There is no better place to be in the fall than Prince Edward County! This is my second fall season in the County and I would not want to be any where else in the world. The bright foliage, harvest foods, quaint towns and seasonal drinks all combine for a truly magical time of year. If you’re making a trip to the County to enjoy this beautiful season, here’s my guide to a festive fall weekend in PEC.
Friday
Your first stop on the way into the County is going to be Campbell’s Orchards. This local farm market has the most delicious baked goods that you can pick-up to enjoy throughout the weekend (get the apple bread, you will not regret it!). To get all the Stars Hallow feels, check-in to one of the many beautiful bed-and-breakfasts in Wellington or Bloomfield. For dinner, catch a gorgeous sunset over the Bay of Quinte on the patio at the Miller House. If you can’t make it up to Lake on the Mountain, Midtown Brewing in Wellington is a great alternative. Try their popular wood fired pizza and new fall Seasonal Ale!
Saturday
On Saturday morning, head into Picton for a stroll through town. Pick up a PSL from Miss Lily’s Café and meander along Main Street to check out all the wonderful local shops. You’re going to definitely want to browse through The Ye11ow Studio for handmade pottery; Luna Boutique for a new fall sweater; and Coriander Girl for some bespoke blooms. Nothing like shopping endorphins to kick-start your day! For a spooky add-on to your morning adventure, head over to the old St. Mary Magdalene Parish Cemetery at Macaulay Heritage Park.
Then it’s off the spend the afternoon enjoying all the local wine, beer and cider the County has to offer. Visit Gillingham Brewing Company first – they have a large outdoor seating area set-up around a cozy campfire overlooking an idyllic country scene. You can order lunch here which comes from one of my favourite restaurants in the County, The Marans. And you must order their new fall beer, the Oktoberfest style ES Märzen Lager. Next up is Loch Mór Cider Company, because you can’t have a festive fall weekend without cider! Enjoy a flight under the trees with a locally made Cornish pasty. End your day at Karlo Estates Winery with a walk through their beautiful property (great photo op at the old bridge!), a glass of Three Witches white wine and sunset over the vineyards. Karlo often has live music on the weekends, so check ahead to see if you can catch some local musical talent.
A festive fall day like this must conclude with a delicious autumnal dinner! This dinner can be found on the beautiful heated patio at East and Main Bistro in Wellington. Their menu has all the delicious fall favourites like beef Bourguinon, Pinot Noir braised lamb shank and roasted vegetable curry. Yum!
Sunday
Sunday is all about the autumn antiquing! But first, coffee. Grab some caffeine at Bloomfield Public Market and stroll down the very Stars Hallow’esk main street of Bloomfield. There are lots of cute shops to pop into while you make your way to the first antique store, Dead People’s Stuff. Believe it or not, you will be ready for lunch at this point (there are so many distractions in Bloomfield), so stop into Saylor House Café. They have a cute patio for outdoor dining and the best comfort food in town – I’m talking grilled cheese and tomato soup kind of comfort. Then hop in the car and you’re off to some of my favourite shops! Browse through County Traders, MacCool’s Re-use, The Local Store, and Koopmans (not open Sundays but if you’re doing this on another day, definitely check them out).
As your festive fall weekend in the PEC sadly comes to and end, make one more stop on your way out. If you’re heading west, stop at Tabersnack for a delicious poutine and local beer. If your direction is west, check out the beautiful views at Three Dog Winery while you enjoy a glass of wine and wood fired pizza. In this final moment of your trip, soak in the autumn magic of the County and reminisce on all the fun memories you’ve made during your festive fall weekend in PEC!
Cheers!~GDW
Girl Drinks Wine 