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At Home, Online, Outdoors for The Holidays

Picture of a table decorated for a Victorian-era Christmas meal, with a Christmas tree in background. Text on image says "December Staycation: At Home, Online, Outdoors for the Holidays"

‘Tis the season. And what a different kind of season it will be this year.

Messing with tradition can be hard, we all know it. For many people December is a month steeped in traditions. Quieter comforts will replace the hustle bustle of the December holidays this year.

We’ve compiled a list of some made-in-The-County ideas that we hope will spark a new tradition or two. Read on for our suggestions of how to make a merry and bright December: at home, online and outside. We’ve included local food pairings throughout to help you make it extra special.

For those who are reading from afar, we look forward to when we can welcome you to The County in the not-too-distant future. Stay home. Stay safe. And support local this holiday season: either by gifting from The County’s online shops, or shopping local wherever your local may be.

At Home

There’s no place like home for the holidays, so why not add a little festive sparkle to your nest. Here are some DIY projects that will help you create a festive home for the holidays. Get crafty, Prince Edward County!

Everything you need to make perfect sugar cookies | Photo supplied by Karlyn’s Cookies

Karlyn’s Cookies At-Home Cookie Decorating Kit

Kids of all ages can get into the holiday spirit by creating mini edible masterpieces. Karlyn’s Cookies at-home cookie decorating kit provides everything you need to make picture perfect sugar cookies in your home kitchen. From cookies to icing and festive sprinkles, Karlyn’s kits will help you nail it. Order by email by December 18th for pick up in Picton.

County Chic DIY Rustic Ornaments

County Chic is bringing the workshops to your home this winter with their Holiday Drop 2020. Pick up one of their DIY Rustic Ornament kits before December 19th to create a fun variety of decorations, ideal for an added touch on a special gift or to hang on your tree. The package includes all materials and instructions. To order, send them a message on Instagram or Facebook. Available for curbside pick up in Bloomfield only.

DIY Rustic Ornament Collections currently available at County Chic. | Photo with permission from @countychicworkships

County at-home food & drink pairing: We recommend pairing your adult crafting with Kinsip House of Fine Spirits “Perfect Old Fashioned” gift pack. Available for pick up at the distillery or free local delivery, the kit includes their bitters, Whisky and Whisky Barrel Aged Maple Syrup. Pair it with the Kinsip / Kaleidoscope fruit cake collaboration. This awesome cake of jolly features dried fruit and nuts that have been soaking in Kinsip’s Dark Waters Rum.

Kinsip House of Fine Spirits and Kaleidoscope catering collaborated on this epic holiday fruit cake | Photo by Kinsip

Online

We’ve all become used to the online life this year. Take a break from the office Zoom and tune into these County-made online events.

Art House Atelier County Art Auction

Going once, going twice… you’ve got until December 13th to place your bids for the Art House Atelier Prince Edward County Art Auction. The online auction includes pieces from accomplished County artists like Kyle Topping, Joanna McFarland, Allen Hirsch, and Milé Murtanovski. The pieces are large and small, many are perfect gifts for the holidays! Art House Atelier will donate 10% of the proceeds to the County Community Foundation to support arts scholarships for PEC students.

A wintery farm scene: “Tractor” by Milé Murtanovski is available in the Art House Atelier auction | Photo supplied by Art House Atelier

Christmas by Candlelight at Macaulay House

On Wednesday December 16th at 7pm, peek at the festive decorations at Macaulay House with The County Museums through the magic of Facebook Live. During this free event, you can explore Macaulay House by candlelight, chat with museum staff about the origins of different holiday traditions, and be transported to the world of a Victorian-era Christmas.

Macaulay House wearing its Christmas decor | Photo supplied by The County Museums.

County at-home food pairing: A mainstay of Victorian Christmas feasts would be a mince pie. My Pies in Wellington is serving up a modern take on mincemeat as part of their holiday menu. Start with a savoury Tourtiere, Turkey Dinner or Vegan Dinner Pie, then finish of with a classic holiday tart. Not into mince? Try the butter tarts, Bakewell or cherry chocolate instead! Order in advance and pick up at the Wellington shop by 4pm.

My Pies holiday menu features mince pies, butter tarts, chocolate cherry and more. | Photo supplied by My Pies

The Regent Theatre Presents Uncovered: Notes from the Heart

The Regent Theatre has been offering a virtual screening room throughout the pandemic, with first-rate films, Cinefest offerings and live Opera available for streaming.

The cast of Uncovered: Notes from the Heart | Photo by Dahlia Katz

On Saturday December 19th, The Regent Theatre presents a streamed concert performance by the acclaimed Musical Stage Company. Notes From the Heart is 65 minutes of iconic songs of hope by Bob Dylan, Carole King, Bob Marley, Elton John, and more, reimagined and performed by today’s leading Canadian artists. Hope is a perfect theme for the holidays. Expect to see big name musical theatre performers like Jackie Richardson and Hailey Gillis, plus Bruce Dow and Andrew Penner who have both performed on Festival Players of Prince Edward County‘s stages.

County at-home food pairing: Keep it classy with a holiday board from Bloomfield Public House Market, complete with house-made charcuterie or smoked fish, Lighthall Vineyards cheese, and all the requisite BPHM pickles, chutneys and mustards.

Instant Rivalry headlines a County Christmas concert | Photo supplied by Instant Rivalry

Instant Rivalry’s Back Forty Christmas Special

The County’s musical talent is on display for the holidays. Our favourite brother and sister country music duo, Instant Rivalry, has pulled together an impressive lineup of local and regional talent for an online Christmas special premiering December 22nd. The Wilkinsons, Miss Emily, Justin Rutledge and more will help you celebrate the season from the comfort of your home. Expect a visit from Santa!

County food pairing: Make it feel like a party with classic festive appetizers. Matron Fine Beer is offering a Appetizer Party Box available for pick up from the brewery Dec 22-24. Sausage rolls, marinated goat’s cheese, meatballs and more pair nicely with their farmhouse ales, aromatic IPAs & balanced lagers.

Matron Fine Beer is has your bubble party snacks covered | Photo from Matron Fine Beer

Outdoors

This winter, we’re getting creative about outdoor, festive fun. From drive-through parades to light installations to late-season markets and solstice walks with a donkey… County folk have plenty of reason to get out of the house and enjoy the holidays, among community, safely outdoors.

County food & drink pairing: Each of these outdoor activities pair well with a warm bevvy from one of The County’s many coffee shops. Check out our recent Coffee Blog for details on where to find espresso, drip, teas and cocoa.

Picton Town Hall Holiday Farmers’ Market

The last outdoor market of the season will be held Saturday December 12th at the Picton Town Hall. Mask up and keep your distance as you shop 100% locally made gifts from food stuffs to flowers to wood work and more. Among the nearly 20 vendors, you’ll find honey and bee products from Curious Goat General Store, java from Stone Temple Coffees, holiday decor from Locust Tree Designs, and Kawthar’s Creations Syrian jams, pickles and marinated Labneh.

Find Scrunchie & Go’s festive collection at the Picton Town Hall Market, made by County youth Cody-Rae Fowler | Photo by Scrunchie & Go.

Loch Sloy Santa Extravaganza Drive Thru

On Saturday December 12th from 6 – 10 pm, get ready for The County’s first reverse Christmas parade. Stay in your car and tour through the Loch Sloy Business Park (a former WW2 air force training base) to see floats and installations, a 30-foot tree of lights, video chats with Santa and a concert by Instant Rivalry. The event is by-donation, raising funds for The ROC and Alternatives For Women.

Picton Rec Committee Holiday Home Decorating Contest

Category is: Best Dressed Holiday Homes. Picton residents will be vying for top honours in this neighbourly competition sponsored by the Picton Rec Committee. Homes will be judged on Sunday December 13th, with the three best-decorated homes receiving gift cards for local shops. There is a People’s Choice Award with nominations open until December 20th, so tour around in the car, or bundle up for a winter walk and enjoy the lights in Picton. Then cast your vote by email.

Spirit in the Square

Local artists have created light installations at the Armoury Square on Main Street Picton. Visit after dusk any time from December 14th until Boxing Day. On Saturday December 19th, the Square will come to life with music and more. This event is coordinated by Raising a Village Quinte, who helps to sponsor hundreds of children with essential items each year.

Ready for a winter wander at Macaualy Mountain Conservation Area? | Photo by Trevor Crowe

Winter Wander Walk

Join County Flora for a physically-distanced solstice hike at Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area on Monday December 21st at 8:30 am. Take the time to enjoy the stillness of nature and reflect on and celebrate your accomplishments throughout the year as you prepare for the one ahead. A short hike followed by a meditation on rest: sounds like the perfect way to celebrate the official changing of the season.

Walking With Thunder

Join ====\\DeRAIL and the Department of Illumination for a meditative, quiet walk honouring the Winter Solstice… with a donkey named Thunder. This is the third installation in a series of site-specific, community-engaged projects intended to animate a western section of the Millennium Trail. Meet at Fort Kente Road at the Millennium Trail (southwest of Hwy 64/Gardenville Road) at 3:00 pm to walk the trail with Thunder, his artist-handler Conrad Beaubien and musician Kat Burns. Physical distancing is a must: stay 6 feet from all humans and donkeys.

Artist Conrad Beaubien takes Thunder for a meditative walk to celebrate the solstice | Photo by Karen Palmer
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visitthecounty

Official tourism account. #PrinceEdwardCounty: a rural community bursting with creative talent & natural stunners. See also @countylicious

Prince Edward County 🏖🍇🎨🌈
✨ What's on (Virtually) in The County? ✨⁠
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How do you spend February in The County if you can't get to The County? Let The County come to you, of course.⁠
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Read our latest blog for the online, at home and physically distanced activities offered by @thecountymuseums @deptofillumination and @escapecamppicton this February. Link in bio.⁠
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👉🏼 Channel spirits of the past through a livestreamed Graveyard and Gallows tour⁠
👉🏼 Check in with The County's artists at an outdoor, distanced art exhibit ⁠
👉🏼 Find clues and solve a mystery with a play-at-home puzzle game⁠
👉🏼 Explore your own history with The County's genealogical experts⁠
👉🏼 Get groovy at a Zoom based community dance party⁠
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To our friends in regions under Stay at Home orders...We can't wait to welcome you back when the time is right. Keep your County vacation dreams alive and plan for a visit at a later date. But for now: #StayHomeON #StaySafe #RestezChezVous ❤️⁠
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If you are planning a visit from another Green-Prevent zone to ours, please travel responsibly. Limit your travel group to people you live with, limit contact with others and take advantage of take-out, curbside pick-up and activities outdoors in nature. 💚⁠
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For more information about visiting The County during the pandemic, check out our COVID-19 info page. Link in bio.⁠
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#SponsoredPost ⁠
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#VirtualVisit #VirtualVacay #AtHome#VisitTheCounty #VisitPEC #CountyUp #SouthEasternOntario #ExploreON  #PEC #DiscoverON #travel #ontario #TheCounty #DiscoverOntario @southeast.ontario⁠
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📷 Photo of Escape Camp Picton's "Arrow's Secret" puzzle box with text laid over the graphic that says "Virtually Here: At Home Heritage Art and Games"
We miss you. Tu nous manques beaucoup. 🥰🤗⁠ We miss you. Tu nous manques beaucoup. 🥰🤗⁠
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To our friends in regions under Stay at Home orders...We can't wait to welcome you back when the time is right. Keep your County vacation dreams alive and let this cute barn cat inspire your visit at a later date. But for now: #StayHomeON #StaySafe #RestezChezVous⁠
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If you are planning a visit from another Green-Prevent zone to ours, please travel responsibly. We're not out of the woods yet. Limit your travel group to people you live with, limit contact with others and take advantage of take-out, curbside pick-up and activities outdoors in nature. 💚⁠
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For more information about visiting The County during the pandemic, check out our COVID-19 info page. Link in bio.⁠
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#SouthEasternOntario @southeast.ontario #VisitTheCounty #TheCounty #CountyUp #VisitPec #DiscoverON #BarnCat #Winter #SafeTravels⁠
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📷 by Anne McIssac⁠
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We miss you. Tu nous manques beaucoup. 🥰🤗⁠ We miss you. Tu nous manques beaucoup. 🥰🤗⁠
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To our friends in regions under Stay at Home orders...We can't wait to welcome you back when the time is right. Keep your County vacation dreams alive and let the beauty of Macaulay Mountain inspire a visit at a later date. But for now: #StayHomeON #StaySafe #RestezChezVous⁠
⁠
If you are planning a visit from another Green-Prevent zone to ours, please travel responsibly. We're not out of the woods yet. Limit your travel group to people you live with, limit contact with others and take advantage of take-out, curbside pick-up and outdoor activities. 💚⁠
⁠
For more information about visiting The County during the pandemic, check out our COVID-19 info page. Link in bio.⁠
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#SouthEasternOntario @southeast.ontario #VisitTheCounty #TheCounty #CountyUp #VisitPec #DiscoverON #ConservationArea #MaucaulayMountain #Winter #SafeTravels
⚡ Flash Back (Virtually) this February! ⚡ ⁠ ⚡ Flash Back (Virtually) this February! ⚡
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Explore The County's history and heritage from the comfort of your own home, during Flashback February: The Living Room Edition! From February 15-20, @thecountymuseums and their partners have put together dozens of activities to celebrate the County's past:
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🔍 Solve an interactive online mystery set at Picton's historic Macaulay House⁠
⚰️ Get up close an personal with County spirits in a virtual Graveyards and Gallows tour ⁠
🛩️ Decode the secrets of the Avro Arrow with a play-at-home escape game by @escapecamppicton
📔 What's your story? Find out with the Marilyn Adams Genealogical Research Centre
🏚️ Plus, expert talks on The County's natural heritage, built heritage, restoration, native plant gardening and more!
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Read on. Link in bio.⁠
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NOTE: If you live outside the Hastings Prince Edward area, we encourage you to visit us virtually for now. Please let our content inspire your travels for a later date. The Province and our local Health Unit is advising that non-essential travel between regions should be avoided at this time.⁠ #stayhomestaysafe⁠ #stayhomeON
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#flashbackfebruary #ontarioheritageweek #ontarioheritage #genealogicalresearch #naturalheritage #builtheritage #nativeplants #graveyardtour #virtualevents #athomeactivities #avroarrow #visitthecounty #visitpec #countyup #southeasternOntario #pec #countyup #thecounty #discoverontario @southeast.ontario @onheritage
📷 Photo courtesy of @merrillhouse1878 #StayHom 📷 Photo courtesy of @merrillhouse1878  #StayHomeON  Stay home now so we can welcome you to #TheCounty again soon. Let this pic of the historic Church at Macaulay Heritage Park inspire a future visit. (Or, better yet, plan to visit The County Museums virtually during #FlashbackFebruary!)  But for now:  Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.  #StayHome #StaySafe #SaveLives #PrinceEdwardCounty #VisitTheCounty #CountyUp #winter #museums #picton #heritage #FlashbackFebruary #SoutheasternOntario #MuseumsPEC #CanadianHeritage @southeast.ontario @thecountymuseums  Photo description: On a sunny winter day, the historic former Church of St. Mary Magdalene in the background, a heritage cemetery in the foreground.
Repost from @thebrookpec #stayhomeON Stay home n Repost from @thebrookpec  #stayhomeON  Stay home now so we can welcome you to #TheCounty again soon. Let this pic of one of Sophiasburgh's neighbourhood horses inspire a future visit. But for now:  Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.  #stayhome #staysafe #savelives #princeedwardcounty #visitthecounty #countyup #winter #horse #sophiasburgh #southeasternontario @southeast.ontario
📷 Repost from @nik.dh #stayhomeON Stay home 📷 Repost from @nik.dh  #stayhomeON  Stay home now so we can welcome you to #TheCounty again soon. Let this sweet pic inspire a future visit, but for now:  Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.  #stayhome #staysafe #savelives #princeedwardcounty #visitthecounty #countyup #winter #lakeontario #southeasternontario @southeast.ontario
🎀 In the giving season, County hospitality give 🎀 In the giving season, County hospitality gives back... ⁠🎀⁠
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There are countless stories of how The County's tourism and hospitality sector supports local causes. Here's another worth highlighting:⁠
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County Artists Give Time and Talent⁠
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Throughout the year, The County's visual artists step up and support so many causes. When they are not in the studio or welcoming visitors to their galleries, they are helping the community however they can. 🖌️👨🏼‍🎨⁠🖼️⁠
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They donate or provide deeply discounted artwork to charity auctions, they donate proceeds of sales to causes, and they give their time and talent to community projects, designing posters and merch, creating murals and installations, and so much more.⁠
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🎨 This year, @pamelacarterstudio ran two fundraising sales for the @foundationpecmh Back the Build campaign. A detail of her painting "Winter Dreams #2" is pictured here.⁠
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❤️ Artistic giving takes many forms, from the Love Wall community art project by @nellarules that brought joy and hope in the early days of the pandemic to the recent @arthouseatelier County art auction that raised funds for arts scholarships for students, to the twenty artists who created work for the pop-up display "Intersections - an Anti-Racist Conversation on Sir John A MacDonald."⁠
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The County's artists make this a vibrant, beautiful, thoughtful and kind place to be.⁠
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🎴 You can support The County's artists this holiday season by stuffing some stockings with County Art Playing Cards from @countyarts. Proceeds help to build their artist career development fund. (Link in bio)⁠
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#countyup #visitthecounty #thecounty #princeedwardcounty #tourismgivesback #community #volunteer #charity #dogood #socialgood #fundraising #sponsorship #community #art #buyart #charityauction #artforgood #visualart #painter #scultpor #artforchange @southeast.ontario
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