What’s New in The County in 2022 π
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re coming back for more, it’s always fun to add something new and fresh to your itinerary. Like every year, 2022 has graced The County with so many new and exciting ventures, alongside old favourites which have returned after a two-year hiatus. Some familiar spots have also switched things up a bit this year, so read on to get the lowdown on what you can discover this year in PEC.
Related: 2022 Visitor Checklist
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Eat
Stella’s has been a fixture in The County since 2019 with their wine bar in Picton, but now you can experience the taste of Stella’s at their new location in Waupoos: Stella’s Eatery. At the former location of Stella’s Wine Bar you will soon be able to find Onesta, a new italian restaurant that will soon be serving up fresh pasta and sauce as they have been at their pop-ups at this location on Wednesdays this past Fall & Winter.
Bantam PEC – sister restaurant to The Marans Dinebar – has been serving up delightful lunches in Picton since last year. This summer, however, they have moved on from their Picton location to provide food at Closson Chase Vineyards. Follow them on social for updates about their opening.
Luckily, a new lunch spot has moved into town in Picton. Located in the lower level of the Picton Armory, Luso Bites is a luncheonette, snack bar and cafe, that will be serving up Portuguese-inspired dishes for your enjoyment. Follow them on Instagram for updates about their opening later this spring.
Speaking of lunch, Creekside Cafe is a new addition to Wellington Main Street that serves up Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch in Wellington from Thursday – Monday. Think big breakfast plates, beautiful benny’s, waffles and more.
Bloomfield Public House transformed into a market for the last two years, but we’re excited to say that kitchen service has returned, Wednesday – Sunday from 11AM – sellout. You’ll find favourites like their fried chicken sandwich, smash burger and shrimp roll on their menu, alongside goodies from their market and grab & go favourites.
After a successful summer of 2021 as a food truck pop-up in Waupoos, Harry’s Charbroiled is opening a physical location in PEC in 2022 to continue slinging smash burgers all year long. Find them sooooonish right next to Waring’s Corner (aka the roundabout) toward Bloomfield.
If you fancy eating in on one of your nights in The County, make sure you download the RAD Services app (available on Apple and Android) to have delicious eats from local spots delivered right to you.
Related: Reserve Now, Relax Later
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Arts & Culture
The Festival Players of Prince Edward County 2022 Season just launched and it’s filled with a host of unforgettable theatre, comedy, dance and music, all taking place at The Eddie Hotel & Farm. Explore their offerings and book your tickets on their website and check out their season launch video below.
Arts on Main Gallery is back at their original location on Picton Main Street after two years of operating as an online gallery (which you can still enjoy here). Be sure to check out their refreshed shop and discover original works of art and unique fine crafts created by a cooperative of local artists
The Prince Edward County Arts Trail is celebrating its 15th year this year, and alongside the celebrations they are welcoming four new members to the trail: Art Wagon, GRACE Studio, Hatch Gallery, and Bark Woodshop. Explore these and the other nine stops on the Arts Trail by downloading their 2022 bilingual Arts Trail Guide here.
Arts Trail PEC Members celebrate 15th anniversary and 2022 guide launch at 2 Gallery in Picton. Photo by Daniel Vaughn of Vaughn Group.
If you’re looking to laugh, Roper & Roper are the comedy duo you don’t want to miss. This pair is will be popping up throughout The County this summer in their “Roper Force One” – a solar-powered mobile stage-in-a-sprinter-van. They’re also available for bookings for your private events!
Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, anniversary, or engagement, or you just want to capture a memorable family holiday, Wee Three Sparrows Photography and J Briginshaw Photography are available to help you make memories.
Did you know that an AGO-commissioned piece of art also graces the streets of Picton? Wisdom of the Universe by award-winning Metis artist Christi Belcourt appears, with permission, in mural form behind St. Andrew’s Church. This is a first in a series of steps towards reconciliation, on behalf of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, but its presence here offers all of us the opportunity to engage in conversation and contemplation around the crucial conversations of our relationship to the Indigenous stewards of this land, and our relationship with the environment.
Discover a new Garden County of Canada Exhibit, featuring the Doug Crawford Canning Collection, which finds its new permanent home up at the Ameilasburgh Heritage Museum.
Live Music is back in full force in The County after two challenging years. Get your fix with weekly Dinner and Show events at Karlo Estates, or with shows like Martha Wainwright and Justin RutledegeΒ at the Eddie. Combine those with regular live music at The County Canteen, The Acoustic Grill, The Waring House, the Drake Devonshire and more, there’s more than enough entertainment to choose from.Β Don’t forget to check out the Hayloft for live music, dancing and drag!
The County Arts Lab is a community arts hub in the heart of Picton offering a wide range of arts workshops open to residents and visitors alike – from visual arts to music, theatre, writing and more! Check out their website for more details about upcoming programming.
Leslie Fruman of Clayshapes Pottery is a local ceramic artist, creating especially colourful works, both functional and decorative. Her work is available at The Local Store on County Rd 12 near Bloomfield, and at her studio, by appointment. She is also participating in the Prince Edward County Studio Tour, Sept. 30 β Oct 2, 2022
For more arts, music and entertainment, be sure to check out (and keep checking out) our events listing. New events are being added every day!
Related: How to Curate a County Art Collection
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Experience
If you didn’t book one of our curated experiences last year, we’re thrilled to say they are all around for another season of frolicking-in-the-fields fun. Get up close and personal with alpacas during a Bloomin’ Welly Trekk at Noble Beast Farms, learn about the life cycle of bees with Bees & Blooms at Curious Goat General Store, connect with nature at Pause at Melt Studio & Gallery, and make a soul connection during an Equine Soul Session at Heal with Horses Theraputic Centre. Be sure to check out their respective pages (or click “Experience” in the main menu of VisitPEC.ca) for updated hours and a deeper look at these special County experiences.
Don’t have time for the full experience but still want to visit these spots? MELT Studio Gallery is open Thursday – Sunday or by appointment for gallery viewings and Curious Goat General Store has a farm stand on site with plenty of bee-utiful goods for sale (1.492% of all sales go toΒ Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary & Learning Centre in neighbouring Tyendinaga).
So you have experiences for you sorted, what about an experience for your furry friend? There’s no better place than The Sniffery. Located just outside of Bloomfield, The Sniffery is an immersive sensory experience designed to stimulate your dogβs natural instincts to forage and to follow its nose.Β These sniff sessions are perfect for all dogs, but especially dogs who prefer to not have the company of other canine pals. We can’t think of a better morning activity for your pup before an afternoon of seeing the sites. Sniff sessions are by appointment only, so be sure to book in advance!
Looking for a unique, Instagram-worthy, al fresco dining experience? Look no further than a Glass Cabin Picnic at The Edward House and Loft. Each guest receives a personal graze box curated by The County Picnic and the opportunity to connect with their group in an intimate and special setting like no other.
Want to get on the water? Picton Harbour Pontoon Boat Tours offers 1.5 hour tours for up to 6 people, allowing you to discover natural history, habitats and sights you can’t enjoy from land. They also offer Sunset cruises and VIP tours if you’re looking for an extra special experience.
Fresh cut flower arrangements from The Cutting Factory. Image courtesy of The Cutting Factory
The Cutting Factory is a micro flower farm in Waupoos which grows and sells specialty cut flowers via their farm stand. Purchase gorgeous flower arrangements or make your own with their Flower Farm Experience (coming this spring). Or check out theΒ Clayshapes & The Cutting FactoryΒ Tour, an a three-hour experience in partnership with Clayshapes Pottery,Β that takes you along beautiful PEC country roads to visit a pottery studio to pick out a handmade vase, and a visit to a nearby flower farm where you will pick out blooms and create a unique bouquet.
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Shop
Bent Barn PEC is a charming home decor & gift shop with something for everyone. Discover farmhouse-style decor and gifts, artisan candles, purses and so much more, all in a relaxed comfortable setting of an old carriage house built in the 1800βs.
Inside Bent Barn’s quaint, county-chic shop in Hillier. Image courtesy of Bent Barn.
Locally owned and operated, The Community Store is Wellington’s first authorized cannabis retail store. Visit them for expert service and Health Canada approved product.
Menswear store Jeffrey Scott was a new fixture on Main Street Picton just a couple of years ago, but now you’ll find them in the same location but under a new name: The Merchant. As always you can enjoy their eclectic selection alongside their vintage barber shop, licensed bar, and special events.
free folk events has become studio free folk, a creative studio with a focus on hand poured candles and handmade paper. Their goods are made in small batches and sold exclusively to our mailing list, and is occasionally open to the public. They are also now offering candle making classes from their small studio on weekday evenings and weekends from May – September.
If you’re looking for antiques, curiosities and lovingly restored pieces, be sure to check out County Rust. Located in Wellington on Noxon Avenue this quaint shop is sure to leave you charmed.
[ah-bodh] Home Store is located just to your right as you cross the bridge from Belleville and is a home decor-lover’s dream.Β They offer a vast selection of home decor, lighting, furnishings and rugs, as well as a specially curated selection of local products.
Anice Jewellery is a new addition to Wellington Main Street offering a multi-faceted jewellery experience with a variety of different services including Old Treasures New Love, Custom on the Spot, custom Wedding and Engagement and Jewellery-Making Workshops.
We love cheese in The County, and so of course we love the addition of Nellie’s Cheese and Party Shop to the scene. Located at The Eddie Hotel & Farm, Nellie’s provides a wide selection of local cheese (shoutout to Fifth Town and Lighthall) and international cheeses provided by the Cheese Boutique in Toronto, alongside all of the accompaniments you need for the perfect party cheese board.
A peek inside one of the cheese fridges at Nellie’s Cheese and Party Shop. Image courtesy of Nellie’s Cheese & Party Shop.
Remember antique fairs? Well we’re excited to see that the Spring Antique Show at Crystal Palace organized by A Tick in Tyme is back again for the first time since 2019. Get your antique fix on May 21-22 this year.
Evergreen Kids Thrift got its start as an Instagram thrift shop but they are soon opening a physical shop for their second-hand kids clothes. Follow them on Instagram for updates about their opening.
Stella’s Collection is a new addition to the Picton Armoury serving up excellent service and French fashions.
Stella’s occupies the space previously occupied by Lustre & Tarnish, whose store is now located inside the Armoury behind Savon du Bois. This new location is also home to Brocade, which previously operated out of Bloomfield.
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Stay
The Royal Hotel in Picton opened earlier this year after much anticipation and everyone is excited for its first summer season. Stay in one of their 33, thoughtfully detailed rooms and suites (cleverly named after locally grown apple and pear varieties). Visit their spa for massage, facial and skin treatments, and more (their spa is now open to non-hotel guests). Or experience Chef Albert Ponzo’s culinary mastery in The Dining Room, or visit The Counter Bar for your morning coffee, grab & go lunch, and evening cocktails. The Royal also boasts a stylish gym and outdoor pool for hotel guests and a full conference centre for meetings and retreats.
The lobby boutique at The Royal hotel features beautiful, hand-curated and locally produced items. Image courtesy of The Royal Hotel.
If you’re looking for a extraordinary getaway, look no further than Mirazule. This boutique inn with strikingly modern architecture and a commanding lakeside positionwill transport you to a private world of peaceful relaxation.
You have likely said “hi” to the alpacas and shopped for delightfully soft knitted goods at SHED Chetwyn Farm on Closson Road already, or perhaps you’ve attended an alpaca yoga session. But this year you can even add a farm stay to your Chetwyn Farms experience, complete with a stay in a century farm-cottage and the option to participate in morning farm chores like feeding the alpaca and setting them out to pasture.
Lakecroft offers glamping getaways, cottage stays, and special event hosting, creating opportunities for new experiences and lifelong memories. Enjoy camping under the stars in their spacious 5 metre bell tents in boho luxury and soothing vibes under the stars and by the lake or stay in the spacious chalet with lake views, with mid-modern century decor and surrounded by tree canopies, butterfly bushes, and blooming dahlias.
There are also several new spots to stay, such as Picton’s Brass Foundry, the Schoolhouse Loft, The Owens House, Old Milford House, Everly Inn B&B, and Summerland Summerland.
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Farms & Markets
The Wellington Farmers’ Market is kicking off the market season with a special market on Saturday from May 14th at The Eddie Hotel and Farm, just a short drive outside of Wellington toward Bloomfield. The market is also easily accessed from the Millennium Trail, making for the perfect Saturday outing!
At Wellington United Church – the former location of the aforementioned market – a new market will be taking over the parking lot every Saturday morning. The Wellington Community MarketΒ The new Wellington Community Market is a not-for profit-market featuring a wide variety of food and artisan products.
The logo of the new Wellington Community Market.
If you didn’t get enough of the Saturday markets and want to discover even more local vendors, the Picton Town Hall Farmers Market is back for another season, rain or shine.
If you’re looking to get your hands on some local honey while you’re here, be sure to check out the newest farm stands stocking local, small batch honey: Here and There Apiary and 127 Bees at Loha Farms.
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Health and Wellness
NuLife Skin and Spa offers offers medi-spa and health and beauty treatments from their central Picton location. With an extensive menu featuring lash extensions, waxing, brow and lash tinting, lash lifting, facials, flotation therapy, mani-pedis, massages, and more, you’ll find just what you need at NuLife.
County Fields and Forest is a natural wellness education centre welcome all those who love nature to bask in its glory through sustainable, off-grid living and wellness practices from yoga and meditation, to reiki, animal therapy and beyond.
Disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with yourself at County Fields and Forest. Image courtesy of County Fields and Forest.
Serendipity Yoga has been offering pop-up yoga events throughout The County for many years and will continue to do so this summer, but this year they are opening an in-town studio location this year in Bloomfield right behind Green Gables. Follow them on Instagram for updates about their opening.
Also new to the spa scene in The County is DeeVa Spa at The Waring House.Β DeeVa Spa offers an extensive menu of many esthetic and spa services including everything from manicures and pedicures to massages and facials.
Second Wind Forest Therapy offers guided forest therapy walks through local parks and greenspaces. These walks are slow, rarely longer than two kilometers and have limited elevation change. The standard walk is 2.5 hours long and finishes with a communal tea experience. Visit their website to book a scheduled walk or arrange a walk on your time.
Body Matrix offers Pilates Mat, Pilates Reformer, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis classes from their small Main Street studio in Picton. Want to add an hour of movement and mindfulness to your stay in The County? Body Matrix will also bring their pilates classes to you at your vacation rental.
Free Spirit – The Holistic Way offers private and semi-private sessions, group lessons and experiences allowing you to make a deep and healing connection with horses on their South Shore farm.
Enjoy a ride among The County’s lilacs with the 7th Annual Rotary Lilac Ride on May 29. Image courtesy of Picton Rotary.
Stop and smell the lilacs – or rather ride past and smell the lilacs – with this year’s Rotary Lilac Ride. This popular ride through some of The County’s best “lilac lanes” is finally back for the first time since 2019 and will take place on May 29 this year. Sign up before May 1st for early bird pricing.
If you prefer to hit the pavement with your feet, the Terroir Run is back for their 10th year, and it’s bound to be as epic as ever. The run itself takes you on a 10K route throughout Hillier, culminating in a fresh, local lunch at The Old Third. There are also special events in the days before and after the run that you won’t want to miss!
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Drink
While you have been enjoying Slake Brewing‘s beers and views since 2019, there’s a lot to look forward to this year. Look forward to guided tastings of barrel-aged beers, perfect for small groups looking for a more personalized tasting experience. Booking is not available yet, but you can keep an eye out on their website for more details. Also, in terms of food you can expect a host of food pop-ups from fun local chefs as well as chefs from Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, alongside a fresh new food menu when there are no pop-ups. On top of all of that, Slake is now open for private and semi-private event bookings for everything from weddings to casual gatherings. It’s the stuff of dreams!
The Cellar Sisters are busy working to bring you a beautiful new wine bar in Wellington called Decanter. Be sure to follow along on Instagram for updates as to the opening of this new sipping salon.
Amandaβs Vineyards is a family owned winery located in beautiful Prince Edward County, just five minutes away from Lake on the Mountain. its founder, Mihai Geangalau, invites you to sample its carefully crafted wines, which are the expression of the terroir of the region and his passion for wine.
The stunning exterior of Stillus Craft Spirits, The County’s newest craft distillery. Image courtesy of Stillus Spirts.
Stillus Craft Spirits is a family-owned artisan distillery where they handcraft fine spirits in small batches in their custom-designed copper still made in Tuscany, Italy. Visit for a great neat spirit or a craft cocktail, complemented by savory appetizers (can you say pierogies?!) and sweet treats from their Stillus bistro while overlooking a vineyard (that of TerraCello) and a grain field. Stillus is expected to open to the public this May.
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Tour
PEC Cannabis and Wine Tours offers an infused start to your day of wine touring around The County with one of their tour partners. Your tour will then end where it started – back at The Community Store in Wellington – where you can shop their selection.
Wine O’Clock Tours is a boutique touring service in the County offering private tours for groups up to 7 people. Want to check out The County’s breweries, cideries and distilleries? No problem! Jeff will work with you to build the perfect tour for you.
Prince Edward County Custom Wine Tours offers tours for 2-6 people that are just over 5 hours in length, and you get to pick the start time and what wineries, breweries or cideries you visit.
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Celebrate
Whether you’re planning an intimate boutique wedding, a memorable farm-to-table dining experience, or a larger event or wedding, Lilac & Vine can help you create a celebration that exudes an upscale, rustic-meets-magical feel while highlighting the very best of The County.
Prelude Events is a local rental boutique, dedicated to helping elevate your event to be exactly as youβve envisioned. They offer a large selection of quality dΓ©cor that will fit into any theme or budget.
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