As the summer draws to an end we are happy to reflect on the amazing summer we have spent as Cavendish Beach Buddies. We have made memories that will last us a lifetime and it was an absolute pleasure getting to share them with everyone via social media. Below is a rundown of our highlights this summer.
Canada Day in North Rustico
We spent a windy & rainy Canada Day in North Rustico. Canada Day in North Rustico has been a big celebration in the heart of the town since 1973. What started as a one-time celebration to commemorate Prince Edward Island’s 100 years of joining Confederation branched off to become an annual event and also the biggest Canada Day celebration in all of PEI! Thousands of people gather in down town North Rustico to take part in the event. There is a walking parade, vendors, boat parade, bingo, live music and fireworks.
“WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU A RAINY DAY, PLAY IN THE PUDDLES”
Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Such an amazing day at Cavendish Beach Music Festival, a new family tradition was created for us today and we will definitely be back for many years to come. Every July more than 60,000 visitors annually flock to the festival for the biggest names in country music, camping, dining, the warmest waters north of the Carolinas and to create memories that last a lifetime.
“THIS YEAR WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO SEE CARRIE UNDERWOOD”
North Rustico by City Beach Express
We had a fun filled and fantastical day in North Rustico. We caught the City Beach Express – daily shuttle to/from Cavendish/Charlottetown Charlottetown to Fisherman’s Wharf from there it was over to Blue Mussel Cafe for lunch and then over to Outside Expeditions for a 90 minute Kayaking tour of the bay.
As if that wasn’t enough we still had plenty of time for ice cream and a spot of shopping before catching the bus back into Charlottetown. I even treated myself to a pair of beautiful lobster earrings from Harbour Town Gifts & Decor.
“LOBSTER ROLLIN AT THE BLUE MUSSEL CAFE”
New Glasgow & Brackley Beach
We started the day at the Butterfly House in New Glasgow, we were utterly mesmerized by these graceful and extremely social butterflies. After the Butterfly House we took a stroll down the hill through the Gardens of Hope to Prince Edward Island Preserve Co., where I fell in love today with their truly scrumptious Raspberry Cream Cheese Pie.
Next stop was Glasgow Glen Farm we stopped by for delicious Wood-fired pizza and to say hello to Chef Jeff – who then kindly gave us a tour of his cheese farm and told us all about cheese making traditions at Glasgow Glen. I have to say this was the personal highlight of my day, cheese is one of my biggest loves in life and Jeff makes some pretty impressive Gouda – not to mention the best pizza on Prince Edward Island might I add!
Once we were loaded up with pizza and pie we headed over to Brackley Beach for a picnic and to take in the sandcastle being made with Maurice Bernard, sand castle sculptor extraordinaire from Sensational Sandcastles. Annabella absolutely loved this. They were there gearing up for Parks Day Canada, a fantastic day to get out and build a sandcastle with the family!
“THE BEST GOUDA THIS SIDE OF THE NETHERLANDS.”
Maritime Fun Group
We had a fantastical fun day with Maritime Fun Group. The group operates over a dozen attractions and food service locations in PEI and New Brunswick.
First stop was Ripley’s Believe It or Not which holds so many fascinating artifacts, we absolutely loved the dress made entirely out of spider webs and I never knew we held part of the Berlin Wall here on PEI – it was not only fun but also educational. After all of the fascinating facts we stopped for a much needed refreshment break at the Seaside Cafe, they serve a selection of Starbucks Coffee and baked goods.
Wax World of the Stars was freakishly realistic. Who would have thought we would get to see Johnny Depp and the Queen up in Cavendish hey! We managed to fit in a quick round of golf at Mariners Cove Mini Golf before heading in over to Sandspit where we had so much fun on the rides and rollercoaster – they have a wide selection of snacks available here Annabella particularly loved their shaved ice.
River Days at Stanley Bridge
We had a fantastic weekend exploring the River Days Festival in Stanley Bridge and New London.The farmers market at the Stanley Bridge Centre was a real treat, we picked up baked goods, hand knitted gems and Annabella enjoyed getting her face painted. The baguettes from the Olde Village Bakery we’re out of this world, so crisp.
We took our first trip to the Potter’s Parlour in New London, which if you haven’t been is an absolute must. Such a quaint spot, which is beautifully decorated and furnished — selling light bites, sweet treats and delicious ADL ice cream. They had a beautiful live folk music performance in the front room by Shane Pendergast.
The boat parade and fireworks at Stanley Bridge Marina last night was spectacular, delicious fresh free mussels were also served by Basin View Seafood Inc. There was an amazing sense of community spirit at this event and we were warmly welcomed. We also managed to spot one or two bridge jumpers before dusk, they were having tremendous fun!
Our weekend was finished up at Lupin Studio & Gift Shop, situated on the marina at Stanley Bridge. The owner Natalie was running a craft workshop with children, making beautiful nautical themed PEI bracelets. If you haven’t been to Lupin yet you should definitely pay Natalie a visit before the season is over to stock up on beautiful local handmade items, they would make fantastic Christmas gifts!!
“DELICIOUS PEI MUSSELS ON THE WHARF”
All Things Anne
We got to take a look at the new visitors centre at Green Gables Heritage Site, which boasts an artistic LEGO model of Green Gables. There is lots of history and trivia regarding L. M. Montgomery, including her original typewriter. We spent an eternity at Green Gables and in the grounds surrounding the house, it’s such a beautiful place to spend the afternoon and explore. We also got to meet Anne which was definitely the highlight of the day for Annabella.
Next stop was to visit the new bronze statue of L. M. Montgomery which was unveiled by Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado of Japan earlier in the week. It was truly stunning and we couldn’t resist getting our picture taken with Lucy Maud. We then moved on to visit the original site of L. M. Montgomery’s Cavendish Home.
Our final stop was at the Cavendish post office where we mailed beautiful Prince Edward Island postcards to our families back home in England. Wish you were here.
“WISH YOU WERE HERE.”