Prince Edward County

WINECHEESEANDTHEOPENROAD: FROMTHEKINGSTONGUIDE

http://www.thekingstonguide.com/

Prince Edward County is just over an hour’s drive from Kingston but it feels a world away. In the summer month’s the Sandbanks Provincial Park is the perfect spot to enjoy expansive sand dunes, sun tanning, and picnicking. It’s the kind of place that makes you jones for a kite.

Sandbanks is located near the town of Picton, and it’s well worth stopping there to fuel up before or after your day at the beach. Buddha Dog, located right in town, is worth the drive to Picton alone, and is a must if you find yourself in the area. They make miniature, gourmet hotdogs topped with a variety of cheeses and sauces. Trust me, you’ll find yourself ordering eight. We recommend the Spicy Jerk hotdog along with one of their homemade lemonades.

Also lovely is the drive through Bloomsfield and out to Hillier. You’ll pass markets, artist studies, cheese factories and wineries galore. In Hillier, visit Closson Chase Vineyards. They specialise in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and have an extremely knowledgeable tasting room staff. Best of all, they are housed in a big purple barn. The Grange, is another great winery in the area offering fabulously informative tours. If you’ve got more time, and a designated driver, visit the 12 or so wineries on the Prince Edward County Taste Trail.

Prince Edward County is a driver’s dream. The picturesque landscape, quaint attractions, fine wine and good food provide ample opportunities for quick stops as you amble your way through the countryside.

My wife and I have been camping in at Smuggler’s Cove (near Milford) for a few years now. On the Labour Day weekend, Vicki Emlaw hosts an Heirloom Tomato Festival, just down the road from Black River Cheese, also near Milford. (See: http://www.thecounty.ca/cips/farmers_vickis.html) … it’s a wonderful time, and you may get to meet Ted the Garlic Man as well.

The Count is a wonderful, peaceful slice of rural Ontario. Organic farms, youthful wineries, and an ambiance of tranquility make this a favourite destination.

See “Picton” so far, for more info. But PEC has now got wineries and is a beautiful place to cycle.