Family Fun Weekend at Prince Edward County

Ou family fun weekend in Prince Edward County was courtesy of Infiniti Canada. Accommodations and activities were arranged by a third-party business. Although this is a sponsored post (gifted experience), all opinions are 100% mine.

A perfect weekend getaway to Prince Edward County (referred to as PEC or the County), which is approximately a 2-to-2.5-hour drive east of Toronto. Known for their wineries, sandy beaches (Sandbanks Provincial Park) and sophisticated cuisine. The County is divided into smaller towns: Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington.

The family rode in comfort and style in the QX60 Luxe Infiniti. The vehicle fits up to 7 passengers and all luxuries had us swooning! Captain’s chairs made the boys feel like a BOSS, the detailed leather interior with the hand stiched and quilted diamond finish had me feeling all bougie. Oh and the 17 speaker Bose Performance sound system kept hubby happy listening to his big CHUNES!

The County, which is Certified Rainbow Registered has demonstrated its commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. They take immense pride in creating an inclusive and welcoming vibe. If you’re in town and see a Rainbow Registered® symbol, it indicates that the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel accepted within their mandate. For a list of Rainbow Registered® businesses, click here.

Now let’s talk about what to do in the County. It was our second time visiting and yes if you can pull an itinerary together and time things out, that works, but we were so lucky to explore and experience through the County Picnic Tours.

The County Picnic Tours

Leave it to the experts! Owners Andrea and Edu, who are Feast On Certified to create an incredible experience whether it be wine and food tours, VIPicnic or a curated experience to suit your interests. For example, if you booked a wine tour (brewery/cidery can be added), it would include roundtrip transportations from your place of accommodations, a local guide, tasting fees and lunch at a local food spot. An all-day tour was the perfect balance of adulting and family friendly activities.

Our first stop was at Base 31, a cultural destination on the site of a former 70-acre WWII air training base. Plenty of events on a beautiful base property. It was the perfect start to the tour, an outdoor Family Art Brunch hosted by artist Michelle Allison Doran and chef Ciraci Felice. The boys had a great time getting their paint on and we filled our belly with pizza and bevvies. It was so chill.

We made our way to Lighthouse Vineyards and the vibe was intimate and casual. It was our kind of place. Opened their doors in 2008 and they produce their own sheep’s milk cheese onsite and make their own wine. Staff was personable and so passionate about their winery and their County. There is an outdoor bar onsite, and the winery is wheelchair accessible.

Vickie’s Veggies – a roadside stand with fresh produce, Vickie’s Veggie’s is a popular destination for locals and visitors. A family run farm dating back to 2011, opens up for the season in May. The boys played a bean bag game at the front while hubby and I got an educational tour from Vickie herself. Her energy combined with her passion for farming shines through.

PECish Baking Co. is a fantastic bakery open Friday through Sunday and I was told that people line up for their baked goods (bread, croissants, danish, cruffins etc) with local grocery offerings. We lucked out with no line up and with a decent selection of pastries to choose from. We would definitely come back and stock up on the croissants.

Our last stop was at Cressy Mustard Co. (known for their mustard). It was busy with locals and visitors. With a live band, outdoor patio and playground area for kids, I can see why people come here to gather. We had pickerel N’ chips and pickerel tacos. Portions were generous and it was perfect sharing with Andrea, Edu and kids.

County Sailing Adventures

We also had the opportunity to go private sailing (it was our first time). FYI – it’s minutes down the road from Cressy Mustard Co. We were scheduled for a 2-hour sailing cruise with Captains Brent and Moira who have over 40 years sailing experience and have logged over 1000 nautical miles (#couplegoals). We were greeted at the dock like we were family. My boys were a little nervous and Moira asked them if they wanted to wear a life jacket and my youngest twin took her up on the offer. The water was calm which made it smooth sailing. The boat sails to the edge of the Marysburgh Vortex and you can go for a swim at Little Bluff Conservation Area. For more info and pics click here.

Merrill House (Accommodations)

We stayed at Merrill House, (a 2SLGBTQI+ owned business). It is a historical boutique hotel in Picton with five-star amenities on a stunning property. Every room is unique. We were in the Loyalist Suite which had a separate bedroom, sitting room and dining room. Room accommodates four (queen bed and queen sofa bed). I loved the property, a quieter setting perfect for a getaway to enjoy nature and to read. I liked that we were on the main floor and that when the boys went out on the patio, I can see them from the window. We took advantage of the sauna and later in the evening, I moved my reading from the patio to the fire pit.

Now, let’s talk breakfast! It was by far one of the best meals we’ve had, and I mean everyone was impressed. We dined in the enclosed patio area and the service was exceptional! Click here for the menu. I highly recommend the lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote and gravlax (salmon) on house-made sourdough with a poached egg.

Things to Do in the Surrounding Area – the hotel is walking distance to the main street and we had a chance to explore a bit. We had lunch at the Canteen, went to Books & Company and a must Slickers Ice Cream (S’mores for the win!) Lots of shops to explore, but we made our way back to enjoy the hotel. Wanted to live that glamourous life! Next time we head up, we’ll be bringing our bikes and scooters.