| Get-Away Guide to Picton Ontario |
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| Written by David Delaney |
| Tuesday, 04 November 2008 19:00 |
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For Toronto seniors who’ve just recently retired, there’s probably no better way to celebrate than to hop on to that new car you bought with your retirement money and take the wife out (with the grand kids if you like) for a Sunday drive. Toronto is a great place to start off from because it is near so many interesting places that are one or two hours drive away. One great Sunday drive destination from Toronto is Picton, Ontario. Picton is in Prince Edward County, near the banks of the great Lake Ontario. It is about two to two and a half hours east of Toronto, depending of course on the traffic and the way you drive. Picton has grown in recent years thanks to the decision of many City folk fleeing the stressful life of urban dwelling for the simpler, more relaxed lifestyle in the suburbs. Picton is also now grown to a haven for the wine industry especially in the surrounding countryside. Picton is also a town of culture and art, with many galleries and shops that feature talented artists. There are a lot of well regarded restaurants, local wine, cider, and beer. There’s no scarcity of inns and Bed and breakfasts for visitors. Picton's Main Street is also a great attraction with many specialty shops, fashion shops, and shops that sell anything and everything from antiques, gifts, jewelry, books, flowers, crafts, organic, and exotic foods.
If you fancy watching and joining festivals, you can time your visit during one of Picton’s many famous festivals such as The Prince Edward County Authors Festival, Art in the County, the Regent Theatre Summer Festival, the Jazz Festival, the Celtic Festival, and “Taste!” a food festival that showcases the dishes of local chefs and innovative use of local produce, wines, beer, ice cream and other Picton treats. There’s also a Garlic Festival! If you’re worried about places to stay, there’s plenty. There’s the Claramount Inn & Spa which is a historical landmark itself being a 1906 heritage estate that has been restored. Or you can go to the Waring House which offers a restaurant and inn. The Waring house is a classic example of homes from the 1860's. If you prefer a more private time, you can go to the Hideaway House which is surrounded by rustic greenbelt park land, in the middle of Picton. Or you can opt to drive back out after your day back to Toronto, which is just a couple of hours away. Nothing beats a good night’s sleep in your own bed anyway. |
