Getting this out just in time for the long weekend, knowing Prince Edward County is one of the most beloved escapes for Torontonians and, honestly, with good reason.
I’ve been coming here for years now, with the County playing a big part in how my husband and I fell in love as the site of our first-ever getaway. Returning over the years, I’ve watched the County evolve: there’s more to do now, more restaurants, wineries, and little shops to discover, and with that, a slightly busier energy on summer weekends. But despite all the changes, it remains my favourite place for a quick escape from the city, a place where I actually feel away and relaxed (rare). Here, a bakery stop turns into an hour-long coffee while reading the local paper, one winery becomes three, and a “quick, pull the car over!” roadside farm stand somehow results in an entirely full trunk on the drive home. Every time I’m here, I leave with an even longer list of places I need to check out next time. Good thing it’s just two hours away.
Stay somewhere cozy and lakeside, drink Ontario wine all afternoon but leave time to stop at the carefully curated shops in Bloomfield or Picton, and don’t you dare leave town without grabbing a cookie from Fawn Over Market.
Drake Devonshire: Still one of the quintessential County stays, and the place I return to. The lakeside setting is beautiful year-round, the rooms are well-appointed, and the scones at breakfast take up significant real estate in my brain. Have them arrange a wine tour for you so you can visit as many wineries as possible (my limit is usually four) without needing to assign a DD.
The Royal: Right in the heart of Picton with very aesthetic guest rooms (occasionally with an in-room bathtub!). It’s an ideal location for bopping without needing to constantly get back in the car.
Private Rental: There are SO many stunning farmhouses and local rentals in the area. If you’re coming with a group, I’d suggest looking for an Airbnb like this one or this one.
Rise Coffee House: Right across the street from The Drake, I started most mornings here. Do not skip the baked goods, which are stunning.
Lily’s Cafe: Perfect for coffee and pastries before a Picton stroll. Their chocolate croissant is non-traditional in the best way and absolutely FILLED with chocolate.
Fawn Over Market: I was told to get a chocolate chip cookie, and it may genuinely be the best I’ve ever had. Get more than you think necessary and freeze them.
Small Scale Bread: Just outside the County in Belleville, it’s a great stop on your way in or on your drive home. Go early for the cinnamon buns.
Citizen Frances: Come for the breakfast sandwich and latte, stay to browse the vintage goods and little knick-knacks.
Flossie’s Sandwiches: Again, this is located in Belleville, but if you’re coming for a long weekend, I suggest stopping here for a quick lunch on your way into PEC, as it’s unmissable, but closed on weekends.
Rosetta: Brand new and delicious. We ordered almost the entire menu, and I truly enjoyed it all.
Bocado: Spanish-inspired menu with an excellent wine list, too.
Darlings Pizza Ranch: One of the few places where the food tastes as good as it looks on Instagram.
Sujeo Korean: Great takeout!
A note on County wine: PEC wines tend to lean crisp and mineral. This is Chardonnay and Pinot country, and while they may not rival European or Californian grapes (understatement of the century), one of the best ways to spend a day here is simply hopping between wineries, particularly the smaller and family-owned ones, where you’ll often find yourself being poured tastings by the winemaker themselves.
Hinterland: A must for sparkling wine lovers.
Rosehall Run: A classic County spot. Their Pixie is a really fun sparkling option for summer drinking.
The Grange: An excellent Sauv Blanc.
Crimson Cider Company: It’s impossible for me to come to the County and not have one of Crimson’s cider slushies!
Slake Brewing: Come for the beer, stay for the view.
Cylinder Shop: Beautiful ceramics and objects for the home.
Kokito: You’ll recognize their signature, colourful blanket wall.
Bloomfield Public House Market: Excellent for a little browse.
Love the Design: My most charming discovery from a recent visit, this shop by Christine Flynn features a curation of vintage treasures.
Twenty Seven: What a gem! This spot in Bloomfield has a fantastic selection of brands and, surprisingly, some French pharmacy skincare like A313 and Ialuset.
Agrarian Market: Excellent for pantry restocking.
Everything Variety: See above.
A positive result of the County’s explosion in popularity? You can finally get a cocktail after 8PM! Try The Russ & Co or Bar Duchess
The Studio PEC: Ideal if you’d like to briefly counteract the effects of your wine-and-pastry-heavy itinerary with a reformer class.
Slickers: Campfire ice cream mandatory.
Lighthall Cheese: Really, you might as well.
Bop along Picton Main Street with a coffee in hand, wandering slowly between shops.
The Jam Shack: Hope it’s open (never a guarantee) but if it is, make sure you buy the red pepper jelly.
If you’re heading to the County this long weekend, enjoy the sunshine, the lakeside air, and the inevitable urge to start browsing local real estate listings.
x E
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