Heather’s Guidebook- 2023 -2024
Food scene
Overall great !! an easy place to relax
Good Coffee and from their Kitchen, are a small selection daily of sandwiches, soups --right next to - adjoining open doorway between the Cafe and one of the best Book Stores (Books & Co) anywhere.!! During Covid that has limited access but its just a few extra steps to get to wander the bookstore as well,
Books & Co has a large selection in the Childrens section - at the back of the store. But has a wide variety of adult NEW book titles and some used plus an eclectic CD music section. Its big wide aisles , warm wooden floors, sitting chairs (pre-Covid) and gifts section make this store for readers a joy to browse in.
A local playground park with swings and slides no more than 3 mins walk (assuming it does notclose for Covid reasons-open currently).
56 locals recommend
Miss Lily's Cafe
289 Main St WOverall great !! an easy place to relax
Good Coffee and from their Kitchen, are a small selection daily of sandwiches, soups --right next to - adjoining open doorway between the Cafe and one of the best Book Stores (Books & Co) anywhere.!! During Covid that has limited access but its just a few extra steps to get to wander the bookstore as well,
Books & Co has a large selection in the Childrens section - at the back of the store. But has a wide variety of adult NEW book titles and some used plus an eclectic CD music section. Its big wide aisles , warm wooden floors, sitting chairs (pre-Covid) and gifts section make this store for readers a joy to browse in.
A local playground park with swings and slides no more than 3 mins walk (assuming it does notclose for Covid reasons-open currently).
Boutique brewery of many good and interesting beers. Kitchen features GREAT food choices - to be eaten out. Outdoor picnic tables (some with umbrellas) makes this 'family friendly'. Always busy in summer. Limited hours (close before sunset)- so check ahead.
167 locals recommend
Parsons Brewing Company
876 County Rd 49Boutique brewery of many good and interesting beers. Kitchen features GREAT food choices - to be eaten out. Outdoor picnic tables (some with umbrellas) makes this 'family friendly'. Always busy in summer. Limited hours (close before sunset)- so check ahead.
Check out their menu online - and call ahead. Near Waupoos, further away, is Stella's Eatery. A real food find. Larger menu and outdoor deck for warm evenings. Lunch/brunch with a locally grown menu for dinners - worth a leisurely drive. Also located near great Waupoos Butter tarts, Blueberry fields and Waupoos Winery !
29 locals recommend
Stella's Eatery
172 Main St WCheck out their menu online - and call ahead. Near Waupoos, further away, is Stella's Eatery. A real food find. Larger menu and outdoor deck for warm evenings. Lunch/brunch with a locally grown menu for dinners - worth a leisurely drive. Also located near great Waupoos Butter tarts, Blueberry fields and Waupoos Winery !
Surprisingly good restaurant - tucked lakeside in Wellington of a very busy upscale motel. Good lunch/ brunch - and dinner. Check for more info online. Can't beat the view and the service is generally good. Well worth a visit to see what else they offer. Definitely reserve ahead.
34 locals recommend
The Lakeside Motel
349 Wellington Main StSurprisingly good restaurant - tucked lakeside in Wellington of a very busy upscale motel. Good lunch/ brunch - and dinner. Check for more info online. Can't beat the view and the service is generally good. Well worth a visit to see what else they offer. Definitely reserve ahead.
The real deal Mexican food if looking for non N American.. Fresh avocado guacamole that is one of the best with great ceviche tostado. Come for mouthwatering appetizers or mains. Does take away on a limited time basis (ahead of evening diner hours). Book ahead..
109 locals recommend
La Condesa
298 Wellington Main StThe real deal Mexican food if looking for non N American.. Fresh avocado guacamole that is one of the best with great ceviche tostado. Come for mouthwatering appetizers or mains. Does take away on a limited time basis (ahead of evening diner hours). Book ahead..
In downtown Picton: Morning coffee and great croissant cafe at front of Hotel. The same cafe offers a drop-in opportunity for lunch service vs reservation for dining room. First come and busy! Ambiance mellow - with good chef and dining (upscale prices but matches quality)
50 locals recommend
The Royal Hotel
247 Picton Main StIn downtown Picton: Morning coffee and great croissant cafe at front of Hotel. The same cafe offers a drop-in opportunity for lunch service vs reservation for dining room. First come and busy! Ambiance mellow - with good chef and dining (upscale prices but matches quality)
Seafood lovers must experience. Call ahead to check hours. Changes
76 locals recommend
Sand and Pearl Oyster Bar
1705 County Rd 12Seafood lovers must experience. Call ahead to check hours. Changes
Italian at its best. Keep it simple and reserve.
20 locals recommend
7 Numbers Picton (Southern Italian cuisine)
0 Main St WItalian at its best. Keep it simple and reserve.
Bocado
252 Picton Main StreetTapas style menu. Fresh and good
Great fresh sandwiches and soups - off the Main street, tucked away
19 locals recommend
The Saylor House Cafe and B&B
274 Bloomfield Main StGreat fresh sandwiches and soups - off the Main street, tucked away
LUNCH spot in Bloomfield. Fresh and good. Outdoor patio on Main Street. Limited hours - check online.
83 locals recommend
Bloomfield Public House
257 Bloomfield Main StLUNCH spot in Bloomfield. Fresh and good. Outdoor patio on Main Street. Limited hours - check online.
Lake on the Mountain resort (not pictured) has two public restaurants - the Miller House (pictured) and the INN https://lakeonthemountain.com/ The INN serves a great lunch - inside or on the small side patio with views. Highly recommend the tourtiere on a cooler day but other food is good. The Miller House Cafe overlooks Glenora Ferry and offers drinks as well as good food. Check ahead to reserve - especially on weekends.
76 locals recommend
The Miller House Cafe & Brasserie
275 County Rd 7Lake on the Mountain resort (not pictured) has two public restaurants - the Miller House (pictured) and the INN https://lakeonthemountain.com/ The INN serves a great lunch - inside or on the small side patio with views. Highly recommend the tourtiere on a cooler day but other food is good. The Miller House Cafe overlooks Glenora Ferry and offers drinks as well as good food. Check ahead to reserve - especially on weekends.
Off the beaten track gem. Freshly made lunch - (sandwich, salad) - options for pre-order and takeaway. Varied good ingredients . No longer eat-in but check. Place order ahead for any picnic plans. Located in an industrial area but don't let that put you off. Its busy, always. And its near the Prince Eddie Brewery as well. Worth a visit.
21 locals recommend
The Barley Room Pub
395 Sandy Hook RoadOff the beaten track gem. Freshly made lunch - (sandwich, salad) - options for pre-order and takeaway. Varied good ingredients . No longer eat-in but check. Place order ahead for any picnic plans. Located in an industrial area but don't let that put you off. Its busy, always. And its near the Prince Eddie Brewery as well. Worth a visit.
Located back off the street in the lot beside the LCBO. Its a foodies market with lots of fresh, canned and frozen options. From a great cheese counter to chocolate, fresh breads to frozen organic meat and quiches. Did I mention there are fresh desserts at the counter too ? Until they sell out. Go early. Great old world atmosphere with wooden floors and shelving. Well worth a wander.
64 locals recommend
Agrarian Market
4 Lake StLocated back off the street in the lot beside the LCBO. Its a foodies market with lots of fresh, canned and frozen options. From a great cheese counter to chocolate, fresh breads to frozen organic meat and quiches. Did I mention there are fresh desserts at the counter too ? Until they sell out. Go early. Great old world atmosphere with wooden floors and shelving. Well worth a wander.
Good morning coffee with cycling friendly staff who can offer local advice about cycling routes for those seeing the County this way. Good sandwiches also available.
27 locals recommend
BEACON BIKE + BREW
188 Picton Main StGood morning coffee with cycling friendly staff who can offer local advice about cycling routes for those seeing the County this way. Good sandwiches also available.
5 Star Butter Tarts. Independent baker so sells out quickly in her roadside shop on the way to the Waupoos Winery. Go early to avoid disappointment.
Waupoos Tarts
5 Star Butter Tarts. Independent baker so sells out quickly in her roadside shop on the way to the Waupoos Winery. Go early to avoid disappointment.
The RESTAURANT there- Consistently good reports as "best breakfast" in town. Very busy on weekends. Open during week so book ahead and start your day with good food and service - at affordable prices.
23 locals recommend
Picton Harbour Inn
33 Bridge StThe RESTAURANT there- Consistently good reports as "best breakfast" in town. Very busy on weekends. Open during week so book ahead and start your day with good food and service - at affordable prices.
Sightseeing
Rent in Bloomfield and take the Millenium trail to Wellington for drinks-lunch -- OPT Main Street Bloomfield is pedal bike rental. Check out PEDEGO for something different.
18 locals recommend
Pedego Electric Bikes Prince Edward County
39 Stanley StRent in Bloomfield and take the Millenium trail to Wellington for drinks-lunch -- OPT Main Street Bloomfield is pedal bike rental. Check out PEDEGO for something different.
GO early - or later day (5:30 to sunset) -- as this Park is very popular and fills before midday for day use but does empty a bit around dinner time. Beach is sandy and sandcastle building is possible. Beach stretches for many Kms - and includes sand dunes to explore. Family friendly beaches as dropoff is gradual and therefore safer for younger kids.
485 locals recommend
Sandbanks Provincial Park
3004 County Road 12GO early - or later day (5:30 to sunset) -- as this Park is very popular and fills before midday for day use but does empty a bit around dinner time. Beach is sandy and sandcastle building is possible. Beach stretches for many Kms - and includes sand dunes to explore. Family friendly beaches as dropoff is gradual and therefore safer for younger kids.
Looking for remote and exploratory ?? Located in the out of the way Prince Edward Prov Park with a beach, birding area and great views. About as far south as you can go - past South Bay. Smuggling history in this area and because of distance, relative isolation. A walkers discovery. NO foodstands so be prepared. Expect to see a variety of water birds and likely water snakes too.
Pt. Traverse Lighthouse
6147 Traverse LnLooking for remote and exploratory ?? Located in the out of the way Prince Edward Prov Park with a beach, birding area and great views. About as far south as you can go - past South Bay. Smuggling history in this area and because of distance, relative isolation. A walkers discovery. NO foodstands so be prepared. Expect to see a variety of water birds and likely water snakes too.
Another trip - another day - different direction towards Black River Cheese, Waupoos Winery and the County Cider. Both have a restaurant- not sure restaurant opens during week. Its a great drive to follow the shoreline around this eastern side of the island and on way back, there is the Lake on the Mountain.... Just a few options ..
54 locals recommend
Black River Cheese
913 County Rd 13Another trip - another day - different direction towards Black River Cheese, Waupoos Winery and the County Cider. Both have a restaurant- not sure restaurant opens during week. Its a great drive to follow the shoreline around this eastern side of the island and on way back, there is the Lake on the Mountain.... Just a few options ..
A day use Park only but with same sandy beaches as at Sandbanks. Includes lake Ontario beaches or inner lake/ bay swim options.
182 locals recommend
North Beach Provincial Park
440 North Beach RdA day use Park only but with same sandy beaches as at Sandbanks. Includes lake Ontario beaches or inner lake/ bay swim options.
A day trip from Picton to the Brighton area should include a visit to this Park.
116 locals recommend
Presqu'ile Provincial Park
328 Presqu'ile ParkwayA day trip from Picton to the Brighton area should include a visit to this Park.
An unusual lake "on the mountain" with a history. Great views from the park near the related parking lot overlooking Glenora Ferry. Restaurants beside this are busy but good to sample. see separate listing under FOOD SCENE section for restaurants.
192 locals recommend
Lake on the Mountain
An unusual lake "on the mountain" with a history. Great views from the park near the related parking lot overlooking Glenora Ferry. Restaurants beside this are busy but good to sample. see separate listing under FOOD SCENE section for restaurants.
If you are a cyclist, this shop for gear and repairs with their website for map downloads is a great resource. NOTE: they are NOT renting bikes anymore.
48 locals recommend
Bloomfield Bicycle Co
225 Bloomfield Main StIf you are a cyclist, this shop for gear and repairs with their website for map downloads is a great resource. NOTE: they are NOT renting bikes anymore.
This free car ferry is a short 10 minute hop between PEC and the mainland - with great water views. The ferry runs every 15 or 30 minutes depending on time of year and barring no ferry is offservice for repair. The schedule can easily be found online. Earlier day is less busy - or you may find yourself in a queue.
This is both a fun day trip if visiting PEC, as well as a scenic return route to start your way home if from Quebec. The ferry between "Quinte's Isle" and the mainland connects Hwy 33 Loyalist Parkway. Once on the mainland side, Hwy 33 continues and is a scenic lake water route to Kingston. In Kingston, either follow signs to the 401 -- or take Princess street (main street) to the waterfront. Many restaurants and shops are in that area . On SAT MORNINGs into the mid afternoon, a fresh food and crafts market is in the town square near the waterfront. Worth checking out --
22 locals recommend
Glenora Ferry - Glenora Dock
11369 Loyalist PkwyThis free car ferry is a short 10 minute hop between PEC and the mainland - with great water views. The ferry runs every 15 or 30 minutes depending on time of year and barring no ferry is offservice for repair. The schedule can easily be found online. Earlier day is less busy - or you may find yourself in a queue.
This is both a fun day trip if visiting PEC, as well as a scenic return route to start your way home if from Quebec. The ferry between "Quinte's Isle" and the mainland connects Hwy 33 Loyalist Parkway. Once on the mainland side, Hwy 33 continues and is a scenic lake water route to Kingston. In Kingston, either follow signs to the 401 -- or take Princess street (main street) to the waterfront. Many restaurants and shops are in that area . On SAT MORNINGs into the mid afternoon, a fresh food and crafts market is in the town square near the waterfront. Worth checking out --
Relaxing treats
A very well managed and relaxing experience. Float in a salt tank for relaxation and meditation. Unique, affordable, friendly and worth a short drive.
I-Float In The County
5529 ON-62A very well managed and relaxing experience. Float in a salt tank for relaxation and meditation. Unique, affordable, friendly and worth a short drive.
A GREAT book store with old world ambiance of wood floors, wide aisles with lots of used and NEW books and curated gifts. Chairs to read in - AND a good selection of childrens books with its own area at back of store.
38 locals recommend
Books And Company Ltd
289 Picton Main StA GREAT book store with old world ambiance of wood floors, wide aisles with lots of used and NEW books and curated gifts. Chairs to read in - AND a good selection of childrens books with its own area at back of store.
CR#8 - out towards Waupoos has much along it to make for a pleasant afternoon drive. Besides Stellas Eatery (separately listed) there are roadside markets like this that excel on fresh produce - that include local blueberries. Part of the tour in getting to see "the County" is to take this road out from Picton and "circle" one end of the island. With stops like this along the way.
12 locals recommend
Clafeld Cider House & Market
3013 County Rd 8CR#8 - out towards Waupoos has much along it to make for a pleasant afternoon drive. Besides Stellas Eatery (separately listed) there are roadside markets like this that excel on fresh produce - that include local blueberries. Part of the tour in getting to see "the County" is to take this road out from Picton and "circle" one end of the island. With stops like this along the way.
Live MUSIC evenings
Part of the Waring House site - located off the "round about" near Picton. Bar food and a full restaurant available. Many LIVE music night offerings in the summer.
6 locals recommend
The Waring House Restaurant, Inn, Conference Centre & Cookery School
395 Sandy Hook RoadPart of the Waring House site - located off the "round about" near Picton. Bar food and a full restaurant available. Many LIVE music night offerings in the summer.
An original movie theatre on the Main Street (full of deco charm and upgrades) with movie nights on the schedule. But often LIVE music events. Check out their schedule. Check as well the EMPIRE THEATRE, in Belleville for same.
102 locals recommend
The Regent Theatre
224 Picton Main StAn original movie theatre on the Main Street (full of deco charm and upgrades) with movie nights on the schedule. But often LIVE music events. Check out their schedule. Check as well the EMPIRE THEATRE, in Belleville for same.
A well known Burger bar just off the Main Street in Picton with LIVE music often on weekends. Need to book ahead but check it out.
153 locals recommend
The Acoustic Grill
172 Picton Main StA well known Burger bar just off the Main Street in Picton with LIVE music often on weekends. Need to book ahead but check it out.
MOVED down Main Street. Bar and mixed menu. LIVE music - mostly weekends. Gets busy - check it out during day and plan accordingly.
11 locals recommend
Coach's Pub and Grillhouse
265 Main Street WestMOVED down Main Street. Bar and mixed menu. LIVE music - mostly weekends. Gets busy - check it out during day and plan accordingly.
Good bar food - burgers, tacos, salads. Affordable and comfortable - and during summer into fall, LIVE music can be on the schedule. Check it out - and reserve.
153 locals recommend
The County Canteen
279 Main St WGood bar food - burgers, tacos, salads. Affordable and comfortable - and during summer into fall, LIVE music can be on the schedule. Check it out - and reserve.
An evening County music and dance space with LIVE music, and/or cabaret style shows. Unique. LBGTQ friendly. Check it out and plan to reserve.
86 locals recommend
The Hayloft
344 Salmon Point RdAn evening County music and dance space with LIVE music, and/or cabaret style shows. Unique. LBGTQ friendly. Check it out and plan to reserve.
Unique Entertainment
AT SUNSET: Old fashioned drive in (car) theatre with modern speakers, two screens- and a food concession onsite for popcorn and other food. Few remaining - go while you can.
124 locals recommend
Mustang Drive-In
1521 Prince Edward County Rd 1AT SUNSET: Old fashioned drive in (car) theatre with modern speakers, two screens- and a food concession onsite for popcorn and other food. Few remaining - go while you can.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CeMXJj3uJrl/
at the foot of the Macauley Mountain, this part of an open park conservation area is a field of dreams.
The "dreams" in this case are over a hundred pole mounted bird houses that are modeled on homes and buildings- some historical. Each is unique. While many need some TLC, this work is in progress with a local volunteer group. Very unusual and interesting way to spend some time out of doors in a pretty park setting with trails nearby.
7 locals recommend
Birdhouse City
https://www.instagram.com/p/CeMXJj3uJrl/
at the foot of the Macauley Mountain, this part of an open park conservation area is a field of dreams.
The "dreams" in this case are over a hundred pole mounted bird houses that are modeled on homes and buildings- some historical. Each is unique. While many need some TLC, this work is in progress with a local volunteer group. Very unusual and interesting way to spend some time out of doors in a pretty park setting with trails nearby.
ART, MUSIC, DANCE AND DUSK DRONE SHOWS with HISTORY & WALKING TOURS
Base 31 is an historical somewhat intact WWII AirForce base - large and impressive still - tucked on the top of Macauley Mountain. Music, comedy and art events have expanded - check out their website for latest. Dusk dance and drone shows Thurs-Sat. Walking tours are offered - July, August weekends only. Book online and/or swing by and make arrangements... A local anchor for unique offerings.
Check it out :)
Base31
County Road 22ART, MUSIC, DANCE AND DUSK DRONE SHOWS with HISTORY & WALKING TOURS
Base 31 is an historical somewhat intact WWII AirForce base - large and impressive still - tucked on the top of Macauley Mountain. Music, comedy and art events have expanded - check out their website for latest. Dusk dance and drone shows Thurs-Sat. Walking tours are offered - July, August weekends only. Book online and/or swing by and make arrangements... A local anchor for unique offerings.
Check it out :)
Near Wellington, The Eddie Farm is lots of things - and all of them are good. Onsite are buildings with various farm goods, cheeses and crafts for sale - most open daily. Saturdays a Farmers Market with some crafts are hosted on site. Through summer, the Festival Players have a beautiful theatre in the back lot of the Eddie Farm - that features plays, comedy nights and dance performance. Schedule online. Something always happening - plus a beautiful property with accommodation available. Take a visit.
The Eddie Hotel & Farm
15786 Loyalist ParkwayNear Wellington, The Eddie Farm is lots of things - and all of them are good. Onsite are buildings with various farm goods, cheeses and crafts for sale - most open daily. Saturdays a Farmers Market with some crafts are hosted on site. Through summer, the Festival Players have a beautiful theatre in the back lot of the Eddie Farm - that features plays, comedy nights and dance performance. Schedule online. Something always happening - plus a beautiful property with accommodation available. Take a visit.
In the Waupoos area, along the lake. U-pick opportunity for blueberries in later July and August. Family friendly. Call ahead to check hours. Other markets to visit along this road - as well as the Waupoos Winery and Cider
The Blueberry Patch
2984 County Rd 8In the Waupoos area, along the lake. U-pick opportunity for blueberries in later July and August. Family friendly. Call ahead to check hours. Other markets to visit along this road - as well as the Waupoos Winery and Cider
Art Galleries
Great barn setting. Shows off the art of an well known caustic artist (Susan Wallis) as well as exhibits work of other (often local) artists. Check hours before going. On the way to Sandbanks MAIN gate from Picton.
17 locals recommend
Mad Dog Gallery
525 County Rd 11Great barn setting. Shows off the art of an well known caustic artist (Susan Wallis) as well as exhibits work of other (often local) artists. Check hours before going. On the way to Sandbanks MAIN gate from Picton.
On the Huff Estates Winery grounds though a separate gallery. Some of the gardens around the gallery display art. A visual delight and mix of painting and sculpture.
61 locals recommend
Oeno Gallery
2274 Prince Edward County Rd 1On the Huff Estates Winery grounds though a separate gallery. Some of the gardens around the gallery display art. A visual delight and mix of painting and sculpture.
Very accessible in downtown Picton. Though a smaller gallery, always much of interest.
15 locals recommend
Arts on Main Gallery
223 Picton Main StVery accessible in downtown Picton. Though a smaller gallery, always much of interest.
Big Red Barn Farmhouse
132 McKinley CrossroadCheck hours - and call to be sure. But just off Hwy 49 and a treat to visit.
It's an interesting gallery in a direction less frequented (SE) of Picton but if in the mood for a wander toward Pt Traverse, well worth the drive. Check their schedule online to be sure of days open. On the way your route could take you past Long Dog Winery, and-or the Mariners Museum - both worth a stop. And the distant but related vineyards for Huff Estate line the roads close to Blizzmax so with the great views to water, this trip is a real treat.
Blizzmax Gallery
3071 County Rd 13It's an interesting gallery in a direction less frequented (SE) of Picton but if in the mood for a wander toward Pt Traverse, well worth the drive. Check their schedule online to be sure of days open. On the way your route could take you past Long Dog Winery, and-or the Mariners Museum - both worth a stop. And the distant but related vineyards for Huff Estate line the roads close to Blizzmax so with the great views to water, this trip is a real treat.
SPECIALTY Beers, Ciders, Other
PEC has several cideries to check out - including Crimson which is conveniently located.
19 locals recommend
Crimson Cider Company
13762 Loyalist PkwyPEC has several cideries to check out - including Crimson which is conveniently located.
Located in the Waupoos area - and worth the drive. One of the more established cider companies with a great view out to the lake. (Not in pix attached !) Several cider varieties and a tasting room - and food on site available as well.
185 locals recommend
The County Cider Company
657 Bongards CrossroadLocated in the Waupoos area - and worth the drive. One of the more established cider companies with a great view out to the lake. (Not in pix attached !) Several cider varieties and a tasting room - and food on site available as well.
Slake Brewery is very close to Picton -- on a unique farm property with a tasting room and patio with a view. Several brews - all worth tasting. A delightful off the beat micro-brewery with a well deserved reputation. Seek it out.
62 locals recommend
Slake Brewing
181 Mowbray RdSlake Brewery is very close to Picton -- on a unique farm property with a tasting room and patio with a view. Several brews - all worth tasting. A delightful off the beat micro-brewery with a well deserved reputation. Seek it out.
Best to visit in the fall for latest releases. If a Scotch tasting fan, call them directly to get best advice on any tasting schedules as its not offered regularly. Limited quantities - related other products sold in the store on the property.
73 locals recommend
Kinsip House of Fine Spirits
66 Gilead RdBest to visit in the fall for latest releases. If a Scotch tasting fan, call them directly to get best advice on any tasting schedules as its not offered regularly. Limited quantities - related other products sold in the store on the property.