Where to stay, shop, sip wine and dine
A breath of fresh air two hours east of Toronto, the County is peppered with small towns and has a laid-back vibe with the bonus of delicious restaurants and wineries and cute shops. If you happen to visit the County in late June or July, don’t miss the aromatic lavender fields.
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Style destination: Prince Edward County
Day one: Stay at the Drake Devonshire
Check into the Drake Devonshire. Each of the cozy light-filled rooms in this iron-foundry- turned-hotel has a modern lake house vibe, with eclectic furniture and original artwork. While you’re here, dine at the restaurant. I had buttermilk pancakes and a cup of strong coffee for breakfast while blissfully staring at the stunning view of the lake.
Style destination: Prince Edward County
Day one: Stay at the Drake Devonshire
Check into the Drake Devonshire. Each of the cozy light-filled rooms in this iron-foundry- turned-hotel has a modern lake house vibe, with eclectic furniture and original artwork. While you’re here, dine at the restaurant. I had buttermilk pancakes and a cup of strong coffee for breakfast while blissfully staring at the stunning view of the lake.
Style destination: Prince Edward County
Tour the Taste Trail
After breakfast, cycle or drive along the pastoral back roads that form the self-guided Taste Trail, which links restaurants, artisanal food producers, wineries and breweries. My favourite pit stops include Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard, Slickers for ice cream and Grange of Prince Edward.
Style destination: Prince Edward County
Visit Picnic PEC
For a picnic on the shore of lake ontario, stop in at Rosehall Run to pick up a bottle of county wine and some wholesome fare, such as salads, sandwiches and cheese and charcuterie, from Picnic PEC, a food truck operating on the winery’s premises. Spend the late afternoon in Bloomfield. Go antiquing (Dead People’s Stuff is amazing) and peruse Kokito, a cute store carrying a curated collection of wares inspired by cozy cottage interiors and lakeside living. Shop for new and vintage items with an emphasis on Canadian-designed goods.
Style destination: Prince Edward County
Dine at Agrarian
For dinner, I especially love Agrarian in Bloomfield, which offers homey farm-to-table dishes. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, go for a late dinner and stay for the live music at The Speakeasy bar, which offers craft beers on tap, cider, wine and cocktails.
Style destination: Prince Edward County
Day two: Visit Coriander Girl
Start with a latté and a freshly baked muffin from Tall Poppy Café (steps away from Drake Devonshire), then head to Picton to visit Toronto’s favourite flower girl, Alison Westlake, at Coriander Girl, her newly opened shop. If you’re in a flowery mood, check out Sas Long’s Floralora Flowers (by appointment only) or find her blooms at the Honey Pie Hives and Herbals farm store. Pick up a posy to brighten up your home or to give to a friend.
Style destination: Prince Edward County
What to pack
Prepare for sunny days spent cycling, picnicking, antiquing and exploring local vineyards and breweries. 1 Perfect straw hat. Panama Hat in White, J.Crew, $68. 2 Comfy sandals. Birkenstock Mayari sandals in Black, Hudson’s Bay, $119. 3 Good hydration. Bkr glass water bottle in Gloss with silicone sleeve, The Detox Market, $35. 4 Stylin’ wheels. Public R24 City Road bike in Cream, Cycle Couture, $1,050. 5 Powerhouse protection. UV Plus hP Day Screen high Protection emulsion sunscreen, Clarins, $42.
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