at each other while clinking glasses of white and red wine together at Adega in Consecon, PEC. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
πŸ” Burger it Forward πŸ”β  ⁠ This month, enj πŸ” Burger it Forward πŸ”β 
⁠
This month, enjoy the signature burger at four participating restaurants in Prince Edward County and do some good. With each burger sold as part of the #BurgerItForward campaign, @lovecdnbeef will donate will donate the equivalent of 1 meal to Food Banks Canada. ⁠
⁠
πŸ” At @creekside_cafe_pec in Wellington check out their Creekside Burger, a 4 oz Local Beef Patty with Caramelized Onions, Tang Sauce, Garlic Aioli, Bread & Butter Pickles, and Cheddar Cheese. ⁠
⁠
πŸ” Head to @theacousticgrill to enjoy The Acoustic Jam, a an 8 oz Angus Beef Patty with Fresh Tomato, Greens, Onion, Horseradish Mayonnaise, Roasted Corn Salsa, and Caramelized Onions served on a Toasted Bakery Bun.⁠
⁠
πŸ” Head to @theroyalhotelpicton for The Royal Burger, which features a Canadian Beef Patty, Cheddar Cheese, Shallot Butter, Rosemary Ketchup, and Aioli.⁠
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πŸ”  And finally at @thewaringhouse you'll find The County Burger, an 8 oz 100% Brisket Patty topped with Canadian Cheddar, Crispy Bacon, Canadian Maple Syrup, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Pickle and Homemade Chipotle Mayo Sauce served on a Brioche Bun.⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
β˜•οΈ Take a Coffee (or Cocoa) Break β˜•οΈβ 
⁠
It's a chilly one this weekend! When you need some relief from the cold, why not head inside for a bit of a winter warmer at a local café! Luckily, The County has lots of options for you and your kiddos to get warm with a coffee, hot chocolate or tea: ⁠
⁠
🧸 Speaking of kids, if you have them you definitely want to head to @beaconbikebrew in Picton where their kid-friendly play area is perfect to keep them entertained while you relax with a brew. But thei café menu is ideal for big kids too! ⁠
⁠
β˜•οΈ Also in Picton you’ll find @misslilyscafe, the @thebeancountercafe, and @LusoBites, where you’ll find a whole host of delicious Portuguese delights (including pastel de nata!) alongside a large coffee menu. You can also pop into @theroyalhotelpicton for a warm drink alongside a memorable cannoli. ⁠
⁠
πŸ«– If tea is more your speed, don’t miss @SavonDuBois, whose apothecary is sure to provide the perfect remedy to a chilly day. ⁠
⁠
🍡 Other spots to warm up throughout The County include @BloomfieldPublicHouse and @BloomfieldBeautyCo, @GOODPlacePEC, and @PiccolinaMercato and @demorestvillecafe_convenience. (Honourable mention to @ConseconHoneyHouseCafe who are currently hibernating like the bees, but will be back again soon.)⁠
⁠
Image description: A young child plays with toys on the kid-friendly green carpet Beacon Bike+Brew. Their mother is on the floor with him, coffee in hand. ⁠
Image by OneLook⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #WinterinPEC
❄️ A Winter Bucket List for PEC ❄️⁠ ⁠ ❄️ A Winter Bucket List for PEC ❄️⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
Link in bio πŸ‘†οΈβ 
⁠
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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