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  • An Outdoorsy Weekend in Prince Edward County and Bay of Quinte
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An Outdoorsy Weekend in Prince Edward County and Bay of Quinte

This is the first of three itineraries developed in partnership with our friends at the Bay of Quinte Region.  Stay tuned for our upcoming Foodie and Wellness itineraries. 

Illustration of Laura Voskamp standing next to her lavender coloured bike.

Meet Laura

Laura Voskamp is a bike shop/cafe owner based out of Belleville (shoutout to The Brake Room), but she grew up in nearby Brighton, making her the perfect ambassador for the Bay of Quinte region. You’ll often find her cycling in BoQ and PEC while brewery hopping, fuelled by coffee, of course. This is her perfect outdoorsy weekend in PEC & BoQ.

 

A map depicting the PEC and BOQ regions, alongside all of the locations mentioned in the accompanying blog post.

 

Download The Outdoorsy Map illustrated by Kelly Panacci

 

Day One

Day One | An Afternoon in Brighton & Trenton

Lola’s Cafe | BoQ

Stopping for a coffee is the perfect way to start out your long weekend, making sure that you have the energy you need to enjoy every minute. Lola’s Café is located on the west side of Brighton, right on your route if you’re headed in from the Toronto area. This sunny spot will always have a place in my heart: it was one of my favourite haunts as a high school student! I don’t always get the chance to stop in at Lola’s now that I live in Belleville, but when I do, I always (ALWAYS) get a stack of their famous toffee shortbread cookies to take home. I’ve tried recreating these on several occasions, but there is just something magical about the ones they make at the cafe. Hot tip: make sure to bring a thermos to fill up with a warm drink to take to your next destination.

Presqu’ile Provincial Park | BoQ

Heading south out of downtown Brighton towards the lake shore, you’ll instantly feel quieted as you pass by marshes scattered with water fowl. I recommend timing your visit to coincide with golden hour at the park. It’s easy to find parking at Presqu’ile’s beaches during fall and winter afternoons, plus you can plan ahead by securing an Ontario Parks day use permit online. The park’s trails are open for hiking all year, and the 8km bike loop alongside the main road is the perfect length to get you moving on chillier days. The Lighthouse is an ideal place to stop for a spot of hot tea and dig into your stash of Lola’s shortbread cookies.

Presqu’ile is on Lake Ontario, the shoreline of which is known for incredible ice formations in certain conditions. If you hear rumours about ice volcanoes starting to crop up in the depths of winter, be sure to make a plan to visit the park! But please stay off the shore ice as this is known to be unsafe in winter – keep to the beach!

Alternate Routes

Coming into the area from the east? It’s definitely worth a stop at The Brake Room in Belleville for coffee, some delicious treats, and to pick up some cool bike accessories before your adventurous weekend. Follow that up with a walk at Potter’s Creek Conservation Area before heading to dinner. 

Tomasso’s Italian Grille | B0Q

All that fresh air is guaranteed to make you hungry! I love a good, comforting meal after spending time out in the elements, so after your afternoon walk I’d definitely head into Trenton for dinner at Tomasso’s Italian Grille before heading back to cozy up for the night. Tomasso’s is a favourite amongst Trenton locals: it’s been family-owned for generations and you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Bonus: their dishes lend themselves well to take-out if you prefer to eat back at your accommodations. Keep it classic with one of Jim’s Pizzeria’s loaded pies and a Caesar salad, or try a baked pasta dish if you really want to lean into the comfort food season.

 

Day Two

Day Two – A Cross-Border Adventure

Trenton Deli & Bakery | BoQ

Make the most of your daylight hours and be sure to get up early the next morning to start exploring. Head into Trenton, where the Trenton Deli been a mainstay for close to 50 years in downtown. It’s another spot I hold near and dear: the deli was a weekly stop for my family while I was growing up. The authentic European deli moved to a larger location and opened a bakery in 2020: more to love!

It’s easy to kill a bit of time perusing their European treat section, where you’ll find snacks to throw in your bike bag for the day and more to take home and stash for later. After you’ve made your selection, sidle up to the counter for a made-to-order deli sandwich (my pick is the Dutchess!) to take along for your afternoon. You can also grab a fresh croissant for breakfast if you get here early enough! Once you’ve packed up your picnic, it’s time to head out of town for some more of that fresh, rural air.

 

Trenton Deli Sandwich in Cross Section | Laura Voskamp

The Duchess, Laura’s favourite sandwich from Trenton Deli & Bakery. Photo by Laura Voskamp.

 

Lower Trent Conservation & Trails and the Old Bank Cafe | BoQ

Just outside of Trenton is a collection of under-the-radar trails that connect the towns of Batawa, Frankford and Glen Miller. If you’re hiking, try the 1.5km Bleasdell Boulder loop. A bike will get you a bit further: you can start at the trailhead on Lock Road and follow this route up to the Old Bank Cafe in Stirling for a warm up. Pedal back down along the Trent River and stop for your sandwich on the waterfront before you get back down to the parking lot. Try this route I drew up on the Ride with GPS app if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Cycling in BOQ in Fall | Laura Voskamp

Hitting the cycling trail in Fall – it’s just as beautiful in Winter, I promise! Photo by Laura Voskamp.

Millennium Trail & Bloomfield Public House Market| PEC

If you want to squeeze in another few hours outdoors, the Millennium Trail is a perfect way to take in the County. The Trail connects with the main County artery, Loyalist Parkway, both north and east of Consecon as well as in Wellington and Bloomfield. The Trail is great for folks planning to bring fat bikes to the County, but as long as the snow isn’t too deep, most bikes with tires over 35mm will be totally comfortable riding on it.

Park in Wellington and head East toward Bloomfield on the multi-use trail. It’s fairly flat and very well-packed, so even though your round trip will be 20 kilometres, it’s a relatively easy ride and you won’t have to worry about any car traffic – though be sure to keep an ear out for snowmobiles in winter and leave room for them to safely pass. Plan your trip to stop in Bloomfield at Bloomfield Public House Market for a warm drink and a snack (check their open hours and be sure to factor in riding time) and then hop back on the trail to head back to the car.

Alternate Routes

If craft beer is what you’re craving mid-ride, you can also stop at Matron Fine Beer which is located just off the trail in Bloomfield. Grab a floofy pour and warm up next to their fire pits before hopping back on the Trail. Don’t forget to grab some cans to take home!

Midtown Brewing Company | PEC

A winter visit to Midtown Brewing Company is a standard for PEC + BoQ locals. Once your cheeks are rosy from a winter trail ride, you’ll know it’s time for an order of Midtown’s famous fries + a pint of oatmeal stout (my favourites) followed by whatever seasonal features the kitchen crew has going for the night.

 

Day Three

Day Three – An Easy Sunday

Picton Explore + Macaulay Mountain Hike | PEC

You’re guaranteed to sleep well after all that time outside yesterday, so take your time in the morning. I suggest calling ahead while you’re getting ready to order your breakfast from The Vic Drive-In in Picton: the breakfast sandwich isn’t messy, so it’s perfect for enjoying in Benson Park tucked just behind Main Street or as you walk down the street for some window-shopping. If you have the time though, the Vic is the most fun place to enjoy a dine-in experience!

 

Picton Main Street in Winter | Laura Voskamp

Picton Main Street is endlessly charming in Winter. Photo by Laura Voskamp.

 

Once you’ve scoped out all the windows and finished your sandwich, pop into the shops that strike your fancy. Head into Books & Company where you’ll find a great selection of field guides to amp up your outdoor education. And don’t miss Beacon Bike + Brew, where you can pick up some well-curated pieces to add to your cycling kit and grab another cozy drink before driving to the edge of town for a hike. Park at the bottom of Macaulay Mountain and head up! The trails wind their way up the hill (find the different trail ratings on AllTrails) and in the winter months you’ll be able to see even more of Picton from each vantage point.

Fina Vista Farms Visit | BoQ
When you’re ready to wind your way back out of the County, point yourself north west: destination, Fina Vista Farms. My 🔥 Hot Take 🔥 is that winter is the best season for so many outdoor activities, and horseback riding is one of them. You won’t have to deal with any of the annoying parts of summer trail rides, (read: bugs and humidity!) just dress in your warmest layers and cross your fingers for a light dusting of snow while you ride!

And there you have it! The perfect outdoorsy weekend in PEC & BoQ is complete!

 

Looking for more inspiration for exploring the region? Read more of our blog and check out the regional itineraries over at bayofquinte.ca. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next itinerary in this joint initiative with the Bay of Quinte.

 

Thanks to our friends at Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board and RTO9 for making these joint itineraries possible. Also thank you to local artist Kelly Panacci for providing her talent for the illustrations on this project.

 

 

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#PrinceEdwardCounty

visitthecounty

Official tourism account. #PrinceEdwardCounty a rural community bursting with creative talent & natural stunners.

Prince Edward County 🍂🌾🍇🍻
🐝 Bees & Blooms 🌻⁠ ⁠ Slow down, stop and 🐝 Bees & Blooms 🌻⁠
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Slow down, stop and explore at an off-grid homestead with beekeeper Elis @curiousgoatgeneralstore. Deepen your connection with plants, pollinators, and your food, and make a balm to take home! The Bees and Blooms Adventure is kid-friendly and is perfect for private groups.! It features a snack of locally made bread and cheese, garden iced mint tea, and of course a honey tasting, or you can add on a field picnic for the full bees & "brunch" experience. ⁠
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If that sounds like a perfect outing for you, book your Bees & Blooms experience today or head to VisitPEC.ca/experience-the-county/ (links in bio) to explore other special County experiences designed to help you immerse yourself in our local art, agriculture, nature, and history.⁠
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Video by OneLook Productions.⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #ExperienceTheCounty #BeesandBlooms #CuriousGoatGeneralStore
🐶 PEC Pups 🐕⁠ ⁠ Visiting PEC with your p 🐶 PEC Pups 🐕⁠
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Visiting PEC with your pup? There are plenty of pet-friendly activities that will ensure your stay is enjoyable for two and four-legged family members alike. ⁠
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🍺 Enjoy some floofy pours with your floofy friend at one of The County's breweries, like @MatronFineBeer, pictured here. You'll actually find a pup-friendly patio at every brewery in the area. ⁠
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🍷 You can also expect patios at almost all of your favourite wineries to welcome pups, and even some indoor tasting rooms, but you'll be in great company at @ThreeDogWinery and @LongDogWines, of course. ⁠
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🐶 If you want to make sure your dog gets out some of their energy before you head out for your day, take them to @TheSniffery for a sniffari! The pup-focused experience allows your dog to have an enriching solo off-leash session in a fully-enclosed area where they can run and sniff out delicious homemade dog treats. ⁠
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🥎 If your dog loves to play fetch and is happy around other dogs, then head to the dog park in Delhi Park in Picton. This large, enclosed area is big enough to be able to separate from the "pack" and even has a smaller enclosed area for small dogs and puppies. ⁠
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🐕 Go for an on-leash walk through a @QuinteConservation area like Macaulay Mountain or Massassauga Point. ⁠
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For even more pup-friendly ideas, be sure to check out our updated Pup-friendly PEC blog post (link in bio). 👆⁠
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📷 by @rockyoutofthering (shared with permission #YesVisitPEC) ⁠
Image description: Rocky, a black and white sheepadoodle, sits on the bench of a white picnic table, the yellow exterior wall of Matron Fine Beer visible behind him. He wears a red and black buffalo check bandana around his neck and there are two pints of beer on the table next to him, presumably for his pawrents. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
🎙 Take in a Show 🎭⁠ ⁠ When visiting The 🎙 Take in a Show 🎭⁠
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When visiting The County, we recommend taking the time to book activities in advance wherever possible. One of the easiest things to do book in advance is tickets to a show! Whether you're after music, theatre, or comedy there are plenty of incredible performers ready to entertain you. Here's just some of what you can look forward to this season: ⁠
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🎶 If musicals are your thing, be sure to check out the much-anticipated @shatterboxtheatre production of @springawakeningpec. Spring Awakening is on from May 26 - 29 at Macaulay Heritage Park. ⁠
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🎤 If you're craving a concert, there are plenty to be had @theregenttheatre and @theeddiepec. From well-known acts to cool cover bands, you're bound to find something to fit your taste. ⁠
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😆 If laughter is your preferred medicine, take in the County Comedy Series @gillinghambrewing or follow @comedycountryfestival for news about their 2022 lineup and the return of #ComedyOnTheRiver. ⁠
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🎭 If you want a little bit of everything, be sure to check out @festivalplayers summer line-up, complete with comedy, theatre, dance, music, and performances by indigenous artists, there's a little something for everyone. ⁠
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To learn more about these events, book tickets in advance, and to discover even more happenings in PEC head to VisitPEC.ca/Events.⁠
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📷 Courtesy of Festival Players⁠
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Image description: A performer sits in the centre of a wooden, outdoor stage, blue lights shining down from above. Above the image in the lower right corner is a text overlay which reads "take in a show." ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
🐦 Spring Birding Festival 🐦⁠ ⁠ The annua 🐦 Spring Birding Festival 🐦⁠
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The annual Spring Birding Festival @peptbo is back and in person this year. With one weekend already under their belt, there's still much to look forward to including guided walks in Traverse Woods, webinars, banding demonstrations and more. Check out our event listing or visit peptbo.ca for more details. ⁠
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What is Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory?⁠
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PEPtBO is a volunteer-run charity committed to increasing the appreciation, knowledge, and understanding of birds by collecting data through spring and fall banding programs, a daily census, observation surveys, and research projects. It is located within the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area, one of the first sites in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Protected Areas Network to protect habitat for migratory passerine birds (songbirds). It is part of the globally significant Prince Edward County South Shore Important Bird Area. ⁠
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📷 by @pauljwildlife⁠
Image description: A yellow warbler grips a small branch, beak open in song. The bird and branch are in focus while the background is blurred to make its bright yellow plumage that much more bright and impressive-looking.⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #PEPtBO #SpringBirdingFestival
🍓 Market Season 👩‍🌾⁠ ⁠ It's that ti 🍓 Market Season 👩‍🌾⁠
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It's that time of year again! Farmers' Market season kicks off this Saturday, May 14 with The @WellingtonFarmersMarket, Farmers' Market at The Eddie.
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Also this weekend, @PictonTownHallFarmersMarket gets started on Sunday with a fantastic selection of local growers and makers. The Picton Town Hall Farmers Market will take place every Sunday from 10am - 2pm through October 15th. It's the perfect first stop before a Sunday Stroll on Picton Main Street. ⁠
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Next weekend, you'll have even more markets to choose from! The new @WellingtonCommunityMarket hosts its first market at the new proprietors at Wellington United Church. This not-for-profit market will feature a wide variety of food and artisan products every Saturday from 9am - 1pm through Thanksgiving Weekend. ⁠
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Image credits & descriptions: ⁠
1 / The red barn at The Eddie surrounded by early spring flowers, the location of The Wellington Farmer's Market on May 14. Image courtesy of The Eddie Hotel & Farm.⁠
2 / The @paper.kitefarm market stall at Picton Town Hall. Image Courtesy of Picton Town Hall Farmers Market⁠
3 / Market in full swing at the Wellington United Church, the location of the new Wellington Community Market. Image by Johnny CY Lam. ⁠
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🌊 Book in Advance ⛱⁠ ⁠ Daily Vehicle Perm 🌊 Book in Advance ⛱⁠
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Daily Vehicle Permits are back at Sandbanks and North Beach @ontarioparks for 2022. If you visited last year you will be familiar with this process, but if you're visiting for the first time or need a refresher, read on. ⁠
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Daily Vehicle Permits must be booked in advance for day-use access to The County's Provincial Parks and can be booked up to 5-days in advance of your visit. Guests will be turned away at the gate if sold out, so we highly encourage you to take advantage of this service to avoid disappointment.⁠
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Fun Fact: Sandbanks was sold out approximately 60 days between mid-June and August. North Beach was sold out 30 days. ⁠
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If you are a season's pass holder you still need to book a Daily Vehicle Permit in advance, but this will be free of charge. For non-season's pass holders regular rates apply daily. They are available for booking at North Beach 5 days in advance of its opening on June 11. Daily Vehicle Permits are already available for booking at Sandbanks. ⁠
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Do: ⁠
✅ Book up to 5 days in advance online at reservations.ontarioparks.com ⁠
✅  Secure a permit for each vehicle that will be visiting the park. ⁠
✅ Reserve whether you plan on visiting the beach or walking the trails. ⁠
✅ Book a Daily Vehicle Permit even if you are a season's pass holder. ⁠
✅ Explore beyond the beach. Head to VisitPEC.ca for inspiration. ⁠
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Don't:⁠
❌ Visit the park without booking a Daily Vehicle Permit in advance, especially on weekends from mid-June through August. ⁠
❌ Choose to come to Sandbanks or North Beach for a spontaneous day trip. ⁠
❌ Get turned away. Book in advance. ⁠
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To reserve your Daily Vehicle permit head to reservations.ontarioparks.com and click Day Use. ⁠
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📷 Photo by Trevor Crowe⁠
Image description: Folks sit under a tree near the beach at Sandbanks at dusk. In the foreground low shrubs line a sandy path that leads toward the tree. Overlaided atop the image is an olive green rectangle and white font which reads "Book in Advance." ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #NorthBeachPP #PlanYourVisit
🚴‍♀️ Spring Sport 🏃‍♀️⁠ ⁠ If 🚴‍♀️ Spring Sport 🏃‍♀️⁠
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If you want to add a little fitness to your PEC visit, be sure to check out these two classic spring sporting events returning to The County for the first time since 2019. ⁠
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🚴‍♀️ 7th Annual Rotary Lilac Ride 🚴‍♂️⁠
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@PictonRotary's Annual “Lilac Ride” event in memory of Jim Barkman in support of local charities takes place on May 29 this year. With three distances to choose from, these courses take riders along some of The County’s most beautiful, lilac-lined cycling routes, including Big Island, Northport and Green Point. All routes will start and finish at the Picton Community Centre Rotary Hall.⁠
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Refreshments are provided at all route checkpoints and a delicious post-ride BBQ finishes the day.⁠
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🏃‍♀️ 10th Terroir Run 🍷⁠
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The Terroir Run is a weekend-long event taking place May 27-29. The  main event is on May 28th, a 10K fun run (costumes encouraged!) through PEC's wine country, followed by an epic lunch @theoldthird. Runners are invited to attend a pre-run 4-course tasting meal @parsonsbrewing and a post-run Sunday brunch @karloestates, followed by a trash-bash walk at Sandbanks. $5 from each meal goes to support local charity @rocpec.⁠
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Image Description: Lilacs in the vineyard in the spring rain. ⁠
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Photo by Terry Culbert.⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #TerroirRunPEC #LilacRide
🌟 Fresh Finds 🌟⁠ ⁠ Wondering what's new 🌟 Fresh Finds 🌟⁠
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Wondering what's new in the County this year? We've rounded up all of the newest eats, arts, shops, stays, markets, and more in our latest blog. Some old favourites are changing things up this year or have returned after a two-year hiatus, so we've listed those here too. ⁠
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Check out the link in our bio to discover the freshest finds in PEC and start planning your 2022 visit. ⁠
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Featuring: ⁠
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@theroyalhotelpicton⁠
@lusobites⁠
@creekside_cafe_pec⁠
@art.wagon_pec⁠
@thesniffery⁠
@thecuttingfactory⁠
@the_community_store⁠
@ahbohdhomestore⁠
@aniceinthecounty⁠
@stellascollectionpec⁠
@mirazule_pec⁠
@wellingtoncommunitymarket⁠
@amandasvineyards⁠
@stillus_craft_spirits ⁠
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and so much more!⁠
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📍 The Royal Hotel⁠
📷 by Samantha Porter⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
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