"The County" in Prince Edward

Having a car, we could easily get around "The County" while we enjoyed our summer living aboard Yondering in Waupoos. 

Free and easy rides on the Amherst Ferry, which we usually watch from the boat while sailing in the Bay of Quinte. Lovely drives along Loyalist Parkway, covering ground that would take Yondering hours to sail, in minutes. 

Quilts were painted along many of the countryside barns, which we later discovered is the Prince Edward County Barn Quilt Trail. A modern barn quilt movement started in the early 2000s, but its roots go back much further. Inspired by traditional fabric quilts, these painted wooden panels offer representations of family history, cultural traditions, and rural craftsmanship. Quilt colours often carry meaning—blue for peace, red for strength, and green for growth. 

Waupoos

Waupoos is a pretty sleepy little hamlet. 

Just a five-minute walk away from the Marina there is a 'pick your own blueberries' place, which made for an afternoon of fun when Alex, Parshvi and Nora came for their visit. As well as a constant supply of fresh berries for healthy breakfasts. 

Waupoos Tarts was a ten minute walk for incredible lemon and butter tarts. So good! The small self-serve shack proudly displays the Cottage Life write up from a few years' back.

Stella's Eatery, featured in the 2025 summer edition of Food and Drink magazine and a destination for local diners, was a twenty minute walk or five minute drive. We enjoyed a delicious, satisfying meal there one cool, late summer evening. 

Lots on offer from county breweries, distilleries, and roadside produce stands. We stocked our pantry with local treats from Waupoos Estates Winery, including pickles, cider, wine and local honey. 

Kingston

A fun excursion to the Sheepdog Trials at Grassy Creek Park, where we watched the border collies compete. We also saw sheep shearing, wool spinning and weaving. My favourite on the day was the raptor show, and seeing the Golden Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, Kestral, and Harrier.

Another day we ventured to the Maritime Museum, enjoying the displays and exhibits. Unfortunately we didn't book ahead for the tour of the Keewatin Cruise ship itself, but still got glimpses of cruise travel in the 1950's. 

Wellington/Bloomfield

Drake at Devonshire was a fun day trip and a very tasty lunch. We went there to watch the waves on a windy day. In addition to a stunning lakeview, there was an indoor games room with a backgammon table. For dessert we wandered the streets and enjoyed gelato.

Picton

The town of Picton was close by for essentials, where we provisioned at the local supermarkets and LCBO. Ralph's Meat Market would vacuum pack on request, which helped us keep things fresher longer in our cooler. Picton Laundry Co. was convenient and clean, with commercial grade machines, so we could do several loads at once and save both time and loonies on the chore.

When the car started making grinding noises, we were able to make an appointment with mechanics at Canadian Tire. While it was being serviced, I checked out the little shops and boutiques... my favourite store was Books and Company, where I spent a couple hours reading and browsing shelves. A late lunch at 555 Brewing offered tasty wood-fired pizzas and craft beer.  

And two unscheduled visits to the hospital emergency room! Both visits to Picton General Hospital were for medical issues arising, and because the town had no walk-in clinics, we visited urgent care at the hospital. After quick triage and prompt medical attention, we were soon on our way with prescriptions that were easy to fill at the pharmacy.