For the Traveller Who Wants a Slow Summer

The County boasts beautiful beaches, lively concerts and adventurous hikes, but what about those of us who want to dive into the serenity of summer? Check out these quiet spots to experience nature and culture at a slower pace.

Step inside the serene Wellington Heritage Museum (ca. 1885), lovingly adapted to house a rotation of unique exhibits, including "Layered Landscape: responding to where we live". Featuring four local artists working in clay, textile or paint, this exhibit is a love letter to the geographies of our lives. Feel inspired as you contemplate Prince Edward County's natural landscapes in the shape of rugs, ceramics, paintings and knitted pieces. Sip a slow morning coffee from Rise Coffee House as you move intentionally throughout the space.  

Venture out back to the beautiful community garden, lovingly designed and nurtured by Ben O'Brien of Wild by Design (@wild.by.design) and the Friends of Wellington Heritage Museum. Inspired by plants that grow right here in Prince Edward County, you will be delighted by this sensory masterpiece as plants and flowers gently move in the breeze. Sit under the large oak tree, unpack a snack from Everything Variety (@everythingvariety_pec), and enjoy your step away from the hustle and bustle of busy Main Street.  

Following your day in Wellington, drive over to Picton to Macaulay Heritage Park, situated a few minutes away from the crowds of Main Street. Let go of any worry about finding a spot to park - Macaulay Heritage Park has its own, free and shaded parking lot.

Within Macaulay Heritage Park is A Path Forward, co-curated with Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na (@tsi_tyonnheht_onkwawenna), which highlights the shared past, present, and future of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in The County. A self- directed experience, it’s the perfect spot to quietly engage with contemporary Indigenous works of art and story.

Opening with Melissa Brant's (@shes_high_on_vibes) piece "Moment of Reflection" on the walkway, A Path Forward will move you to consider themes of resilience, memory, reconciliation, elements of the natural world and experiences specific to each individual artist. Colour and texture dance around the space, with each piece narrated by the artists' interpretation of their work. A rotation of additional artwork is on display in the Featured Artist Bay - giving you the opportunity to browse something unique following your time engaging with the exhibit. Both powerful and impactful, time in this space will stay with you even after you have left.

Following your visit to A Path Forward, amble through the stunning Macaulay Heritage Gardens - make sure you stop and smell the flowers! Nestled in beside Macaulay House (ca. 1830), the Heritage Garden will inspire your inner "green thumb". Pollinators flutter and buzz, and birds chirp amongst the calm atmosphere of the grounds.

If you arrive on a Saturday in the summer, you may even catch a volunteer cooking over the hearthin Macaulay House, using produce from the heritage garden to make a tasty, heritage-inspired treat.

After your afternoon stroll through the grounds, either walk or drive over to satisfy your sweet tooth at Cones and Shakes (@cones_and_shakes). Be mindful of what size you order, their ice cream cones provide a lot of bang for your buck!

Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in art or nature, the County Museums have plenty of quiet, contemplative spots surrounded by scenic landscape to enjoy. Other sites or experiences that are off the beaten path, and appeal to slow summer vibes are: