Prince Edward County - what to see, where to stay and what to eat

Prince Edward County has become a popular staycation spot for us Toronto dwellers. There are many reasons why that is but the location being just a couple of hours drive from Toronto makes it a convenient destination. Also, PEC offers a variety of activities – you can spend the day at the beach, visit wineries and breweries, hike or bike nature trails, and eat your way through the many restaurants the area has to offer. Summer is the busiest time of the year but for those who like to go against the grain, PEC has a lot to offer in the fall time as well.

We visited end of September for a couple of days and we were not disappointed. PEC has plenty of options for everyone including your puppy as the PEC is very dog friendly. Here’s our quick guide to visiting Prince Edward County:

1) Oeno Gallery

If you are a big art fan, you will appreciate this indoor and outdoor art gallery. The outdoor gallery hosts several sculptures scattered throughout their 3.5 acre garden. The gallery features works of local, national and international artists

2) Dead People’s Stuff Antiques

This humble husband and wife owned antique shop has eclectic vintage and antique items. You can easily lose track of time browsing through their collection of pine furniture, vintage tools, dainty teacups, etc.

3) Wellington Farmer’s Market

The farmer’s market is the heart of Wellington located next to a park. You find items like freshly baked bread, honey, fresh produce, flowers, cheese and meat items, ready made food, jewelry and clothes made by local artists. One of our favorite stands was Oddy Design Studio. The owner is very friendly and she sells out of a kind handmade ceramic items like necklaces, earrings, plates, straws, etc.

4) County Cider Company

County Cider Company has been specializing in authentic hard ciders since 1995. The apples used in their award winning ciders are from their own orchard and nearby orchards. County Cider Company has a Tasting Room located in a renovated old barn and a Patio Restaurant where you can enjoy your burger + cider while overlooking their vineyard. Best reason to visit aside from their outstanding ciders: they are dog friendly! Our little doggo not only got to sit with us while we enjoyed our ciders and burgers but he got his very own bowl of cider (JK it was just water, we do not promote nor support giving animals alcohol).

5) Beacon Bike + Brew

Beacon Bike + Brew is located in downtown Picton. They offer local wines, beer, coffee, smoothies, cold pressed juices, sandwiches and pastries. When you’re feet are tired and need a little break, this is a great pit stop to recharge. And if you’re tagging along your little tots, they have a small kid’s play area to keep the little humans entertained while the big humans enjoy their drinks and eats.

6) Old Greenhouse Ice Cream Shop

This local family owned ice cream shop offers shakes, frozen yogurt, soft serve ice cream and of course, full cream premium scoop ice cream. It is a busy spot in the summer and their season runs until the end of September so make sure you stop by and visit when you’re in the County. And it’s not only human friendly, it’s also dog friendly!

7) Air BnB

As PEC is a popular vacation destination, there are plenty of hotels, inns, B&Bs and Airbnb spots to chose from. We found our little cottage through Airbnb. Our host Ruth was not only helpful she was knowledgeable in the area and gave us insider’s tips of what to see and where to eat. Her charming cottage is a mix of camping, glamping, and cottaging. Her lakefront property is perfect for those looking for privacy, solitude and relaxation.

There are plenty of other activities you can enjoy in the County like: