It was my birthday recently and to celebrate I decided to do something different this year.
I treated myself to a mini vacation and booked myself on a day long wine tour in Prince Edward County: a new but beautiful wine region in Ontario.
Can you tell I’m excited?!
Yes I went by myself. My partner had plans for the weekend and my friends had young children and commitments and this was last minute getaway.
Many people were surprised when I said that I was going alone but I find trips like these liberating in every sense of the word.
As a parent, with the constant demands of children, the pressure of home and work and life in general, I needed a break.
I booked myself a lovely apartment through www.airbnb.com in the town of Wellington right in the heart of wine country and giddily packed my bags. Even the thought of the 2 hour drive had me looking for new music and podcasts to download. I could drive with the windows down and the sunroof open and there was no one to complain. Or I could seal them up and use the climate control to my exact preference. Bliss.
I arrived at the apartment just ahead of schedule and had the opportunity to meet my host, who gave me a tour of the place and told me about the features and amenities. The lovely 2nd floor space was nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street that was around the corner from the Main Street where you find main street stores like grocery, hardware, convenience shops. Even better though were the excellent restaurants that were only a few minutes on foot from my temporary front door.
The covered front porch.
The first evening after settling in I ventured out to find a good meal and I ended up at East & Main Bistro www.eastandmain.ca after having decided that their menu posted online looked amazing. I was seated by the friendly staff and presented with a menu. I took my time to look over the choices, to observe the other patrons, enjoy the decor and ambiance of the busy restaurant. When my meal of duck breast with a demi-glaze, roasted morels and baby potatoes arrived I allowed the scent of the food waft up to my nose. I sat for a moment and took in the delicious smell and appreciated the presentation. The meal did not disappoint and I left later with a full belly and a smile on my face.
I went home and changed into something that would allow me to enjoy a much needed after dinner walk around the village. Had I been staying longer than two and a half days I would have packed my TRX or exercise bands so I could get in a workout but I had gotten in a weight workout the morning of the trip and could workout again when I got home.
Taking some time to write about my experiences.
The next morning I was excited to embark on the wine tour. I waited anxiously for the van or bus to arrive…I had no idea how many people would be on the tour with me. I admit I was a little nervous, because you never know what kind of group dynamic you’re going to get. The minivan pulled up and out climbed a friendly-looking woman who introduced herself as Marquise. She then informed that I was the only person on the tour! As an added twist she then told me that our tour that day would be her first! It ended up being a fantastic day, criss crossing the County to 6 of the 39 wineries in the area. Marquise, who was clearly passionate about Prince Edward County even stopped to show me Lake On The Mountain and the elevation above the Bay of Picton, something we could afford to do since it was just the two of us. We were thick as thieves by the end of the day. If you’re wanting to tour some of the wineries in Prince Edward County but you’d rather not drive, check out www.sandbanksvacations.com or see Trip Advisor where you’ll find all kinds of reviews from others who have toured with them.
Waupoos Estates Winery
Future Pinot Noir at Devil’s Wishbone Winery
After getting home that evening, I took sometime to collect my thoughts and after relaxing for a little bit I went for a long brisk walk, taking a route that led me lakeside. I would be checking out the next morning but not before enjoying a fantastic breakfast at a cafe around the corner.
I was sad to leave, to close the door behind me on a fun and relaxing time to myself, but I was looking forward to seeing my kids, my spouse, my sister who was coming to visit with my niece. It’s hard to appreciate people if you’re never away. I felt recharged, rejuvenated, happy. I had appreciated the adventure and was looking forward to going home.
What about you? Have you ever travelled solo? What was your favourite memory? Share your story in the comments.
