It’s not Muskoka, sorry, no. That’s a different vibe. The County has been making its own mark and the people who have moved from Toronto to the area seem more chill.  The Main Street in Picton is still one very walkable strip. The shops are still independently owned and quaint. The coffee shops are fantastic. Long-time locals including the Indigenous community are really wonderful (take the time to hear their stories). And yes, the Slickers ice cream shop is worth the drive alone. Of course, the incredible food and wine scene including Alberto Ponzo (The Royal Hotel), Stuart Cameron (Bocado), and the winemakers are big draws too.

What’s been growing in the area is the vibrant arts scene and it’s already getting noticed. The County Adaptation Film Festival (CAFF) launched this past September opened the area to sold-out events and screenings. Pretty amazing for its inaugural year! From what we’ve seen, it’s investing in a community that is rich in arts and culture. They also invite conversations that support growth while respecting history.

Alexandra Seay, CAFF Festival Director and The Regent Theatre (Picton) Artistic Director is one of those Toronto via Halifax transplant to the area who is very much involved in the arts community in The County and explained the vision of this small but mighty film festival. We had a chance to chat with her to learn more…

What was the vision for creating CAFF?

Alexandra: We have a very strong arts community in Prince Edward County. We also have an extremely strong film community out here too, and that is one of the reasons that a film festival made a lot of sense here. Because there are a lot of film and film-adjacent people, it was a natural fit. They are either currently working in the industry, adjacent to, or even retired. This was an ideal opportunity to bring them together. It was a bit of a hive mind but also created an excuse for them to get together. I say hive mind in terms of “So we need to get in touch with this person” and “Do you have contact information for…?”  It was partly creating opportunities for them to get together and socialize in places that aren’t TIFF that don’t feel like work. Also, the fact that it takes place in your backyard, was part of what we had in our mind when creating this festival.

Why an ‘adaptation’ theme film festival? 

Alexandra: So, it started with The County. We knew that a film festival in The County was a natural fit. But, we also felt there had to be a niche because there’s no festival here without a good reason. We also felt the reason needed to be bigger than this theatre, and it needed to be bigger than Picton. We also felt it needed to engage the entire community. So, we wanted to find something that provided an opportunity for our guests to get across The County. We needed to shine a spotlight on The County as a whole because it is bigger than Picton, Wellington and Bloomfield. And so the goal was really to showcase it all. And showcasing its landscape also naturally meant highlighting its people, businesses, hotels, and wineries. We wanted something that we could all work together on, and to showcase ourselves to the world. This theme would allow us to do that.

When we landed on the concept of an ‘adaptation’ film festival, it felt like the perfect way to bring artists together. We built it around artists and focused the festival’s lens on the writer and the screenwriter because they’re often overlooked in other festivals. That also gave us a different angle from some of the other festivals, of which there are many in Ontario! But we also wanted to invite conversation, and it’s the conversation that allows us to get beyond the theatre, physically, metaphorically and literally. So, for example, the conversations work really well in places like Clausson Chase, The Eddy and Base 31  for next year. Conversation allows us to get outside the theatre and it can be magical!

Yes, we experienced it in the Widow Clicquot post-screening Q&A with author, Tilar J Mazzeo, and screenwriter, Erin Dignam! That was fascinating to learn about the process from book to screen! They were very candid!

Alexandra: I didn’t know the conversation was going to be that candid! But I was certainly hopeful, and it was the intent of the whole festival to have artists in conversation with each other. I’m really grateful but the other reason for the theme of adaptation is because it gives us a really long programming runway. We can now do VR animation, kids movies, and adult films. This year “personal histories”, was the sub-theme that emerged, and we can always find those themes. But then we still have that unifying, overarching theme, yeah, the use of the word, but, you know, in and it, it, it’s a different angle. It’s a talking point, certainly the number of conversations I’ve had about it, so what’s an adaptation? You mean a book? Not necessarily.

Often the arts scene can be intimidating or too “artsy” to many but CAFF felt more inclusive for everyone. There was definitely depth and breadth appeal for an audience who enjoy film but at the same time, it also opened doors to learn about the process of taking pages to screen. The CAFF also honoured Indigenous storytellers and local history. It felt grounded, in so many ways making it very much about The County. What are your thoughts?

Alexandra: I certainly hope so because that was the goal. In fact, the word ‘grounded’ is one of the words that actually was a focus in our brand creation, so it’s amazing you mentioned that! We wanted to create something that was intimate, to encourage conversation and dynamic to engage people. That was grounded. And by grounded, we also mean terroir, but we also meant rooted in The County as well as the people who call this place home.

The Opening Night film, Widow Cliquot, was selected to highlight the women in the wine industry and women in the vineyards. It was an obvious tie-in for us.

What was the process in selecting the films for this festival and having the various artists involved?

Alexandra: It was a matrix between the availability of titles and the availability of artists. We prioritize the artist in the process.  We had a list of titles,  then we went through the artists to find who we can get and then build from there. So really, truly, the artists came first, and specifically the screenwriters, are the centre of our festival. In some cases, the screenwriter was also the author of the book, which is an interesting sub theme this year at CAFF. For example, Mark Sakamoto and Tanya Talaga were both heavily involved.

Yes, thank you, Alexandra! Definitely a highlight to hear their candid talks. It was truly incredible to hear them speak about their experience in working from book to screen. Mark Sakamoto is literally walking us in the thick of the process now which was quite fascinating! It’s a pretty unique perspective for both book and film lovers. We felt like we hit a gold mine of insider stories!

Thank you to Alexandra Seay, The CAFF, for inviting us to experience this weekend long event in The County. We love visiting and learning each time we visit!

The post CAFF: The County’s incredible thriving arts scene appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

With the theme of “adaptations” this festival lineup goes beyond book to screen. We, as the audience, are encouraged to explore how filmmakers are inspired in their storytelling. Film selections were curated in consultation with the CAFF’s Programming Consultant Diana Sanchez. “We were conscious of creating a balance from new releases like Widow Clicquot to older classic titles like Adaptation, with a range of genres from comedy to punk historical drama and formats from animation to VR. Our goal was to select titles which could really put the writers – the people crafting the adaptations – in the spotlight.

I want people to think beyond books. Literary adaptations are by far the most common form of screen adaptation but what else can an adaptation be? Graphic novels, headlines, dolls? That is an aspect of the conversation that I am particularly interested in exploring as the festival evolves,” said Sanchez.

Details and full lineup of films, events, Festival passes and tickets can be found here at their official website: www.countyadaptationfilmfest.ca

CAFF will take place in various locations including the historic Regent Theatre located on Main Street in Picton. From screenings and special guests to parties and “in conversations and special events, you can do it all or pick what you like! Here is what you can expect…

FILMS TO SEE:

The Festival’s Opening Night Gala Screening on Friday evening is Widow Clicquot and how fitting for PEC — a favourite wine region in Ontario! Adapted from the biography The Widow Clicquot: The Story of the Champagne Empire And the Women Who Ruled It by Tilar Mazzeo, this film about young Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin who marries vintner François Clicquot- yes, who is behind the famous yellow label. The storyline follows how she navigates life from being unprepared to be a mother, a widow and the custodian of a failing family business before the age of 27. Her story is one of resilience and a resounding entrepreneurial triumph. Gourmand recognized Mazzeo’s The Widow Clicquot as the ‘Best Work of Wine Literature in the United States’ for 2008. Special guests Erin Dignam & Tilar J. Mazzeo will be at the screening.

“For a film festival set in the heart of wine country,  we knew there would be a wine film in our inaugural program. I am pleased to be opening the festival with Thomas Napper’s film Widow Clicquot adapted from the biography of the same name,”  said Alexandra Seay, Founding Artistic Director of the County Adaptation Film Festival.

The historical drama Firebrand by Brazilian filmmaker Karim Ainouz will screen on Saturday afternoon. This film follows the life of Katherine Parr, the last of King Henry VIII’s wives. Adapted from Elizabeth Fremantle’s novel The Queen’s Gambit, screenwriting duo Henrietta and Jessica Ashworth create an unconventional filmic reimagining of this historical time; centring on Katherine’s story and the very real dangers she faced being married to a king (played by Jude Law) known for disposing of his wives.

The classic Spike Jonez film Adaptation will screen Saturday evening at The Regent Theatre. This storyline is about a screenwriter who tries and fails to adapt The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean for the screen. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Iain Reid, a bestselling author and screenwriter of screenplays based on his own novels I’m Thinking of Ending Things and FOE.

RU will screen on Sunday late afternoon at The Regent Theatre. Based on the Governor General’s Award-winning novel by Kim Thúy, RU charts the arduous journey of a privileged family fleeing from Vietnam in 1968 and eventually settling in Quebec, told through the eyes of young Tinh. Following the screening, stay for the conversation between Charles-Oliver Michaud (director/screenwriter)  and Catherine Hernandez (multi award-winning writer and screenwriter of SCARBOROUGH).

EVENTS TO CHECK OUT:

Friday evening also kicks off with an Opening Party to kick off the three-day event. The public is invited to join in this FREE outdoor celebration at The Armoury Square just steps from The Regent Theatre. Expect programming by the Department of Illumination, food and drink.

On Saturday, Pathways to ReconciliACTION will take place in three locations and will include both ticketed and public events. Start the morning with a traditional Mohawk welcome, screenings of Six Strings (Short) and The Secret Path. There will also be a 30 minute concert by Tyendinaga-based singer and songwriter Jennifer Brant reflecting on Truth and Reconciliation inspired by the traditions, culture and language of the Mohawk/Kanien’kéha. Be sure to also stop into the Lobby of The Regent Theatre to view the residential school survivors exhibition curated by the Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre.

The Macaulay Church Museum will also open its doors with “A Path Forward”, an exhibit co-curated by Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, which explores Truth and Reconciliation in the County. On display will be contemporary Indigenous works of art and opens discussion on the past, present and future of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in PEC.

One of the most exciting, and quickly evolving, areas in the County is Base31. During CAFF the arts and cultural hub will host a ground-breaking VR experience in the Sensory Garden. Rooted in Indigenous futurism, Biidaaban: First Light asks users to think about their place in history and their role in a possible future. This will be the third location within the Pathways to ReconciliACTION series.

“In Conversation” events offer insight from those directly involved with the films and special guests have already been confirmed. On Saturday, Mark Sakamoto, author of the National Bestselling book Forgiveness: A Gift From My Grandparents,  and Mark Hamilton, Academy Award nominated producer, and creative partner to Deepa Mehta will have an in-depth discussion about the development process of taking this book to screen. Forgiveness: A Gift from My Grandparents is being developed into a feature film, adapted by Mark Sakamoto and directed by Deepa Mehta.

Sunday also hosts another great “In Conversation” event with Tanya Talaga, the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of Seven Fallen Feathers, discusses her latest work The Knowing – a riveting exploration of her family’s story and a retelling of the history of the country we now call Canada – in the context of it being adapted into a four-part CBC narrative docuseries. She is joined by Courtney Montour co-writer and co-director of the CBC series. This ticketed event will take place at The Eddie Hotel & Farm.

If you’re looking for a spot to hang out, then the Festival Lounge at Karlo Estates is worth exploring while you visit. Enjoy some bubbly and check out the gallery display of paintings from THE PEASANTS and a look behind the scenes at the making of the film.

We’re looking forward to visiting during CAFF to enjoy the ever-evolving arts, culture and food scene! Looking for where to stay and eat? See our post here.

The post County Adaptation Film Festival Launches in PEC appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

In almost every small town in Canada, there’s always a Main Street where you’ll find a pub, a coffee shop or two, an ice cream shop, and a couple of clothing shops. There’s always one Chinese restaurant that sells honey garlic spare ribs and chop suey (kitchen scraps in Cantonese if you were curious as to what the direct translation is). We always seek out the second hand shop selling vintagy things–they often reveal great treasures. There often is a cozy inn or a B&B to rest for a night or two. Pretty predictable in most cases and comforting in their own ways. We always knew these towns were there, but did we know what was really there?

Our most recent visit took us to the town of Picton where we discovered much more than what meets the eye. “Picton? Who’d a thunk it!” said a friend with surprise in her voice.

Just a little over two-hour drive from Toronto, we arrived in the Prince Edward County (PEC). It’s been a popular destination for local and international travellers, especially in the summer months for a while now. Dad mentioned that we had been in the area when I was young. We would stop in for essential snacks on our family fishing excursions. I still have photos with the biggest smiles holding up my prize-winning sunfish.

My friend Libby, who also was on this recent road trip, mentioned that she had been visiting the PEC for several years with her two daughters at nearby camping grounds. Jumping into Picton’s Main Street was often a stop for them.

We visited Picton recently for our “girls getaway” in the March when everything seems to be just waking up. Not quite summer time but it’s not winter either. Honestly, it didn’t really matter. We were looking forward to a chill getaway to eat and chat the days away.

The Main Street offered everything we expected…and unexpected. Nestled on the strip stands THE ROYAL HOTEL. The new and much buzzed about hotel opened about a year ago and can easily be considered the anchor of the town.  It’s not what one would expect for Picton, a town with a population of just over 4,500 (Source: 2021 Census).

THE HISTORY:

The Royal Hotel has a long history in Picton. Like many small towns across the country, the Canadian railway system helped to open up trade and economic opportunities. Travellers took to trains to explore our vast country and Picton was a charming stop for both business and leisure. The original hotel dated back to 1879 with the historic building still carrying elements from years past. The metal grate incorporated along the front facade is original as well as some of the brickwork.

The hotel’s history saw lucrative times also for commerce like “The Barley Days” that saw local harvests sent across to breweries across the border to the U.S.. There were also the fruitful canning years as Prince Edward County was known as “The Garden County of Canada”.

But there were also harder times including the Great Depression as well as the time when the nearby military base closed in the mid-1960s. The glory days were gone and local towns and businesses struggled — including The Royal Hotel. It was always considered a meeting place until it eventually shuttered and most likely would be slated to be demolished. Hearing the locals and their memories of the place was a treat. Everyone had a story to tell. A public auction was held in 2008 where locals were able to scoop up whatever was abandoned inside. Locals tell us bars, chairs, and other antiques went for a song.

THE RESTORATION:

The decaying building sat for years until the Sorbara family, who moved from the city to a farm in the County a few years earlier, saw potential in the shuttered building and decided to purchase it. Greg Sobrara, you may recall was a former Ontario Liberal finance minister and his family are established Toronto developers.

Restorations began in 2016 and locals were very curious. The once-impressive and elegant central staircase was destroyed by a rain over the years that seeped through the decaying roof — you can see an image of the grand staircase of it as you walk (or sneak) into the men’s bathroom on the main floor. We had learned about an exterior wall collapsed from weakened foundation. Even with the setbacks, including the pandemic, they were determined to bring breathe a new life into the historically significant property.

The Sorbara family enlisted the help of Sol Korngold to oversee the project. Korngold had a tech company downtown Toronto and his experience in the hospitality industry came from his learning as a silent partner at incredibly successful Stock T.C. located in the busy midtown area of Yonge & Eglinton in Toronto. It was clear when we met with Korngold that he had a vision not just for the hotel but also for the community.

Korngold described this journey with a vision of creating something special. As soon as he mentioned Zita Cobb’s name (Fogo Island Inn) it all made sense. He was at an event at the Design Exchange years ago and learned about her approach to business and community. Aha! I knew exactly what he meant! Unpretentious and unforgettable. Let the people and the place speak for genuine self. It wasn’t about creating something that was transplanted from the big city rather something unique that inspires visitors to have their own story to tell. It was about maintaining that charm and feeling of being welcomed with a sense of belonging. And the county seems to pull together that feeling effortlessly leaving you longing to return. By the way, I’m already booked.

THE PHENOMENAL DESIGN:

This new life at The Royal Hotel is sophisticated with its luxurious Italian design balanced with clean Scandinavian lines. It’s next level “hygge” in coziness yet airy and light in feeling.  There are charming details everywhere that would make any wanderlust swoon with delight. Korngold enlisted the design firm of Giannone Petricone Associates (Toronto) that was responsible for creating this beautiful space. Every detail is curious and a conversation piece from the subtly curved walls to the quirky gilded mirrors inside the women’s washrooms on the main floor. Ask about the unique bar that eloquently anchors the lounge space. It opens up like a treasure chest. Staff tell us that this part of the hotel also offers weekly tastings with local winemakers.

A favourite space is the “library” space located on the main floor of the hotel tucked into the back corner. A cozy nook that is a relaxing place to read or even pick up the acoustic guitar if desired. Be sure to stop and learn about the art installation at the entrance — a curious jacket that was once worn by a local with a great story. The historic building also carries elements from the original hotel dating back to the 1879. The metal grate incorporated along the front facade is original as well as some of the brickwork.

The Royal Hotel may appear large out front but surprisingly has 28 rooms in the main building — all named after apple and pears grown in the region. There are an additional five guests rooms located at the adjacent “The Annex” building that’s anchored by an art gallery and showroom. Some suites offer more space for families and some are also pet friendly!  All beautiful and modern in design. We stayed in the luxe Empire Room overlooking the Main Street with an in-room soaker tub, sitting area, marbled bathroom and fireplace.

THE DINING:

This well-appointed luxury hotel also boasts two “must-eat-at” restaurants. The Counter Bar is opened all day and is a great casual spot for breakfast and lighter fare. We highly recommend you grab a few baked goods even if you’re just passing through (pretty sure that almond croissant recipe is the same I devoured at Bar Centrale in Toronto — and it’s MY FAVOURITE).

The Dining Room is a real gem for lunch and dinner. Chef Alberto Ponzo (formerly Le Sélect Bistro) offers a regional menu with his own touch. He explained that many of the ingredients are sourced from the hotel’s 650-acre Edwin County Farms as well as other local growers. The menu reflects his Italian heritage but Ponzo tells us he also leaves room for seasonal features — currently the menu reflects maple season. The menu also includes customer comfort favourites (Duck Confit, Steak Frites, Burgers) that are well worth diving into. Ponzo also mentioned his pizzas are  sourdough based with the starter he brought back with him when he staunched at a restaurant considered the second best pizza in the world. Pastas are all hand-made in house. The cannoli recipe we learned was his mother’s very own. When he mentioned how the move here from Toronto was “transformational” we understood what he meant. The way he emitted pure happiness and peace told us everything. No regrets.

CHECK IN:

The Royal Hotel officially opened its doors in December 2021 as an exquisite boutique hotel and is considered to be the jewel of the county once again. For sure this hotel will be popular for summertime for families friends, and romantic getaways. Such a pretty locale for intimate weddings too! For more information or to book your stay, visit TheRoyalHotel.ca

THINGS TO DO AT THE HOTEL:

The Royal Hotel Spa: currently uses Italian skincare brand [comfort zone] for their body and skin care treatments. Aside from their go-to facials and massages keep an eye out for specialty treatments. We spotted an intriguing “Ayurveda for Modern Life” consultation and treatment with Dr. Ayung, an Ayurvedic Medicine Teacher is brought into the establishment and will create a personalized treatment based on an assessment of your core nature and imbalances.

The Gym: located on the premises has two Peloton bikes, free weights, a leather punching bag in an airy space for guests to use.

Outdoor Pool: seasonal use

Outdoor Patio Space: casual and popular for intimate weddings, parties, and corporate events.

THINGS TO DO IN PICTON and surrounding PEC region:

The Royal Hotel in Picton is perfectly situated to explore the town by foot. It’s also within a stone’s throw to other the popular stops in the Prince Edward County area making it a terrific home base. PEC is also known for their wineries and just a drive away if visitors would like to venture  to a few but the hotel also invites local winemakers in for weekly tastings for guests. Keep an eye out for summer activities like live music, pop-up shops, farmers’ markets and more.

Savon Du Bois:  visit Anne Du Bois, owner, perfumer and who is certified in aromatherapy in her incredible shop. She has created her own line of skin and body care using the finest ingredients for almost 15 years.  The space is filled with all sorts of beautiful scents, essential oils, and other natural products as well as offering a “refillery” concept for customers who are interested in minimizing packaging but still want high quality everyday items — think shampoo, liquid soaps, etc . She opened up this Picton shop four years ago to meet the growing demand for her products and services – she’s set to make another move later this spring just a block away to a bigger space that will also offer her room to hold workshops and events. She’s created scents for hotels, shops as well as individual customers. When we learned that we quickly booked ourselves in the next day to create our own scents with her guidance and knowledge. Anne also keeps the customized scents on file should you wish to re-order on your next visit or have it also shipped. It’s a wonderful experience to book yourself into.

The Ye11ow Studio: has beautiful modern pottery pieces for the home made in-house by local artisans. You can actually see the artists in action creating magic on the wheel. Owner Dawn Middleton tells us she was born and raised in the area but left for the big city after high school and studied at OCAD as well as Sheridan College.  She had always thought Picton would be a nice place to retire but then when her partner, a landscaper, was offered a job to return, they decided to take a leap of faith. Both creative-types they felt this would offer them the space to grow along with the community…and their young family. Dawn and the other artisans here have that zen quality that absolutely makes you want to pack your bags and find that same joy. Bringing a piece of their work not only is a wonderful souvenir and everyday functional vessel but it also serves a reminder that dreams are worth going for.

City Revival: Part of a small town charm is poking into a vintage or second hand store. They always seem to have at least one. City Revival on the Main Street of Picton definitely should not be overlooked if you’re someone who enjoys rummaging through racks of unique finds. In this particular shop we had to rub our eyes several times as we sifted through racks of previously loved designer clothes – think Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Tiffany, TAG Heuer, Sentalier, Smythe and it goes on. We almost didn’t want to reveal this place but it can be easily overlooked from the exterior.

ZEST Kitchen Shop: is another super place on the Main Street where you can pick up a few items for your home, cottage, or as gifts. Amongst the kitchen gadgets we also found locally made cutting and charcuterie boards, preserves in hand painted jars and other nifty items.

Art Galleries and Art Trail: There are many artists within the community. You can pick up the local map and brochure at the front desk. It lists 13 studios to visit. You can also visit artstrail.ca

SHED Chetwyn Farms: Visit with the alpacas on this 55 acre farm in PEC. This modern-day farm and shop is where you can watch alpacas grazing in the fields and shop hand-crafted artisan goods by local knitters. The yarn used is spun from fleece produced on this farm.

Sandbanks Provincial Park: *inquire about entry fees (seasonal). This is home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation. The popular park has three expansive sandy beaches and incredible walking, running, and bike trails. Grab a picnic style meal from The Royal Hotel and enjoy the day along the shores.

The Mustang Drive-in Movie Theatre: Located in the heart of Prince Edward County, this drive-in movie theatre has been a popular spot since the 1950’s. Keep an eye out for when they reopen for the season.

The post The Royal Hotel Picton is the Jewel of PEC appeared first on Toronto Guardian.