In the face of countless COVID-19 closures this past year, local makers and creatives across Prince Edward County, Ontario never missed a beat. Instead of taking time off, farmers and florists alike focused on ramping up new agri-tourism experiences so they'd be more than ready to welcome guests upon the province’s re-opening.

With experiences ranging from backyard beekeeping workshops set amongst lavender fields, to cheesemaking classes on a working homestead, to flower design workshops, there are plenty of unique (and sustainable) activities to discover beyond PEC's wineries this fall. (But by all means, visit them too!)
   

Learn to Make Cheese from Scratch 

Littlejohn FarmLittlejohn Farm

Littlejohn Farm Littlejohn Farm 

Offering a wide variety of activities, Littlejohn Farm specializes in a workshop that teaches the basics of cheesemaking. Prepare for a full day as you tour the working farm learning the ins and outs of homesteading, then get your hands dirty with an in-depth cheesemaking lesson. End the day with a class on wine pairings (think Camembert and chardonnay), alongside a farm fresh lunch prepared by the group. 
   

Create a Dreamy Floral Arrangement

Flora LoraSarah Crawford

Join the creatives at a bountiful flower farm, Floralora Flowers, for a masterclass on floral design. Begin the morning with a misty stroll through gorgeous flower fields set against the backdrop of Lake Ontario. You’ll also gain insight on sustainable growing practices in the vegetable field. Grab your sheers and trim any flowers you wish to use in your arrangement, then join the class in an open-air barn. After crafting your dream bouquet, enjoy seasonal refreshments before departing. 
   

Become a Sustainable Backyard Beekeeper

Millefleurs FarmMillefleurs FarmMillefleurs FarmMillefleurs Farm

Walk amongst fields of blooming lavender at Millefleurs Farm to appreciate the joys and challenges of beekeeping. Join master beekeeper, Sylvain, to observe the inside of Millefleurs beehives and gain practical knowledge to bring to your own backyard. Covering everything from the equipment you’ll need to the life cycles of bees to the process of honey extraction, visitors will learn all the basics. Afterwards, pop into the Mead Tasting Bar to sip on nine distinct samples of fragrant honey wine. 
   

Peek Behind the Barn Door on a Farm Tour 

Edwin County FarmsEdwin County Farms

Ever dream of being a hobby farmer? At Edwin County Farms, guests can enjoy a comprehensive tour where they'll catch a glimpse of the day-to-day activity on a working farm. Wander the fields to observe the harvesting of onions, tomatoes and lettuce while learning how sustainable farming enables land regeneration. Before you leave, shop the farmstand for farm-fresh goodies like watermelon radishes, midnight Roma tomatoes, rainbow chard and organic maple syrup. 
    

Feast at an Iberian Farm-to-Table Dinner 

Quinta de CondeQuinta de CondeQuinta de CondeQuinta de CondeQuinta de CondeQuinta de Conde

Pack your appetite for a farm-to-table dinner at Quinta do Conde. Enjoy interactive elements as you set your own table and set out on a property tour to learn exactly where the ingredients came from. The dinner menu is inspired by Iberian feasts and every ingredient is grown or raised organically on-site. After dinner, cozy up in the century-old farmhouse for an overnight stay where you will drift to sleep to a chorus of crickets and bullfrogs.   
    

Join a Professional Chef for a Foraging Excursion 

Merrill HouseMerrill HouseMerrill HouseMerrill House

Launching in 2022, one of the newest agri-tourism offerings in Prince Edward County takes place at the iconic Merrill House where guests can visit sister-property, Hydrangea House, to help the chef forage for herbs and veggies in preparation for dinner. The kitchen gardens focus on specialized ingredients and are grown in one of Prince Edward County's most prized terroirs: Ameliasburgh clay loam. Further afield, the property is also home to a legacy apple orchard where guests can enjoy a fall-inspired picnic and apple picking to get in a harvest mood.