22 minute read
Explore Summerside
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All year round, there’s loads to do in Summerside, but now with the warmer weather and sunny skies, we can add some of our favourite summer activities and sports to our list of ways to live our best #seasidelife!
By Millicent Mckay, Explore Summerside Photos Explore Summerside
Dining al Fresco It’s no secret that we love dining outdoors! Let’s start with a picnic! There’s no lack of greenspace in Summerside and a picnic along the water or at the park is the best way to capitalize on enjoying good food and sunshine! Whether you pack your picnic yourself, or you pick one up, eating outdoors is a fun way to experience the waterfront!
Next, we suggest enjoying a cold treat on the boardwalk! With dairy bars being an Island staple (we have several in the city) why not enjoy your cold treat when you stroll along! Birds will be chirping; a chipmunk might make an appearance and you can get your steps in while you cool off with your favourite flavour!
Dine on the deck! We have multiple restaurants with outdoor seating, including a handful that are right on the water, allowing you to eat right next to the ocean wether you’re eating surf or turf.
Spend time at Spinnakers Landing There’s no shortage of favourite shops in Summerside, and it’s always exciting when the shopping at Spinnakers Landing opens for another season! It’s one of the markers that summer has come! This year there are some new additions and favourite familiars on Spinnakers!
Outdoor Fun With the warmer weather, getting outdoors sometimes feels a lot less daunting than the wintertime counterpart; and with that in mind, there’s a bunch to do outside in the seaside air!
First stop, the Knot Beach Bar and Rentals! If you’re looking to get your heart rate up by spending some time on the water, you can enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding by renting gear from The Knot! The crew at the Knot can also set you up with cruiser bikes if you’d like to actively make your way through the city on two wheels!
If you’re looking for team or individual activities, head back to the grounds of Credit Union Place and take some time at the outdoor tennis courts or beach volleyball courts. Get your gang together and spike the ball for a volleyball round or grab your rackets and serve a mean game of tennis; for access to the courts, check in at the front desk of Credit Union Place.
If tennis isn’t your favourite, but you’re still looking for some similar fun, head to the pickleball courts at Wilmot Centre! Set on a smaller scale, pickleball might be your new favourite sport for the summer! And, if you’re a skater or BMX rider don’t miss some fun at Summerside’s skatepark with a bowl and other obstacles to send it!
The Dome While it offers regularly scheduled programming, the Summerside Dome also offers pop-up sports nights, drop-ins, and other fun public events you can take in! As one of the city’s newest sporting and activity facilities, the 60,000-foot turf field often features flag football, soccer, baseball, inflatables, yoga and other activities every week! To stay up to date with fun activities, make sure to follow The Dome at @summersidedome on Facebook and Instagram!
Credit Union Place If all things sports are your jam, don’t miss the chance to celebrate Island sports history with the PEI Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Featuring stories, memorabilia, and more, the display set up at Credit Union Place is a great way to learn about the impact sport and leisure have had on PEI and the Island! Speaking of Credit Union Place, whether it’s a rainy day or clear skies, there’s always fun to enjoy at the city’s premier facility. While you’re at the CUP, you can enjoy time at the Aquatics Centre in their lap pool or leisure pool! On weekends they open up their water slide and rock-climbing wall for added fun! On occasion, they also have aqua sports like underwater hockey and waterpolo.
Also at Credit Union Place are The Lanes—the city’s bowling lanes. You can enjoy seven-pin bowling, cosmic bowling, arcade games, and pub food in the licensed area for some fun time for all ages!
Active Living in Summerside Like the Dome, Active Living Summerside offers regularly scheduled programming, from single activities to multi-week programs; there’s no reason not to sign up for some fun to keep active in the city! From Spikeball pop-ups to kids’ camps, if you’re in Summerside, following along with Active Living is a great way to find activities for all ages that can also be done as a family!
So, where will your next adventure take you as you embrace your best seaside life in the city by the sea?
Explore Summerside: The City by the Sea www.exploresummerside.com
GO GIRL FASHIONS
Fashion As Unique As You Are!
By Lynne McKenna Photos Buffie Boily Models: Jana Weatherbie Amber Bagnell, Karla Love
Go Girl Fashion designers specialize in finding items as unique as you are! Whether you visit the Go Girl Fashions store in Summerside, take advantage of their Fashion Mobile, or visit their online store, you will know they search for entirely new brands that will fit your taste and personality perfectly. Achieving your full style potential is their number one goal.
“We take pride in caring for each of our customers and adding real value through fashion,” says owner Paulette Barke. “We want all women of all age groups to feel confident and look great. We want every woman to feel special when they access our store.” Go Girl Fashions features classic and trendy styles for women of various body shapes and style personalities. “We love to bring the latest fashion trends to the women of PEI.”
In August 2009, the dream of Go Girl began with a pop-up store, with events at the Credit Union Place in Summerside. In May 2015, Paulette opened a brick-and-mortar location in Summerside. “Having a permanent year-round location allows us to engage with the community, as well as serve Island women whenever
(L-R) Kelly Bagnell, Nikki Moulins they need a new look,” Paulette says. “We are involved in the Rotary Club, 100 Women Who Care, Toys for Tots, Harness the Hope and many other fundraising events, helping people in the place where we live.”
In 2016, Go Girl Fashions expanded to a Fashion Mobile, an exciting new way to shop that allows them to bring fashionable clothing to women all over the Island through pop up events and private parties at home. In 2021, the online store, Go Girl Fashions, was created. Customers can shop from the comfort of their home, relying on the reviews, carefully constructed size charts, and excellent fashion variety.
Renovations are currently underway to further expand their services with their latest adventure, “Shoe Craze,” offering chic and attractive footwear. “You can never go wrong with a good pair of shoes!” Paulette says. “They will help create your perfect look so that you can know you look your best from head to toe. Adding a shoe store completes our boutique by bringing beautiful footwear from Canada and Europe.”
The success of Go Girl Fashions is the culmination of Paulette’s dreams. “I love the fashion industry, seeing how each season changes and how our styles change, regardless of our age. There is always something new to discover and to offer to the women on PEI. We love engaging with women and helping them be the best of themselves through fashion. There’s nothing like it! Our excellent staff make it fun and keep the excitement going.”
- Paulette Barke Go Girl! Fashions & Accessories 215 Wyatt Cres., Summerside 902.436.2122 info@gogirlfashions.ca www.gogirlfashions.ca
Rewilde, Confidence Building Style!
Spinnakers Landing is home to Summerside’s newest style destination, Rewilde. Rewilde offers body confident clothing for men and women in inclusive sizing from XS - 3XL. You’ll find a nice selection of highquality fashion, everything from t-shirts to jeans, jewellery and accessories, there is something for everyone in this great little boutique.
Rewilde, located in the orange cottage, Spinnakers Landing, on the beautiful Summerside waterfront, is open for the 2022 season. Owner Ellen Darys Velez is happy to help you find fashion that builds your confidence.
In addition Rewilde is available online 24/7 with delivery and shipping to Canada and the United States.
Rewilde Spinnackers Landing (Orange Cottage) 150 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside 902.314.2428 www.rewildestore.com
By Alana Lauren Photos Karrie Costain
(above) Ellen Darys Velez
See You at The Deckhouse!
The long winter is over, summer is here, and it’s time to head to The Deckhouse Pub and Eatery at Spinnakers Landing in Summerside! Thanks to our wonderful community’s continuing support, we’re open for our 30th season, and ready to welcome you to our pub and restaurant!
Relaxing in a seat on our patio is the ideal way to spend an afternoon or evening, enjoying the amazing view of Summerside Harbour while devouring our famous food. Enjoy a beer with your friends or dine on old and new favourite dishes.
We’re proud to offer you our popular hand-battered fish and chips, other traditional pub fare and a wide range of local beers on tap and summer-infused cocktails. We’ve got kid-friendly options certain to please the fussiest little people. Rain or shine, see you at the Deckhouse, we look forward to serving you!
Owner, Barb Hunter
The Deckhouse Pub & Eatery 150 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside | 902.436.0660 |
Rose Cottage Antiques
RC Estate Management
Opened in 2012, Rose Cottage Antiques is located along the busy boardwalk overlooking the beautiful harbor in Summerside.
This beautiful shop is a mustsee if you’re a connoisseur of quality antiques and collectibles.
Rosemary and Rollie Cantin have curated a beautiful selection of furniture, tableware, glassware, linens, vintage clothing and so much more. Everything is elegantly displayed making it easy to imagine how you can fit it into your decor.
You’ll find an incredible selection of Pyrex™ and quirky kitchenware that’s perfect for the cottage or to simply add to your collection. The fruniture pieces are in wonderful condition—no need to paint or restore them—just take them home and enjoy them.
Antiques are always in style; whether you live in a downtown condo, a heritage home, a cozy apartment or modern bungalow, a specially chosen piece or pieces will add that special something that truly makes your house your home.
You’ll also find a solution for those used candle vessels. Bring them into Rose Cottage Antiques and have them refilled to enjoy over and over again.
Rose Cottage Antiques 401 Water St Summerside 902.724.3399 902-.439.4693 www.rosecottagepei.com
Are you looking to downsize your home or closing an estate property? It can seem overwhelming to dispose of or sell your unwanted home contents.
“We now offer in-home estate sales across PEI.” Rosemary Cantin says, “Whether downsizing, moving, or settling an estate, through our onsite estate sales we aid our clients with the compassion, respect, patience and the dignity that is deserved.”
RC Estate Management will come into your home, sort through the contents, tag and price everything. In addition they will take the time to present everything for a neat and professional sale.
“At RC Estate Management Services, we strive to minimize the stress of rightsizing or relocating by focusing on the planning part of the move. We aid our clients with the compassion, respect, patience and dignity that is deserved, so that you can focus on enjoying your next phase of life.”
Saving our Island
ISLAND NATURE TRUST
- Bianca McGregor
By Lynne McKenna Photos Courtesy of Island Nature Trust
We all call the Island home, and as climate change continues to negatively affect our natural ecosystems, it is increasingly important to mitigate its impact through the protection of the natural spaces that sustain us. For 40 years, Island Nature Trust has been working to ensure the Island’s land and wildlife is preserved for future generations.
This year, the Trust is relaunching their Saving Our Island campaign to celebrate the past acquisitions of ecologically rich properties, made possible by matching campaign cash donations from Islanders. The Trust hopes to find new donations of land and cash to reconnect our natural home. With the growing threats to nature and the environment, the Trust plans to bring the remaining untouched patches into protection, and through conservation efforts, mend the ones that have the potential to combat climate change.
“Anyone who has looked down on our Island from the air knows it looks like a patchwork quilt,” says Bianca McGregor, Executive Director. “We need to join up the patches that have become disconnected over time, so
that we can pass a quilt of connected and conserved areas on to those who come after us. We need to protect more land, connect more patches, and mend and maintain this natural resource on behalf of Islanders.”
Owners of ecologically important land can “Add a Patch” by donating land so it is protected for the benefit of all into the future. Owners can choose to give the land now or later and can decide to hold a life interest in it or make a sale/ donation arrangement. Land donors may also qualify for tax incentives under Canada’s Ecological Gifts program, or Ecogift. The program offers significant tax benefits to landowners who donate land or a partial interest in land to a qualified recipient like the Island Nature Trust. The Trust ensures that the land’s biodiversity and environmental heritage are conserved in perpetuity.
You could also decide to “Mend-APatch” by donating to the Stewardship Fund. “Once land is under our care,” says Bianca, “we annually plant native trees and shrubs, maintain the trails, and actively restore the network of natural areas.” If you donate to the campaign, you’ll help reach the Province of PEI’s target of protecting 10% of the Island. Both the Province and Island Nature Trust’s conservation partners will multiply the contributions! All donations are tax deductible.
By visiting the Trust’s website www. islandnaturetrust.ca/patchwork/ you can find out more information about the campaign and the ways that you can help protect the irreplaceable natural areas of our Island home forever.
902.892.7513 admin@islandnaturetrust.ca www.islandnaturetrust.ca
ANOTHER PERFECT ISLAND SUMMER
Welcome to the Home and Cottage section of the Summer 2022 edition of PEI Living Magazine. Is it just me or did summer suddenly appear? This year I found it amazing how quickly the trees, bushes and lawns greened up and became lush almost overnight. I think it’s been the right combination of sun and rain.
In this issue we introduce something new, Design Notes, featuring designers based in and working on PEI. With the construction boom showing no signs of slowing down there is plenty of work to go around and certainly plenty of design talent. In our interior design feature, Steeped in History, we are featuring a beautifully restored heritage home’s kitchen.
I hope that the quick and easy DIY project on page 78 will inspire you to try your hand at a stylish summer DIY. It’s a simple project for any age and a fun activity to try with your kids.
Wishing you all a very happy summer full of fun times, good health, and beautiful summer weather.
Susan
Susan Snow Home & Cottage Editor
- Jenny Uglow
Read PEI Living Magazine online: www.issuu.com/peilivingmagazine
“All great kitchens regardless of the style have one thing in common, they are well planned. The three most important things to consider in order of importance are function, practicality, and form.” - Susan Snow
ALTERNATIVES TO STAINLESS STEEL Most major appliance brands, including GE, are now offering customizable colours and finishes. Elevate the look of your kitchen with white or black appliances trimmed with stainless steel, copper, bronze, black or brushed gold handles and/or knobs.
Café 36” Smart All-Gas Commercial-Style Range Matte White with copper details COMFORT Use bar or counter stools with backs to offer maximum comfort and back support. Design tip: know your size before ordering or purchasing. Countertops that are 36” off the floor require a counter height stool. Bar counters are usually 42” off the floor and require a bar height stool. NEAT AND TIDY Limit items placed on countertops. When loaded with small appliances your kitchen will just look messy. Allocate cabinet space to store appliances in easy to reach drawers or behind doors for a clean look.
BRIGHTEN UP As a rule, you should vary the lighting in your kitchen using a combination of pot lights, under counter lights and decorative pendants. Task lighting is essential over the kitchen sink and prep areas. Pendant lights over islands or peninsulas add a decorative touch while providing function. Design tip: the proper height for hanging pendant light over an island is approx 33 - 36” from the top of the countertop to the bottom of the pendant. ADD PERSONALITY AND FLAIR Best bets for accessorizing kitchen countertops or shelving include fresh flowers or stems, collections of wooden cutting boards, decorative utensil holders, knife blocks, specialty cooking oils in pretty bottles, hardcover cookbooks, interesting vases, and bowls filled with fruit. Design Tip: group accessories on countertop trays.
AIR FLOW Having adequate ventilation is critical in any kitchen to rid the air of cooking odours, smoke, and grease. Plan your kitchen so that your stove is on an outside wall or within a few feet to allow for direct duct ventilation. In some spaces, like islands, downdraft vents are necessary but keep in mind they are less powerful than a hooded vent system.
COTTAGE LIFE BOUTIQUE
The Island is all about the cottage lifestyle— relaxing on your backyard deck with a cold beverage, searching for sea glass on a red beach just before sunset, or curling up under a quilt-covered daybed on the sleeping porch during a thunderstorm. It’s a feeling and a state of mind.
Cottage Life Boutique is like gathering all those feelings and memories and offering them up to enjoy, no matter where home might be. The boutique opened in June 2021, amidst a lull in the COVID-19 pandemic, and customers flocked to it.
“We opened, and we knew what we were going into. But I knew we would be a welcoming venue for Islanders and tourists alike,” Marsha Doiron says. “We had a great season and ended up open full-time until Thanksgiving. We closed and reopened on weekends leading up to Christmas at that point.”
Doiron has been an entrepreneur for a long time. She has worked doing her own gift baskets, run a bike rental shop, and operated the largest motorcoach company in Atlantic Canada with her husband, and has plenty of hospitality experience. She brings quite a pedigree to her current role.
By Alana Lauren Photos Story Thorburn
- Marsha Doiron
“Owning this shop gives me a way to tap into my creative side. One of my favourite quotes is ‘desire to inspire,’ and I like to see people inspired by our products, our wonderful staff, and our overall vibe here,” she says. “Since the pandemic, we’ve all spent so much more time in our homes and surrounding ourselves with the “cozy and comfy” has been the vibe/feeling that we’re all craving.”
You’ll see changes for the 2022 season. “We expanded to add coffee service in the shop with fabulous baked goods, and a selection of small batch artisan specialty food products from the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company.” Doiron says.
After learning what their customers were looking for, this year Cottage Life Boutique is carrying more canvas prints, small accent tables and accent lamps, and lots of decor pillows.
“We have a lot of great decor and entertaining items such as unique coffee mugs, an amazing selection of pottery mugs, handcrafted signs, bath products, and healing stone bracelets. You will notice that the boutique carries products from local entrepreneurs— amazing pottery products from Tracy Stretch and Debbie McKie, healing stone bracelets from Nora Cummins, and macrame items from Rebekah Conohan.”
Doiron’s son Porter returns with his popular line of soy candles, Seaview Candles, a number one seller in 2021. This year, Porter has added scents to his candles, but he has also added new vessels.
“We have a great team and hired more staff,” Doiron says. “Olivia Morley is now managing the store. She’s been instrumental in getting the shoppe where it is today! The shoppe looks absolutely beautiful. Olivia is an amazingly talented gal that has the perfect eye for creating those ‘cottage life’ vibes I envision for customers to experience. She’s given her 110 per cent in curating our inventory, merchandising the shoppe, considering those little ‘oh so important’ details, and even made sure we had just the right CLB team members on deck!”
Doiron and her staff are bringing Cottage Life Boutique to the heart of people’s homes. “I love hearing how our products allow people to have a peaceful state of mind. I love talking to people and hearing their stories,” she says.
(above) Olivia Morley
Cottage Life Boutique 8572 Cavendish Road cottagelifeboutique@gmail.com www.cottagelifeboutique.ca
POST COVID CUSTOM BUILDING TRENDS
Submitted by Darren MacKenzie, Legacy Homes Ltd. & MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd.
The pandemic impacted all aspects of our lives, it’s a new reality. The housing industry has seen long term effects and changes leading to a “new normal” which has led homeowners to rethink their priorities for future custom builds.
SPACE AND NATURAL LIGHT
In general, there is a trend toward light-filled, airy homes with views of something other than the neighbour’s window. Living space and light have become a new priority.
PRIVACY
Now that we’re spending more time at home and there is also a trend toward multi-generational homes, exterior and interior walls are built to keep day-today noise such as business calls or other family activities to a minimum.
MULTIFUNCTION
Our homes must function as multipurpose dwellings, a home office is no longer thought of as a luxury as many are still working from home. Home gyms and media rooms are also becoming more popular in new builds to accommodate leisure activities that we are now doing at home.
DEMAND FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
A green home or energy efficiency is no longer considered a choice when building a custom home. Home buyers who have been working and living at home 24/7 have a new appreciation for the cost of keeping the lights on, the computers running and the AC cooling! SECURITY
Home security is being built in from the ground up, smart home technology has made it easier to monitor your property remotely. Everything from secure parcel delivery to closed circuit cameras inside and out mean homeowners can be assured their property is safe and secure 24/7.
KITCHENS
The kitchen is the “hub” of the home. Now that families have grown accustomed to cooking several meals a day, expect a continued trend toward large open kitchens where families can gather to cook together.
OUTDOOR SPACE
Outdoor living and entertaining spaces are a huge trend! Custom builds are including outdoor kitchens, expansive decks and multifunctional areas such as play areas for the kids, home gardens and pools or spas.
MUDROOMS
Home owners are rethinking functional, yet stylish ways to keep future homes safe from the germs that might be lurking outside. We will see more mudrooms that elide (join together) with laundry functions. The utility sink for washing will also enjoy a second life as a handwash station, perhaps with motion sensor plumbing fixtures for touchless use. Legacy Homes Ltd. 12745 St. Peters Road, Ten Mile House 902.626.3200 www.peilegacyhomes.com
MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. 262 Howe Pont Road, Eglington 902.969.0425 www.mackenziebuilders.ca
