There’s something magical about escaping the routine for a weekend with your girlfriends, the kind of getaway where time slows down, laughter feels endless, and memories unfold effortlessly.
This fall, seven of us packed our overnight bags, carpooled from Muskoka, and headed east for a long-overdue girls’ trip to Prince Edward County, a region known for its rolling vineyards, rustic charm, and that signature County hospitality.
For me, the trip began a week earlier with a flight from Kelowna to Ontario. I’d gone home to spend Canadian Thanksgiving with my parents, my first Thanksgiving alone, without my husband. After a few quiet days wrapped in family time, I headed to Toronto to meet my girlfriends and kick off our road trip adventure. With coffee in hand, playlists ready, and that unmistakable buzz of excitement, we set off toward the County, ready to trade our to-do lists for wine glasses and a weekend of connection.
A Warm Welcome to the County
Prince Edward County, affectionately known as “The County,” has a way of feeling both elevated and easygoing at once. You’ll find boutique wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and artisanal markets woven between winding roads and weathered barns. It’s the perfect setting for connection, and that was exactly what we needed.
After a busy season of work, family, and everything in between, this weekend was about slowing down and savouring, good food, good wine, and even better company.
Our Airbnb was an old farmhouse brought back to life, complete with creaky floors, a long harvest table, and the kind of kitchen that invites conversation over morning coffee. The hosts had filled the home with cozy textures — linen curtains, warm throws, and mismatched pottery mugs that somehow made each morning feel like a small ritual.
As someone who has spent years in hospitality, I couldn’t help but appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the space. It wasn’t fancy, it was intentional. And that’s what makes a guest experience truly memorable.
Settling In: From Road Trip to Wine Glass
After settling into our rooms and divvying up bathroom schedules (a necessity when eight women share one old farmhouse!), We opened the first bottle of local rosé and toasted to friendship. The evening unfolded naturally, with cheese board grazing, catching up on life’s latest chapters, and endless stories punctuated by laughter.
There’s something about being in a shared space that encourages connection. Without schedules or distractions, conversations go deeper, laughter gets louder, and you’re reminded of how nourishing it is to simply be together.
That first night set the tone for the weekend — relaxed, joyful, and filled with gratitude for the circle of women who show up for one another, year after year.
Saturday: Wine Tasting Adventures
No trip to Prince Edward County is complete without a day of wine tasting. We planned to visit a few local favorites, but two vineyards topped our list, Norman Hardie Winery and Huff Estates. Both are celebrated for their exceptional wines, welcoming atmosphere, and picturesque settings.
First Stop: Norman Hardie Winery
Norman Hardie feels like the quintessential County experience — rustic, authentic, and always buzzing with energy. As we stepped onto the gravel patio, the air was filled with the comforting aroma of wood smoke from their outdoor pizza oven.
We began with a tasting flight guided by a passionate host who shared stories about the vineyard’s limestone-rich soil and the winemaking process that gives their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay such distinctive character. Each sip offered something new, crisp, elegant, and undeniably local.
And then, in one of those serendipitous moments that make a trip truly special, we met Norman Hardie himself. He greeted us warmly, genuinely curious about where we were from and how we were enjoying our time in the County. What began as a quick hello turned into a wonderful conversation about wine, travel, and the artistry that goes into every bottle. His passion for winemaking was palpable — and it made every glass that much more meaningful.
Of course, no visit to Norman Hardie is complete without their famous wood-fired pizza, perfectly blistered and loaded with fresh ingredients. We ordered a few varieties to share — classic Margherita, mushroom with truffle oil, and a seasonal special topped with roasted squash and goat cheese. The crust had that perfect balance of chew and crunch, and paired with a chilled glass of county pinot gris, it was pure happiness on a plate.
The setting was relaxed and inviting — long communal tables, laughter from nearby groups, and the sound of clinking glasses blending with the breeze. Once again, I was reminded how true hospitality doesn’t need to be complicated. When warmth, intention, and authenticity come together, guests feel it.
Second Stop: Huff Estates
After a leisurely lunch, we made our way to Huff Estates, a modern winery and art gallery that offers a completely different kind of charm. Where Norman Hardie feels rustic and grounded, Huff Estates is polished and contemporary — sleek architecture surrounded by vines that stretch toward the horizon.
We were greeted with another tasting flight — this time featuring sparkling wines and bold reds. The Brut Rosé was a group favorite, bright and effervescent with delicate notes of strawberry and citrus. Huff’s onsite art gallery added another layer of beauty to the experience — each piece reflecting the creativity and craftsmanship that defines the region.
As the afternoon sun began to dip, we wandered through the vines, cameras in hand, capturing moments that would become memories — the light, the laughter, and that unmistakable feeling of contentment that comes from a day well spent.
Evenings in the Farmhouse
Back at our Airbnb, the glow of the setting sun spilled across the fields. We slipped into cozy sweaters, poured another round of local wine, and gathered around the farmhouse table for a potluck dinner. Everyone had brought something—a salad here, a side there—but let’s be honest, I’m always on dessert duty. I brought a no-bake pumpkin spice cheesecake, its creamy layers infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, crowned with a drizzle of caramel. Watching everyone dig in, I couldn’t help but smile—some things never change, and for me, dessert is always the highlight.
Someone started a playlist, and before long, we were singing along to throwback hits, laughing until our cheeks hurt. Later, we moved to the firepit, wrapping ourselves in blankets and watching sparks drift into the night sky. There’s something about simple moments like these that feel profoundly special — when joy isn’t planned, it just unfolds naturally.
Sunday Morning Slow
The next morning, we woke to the sound of gentle rain tapping against the windows — the kind of cozy, gray morning that makes you want to linger just a little longer. It was the perfect excuse to slow down.
Coffee in hand, we sat wrapped in blankets, sharing quiet conversation before the drive home. One friend made a batch of scrambled eggs while another sliced fresh bread from a nearby bakery. We sat together at the same long table that had held our laughter the night before and savored a slow breakfast that felt like the closing chapter to a perfect weekend.
Before packing up, we left a handwritten thank-you note for our hosts — a small gesture of appreciation for a stay that reminded us of the beauty of simplicity. The farmhouse had become more than a place to sleep; it was the backdrop to a weekend that filled our hearts.
A few things stood out — lessons that apply as much to hospitality as they do to life:
- Details matter. Whether it’s a cozy throw blanket, a handwritten welcome note, or the way a host sets the table, these small touches create warmth and memory.
- Connection over perfection. The best moments aren’t curated; they’re spontaneous. The laughter over pizza, the off-key singing, the heartfelt conversations — those are the stories we’ll retell for years.
- Shared experiences strengthen bonds. Travel has a way of deepening friendships, especially when you’re gathered around good food and wine.
For anyone planning a getaway — whether it’s a family retreat, a romantic weekend, or a gathering of friends — Prince Edward County delivers in spades. It’s where rural beauty meets refined taste, and where every moment feels just a little more meaningful.
Leaving the County, Carrying the Memories
As we loaded up the cars that Sunday afternoon, I felt that bittersweet mix of contentment and nostalgia. The weekend had been everything we hoped for — laughter, connection, and the kind of joy that fills your spirit.
Later that evening, I boarded my flight back to Kelowna, still smiling as I scrolled through photos of friends laughing over wine glasses and sunlit fields. The hum of the airplane blended with my thoughts, and I felt grateful — for the friendships that anchor me, the places that inspire me, and the beautiful rhythm of coming home with a heart full of stories.
Our girls trip to Prince Edward County wasn’t just about the wine or the scenery — it was about connection, celebration, and the reminder that sometimes, the sweetest moments in life are the simplest ones.
