Worth the Drive
By Kim Renault
When some friends were recently discussing their next getaway, the location was a no-brainer: Prince Edward County. Known as PEC or the County, this Eastern Ontario destination is popular for a multitude of reasons. And September is prime time for mature visitors in this part of the world.
For starters, PEC is within easy driving distance of Ottawa, Toronto, Kingston and all the places in between. What’s more, summer crowds have thinned, the weather is lovely and the leaves are starting to show their colours. Harvest season is also at its peak, so festivals and special events are plentiful. And since September is grape harvest time, it’s ideal for tastings and vineyard tours. As a wine region PEC is renowned, especially for pinot noir and chardonnay. Breweries also draw fans. The County’s farm-to-table restaurants, food trucks, artisan producers, farm stands and markets are also revered, so bring your appetite.
The arts scene is thriving too, with plenty of galleries and studios in the area. You’ll also love the shopping. Browse vintage finds, check out charming shops and boutiques and explore the antique barns throughout Bloomfield, Wellington and Picton. Outdoors, Sandbanks Provincial Park is a big draw, as is the Millennium Trail for cycling and Lake on the Mountain, Point Petre and Prince Edward Point for hiking and birdwatching.
As for events, the September lineup is eclectic.
Taste! Community Grown is taking place Saturday, September 14, at Parsons Brewing Company, 876 County Rd 49, Picton. An end-of-season celebration of local farmers, growers, makers, producers, purveyors chefs and more, this event includes a vendor market, a concert and a roving dinner. The vendor market runs from noon to 5 p.m. and you can purchase a PEC Wine Passport to get five tasting samples and a sample glass so you can sip as you shop.
In the evening, there’s a concert by Secret Beach, a PEC cover band featuring Justin Rutledge, Annelise Noronha, Jeremy Kelly, Ben Vandergaast, Kevin Howley and Jim Hardy. In addition, a roving dinner will feature small plates and wine pairings from local chefs. See pecwines.com for details.
The 31st PEC Studio Tour Weekend is happening Friday, September 19, through Sunday, September 21. Some 62 juried artists are featured in 39 studio/galleries throughout the County. Presented by PEC Arts Council, this free event is an annual favourite. You can map your own route, meet the artists and watch live demonstrations. Painters, sculptors, fibre artists, print makers, potters, ceramicists, jewelry designers, photographic artists, mixed media artists, a woodturner and a feathersmith are featured. See pecstudiotour.com for details.
The Ontario Cheese Festival is happening Sunday, September 28, at The Cape in Picton, PEC. A celebration of
all things dairy, as well as makers and producers, this event will showcase goodies from artisan dairies as
well as craft beer, wine, cider, distillers and vendors specializing in niche foods, with most sourced locally.
Tickets, $75 each, include samples of artisan and farmstead cheeses and specialty foods, six alcohol tasting tickets for small-batch wine, craft beer and cider and spirits, a souvenir festival glass for tastings and an insulated swag tote bag for purchases.
Tutored tastings are presented by Vanessa Simmons, Canada’s best-known cheese sommelier, and Roxanne Renwick, a leading cheese educator. There’s also live music and free parking. See ontariocheesefestival.com for details.
For more information about PEC attractions, accommodations and dining, visit visitthecounty.com.
