Your Guide to July in Prince Edward County
July has arrived! The strawberries were magnificent this year, and now we wait for cherries, tomatoes, corn, grapes, and all of the other delicacies from the farms and gardens of the County. And right here at Lilac Lane, the lavender is in full bloom and is just gorgeous.
Music is very much in the air as the Big Lake Festival launches some of its musical concerts, and Base31 continues with its myriad of musical events and activities throughout the summer.
Everything is minutes away - come visit!
And when planning your visit to the County, bring your appetite. There are the brand new County Epicurious ‘wandering’ tours that will be sure to deliver some delicious delights, and when you are at Base31, check out the new Commissary open-air food and drink market.
County Epicurious Tours
Check out County Epicurious as they take you on a walking guided tour.
Featured in the ‘wandering tour of Picton,’ you will discover and celebrate all things culinary, historic and community-focused as you visit local restaurants, shops and other establishments.
The tours can be two or three hours, and you’ll have the opportunity of meeting local purveyors, and discover some of the hidden gems that make the County so special.
Visit County Epicurious for more information.
County Stage
County Stage brings together some of Canada's most remarkable artists in one of the nation's most extraordinary locations.
July 7 - Cabaret brunch @ Base31
July 11-13 - Our Little Secret musical @ the Red Barn at The Eddie
July 26 - Scripts & Sips @ The Grange
Visit County Stage Company for more details and to purchase tickets
Melt Studio
Located at Base31, Melt Gallery primarily showcases the work of Canadian encaustic artist, Susan Wallis. Over the last 20 years of working in the encaustic medium, Susan has developed a unique, recognizable style that she applies to her interpretation of the natural world.
There is a new (now through July 21) unique group exhibition entitled, “Pairings” which draws inspiration from the gallery’s unique location in the wine county region of Prince Edward County.
Each of the participating artists in this exhibition has been thoughtfully “paired” with one another. Each artist initially provided an existing piece which was offered up as inspiration to another artist. The art featured in the show is all a result of this initial inspiration.
For more information, visit Main Gallery
Base31
Here are a few of the exciting shows this month at Base31 which is just around the corner by the way.
These concerts are happening either at the Drill Hall, or the Sergeant’s Mess Hall. This is a fabulous location, and the new Commissioners is offering all sorts of delicious foods and drinks from around the world, and just around the corner.
July 5 - Miss Emily
July 6 - Bahamas
July 12 - Hawksley Workman
July 13 - The Strumbellas
July 21 - Cabaret Brunch
July 24 - Big Lake and Base31 present the Art of Time Ensemble’s musical treatment of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The Art of Time Ensemble spins a new version of the Beatles’ iconic 1967 album in its entirety. It’s an imaginative journey through a towering work of music featuring four Canadian Juno award-winning musicians and vocalists: Steven Page (BNL), Andy Maize (The Skydiggers), Jeremy Fisher (solo performer) and Chris Murphy (Sloan).
July 27 - at the Hatch Gallery
Participants of Continuum Ensemble’s mentorship programme feature works of young Canadian composers, performed by emerging Canadian performers.
HATCH brings together early-career performers and composers and offers an exciting programme of new compositions.
The O'Connor House,
English Tea Room
Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington all have fabulous restaurants and coffee shops, but in Deseronto, there is another hidden gem, and it’s The O’Connor House English Tea Room.
Situated in the core of historic downtown Deseronto ON, The O’Connor House English Tea Room provides a wonderful selection of delectable meals and sweets to experience in our Victorian dining room - homemade soups and breads, an enjoyable lunch or afternoon tea, delightful desserts and the finest Devonshire scones in the area.
I’ve been there twice, and everything is delicious, but you need to save some room for the very best Sticky Toffee Pudding. It’s a beautiful little restaurant with dozens of different tea cups and teapots and all sorts of other fun things to look at. You won’t be disappointed.
Visit The O'Connor House,they’re open from 11am - 4pm Tuesday-Saturday.
Prince Edward County Lavender
Prince Edward County Lavender is a grower, distiller and crafter of everything lavender, and they are located in the Hillier area of the County.
The farm features many varieties of lavender and provides scents, tastes and a myriad of colours. In addition to the lavender, they now offer a variety of ‘fine herbs’ that have multiple applications.
The annual Lavender Festival takes place July 6/7 and July 13/14. There will be food, entertainment and activities for the kids.
Cost is $12.50 per person, and children under 12 are free. Tickets are available at the gate.
Visit: Prince Edward County Lavender