A few weeks ago a friend and I spent a couple days in PEC, and while this was my second visit to The County – it definitely won’t be my last. If you’ve never been you need to go, and if you’ve already been then you know why you’ll be going back soon!

There is so much charm about this little region about two hours east of Toronto, that all of your expectations will be blown out of the water and it will have you wanting more! My friend and I spent 48 hours in Prince Edward County and hit up all the must-see restaurants, shops, and cute hotels/motels in the area. If you’re planning a visit soon – I’m excited to share this little guide and hope you get a chance to check out all these amazing places !

WHERE TO STAY

THE JUNE MOTEL 
We chose to stay at The June because it was a girls getaway and who can resist pink doors, a welcome glass of rosé, and the most Instagram worthy rooms around? It was everything I had hoped it would be and more. We were greeted by friendly staff at the Reception/Lobby Bar and got to enjoy a glass of wine while we checked-in.  The lobby has an indoor/outdoor area complete with fire pits and the cutest sitting areas perfect for lounging around at night, or just the perfect place to catch up with a book during the day. We had pre-ordered a charcuterie board for our arrival and when we made it into our room it was waiting for us in the adorable blue Daewoo mini-fridge. The motel room also has bath and body products from Sunday’s Company (a local plant-based skincare company) – which quickly became my obsession!

DRAKE DEVONSHIRE
I haven’t had the chance to stay at The Drake Devonshire yet (only because it’s ALWAYS fully booked), but it’s definitely at the top of my list for our next visit to The County – and I won’t rest until I’ve been able to experience everything this luxury, boutique hotel has to offer. We have managed to snag a table at their highly sought-after restaurant though and every time has been a delight. If you’re looking for a place to stay that is the perfect mix of country and city – then look no further!

DRAKE MOTOR INN
Just down the road from the Drake Devonshire is the Drake Motor Inn – the newest kid on the block in terms of County accommodations. It’s a fun twist on the roadside motel and with it’s bright and quirky design – you’ll definitely want to add this to your must-stay list. It’s also pet-friendly and would be perfect for the whole fam!

ANGELINES INN
Hubby and I stayed here on our first visit to PEC and it was absolutely quaint and adorable. With a variety of accommodation options on the property you’re sure to find the exact space that suits your needs. From cute renovated motel rooms, suites, or even an entire log cabin – Angeline’s Inn will be your home away from home.

WHERE TO EAT

THE VIC CAFÉ
When you go back to a restaurant two days in a row it definitely says something about the place! We were blown away by our first breakfast at The Vic (delicious food, and THE cutest interior ever), that a second visit the following morning was highly warranted. The café is designed by colour-queen Tiffany Pratt and her magic can be seen in everything from the multi-colour florescent lights right down to the unicorn-sprinkled table sugar. Everything on the menu is drool-worthy, and I extremely regret not grabbing one of their signature pop-tarts to go. Guess I’ll just have to go back!

DRAKE DEVONSHIRE
Since we couldn’t snag a room at The Drake, we booked a table instead and dined on their outdoor patio overlooking the lake. Good eats, an energetic vibe, and million-dollar views – this is the place to see and be seen in PEC!

BLOOMFIELD PUBLIC HOUSE
A coffee shop and restaurant in one – this is your one-stop-shop for dining all hours of the day. We grabbed a coffee here our first afternoon in The County, and then headed back for dinner the next evening. The menu is unique and will surprise you – but in a good way you couldn’t have imagined – and then will have you excitedly researching how to recreate the most amazing salad you’ve ever had when you get back home. (Just as @pinkgiraffehandmade) !!

LA CONDESA
This was the biggest disappointment of our trip – not because of the food or anything about the restaurant – but because we showed up for dinner our first night here and sadly found that it was closed on Tuesday’s. I had been following them on Instagram since they opened, and was really looking forward to trying out their creative drink menu and really amazing looking food. But sadly this Mexican restaurant was closed both evenings we were in PEC, so it will just have to wait until our next visit.

WHAT TO DO

CLOSSON ROAD CYCLES
DO rent a bike and cycle around The County. The lovely owners of Closson Road Cycles are happy to map out a wine route for you, including popular lunch spots and highlights along the way. Oh and they carry the cutest cruiser bikes around compete with a basket and lock. We road 17.5km and would do it again in a heartbeat!

WINERIES
With more than 40 wineries in the region, Prince Edward County is THE destination for wine tasting, cider sampling, and the prettiest views to boot. We started are winery tour at Hinterland Winery and instantly fell in love with their Cherry Cider. You’ll need more than a few days to visit all of the wineries, but that just means you’ll be coming back again soon.

DISTILLERIES
We stopped into Kinsip just before heading home and stocked up on spirits, bitters, and cute gifts for the fam. With fancy chickens roaming the property, and the most adorable outdoor tasting barn – you’re going to want to stop here for all your bar-cart must-have’s!

SANDBANKS DUNES BEACH
Even thought the water was still really high when we visited – a stop at Dunes Beach is MUST on any summer visit to PEC. Rolling dunes for miles, soft powdery sand, and crystal clear water makes this beach the perfect way to spend an afternoon in The County.

CORIANDER GIRL
Not only is this store filled to the brim with the prettiest plants, blooms, and gardening essentials – it also carry’s a wide array of local and luxury skincare products. My newest skincare obsession Sunday’s Company (also in-room and for sale at The June) has it’s new home at Coriander Girl and you bet I stocked up on my favourite, all-nautral body oils.

PEC LAVENDER
It was our lucky day that we showed up on a Tuesday because admission was free to the lavender farm, but show up any other day and it’s only $5 to see rows and rows of beautiful purple. The gift shop will have you stocked up on every possible lavender product you can think of including ice cream – yum! Oh, and did you know white lavender is a thing? Uh-huh.

SHED ALPACA FARM
We stumbled across this adorable shop (and the cutest alpaca’s) after visiting PEC Lavender. From blankets to housewares to gifts – including the softest stuffed toys you’ve ever laid your hands on – this is your stop for quality gifts for everyone back home. I picked up the most adorable stuffed bear made of alpaca fleece for my mini-me and she still hasn’t stopped cuddling it.