14 minute read
Points East Coastal Drive
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Points East Coastal Drive 50 Beaches invites you to come holiday in the “most beautiful area of the Island,” says Marcia Carroll, Executive Director of the Island Tourism Group. “Our members offer something for everyone! We’re the best place to visit for the essential and authentic Island experience.”
Top of the list of must-dos is discovering the sun and sand on the more than 50 beaches along the Coastal Drive. They’re easy to find as the Drive is well-marked, so that you can be lying on a beach soaking up the sun in no time.
There are hundreds of places to stay: campgrounds, country inns, beach houses, cabins, cottage and resort hotels, available for short- or long-term visits. “Many of our campgrounds, resorts, inns and cottages are near the water,” says Carroll, “so that visitors with a modest budget to those who are seeking a more high-end experience are spoiled for choice.”
50 beaches and a whole lot more!
By Lynne McKenna Photos Courtesy of Rodd Resorts, Island Nature Trust, Evan Ceretti
You can decide to cruise along the Drive finding new surprises or try one of the pre-planned itineraries. Visitors looking for adventure can try lobster or tuna fishing, kayaking along the shore, or the many bike trails or walking trails in the PEI National Park at Greenwich, the Basin Head Provincial Park, and at many other locations in the Points East Coastal Drive area. A popular activity among visitors and locals alike is to discover the Island by biking or hiking the Island Walk, which allows you to circle the Island from your start in the Point East Coastal area on its 32 sections covering 700 kilometres. Businesses in the area are committed to providing accessible facilities so that everyone can participate.
There are also world-class golf courses, often with breathtaking views. For those looking for that special something to take home to preserve the memories of their visit, there are many creative artisans, jewellers, and other unique art forms along the Points East Coastal Drive. When it comes to dining, there is everything from lobster to tacos and pizza to surf and turf, certain to please families looking for the familiar or foodies looking for the brand new.
“We have the best chefs anywhere!” Choose from pubs and bars, seafood restaurants, roadside stands, patios, and cafes. There are also two microbreweries, a cider house, and a winery so that you can take tasting tours, spending your day enjoying “adult” beverages and trying every kind of dining along the way.
It’s a good idea to plan your trip in advance because the choices before you will be overwhelming! It’s important to book your stay ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Come visit the many heritage buildings in our picturesque towns along the Points East Coastal Drive or simply spend the warm days on the shore with your toes in the sand and the sound of the waves while you relax and enjoy. www.pointseastcoastaldrive.com
By Alana Lauren Photos Story Thorburn
The original Belle’s Shoppe was opened in 1941 by Belle McGowan. Then, as now, women came from all over the Island to shop at Belle’s. Owner Nancy McKinnon takes pride knowing that Belle’s Boutique caters to women of all ages. “We’re like a big city store in a small town and are well known for our amazing selection,” she says
“We consider customer service our primary goal. If you like to browse and take your time, we’ll be there if you need us,” McKinnon says, “If you like to have some assistance, we’re there to help.” Belle’s offers women’s fashions for all occasions, from everyday casual to a semi-formal night on the town. Belle’s carries all the top brands in fashion; Charlie B, Tribal, Bali, Pure Essence, Hue leggings, Yest and French Dressing, just to name a few. To top off your outfit, you will also find accessories like jewellery, purses, scarves, gloves and slippers.
Belle’s Boutique, an Island fashion destination since 1941.
Belle’s Boutique 557 Main Street, Montague 902.838.4055 www.bellesboutiquepei.com
Messy Crow Studio - Unique and Colourful Art in Souris
Located a few minutes from Main Street in Souris, the Messy Crow Studio was hatched in 2017 in order for artist and owner Lisa Freeman to have a home-based shop to work on her needle felted pieces. Since then the quaint and colourful shop has grown into a gift shop and workshop venue that’s been welcomed by the community.
“The artisan community in the Souris area is so supportive,” Freeman says. “The interaction with clients provides a daily boost of positivity and joy. Seeing faces light up when they enter our shop is priceless. We strive to show happy and whimsical artwork to make people smile!”
The Messy Crow Studio showcases needle felting, framed works and dimensional pieces all made in the studio by Freeman. It also carries the work of 10 other Maritime artisans, including pottery, paintings, soaps, candles, crocheted items, jewellery and cards. Workshops are also available for budding artists where groups of one to four people can learn the basics of needle felting and leave with a framed piece. Says Freeman, “It’s wonderful to witness a workshop participant see what they’ve created, it’s big smiles all around!”
Messy Crow Studio 470 St Catherines Rd, Souris 416.523.6090
By Brianne Hogan Photos Story Thorburn
Authentic Island Experiences
By Lynne McKenna Photos Story Thorburn
Owner and operator Perry Gotell initially started Georgetown’s Tranquility Cove Adventures (TCA) to help generate more household income. “Fishing lobster wasn’t always as lucrative as it is now and I wanted the best for my family,” he says. Fifteen years later, his business continues to thrive. TCA, which offers deep sea fishing and a giant bar clam dig as unique culinary experiences, is designated as an award-winning Authentic PEI Experience and has been designated as a Destination Canada Signature Experience.
“We pride ourselves on being the first tour boating operator to open on June 1st and the last tour boat to close shop (October 15th or later) on PEI.” This summer Gotell says guests can enjoy all the fun and authentic Island experiences that it’s known for, from giant clam digs and deep sea fishing off the coast of Georgetown to starfish hunts and shell painting on the land. New this year the company is offering oyster tonging adventures throughout the fall, winter, and spring, “Where you get to tong wild oysters and eat all you want.”
Gotell says he loves his job just as his father and grandfather did. “As a retired 3rd generation lobster fisherman, spending time on the water is a way of life I love. Sharing this gift with others is quite a bonus.”
The perfect place for friends, families and couples, Rodd Brudenell is an outdoor mecca located directly on the river within the Brudenell River Provincial Park. Resort guests have access to hiking and biking trails, canoeing, kayaking and SUP, tennis, horseback riding, a fitness centre and an outdoor and indoor pool featuring a whirlpool and sauna. Cottages or suites, standard or deluxe, there are accommodations for everyone.
It’s also the perfect place to spend a day on the greens or being pampered, with two golf courses on site, Brudenell and Dundarave, and the Aveda spa which is open to the public. The spa offers massages, wedding and special occasion makeup, manicures and pedicures, a Rodd Signature Chocolate Body Wrap and more. Looking for a casual fun place to grab a bite? Stop by Club 19, the menu will be sure to delight everyone in the family. Tranquility Cove Adventures 2 Kent St, Georgetown 902.969.7184 www.tcapei.com
Your Summer Mecca
By Lynne McKenna Photos Courtesy of Rodd Hotel & Resorts
Rodd Brudenell River Resort 86 Dewars Lane, Georgetown 902.652.2332 www.roddbrudenell.com
Make Your Summer Special With Pauley Charter & Adventure Tours
Female-owned and operated Pauley Charter & Adventure Tours wants to make your summer a special one.
Owner and operator Sonya Pauley says she started Pauley Charter & Adventure Tours to showcase Prince Edward Island and its rich culture along with its “kind and genuine people.” In addition to providing a service that was in huge demand and needed within the community, she says her business was also an opportunity “to meet and greet visitors from all over the world; to entertain and show them our way of life and to let them know firsthand what it was like to grow up here.”
The five-star rated company, which is female owned and operated, offers a variety of tours including customized tours as well as planned tours like a lighthouse and winery tour, a distillery tour, a hop on and hop off brewery tour, Green Gables, the North Shore, and much more.
Pauley says she loves her job because she loves people. “I love meeting folks from all over the world and showing them our beautiful Island and sharing its rich history and folklore. I also love learning about where they are from and their culture. I love meeting, reconnecting, and transporting the locals, keeping them arriving safely to their destinations, and I love happy customers and want their experience to be the best I can make it.”
By Brianne Hogan Photos Story Thorburn
One of Atlantic Canada’s Most Luxurious Resorts
With its tranquil setting overlooking PEI’s panoramic North Shore and a wide variety of activities offered on-site, Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort is a favourite of visitors to the Island.
The resort offers direct access to The Links at Crowbush Cove, stunning Lakeside Beach, an onsite spa, and a variety of accommodations. More Islanders are taking advantage of Rodd Crowbush to escape close to home either for a few nights, a day at the spa (open to the public), or a special treat at David’s Restaurant.
Offering a laid-back vibe, the Clubhouse on the Links has indoor seating and a sunny outdoor patio overlooking the 15th hole and the North Shore. It’s open early for breakfast so you can grab a bite before your morning tee time. It’s easy to see why this spot has a loyal following of locals who enjoy the cold drinks, delicious meals, and friendly service. Children are welcome and a kid’s menu is offered for those 12 and under.
Rodd Crowbush 632 Route 350, Morell 902.961.5600 www.roddcrowbush.com
Fortune Bridge Farms is Fun For the Entire Family
By Alana Lauren Photos Story Thorburn
In 2015 Crystal Burke-Cheverie, a fourth-generation farmer, along with her husband, opened Fortune Bridge Farms, specializing in growing turnips, carrots, parsnips, and cabbage. Two years later they started a roadside stand and offered farm-fresh produce to the community. This venture has grown to produce over 100 acres of vegetables.
This summer Fortune Bridge Farms will host the first annual sunflower festival. Toby’s Sunflower Festival will take place August fifth to 14th. “We have planted dozens of sunflower varieties, including giants sunflowers, and numerous picturesque display gardens. This spring we strategically planted our blooms in phases to allow for a succession of blooms throughout the duration of the festival,” BurkeCheverie says. “Take a stroll through the acres of floral beauty that includes 100,000 blooms.”
Local vendors, artisans, musical talent and more will be set up on the weekends in farmer’s market style. Sunflower Minis will be offered by local photographer Erika MacDonald. Limited time slots are available so be sure to get your tickets online now.
While you’re visiting the farm be sure to stop into Toby’s Takeout, located at the bottom parking lot, where chef Matthew Burke a 2014 culinary graduate, leads the team to deliver farm-fresh takeout. New for this season is the licensed deck and beer garden that offers a selection of local wine, beer, and coolers to enjoy with your meal. Open daily from May to October is the Fortune Bridge Farm Corn Maze. Get lost for the afternoon in their challenging corn maze or choose the Mini Maze or Sunflower Trail. Return in October for the Halloween Haunted Maze, or Flashlight Nights for a different kind of date night! Bring your own flashlight, the maze is especially challenging at night!
There is so much to experience at Fortune Bridge Farms this summer that it’s a must for your 2022 Island bucket list.
Fortune Bridge Farms 1444 Veteran’s Memorial Hwy, Souris 902.215.0219 www.fortunebridgefarms.com
From Goat Yoga to Goat’s Milk Soap
By Rebecca Spinner Photos Berni Wood, Reel Media Photography , Alana Belair
When you show up at Island Hill Farm this summer, you’ll find Farmer Flory and her team have created even more unique ways to spend time with the goats and other animals.
On a “goat walk,” for example, guests can enjoy the summer sun alongside the farm’s caprine residents. “It’s a wonderful experience where you get to run and play with the goats in their big field,” explains Island Hill Farm spokeswoman Emily.
Teacher-led “goat yoga” classes will also be available during Summer 2022. (Island Hill Farm’s website—and past issues of PEI Living—refer to the farm as “the cutest place on Earth,” which sounds like a great spot for a yoga class.)
Although the teacher will focus on traditional yoga moves, the goat drop-in guests will definitely make for one of PEI’s more unpredictable yoga sessions. “Sometimes baby goats visit and bounce along,” Emily says. “Sometimes it’s our bigger goats, like Thelma, that like to steal the show with their beautiful stretches!” to spend time with the baby animals PEI Living’s Spring 2022 issue featured. “We have babies year-round for bottle feeding three times a day, except on Mondays. Space is limited so book early!” says Emily. “We’re more than just goats.” Flory said, “I’ve created a unique educational
Photo: Berni Wood, Reel Media Photograhpy
Photo: Alana Belair
experience for visitors from all over the world. Island Hill Farm is the largest agritourism destination on the Island.”
In addition to goats, the farm is home to chickens, sheep, alpacas, miniture horses, Khunkhun pigs, Flemish giant rabbits and a donkey named Gavin.
Returning for the 2022 season is Story with Farmer Flory for the kids.
This summer, the layout of Island Hill Farm itself has changed; Flory’s Café and Farmer Flory’s Shoppe are now accessible. They’re also free of admission, Emily adds. “You can swing by [the shoppe and café] without visiting the farm.”
While you’re at the café take home the fresh farm-to-table meat, eggs and cheese (while available) and top it off with a delicious ice cream or a freshly brewed coffee. #ihfgoatselfie
Photos: Berni Wood, Reel Media Photograhpy
Photo: Sam Sharpley
Photos: Berni Wood, Reel Media Photograhpy
AT FLORY’S CAFÉ
Guests can enjoy Baker Joe’s delicious refreshments (and needn’t pay admission to do so). “With the summer season starting, we’ll see Baker Joe back in the café, frying up donair meat, turning out fresh bread, and whipping up baked goods,” Emily confirms.
On certain Saturdays during Summer 2022, visitors will also be able to indulge in cuisine created by guests Los Nopales, described by Emily as “an up-and-coming authentic Mexican restaurant.”
Photo: Sam Sharpley
FINDING THE FARM
Island Hill Farm isn’t tucked away somewhere tricky to find. Its Hampshire location is just slightly over ten minutes west of Charlottetown. It’s easy to pair a morning or afternoon visit to the farm with any other summer activities you’ve planned!
The farm is bilingual, and we have a fantastic team that is looking forward to your visit.
Island Hill Farm 351 Route 225, Hampshire, PEI 902.218.1673 info@islandhillfarm.ca www.islandhillfarm.ca Island Hill Farm participates in Harvest Host and Terego.
