Christmas Crawl

Closson Road filled with Christmas cheer this weekend

Appropriately named “the Golden Mile of Prince Edward County”, Closson Road—a tranquil country road dotted with century farmsteads and bucolic pastures—will be host to baked goods, food, wine, cider, beer and artisan Christmas shopping this weekend during the Christmas Crawl. Now in its third year, the Closson Road Christmas Crawl is an event that was born due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The event began in 2020 out of desperation to help small local businesses and artisans who were struggling after enduring lockdowns due to Covid restrictions,” says organizer Susan McGuire. “The event was created to get local people from the community out in a safe way. It was a huge success the first year, and even bigger success the second year and it is looking to be even more successful this year.”

The outdoor firepit will be roaring at Bark Woodshop, and visitors can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate from the coffee stand as well as the famous bark toffee (while quantities last). Highlights include dessert packages from the Dessert Architect, handmade Christmas décor, and of course Bark’s signature endgrain cutting boards, charcuterie boards, lazy Susans, cribbage boards, waterfall dog bowl stands and candle holders. Also on site will be Christine from Consecon Ceramics, offering handmade and spun pottery.

At Broken Stone Winery, it’s all about the vines and the wines. Wine tastings paired with mini tourtière will be offered, and anyone who sings a Christmas carol will receive one free wine sample. For the designated drivers, grapevine balls, grapevine wreaths and grapevine trees will be available for purchase to add some holiday flair to your home décor. Down the road at Lacey Estates, The Spotted Zebra will be on site offering decorative tiles, as well as quilted items by Liz Lacey, wine jellies, farm grown herbs and a release of the brand new 2021 Sparking Rose, Paradise.

Garage Time Brewing will be hosting local artisan Jordan Wiltse from @jordesigns who is bringing some of his metalworks to sell and to take orders for personalized items. On Saturday, Friesen’s Smokehouse will be on site serving Baltimore Pit Beef on a Bun. A draw will also be held for a a gift bag full of Garage Time goodies.

SHED Chetwyn Farms are always a favourite with their cozy alpaca fleece items. During the Christmas Crawl, a winter sock and mitten set will be given away as a draw prize, and most importantly anyone who identifies themselves as a resident of the County will receive 10 per cent off all purchases. Although already sold out, new this year, is a Winter Solstice Workshop where attendees enjoy a morning session of yoga in the riding ring with the alpaca. “This is the beginning of a new series of exciting workshops coming to the farm,” says Ted Pickering. “You will have the opportunity to spend time in the downward alpaca position, pose for a selfie and enjoy the bucolic farm setting at Chetwyn Farms. The alpaca tend to watch from afar, and only get closer when in Shavasana.”

A local favourite, Prince Edward County Lavender, will have a draw for gift basket and lavender treats for everyone to sample. The boutique will also be stocked with handcrafted lavender items, such as soaps, essential oils, body lotions and beauty products. The perfect gift for that hard to buy for person in your life.

Both The Grange and Closson Chase Winery will be host to their own Christmas markets. At the Grange, the Artisinal Market will offer visitors the chance to stock-up on favourite Christmas essentials as well as purchase gifts for friends and family from 20 different vendors. Local vendors include The County Bounty, County Candle Co,, Kinsip, Millefleurs, Cressy Mustard Co. and many more. In addition to the market, visitors will be delighted to sneak a peek of Jolly Old St. Nicholas himself. Bring your camera and sit on Santa’s lap beside the 14-foot Christmas tree and tell him your wish list. At Closson Chase, The Purple Barn will be converted into an Artisan Market filled with local vendors, tasty treats, and hot chocolate for the littles. Enjoy a tasting flight of Closson Chase Wines or sip on a glass of your favourite while you shop.

Karlo Estates is the place to be to fill your belly over the weekend. On Friday evening, a a plant-based cheese fondue dinner by Fauxmagerie Zengarry will be served during the Friday Night Wine Lounge. A three-flight wine pairing is included as well as singing some cheerful seasonal carols and festive music after dinner. On Saturday evening, the barn will become host to Dinner and a Show Tasting with Elmood Harmony. The event includes a three-flight wine tasting paired to handcrafted cuisine while listening to live music in the speakeasy. Elmwood Harmony is a folky duo from Belleville and has been slowly gaining momentum over the past year and a half. John LeBaron and Kyle Mitchell joined their musical forces in the late winter of 2019 and since then have grown a diverse musical setlist packed with vocal and guitar harmonies, original music, and their own take on some of their favourite cover songs. Finally, on Sunday, Karlo will host a Pancake Bubble Brunch, which includes buckwheat pancakes topped with melted butter, oat yogurt, red berries, walnuts and local maple syrup, as well as coffee or tea and a refreshing glass of 2021 Bubble sparkling wine or mimosa.

For McGuire, the event has become an annual staple during the holiday season in the County. “Whats neat is you can pretty much spend the day on the road and not run out of things to do. It’s the kickoff for Closson Road to welcome the holidays,” says McGuire, who also points out that the event extends beyond ‘The Golden Mile’, “The event has extended outside of Closson Road, and the is great. The idea is for everyone to explore the area as a whole,” she says. The third annual Closson Road Christmas Crawl is free to attend and runs this weekend, Friday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. daily.

Participating businesses will be identified with orange Closson Road Christmas Crawl signage which will be placed at the entrance to each business. For more information, visit ClossonRoad.ca