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Welcome to the Island INNsider, the Inns of Distinction Prince Edward Island Newsletter
Greetings!

September is such a beautiful month with summer crossing over into autumn and bringing a whirlwind of colours to Prince Edward Island.  The dark reds, bright oranges, and traces of crisp yellow leaves against a backdrop of white sand, dark blue ocean and red cliffs make it a splendid time of year to visit the Green Gables Shore Region. Though some may consider September the end of summer, things on P.E.I. are still bustling!


Green Gables Shore Drive
 

In July's e-newsletter, we discussed the Red Sands Shore Drive and the history of Queens County. We further explained that the County was divided into three touring regions, and that we would return to tell you all about the Green Gables Shore Region in a future e-newsletter. We have arrived along the North Shore!

 

The northern section of Prince Edward Island is best known for being the home of Anne of Green Gables and is probably the most traveled area due to the love for the red-haired heroine and her creator, Lucy Maud Montgomery.  However, this region of Prince Edward Island offers so much more. Even if you have never heard of Anne, the Green Gables Shore Region can satisfy every wish for a variety-filled itinerary: beaches, golf courses, local music, shopping, amusement parks and outdoor activities.

With a vast number of cottages along the North Shore, the population increases for good reason - the region is a spectacular piece of Prince Edward Island's acclaimed scenic landscape composed of red sandstone cliffs, white sand beaches and rolling farm fields. Some of the scenic coastline has been protected in the P.E.I. National Park, which hugs the central north shore.

 

We would recommend 3 - 5 days to fully experience the Green Gables Shore Region. The Inns of Distinction has member properties located throughout the region. In the heart of the Cavendish resort area is Kindred Spirits Country Inn & Cottages. The James family welcomes you to their inn rooms and cottages perfectly situated next door to the Anne of Green Gables house. Just a short jaunt down beautiful Hamie's Lane gets you to Cavendish Beach, where the deep of the blue ocean and the inviting dunes captivate you.

 

Allow Karen and Jim Noble and their little piece of paradise to offer you superb hospitality and awe you with its exquisite beauty while you visit the Green Gables Shore Region. Noble House is located in Malpeque and is a lovingly restored 1860 heritage farm home with ocean views and award-winning home and gardens. You will feel like their home is your home.

 

The award-winning Barachois Inn is a family owned and operated "Designated Heritage Place" in the Canadian Register of Historic Places. Judy and Gary MacDonald have been welcoming visitors for over 25 years to their luxury inn. Their personalized service, commitment to quality and historical locale all contribute to a vacation you won't soon forget.

 

Shaw's Hotel is Canada's oldest family-owned inn and a National Historic Site located in Brackley Beach. Situated on its own private bay, it offers excellent access to water sports and the beach - making it an ideal location for children and adults alike. The Hotel offers a multitude of amenities including children's programs and playground, an excellent restaurant and quiet surroundings for relaxation. Share in the Shaw's family experience through their strengths of clean, quiet and comfortable.

 

Our many properties in the Charlottetown area also offer easy access to the attractions along the Green Gables Shore Drive.

Cavendish

The village of Cavendish's primary industries are tourism and agriculture.  Cavendish is the largest seasonal resort area on P.E.I., with its population swelling from approx 260 people year-round to 7500 in July and August.  It is situated northwest of North Rustico and east of Stanley Bridge in the central part of the province on the north shore, fronting the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

 

Cavendish was founded in 1790 by three families who emigrated from Scotland, the MacNeils, the Clarks and the Simpsons. Cavendish was primarily a small farming community as it was lacking a harbor, but is presently an active resort community.

 

Cavendish Grove is an ideal entry way into P.E.I.'s National Park with its walking trails, picnic grounds and stand of sugar maples.  The Park is established along 60 km of the province's Gulf of St. Lawrence shoreline - boasting some of P.E.I.'s best beaches, of which Cavendish Beach is one.

 

If you are looking for family fun, visiting Cavendish is a must-do. There are amusement parks, mini golf , waterslides, and restaurants that cater to all ages and tastes. Of course the largest attraction in Cavendish is Anne of Green Gables. Millions of devoted readers and fans from around the world come to Cavendish to celebrate her every year.

Glass bird baths at New London Joy
New London

Just a short drive from Cavendish is the village of New London.  The community was settled by Robert Clark, an English Quaker merchant.  He arrived in 1773 with grand plans to build a settlement to rival his native London.  New London was previously named Clifton, and prior to that it was known as Graham's Corner.  New London is primarily a farming community with its neatly manicured fields and gently rolling hills providing breathtaking pastoral scenery.  It is no wonder that one of Canada's most famous authors, Lucy Maud Montgomery, born in Clifton on November 30, 1874, painted such vivid images in her 23 books including a short-story collection and poetry anthology.      

 

Pottery of all shapes and sizes at Village Pottery

New London is also becoming a haven for handcrafted works of art.  Be sure to stop at New London Joy (www.newlondonjoy.com) for a chat with owner and mosaic artist Rosann Barry.  Not far from there you can pay a visit to the Village Pottery (www.villagepottery.ca), the oldest pottery on the Island. In addition to the pottery of Daphne Large, the village pottery provides retail space for potters and other artisans from across the Island. Don't pass it by!

 

 

Sailboat leaving North Rustico Harbour
North Rustico

The village of North Rustico borders on the P.E.I. National Park , and has all the necessary conveniences of a small town. While you are stopping to stock up on supplies for your trip, take some time to view the harbor, a classic example of an active Island fishing port. In May and June, this is where you want to get your fresh lobster - right from the fishermen! Come July, these same fishermen are delighted to take you out for deep-sea fishing and boat tours. If a water adventure is not your thing, stroll along the boardwalk that edges the bay and admire the weathered bait sheds. You will find several restaurants and cafes along the harbor, ready to satisfy your every seafood craving.

Things To Do

Avonlea Village, Cavendish
If you have ever wondered what you would look like with red braids
� la Anne of Green Gables, stop in at Avonlea Village and find out!

Sandspit and Shining Waters Waterpark, Cavendish

Sandspit is an amusement park with mini golf, bumper cars, go-karts, kiddie powered coaster, a steel roller coaster and more!  Shining Waters Water park is located across the street from Sandspit.  It has a steel family coaster, topsy turvy house, kiddie pool, 2 waterslides, and more!

PEI Fall Flavours Festival

A month long, Island-wide food festival with over 75 culinary events highlighting authentic tastes and traditions in unique locations across the Island.

 

P.E.I. National Park

See some of the most famous beaches and landmarks in PEI in the national park 

 

PEI International Shellfish Festival, Charlottetown, Charlottetown

The "Biggest Kitchen Party in Atlantic Canada" boasting good friends, good times, good music, and lots of world-famous Prince Edward Island shellfish from the Green Gables Shore region.

 

Brackley Drive-in Theatre (http://drivein.ca/)

Take a trip down memory lane to the 1950s and view a movie on a real big screen - over 5 stories tall and 70 feet wide.  Truly the best way to see any movie!

 

Arts and Entertainment

Islanders love to have a good time, and everyone is always welcome to join the many ceilidhs and music festivals that take place throughout the summer months. You must not miss the Indian River Festival in Indian River, a summer-long concert series of exceptional classical jazz, world music, choral, maritime music and more in the magnificent setting of St. Mary's Church, the largest wooden church on P.E.I.  

 

Great local entertainment for all ages can be found at Sterling Women's Institute in Stanley Bridge. The Ross Family Ceilidh on Mondays and Wednesdays is a must-see! Refreshments are available at intermission and consist of delicious strawberries over ice cream.  

 

Widely known as the crown jewel of P.E.I. of entertainment, the Brackley Beach Ceilidh features Cynthia MacLeod and friends. You will leave with a smile on your face and a hop in your step after one of Cynthia's shows at the Brackley Beach Community Centre.  

 

Music of all sorts resonates at Harmony House in Hunter River. Tickets are best purchased in advance for shows at this intimate and popular venue.

 

If theatre is more your style, plays inspired by the life and times of L.M. Montgomery take the stage at the Montgomery Theatre in North Rustico.

 

Farmers' Bank of Rustico
Museums and Heritage

P.E.I. is all about community, and that is why you see dozens of community museums across the Island. Located in historic buildings, on heritage sites and contemporary interpretative centres, these essential archives celebrate the Island's heritage, architecture, industries, military history and art.  Spend some time at The Farmers' Bank of Rustico (www.farmersbank.ca) for an authentic look at the oldest Acadian settlement in P.E.I.  Visitors will see numerous buildings and dwellings from the 1700s which together serve as a legacy of the past and commemorate the determination and ingenuity of the Acadians.  Stay at the nearby Barachois Inn and ask about their packages to celebrate Acadian Harvest from September 4 - 29, 2012, a teaching holiday at Farmers' Bank of Rustico and Doucette House Museum, situated next door to the Inn.  Take in all or part of a lecture series on the historical points of the area.  Learn the art of basket weaving, make bread with the outdoor bake oven at the Doucette House and so much more.  

 

For a list of scheduled events, visit http://farmersbank.ca/events.html


Golf

The Green Gables Shore Drive is home to twelve of P.E.I.'s beautiful golf courses, with something to suit every skill level.  You will find 18-hole championship courses like Eagles Glen, Glasgow Hills, Anderson's Creek and the newly renovated Green Gables Golf Club, located in the center of the P.E.I. National Park, and overlooking the dunes and wetlands of Cavendish Beach.  

 

Stanhope Golf and Country Club offers an 18-hole links style course, with spectacular views of Covehead Bay from the course and their club house dining room and deck.

Beaches

Surrounded by sand, P.E.I. claims miles of beautiful beaches. Each one has its own distinct character. Many of the beaches along the Green Gables Shore Drive are located inside the P.E.I. National Park. There is a minimal fee for entering the Park, but once inside there is a world of activity and things to explore at Cavendish Beach, Dalvay Beach, Stanhope Beach and Brackley Beach.  For great family fun, spend the day at Cabot Beach Provincial Park.  This beach is sure to keep the kids entertained for the whole day!


Recipe:  Noble House Cocoa Banana Cake

 

This delectable dessert combines the flavours of cocoa and bananas into an unforgettable treat.

 

Ingredients:  

 

For Cake: 

2/3 C milk  

1 T vinegar

� C butter

1 2/3 C sugar

2 eggs

1 � C mashed banana  

1 t vanilla

2 C flour

� C cocoa,

1 � t baking powder  

1 t baking soda  

� t salt

 

For frosting:

1/4 c melted butter

2 heaping tablespoons cocoa

1/4 c mashed banana

2 tablespoons milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

3 c icing sugar 

 

Directions: 

  1. Combine the milk and vinegar and set aside for a few minutes to allow the milk to sour.
  2. In a large bold, cream the butter and sugar, then add the eggs, banana, and vanilla.
  3. In a third bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Add the dry ingredients alternately with soured milk to the cream and banana mixture, mixing between each addition.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes in a greased, floured deep 9" x 13" pan.
  6. Mix the frosting ingredients together and frost the cake once it has cooled completely. 

Lobster and Mascarpone Risotto from Chef Peter Angus of Shaw's Hotel

Lobster may be the one thing that PEI is more well known for than Anne of Green Gables.  This lobster and mascarpone risotto is sure to take your tastebuds to the Green Gables Shore region. 

Risotto can be a challenging dish, but it is easy to master if you remember three simple things: 
  • Keep your stock hot
  • Never let the rice get completely dry before adding more stock
  • Stir constantly (this releases the starch in the rice and gives the risotto its creamy texture).

Ingredients:
2 oz (1/4 cup) Butter
3/4 cup Shallots, finely chopped
3 cups Arborio Rice
1/2 cup White Wine
8 cups Chicken Stock
1/2 lb Green Beans, cut thinly on a bias (if you prefer, you can substitute green peas as well)
1 lb Shelled Lobster Meat
1 cup Mascarpone Cheese
1/2 cup  Basil
Salt and Extra Virgin Olive Oil to taste

In a saucepot, bring chicken stock to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer.  Heat a large (3-4 L) heavy bottomed shallow pan to medium heat.  Melt the butter in the pan then add the shallots and sweat until they are translucent.  Add the rice and stir to coat each kernel of rice with butter.  Continue to stir until the rice develops a toasty aroma. Add the white wine to the rice and stir until it is absorbed.  Add a ladle full of the simmering chicken stock and stir constantly until almost all of the liquid is absorbed.  Continue this until the rice has an al-dente texture and a creamy consistency.  Add the lobster and beans or peas and cook for another 2 minutes until the lobster is warmed through, adding a bit more chicken stock if necessary to maintain a creamy consistency.  Remove from the heat, add the mascarpone, season to taste, and add the basil.

This dish can be served family style, or in individual pasta bowls, garnished with basil and a splash of extra virgin olive oil.



 

 

Who would have ever thought that L.M. Montgomery's imaginative and passionate redheaded orphan would become a phenomenon, with over 50 million copies of the first Anne book sold worldwide, drawing so many visitors to the Green Gables Shore Region. Today, many of the same qualities that Montgomery and others found in the Island are enjoyed by seasonal residents and visitors who year-round enjoy a variety of leisure activities including beaches, various golf courses, eco-tourism adventures, touring the outstanding countryside and enjoying cultural and culinary events in local communities around the Island.


Just as Islanders share their love of the island with our many summer residents and visitors, you too can share your passion for Prince Edward Island by clicking the link to forward any of our e-newsletters to your friends and family. We hope you enjoyed hearing about the beautiful Green Gables Shore region, and we look forward to sharing more of PEI with you in future newsletters. 

  

Sincerely,

 

The Innkeepers of the Inns of Distinction, Prince Edward Island
"You've made the journey, we'll make it memorable!"
In This Issue
Green Gables Shore Drive
Cavendish
New London
North Rustico
Things To Do
Arts and Entertainment
Museums and Heritage
Golf
Parks and Beaches
Recipe: Noble House Cocoa Banana Cake
Recipe: Shaw's Hotel Lobster and Mascarpone Risotto

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Upcoming Events
Tourism PEI provides a list of upcoming festivals and events taking place in all regions of Prince Edward Island.

Upcoming events for September are available here.

General tourism information about Prince Edward Island is available here