Come To PEI! Do It! You're Going To Love It! I Promise!
Confession time: my mum and I have kind of been trying to convince everyone we know to come to PEI. It's a little out of hand, really. I have a sneaking suspicion my mum'll be playing tour guide all summer. Not that she cares, we just want everyone to experience this little treasure chest of an island.
With that in mind, I thought I'd compile a little list of things to check out if you're thinking of coming to PEI. If you live here, you probably know all of this stuff already but feel free to add suggestions in the comments section.
Before we start, it's probably worth mentioning that 2014 is a special year on PEI. It's the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference, which is basically when Canada became Canada. It's a major deal here. The Island is having a year-long tribute but this summer is when most of the fun will be happening. In other words, this is the year to come to PEI.
I've tried not to include really obvious stuff, like the Anne of Green Gable Heritage Site or the Shania Twain concert that's happening in August. Not that I don't love Anne and Shania but you don't need me to find the obvious stuff.
Ok, here we go:
Actually, this is kind of an obvious place. Woopsies. You could have found this without me but... Look at this place! I mean, come on! How cute can a lighthouse be?!
This isn't an attraction but I am CRAZY BONKERS NUTS for this store so it's making the list. Their knits are soooooo lovely, and made on site. Their website may lead you to believe that the store is geared to an older crowd but anyone who loves beautiful knits will adore this place. I honestly can't go inside it without spending 2 hours there. I'm so impressed by their selection, and friendly service. Sweaters, cardies, socks, tuques, mitts, scarves: you're going to want one of everything. Last September, I bought one of their turtlenecks and wore it so much, it became embarrassing.
They also carry MacAusland Woolen Blankets, which are also made on PEI, and are pretty much the best blankets ever.
I like weird, quirky stuff. When I'm on vacation, I like to try to find little, weirdo places to visit, off the beaten track. Enter "The Bottle Houses".
4. Margot Austin's PEI Cottage
Again, this isn't an attraction or even a place you can visit. It's the PEI cottage of one of the senior editors of House & Home but it's so lovely, I just wanted to share it so you could drool along with me You can watch a video of it here or check out the renos on her blog here.
5. St. Ann's Church Lobster Suppers
Lobster suppers. In a church. I think that's all that needs to be said.
Manager John Oliver with a few of the parish staff at St. Ann's.
By the way, if you can't come in the summer, September is also a really great month to visit. There are less crowds and it's less busy but just as beautiful. Just keep in mind that a lot, if not most businesses here close up for the season towards the end of September/beginning of October so don't dilly dally.
See you soon, I hope!