PEC, the Hamptons of the North or the New Niagara Wine Region. Call it what you will, its an up and coming tourist destination about 2 hours southeast of Toronto.
Prince Edward County (PEC) is a municipality in southern Ontario, Canada. Its coastline on Lake Ontario’s northeastern shore is known for Sandbanks Provincial Park, and sandy beaches and towering limestone cliffs. The Regent Theatre, a restored Edwardian opera house, sits at the heart of the town of Picton on the Bay of Quinte. Nearby Macaulay Heritage Park highlights local history through its 19th-century buildings. In 2016, Prince Edward County had a census population of 24,735. Prince Edward County is a city, single-tier municipality and a census division of the Canadian province of Ontario.
Long settled by indigenous peoples, the county has significant archeological sites. These include the LeVescounte Mounds of the Point Peninsula complex people, built about 2000 years ago.
The county was created by Upper Canada's founding lieutenant-governor John Graves Simcoe on July 16, 1792. It was named after Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent (the fourth son of King George III and father of Queen Victoria) who was commander-in-chief of British North America.
Shortly after the American Revolution, the Crown made land grants to some of the earliest United Empire Loyalists to encourage their settlements in Ontario and provide compensation for property lost in the Thirteen Colonies. The county was originally composed of three townships named in honour of three of George III's daughters.
For many years Prince Edward County has been closely associated with the wholly mainland Hastings County. Its longtime militia unit has been The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment (locally known as the Hasty Ps), whose most famous member was Farley Mowat. This noted author wrote two books about his experiences with the Hasty Ps during the Second World War's Italian Campaign: The Regiment and a subsequent account, And No Birds Sang.
On January 1, 1998, the Town of Picton, the villages of Bloomfield and Wellington, and the townships of Ameliasburgh, Athol, Hallowell, Hillier, North Marysburgh, Sophiasburgh, and South Marysburgh amalgamated to form a new city with the official legal name of Prince Edward County. Each of the former municipalities is now a ward.
On with the show, the restaurant reviews as it were. I feel, even though Im a chef, I can be unbiased in my views. Having not ever really worked in the county for over 10 years, over the past year, I have tried many of the HOT spots. I will be fair and base my reviews on three criteria, theme, service and food quality and value. I also will keep it simple, 3 restaurants that I believe should be noted, and a more substantial list of places to avoid. ENJOY!
The County Canteen has long been a favorite of both locals and the tourist crowd. The menu is small, but all the dishes are reasonably priced and presented well. The place is busy, and service is prompt and courtious The ambiance is comfortable, and they often have live music...I especially like Code Green, a local duo that cover classic rock tunes. Three stars for the County Canteen!
The lighthouse, similar to the Canteen has all there ducks in order. Nice, comfortable atmosphere, great breakfast and brunch menu, reasonable priced. Prompt and friendly service.
One of the landmark properties in the county located at the roundabout at Hwy 33, the Waring House has long been a destination for fine dining, cooking classes and it's beautiful hotel. The Barley Pub is a local meeting place for good pub grub and local artisan craft beers and wine. The menu is comprehensive and reasonable priced. The atmosphere is inviting and service is prompt.
Other noted restaurants and destinations.
Acoustic Grill
Angry Bird
The Royal Hotel
Not worth the time, money or effort
The Drake
The Vic Cafe
Prince Edward Pizza
Thats about it folks, I may do a follow up as I don't feel I have nearly covered everything. The county is a big place with many food and beverage options to broad to cover in one write up. I forgot to mention myself...Dinner Thyme Personal Chef Service. We bring the restaurant experience to you! Cheers, and have a great week!
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