Free Entertainment to Get You Through Self-Isolation

With measures ramping up to control the spread of coronavirus, you’re most likely reading this cocooned in your home under lockdown or self-quarantine. 

Schools, libraries, museums, shops and gyms have closed. Being alone at home all day can be hard. Luckily, there are a number of businesses who are now making their programming available via streaming to distract yourself from the surreal situation we're all finding ourselves in.

For kids 

Island Hill Farms - Storytime with the animals

Every day at 1:30pm Island Hill Farms will film their beautiful animals and read a story.  If you go to their Facebook page, they have some videos that they have already posted. 

Find out more

Audible – Free Audiobooks

Brave New World, Winnie the Pooh and Moby Dick are just some of the stories global audiobook retailer Audible is now offering for free as part of its Audible Stories collection. There are more than 100 full-length audiobooks and other titles to stream, which the company has made available as part of its response to coronavirus. All stories are free to stream:

 Find out more

Free Digital Cooking Classes For Kids 

Delish's editorial director Joanna Saltz and her kids will be going live on Instagram every week day at 1pm EST to share cook-along videos for you and your little ones. Click here each week so you can sneak a peek at what they’ll be cooking (and make your shopping list). And don't stress if you can't join the class in real time; the videos will be saved on their Instagram for 24 hours. 

 Find out more

San Diego Zoo 

Schools are closed, but San Diego Zoo found a way to still see the animals with Live Animal Cams to watch and enjoy live streams of penguins, tigers, polar bears, giraffes, and much more. 

 Find out more

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems

Mo Willems invites you into his studio every day for his Lunch Doodle. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together.

 Find out more

Keeping Fit 

Exercise: you either love it or you hate it. For those of you that love it, it might feel like the coronavirus outbreak is going to destroy your progress. But don't worry, there are ways around it. For those that hate it, you're probably excited that you can get away with chilling out and watching Netflix since gyms are closed! But exercising will strengthen your immune system and improve your mental health.

POP Pilates for Beginners - Total Body Workout

30 Min Beginner Weight Training for Beginners

20 Minute Interval Cardio Bodyweight Strength Training Workout

Culture Fix

The coronavirus has closed galleries and concert halls – but inspired an explosion of creativity to enjoy at home.

Social Distancing Festival 

This genius idea celebrates art from all over the world and showcases amazing talent with music, dance, visual art, you can watch live events that are streamed daily. 

Find out more

Metropolitan Opera in New York 

The Metropolitan Opera in New York will be hosting “Nightly Met Opera Streams”. Every night, the Met will be streaming an encore from its Live in HD series (the streams that movie theatres show) for free. The streams will start every night at 7:30PM EDT and will remain on the site for 20 hours. 

Find out more

La Bohème

Against the Grain Theatre, one of Toronto’s most exciting opera companies, has announced that the premiere of their new opera BOUND has been postponed indefinitely. In honour of that, they have submitted this video of their past production of La Boheme (it was the first live streamed opera in Canada, no big deal).

Find out more

Learn a new skill

Have you always wanted to find the time to take up a hobby or learn a musical instrument that could one day transform you into a Rockstar? Here’s your chance. 

Guitar

Piano

Saxophone

Learn to sketch

Learn to knit 

Relax and unwind

Meditating
There are many ways meditation can help you. One of them is to train your mind to stay present rather than spin off into all the ‘what-ifs’, which add stress to your situation. It’s not to say you can’t think ahead and plan for the future, but meditation aims to help you have more control over when you want to do that – i.e. not when you’re trying to sleep.

5 Free Mindfulness apps: 

Headspace, Calm, Aura, Stop, Breathe & Think and Insight Timer

 Yoga

For many people, yoga provides a relaxing retreat. Yoga develops inner awareness. It focuses your attention on your body's abilities at the present moment. It helps develop breath and strength of mind and body. 

20 min Full Body Stretch/ Yoga for Stress & Anxiety Relief 

20 Minute Everyday Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class

 Gratitude Jar

Every time you wish you could do something, go somewhere, treat yourselves, see someone we love, visit a new place, invite people to visit, write it down on a post it notes and put it in a jar. 

When all this is over this will be your bucket list and you can work your way through the jar and be more grateful than ever for the little and lovely things in your lives. Until then enjoy watching the jar fill up with magical things to look forward to.  

Strawberry Season Is Upon Us, How Berry Exciting

This afternoon my father-in-law dropped in with a sweet surprise.  You see, once summer hits, Duncan (my father-in-law – Ian’s Dad) loves to go berry picking.  

He favours low bush blueberries and is happy to head home with a few scratches, or rather battle wounds, from tackling raspberry bushes. Is it worth it? Absolutely!

Today we were treated to a big bowl full of fresh strawberries. And I have to say . . . they are without doubt the best strawberries I have ever tasted; sweet, juicy, and packed full of flavour. 

 So if you want to get in on the berry picking action here are some spots for you in the Prince County area: 

Rennie’s U Pick - Strawberries(where our delicious Strawberries came from) 

Weldon Rennie, Elmsdale, PE C0B 1K0. Phone: (902) 853-2667. Open: Phone ahead, usually Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm.

Blue Acre Farms - Blueberries
15623 Rte 14, Tignish, PE C0B 2B0. Phone: (902) 882-3410. Open: The typical season is August 1 to September 7.  U-pick or in 10lb boxes, roadside farm, custom picking. 

Eureka Garlic -  Garlic
6 Rte. 233, Kensington, PE C0B 1M0. Phone: (902) 836-5180. Email: al@eurekagarlic.ca.  Open: Daily. They sell Seed and Eating Garlic, Black Garlic, and they have a U-Pick for their Garlic as well. Formerly known as Boo Boo's Bee Ranch Honey. Season: Year Round. 

Gaylden Orchard - Apples, honey, pears and fresh cider
Mills Point Road, off Route 106, Kensington, PE . Phone: (902) 836-4230. Open: Daily, 9 am to dusk; the typical season is October to November. Apples, honey, pears, preserves and fresh cider. U-pick and farm gate. Honey and cider available all year.

And if you don’t have time to go picking but want your fill of Strawberries, why not check out the Strawberry Social this Sunday at the Bideford Parsonage Museum from 1:30 pm.

Indian River Festival

June 7 – September 15

 The Indian River Festival offers a summer-long series of concerts set in one of the most accoustically perfect venues to be found anywhere. 

Built in 1902, St. Mary’s Church is a stunning example of the French Gothic style and its renowned architect, William Critchlow Harris, created a space that is perfectly suited to live concert performances. It is idyllically set overlooking fields and pines near Malpeque Bay.

In the 1970’s and ’80’s, St. Mary’s Church, was in serious disrepair. At that time, suggestions were made to tear down the church as the parish alone could not afford to undertake the expensive renovations. Instead, the ‘Save St. Mary’s’ campaign was launched in 1987. 

Due to an overwhelming response from area churches, businesses, individuals, families and other groups, the necessary renovations were paid for and completed within 3 years. One of the campaign initiatives was the “Sundays in the Summer” concert series proved to be extremely popular and a secure source of revenue; however, the volunteer core behind the series became stretched to its capacity. In order to evolve to the next level, a dedicated focus was required to become a separate entity and permanent event.

Consequently, in 1996 the Indian River Festival was founded.  Over its 23 year run, the Festival has been bringing the best in classical, traditional, folk, jazz and world music to St. Mary’s Church. 

This Saturday night (8 June 2019) the festival will have a special event Lobster Tails n Tunes. Featuring PEI Lobster with culinary demonstrations and amazing samples, learn tricks of the trade and have a good ol’ feed of freshly caught Island Lobster. Culinary events featuring Chef Ilona Daniel will take in the food Pavilion, after which will be a special musical performance by island artists Inn Echo.  

To view the full program and book your tickets please visit www.indianriverfestival.com

Iconic Red Roads

Photo from Sean Landsman

Twists and turns on iconic red dirt roads share an unspoken promise of a breath taking scenes around each corner, the lure of which provides incentive to spur travellers on. 

Panoramic views of the countryside provide that ahh feeling that resets your soul. 

Expect to see glimpses of days gone by as you pass abandoned farmsteads. It’s easy to imagine what life would have been like when these buildings were in their prime.

The twisting red roads are boarded with trees proudly standing in salute. Varieties of Red Maple, Beech, Sugar Maple and Red Oak make for a complementary combination all year round.  

In Spring Lupins, Queen Anne’s Lace, daisies, and a host of other wild flowers are reflective of an oil painting that has been brought to life. 

Throughout all of this exploring, you will not be alone in your journey. You can expect to lock eyes in a curious stare with one (or more) of the islands infamous foxes that roam freely throughout the woods. 

Rustic Roads to add to your route are: 

Walls Road

Location: West of Scales Pond Park in the Freetown area, Wall's Road is passable from Rte 111 to the bridge.

Hackeney Road

Road (Rte 142) for 2.2 km to meet Rte. 136 near Mill River Resort.

Millman Road

Location: North of Kensington, the Millman Road runs south from Rte. 101 in Irishtown for 2 km to meet with Rte. 231 in Burlington. Travelling from north to south provides a good vantage point.

Princetown - Warburton Road

Location: Sections of the Princetown and Warburton Roads form a "Y" shape covering 7.8 km. From Rte. 239 near Millvale the Warburton Road travels south to Fredericton Station. The adjoining section of the Princetown Road runs west from the Warburton Road toward South Granville.

Perry Road

Location: Near St. Patrick's in central Queens, the Perry Road runs south from Rte. 239.

Junction Road

Location:This road is part of Rte. 227 near Hartsville. Entering from Rte .225.

Jack’s Road

Location: Near the south shore and Wood Islands this road runs from Rte. 1 in Flat River to Rte. 207 for a distance of 4.1 m.

Klondyke Road

Location: For 4.9 km the Klondyke road travels roughly in an east west direction from the Selkirk Road (Rte. 23) south of Iona, to the Murray Harbour Road (Rte. 24).

Country Line Road

Location: The designated portion of this road (Rte. 325) begins at Caledonia at the intersection of Rte. 315 and runs north for 2.6 km until it intersects with Rte. 317.

Mellish Pond Road

Location:Just east of New Perth, this road runs south from Rte. 3 for 3 km to meet the MacDonald Road. 

New Harmony Road

Location: Northeast of Souris (Rte. 303) that runs from the Greenvale Road to the Tarantum Road (Rte. 304).

Resource: Tourism PEI

A brewery that's worth hopping along to

Over the last few years, the craft beer movement has completely taken over PEI thanks to a handful of young beer makers across the island. With an over 1,000 percent increase in the number of local breweries (reaching at least 60), the craft beer scene on the island has for some incredible brews.  

So where does a beer lover get into it and taste the best of the best that PEI beer makers have to offer? We’ve got you covered: from the brewery bars to craft beer watering holes, here’s how to do it right.

Moth Lane Brewing

Our local! After a quick 20 minute drive from The Cottage or Farmhouse you'll arrive on Mickie Allan Shore Road where you'll find Moth Lane. Owner Eric Wagner opened his doors in December 2016 and hasn't looked back since. Eric is a former Lobster Fisherman liked making beer so much as a hobby, the self-taught brewmaster decided to make it into a business and what a business it's become.  Moth Lane sells growlers at the Summerside Market but can at times find it difficult to keep up with the demand for their popular brew. 

The building is a former shellfish business Wagner opened about 25 years ago and ran for several years before he became too busy fishing and managing a local co-op. 

"I used to drive by this place quite often thinking, what the heck am I going to do?" he said.

"When I came up with the micro-brewing idea, it lightened my heart a little bit, knowing I'll put this building back to use," he said. He's expanded it, adding a large deck where customers can enjoy their drinks in summer along with the beautiful view of Conway Narrows on the Island's North Shore.

There's a bbq onsite if you want to grill up something to munch on while enjoying your pint. 

Pint Pick: The Answer, IPA 

Location: 101 Mickie Allan Shore Road, Ellerslie

PEI Brewing Company/Gahan House

Gahan house was the first brewery on the scene and were an instant success. As the beer brewed on-site became more popular, the brewery was relocated to a 19th-century mansard-roofed building located in downtown Charlottetown in November of 2000. The brewery was then renamed the Gahan House Brewery in honour of the original owner, a prominent merchant John Gahant,  an importer of teas, wines, and family groceries.

Brewery tours are available from $15. To find out more click here.

Pint pick: 1772, IPA

Location: 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown

Copper Bottom Brewing

Owner Ken’s passion for craft beer started while selling six packs out of the back door of Propeller Brewing in 2003. In 2012, Ken and his wife Ashley built the “Brewdio”, a nanobrewery and music studio in their home. It is here where Ken developed his tasty beer recipes and where he turned his 14 year obsession with brewing into a plan to open a craft brewery in Montague. Ashley's passion for craft beer came from her travels as a touring musician and was soon intrigued with the idea of bringing a musical component to the project. Fast forward a few years and Copper Bottom Brewing was born. 

While the brewery may be the newest to the club it's already made quite an impression on the industry and can be found in a number of establishments. Onsite they host often host events including a Sunday session series of live music and pizza and vinyl nights. 

Pint Pick: Parkman Ave

Location: 567 Main Street, Montague

Upstreet Craft Brewing

Upstreet Craft Brewing started as most beer companies do - a few buds sitting around slugging back homebrew and talking big game of dropping it all to open a brewery of their own. Before they knew it they were in too deep to turn back and just kept going until they began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Those same buds now say that it was the best idea they ever had.  

You'll find the original brewery on Allen Street in Charlottetown and their recently opened second location is on the corner of Kent St. and Great George Street.

Found at their Allen Street location the taproom is a place to catch up with old friends, celebrate the end of a hard week, sit down to a board game, or have a chin wag with the brewing staff.

And the crew like more than just to brew. To celebrate East Coast music they have teamed up with Breton Brewing Co. to release a collaboration beer they called the Island Jams: Vol 1. To accompany the beer, they put together 11 great songs by PEI and Cape Breton artists and the Island Jams Mixtape was born. Download your mixed tape here. 

Pint Pick: White Noise

Location: 41 Allen Street, Charlottetown

Barnone Brewing

Barnone are a small Farm Brewery situated in the beautiful picturesque rolling hills of Rose Valley. Founded in 2011 by Father and Son team Hugh and Don Campbell. The team grow a small hop yard with 4-6 hop varieties. 

Most Thursdays you can pop in for their 'growler' nights from 6pm - 11pm.  Fill your growler, enjoy a pint or perhaps play a game or two with Horse shoes, Washer-toss, Disc-Golf basket and Bocce ball on hand. There is also a BBQ available for you to cook up a something to accompany your frothy. 

Pint Pick: Outback Blonde 

Location: 4248 Route 225, Rose Valley

Hopyard

With 10 taps of craft beer always rotating brews from the island and North America you can cover a lot of ground without leaving the comfort of your bar stool. 

And that's not all that's rotating, in fact you could say that rotating is a common theme at Hopyard.  Vinyl tunes bring the space to life with a variety of tunes to choose from.  A rotating menu of dishes that are $8 or less is updated every two weeks ensuring regulars always have something tasty to try out. 

Location: 151 Kent St, Charlottetown

The Tyne Valley Oyster Festival

Tyne Valley is home of the Oyster Festival, a five day celebration of this charming small town with a big spirit. This year marks the festivals 54th anniversary and the schedule is filled with events you and your family will love. 

THE MUSIC

Rock the Boat is returning to the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival with featured names like: The Glorious Sons, Kim Mitchell, The Royal North, Andrew Waite & The Firm, The Ellis Family Band and Danny Drouin. To get your tickets or find out more about the line up click here

THE FOOD

From the inception of the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival, locally cherished seafood has always been centre stage. This year is no different. Everyone in attendance at select events may receive free oysters shucked by professionals from far and wide!

The festival also features The Oyster and Scallop Supper which has always been a popular event since its humble beginnings 50+ years ago. This meal showcases local delicious seafood, caught by our fishermen and prepared by the locals, just the way we like to indulge!

To find out more please click here.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES

Some of the below events may require registration. Click here (tvkidsevents@gmail.com) to contact the event organizers and be sure to include the name of the event in your subject line. 

Thursday 26 July

Outdoor Movie Night, Britannia Hall, 7:00PM
Price: FREE! 

Friday 27 July

Dodge Ball, Green Park overflow camping area, 12:00PM - 5:00PM
Price: FREE! Ages 12 and up. Registration required.

Hide and Seek Tag with GOWestPEI, Green Park School House (near Shipbuilding Museum) 9:00PM - 10:30PM
Price: FREE! 

Saturday 28 July PEI Soap Box Derby

Tyne Valley, 8:00AM - 2:00PM
Price: $100.00 for new participants. Includes the Derby GoKit and race registration fee. 
$30.00 for returning participants. Includes just the race registration fee. Open to youth up to age 14. 

Monday 30 July

Mr. and Ms. Oyster Pearl Dance, Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre, 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Price: $3.00 per child

Tuesday 31 July

Family Clamming and Beach Critter Experience! Green Park, 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Price: FREE! 

Kids Craft Night, Northam Community Centre, 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Price: $10.00, Registration required. 

Friday 3 August

Kids Day - Kids Gone Wild! (Jungle Themed Day), Ellerslie Elementary School , 10AM - 2:00PM
Price: FREE! 

Oyster Box Decorating Contest, Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre
Make a unique creations in the annual Oyster Box Decorating Contest.
Need an oyster box? Come by the Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre and they'll supply you with one. 

Please attach your name, age, and phone number to your oyster box, and drop it off at the Tyne Valley Sports Centre by Friday August 3. Prizes for Best decorated oyster boxes will be announced on Sunday 5 August. 

THE MAIN SCHEDULE

Saturday 28 July - PEI Soap Box Derby 

Sunday 29 July – Oyster Shuffle Fun Run  & Miss Oyster Pearl Pageant

Wednesday 1 August – PEI Trivia Night & Horse Races

Thursday 2 August - Shuck Cup 

Friday 3 August – 2018 Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship 

Saturday 4 August – Community Parade & Rock the Boat Music Festival 

Sunday 5 August – Oyster Festival Closing 

For the full details, please click here 

Beacons of Light

Prince Edward Island, or PEI, is known for its statuesque lighthouses.  The Island is home to 63 lighthouses. With an average of one lighthouse every 34 square miles, the Island has the highest concentration in North America.

Cape Bear Lighthouse

Cape Bear lighthouse, built in 1881, and is a typical example of second-generation lighthouse design located on the southeastern tip of PEI. 

Interestingly a gentleman by the name of Thomas Bartlett heard the first distress signal from the Titanic as it sank off Newfoundland in 1912.

Cape Tryon Lighthouse

Perched near the edge of a breathtaking red sandstone cliff proudly stands the Cape Tryon Lighthouse. Built in 1906 this glorious tower guides mariners along the northern coast of PEI between Richmond Bay and New London, warning of the shallow water that extends out a considerable distance from shore.

Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables and numerous other works set on PEI, was living in Cavendish, on the eastern shore of New London Harbour, when Cape Tryon Lighthouse was established.

Montgomery's Anne’s House of Dreams, published in 1909, is set around Four Winds Harbour, in actuality New London Harbour, and features the Four Winds Lighthouse kept by Captain Jim. The following description of the setting of the lighthouse, given in Chapter 9 of the book, leaves little doubt that it was based on Cape Tryon Lighthouse: “The Four Winds light was built on a spur of red sandstone cliff jutting out into the Gulf.”

In May 2016, L.M. Montgomery Land Trust, whose purpose is to preserve the seashore familiar to L.M. Montgomery, became the new owners of the lighthouse.

Cape Tryon Lighthouse

Covehead Lighthouse

Covehead Lighthouse is located among the sand dunes in the PEI National Park. First built in 1967 and later rebuilt in 1975, today it is one of the islands most photographed lighthouses. And it really is no wonder, with its impressive views of the North Shore and square taper tower, symbolic of the Island’s maritime heritage.

Onsite you’ll find a plaque describing the Yankee Gale storm that claimed at least 74 ships and over 150 lives in 1851. 

East Point Lighthouse

East Point Lighthouse is commonly known as Canada’s Confederation Lighthouse having been the only Lighthouse in Canada that was built in 1867 and last year celebrated its 150th birthday. Today this site is still in full operation with onsite tours, a craft shop and café. 

Indian Head Lighthouse

North Cape Lighthouse

Indian Head Lighthouse is 12.9m and is fully octagonal from its concrete base all the way up to its lantern. It was built in 1881 at the end of a long rocky breakwater that was once level enough to be traversed in horse and buggy, but the water has had its way with the rocks and its now too uneven to be safely crossed on foot. Very cautious visitors may access it by rowboat.

North Cape Lighthouse

The need for a North Cape lighthouse was obvious to mariners from as far back as 1534 when Jacques Cartier wrote of the dangerous rocky shoal, the longest shoal in North America. It was built in 1865 and is one of three similar octagonal, wood-framed towers including Seacow Head and Cape Jourimaine lighthouses that are some of the oldest of this style still standing in the Maritimes.

North Rustico Harbour Lighthouse

North Rustico Harbour Lighthouse is a 12.4m wooden structure that stands proudly alongside quaint fishing shacks and the boats that it protects. It is a beloved fixture in this busy fishing community and a reminder to many of the important part this lighthouse has played in guiding vessels through the rough seas.

Panmure Island Lighthouse

Panmure Island Lighthouse is worthy of a postcard all on its own. But it’s made all the more stunning by the gorgeous white sand beach it overlooks and the distant pastures where horses graze. It’s not only the oldest wooden lighthouse on the Island, it has an important legacy guiding vessels through Georgetown and Montague Harbours since 1853.

Point Prim Lighthouse

Point Prim Lighthouse has guided vessels through the southeastern entrance to Hillsborough Bay at the outer approach to Charlottetown Harbour since 1845. Standing 18.2m tall, Point Prim is the oldest lighthouse on the Island and one of only a handful in the country that are made of brick. The harsh weather took a toll on the brick and it had to be shingled just two years after construction.

West Point Lighthouse

Constructed in 1875, West Point, is the Island’s tallest lighthouse. With no shortage of things to do at this location you can easily spend the day here. Explore the pristine beaches, read up on the history at the onsite museum and take home a keepsake from the craft store.

West Point Lighthouse is approximately a 45 minute scenic drive from The Cottage and The Farmhouse.

Mrs. Lighthouse (Carol Livingstone) is a local hero who is closely tied to the Westpoint Lighthouse. Thanks to her dedication, there is a Inn and Restaurant joined to the lighthouse which has ensured the sites survival. To see a short video on her story click here. 

'We are working today to save yesterday for tomorrow'  

Carol Livingstone (Mrs Lighthouse) 

Wood Islands Lighthouse

Formerly known as Port Woods, Wood Islands lighthouse stands 15.2 m at the entrance to the ferry docks and has been an important navigational aid since 1876.  In 2009, the Wood Islands Lighthouse was uprooted and moved 70 metres (230 feet) inland to ensure its survival. These days the active lighthouse is open for daily tours, along with a craft shop and the Fishery and Coast Guard Museum.

Veggie Patches for Beginners

Creating an Edible Garden

As the landscape gets greener by the day, hints of the warmer months are beginning to sprout. 

With the time for planting up vegetable gardens just around the corner, we have put together a basic guide on how to create your own patch of produce. 

Pick your position

Choose a spot that has plenty of direct sunlight. Ideally 6 - 8 hours per day is perfect.   Watering is also a consideration; so keep in mind that you will want a place that your hose can easily reach. 

Select your plants

Start with a list of your favourite vegetables to see if they are suitable.  When selecting your plants, it’s also worth considering the amount each plant can produce.

Some good plants for beginners are Mint (though it can take over), Swiss Chard, Zucchini, Lettuce, Tomato, Radishes, Squash, Cucumber, Onion and Parsley. 

Plan your plot

Draw a rough design while consulting seed packets for spacing, spread and height information. It’s best to place the taller plants along the back so they don't shade shorties.

Whether you are starting from seed or fast tracking your garden with seedlings, all the information you will need in terms of growing conditions should be included on the packaging. 

When drawing out your garden keep some paths clear so that you can tend to your garden without treading on your plants.  You may also want to create an edge for your garden; this could be created with annual flowers that can double up for use in your home too. 

Prepare the soil

Working with soggy soil compacts it, making it harder for plants to grow.  A useful hint is to give it a squeeze in your hand; if it falls apart when you open your fingers, it's dry enough to get digging. 

Measure and mark out the plot with stakes and string, before you lift of any grass. 

Using a garden fork and shovel, turn the soil to a depth of at least 30 centimetres. Making sure that the soil is free of grass, weeds and roots. 

Cover with about three centimetres of composted manure and fertiliser before working it in and raking the surface. 

Plant the garden

You can start seeded plants in advance by following the instructions listed on the packet and keeping them in a sunny window.  Click here for some tips from The Old Farmers Almanac.

Following your plan, plant your seedlings with space for them to grow. 

Stake peas, beans and tomatoes; use branches, a fence, tomato cages, even an old hockey stick would do the trick. 

Give your garden a good water to settle your plants into their new home. 

Enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labour!

Springing into the new Season

Even though much of the landscape is still covered in snow, today marks the first day of Spring. With the arrival of the new season sparks some outings that are well worth jotting in your diary.

Food Glorious Food

8th Annual Burger Love

Starting March 29, you can enjoy 33 days of sampling the participating Chef’s beefy creations.  In 2017, there were 84 participating restaurants with over 184,397 burgers sold in just one month. Last Year Mill River took home the prize of best burger with ‘The Beefy Vixen’.

To find out more visit https://peiburgerlove.ca

Arts

Etsy Artisans of PEI Spring Market

From jewellers to wood workers, soap makers to clothing designers. There will be something for everyone!

Best of all, they’re items you won’t regularly find in stores, so while there’s a good chance that someone else might have already bought your baby niece a Peppa Pig plush, there’s almost zero chance that anyone would’ve picked up one a hand-stitched merino wool bunnies.

When: Saturday 28 April 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 29 April 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Where: Delta Hotel by Marriott, 18 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Cost: Admission is $5 in support of KidSport PEI. Admission is good for the weekend. Kids 12 & under are free!

Kim Roach Design - One of the talented Vendors that you will find at the Etsy market

Awake

Awake tells the story of a group dealing with the sudden loss of their friend, Juliette Murphy. Through songs, stories, and humour, the group face their own insecurities about their choices and reflect on the fragility of life, the awareness of time, and the importance of friendship.

When: Saturday 7 April, 7pm

Where: Harbourfront Theatre, 124 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside

Cost: $20 (tax & fees included)

Book here  

Supertramp

Supertramp's legendary album Breakfast in America comes to life when Classic Albums Live performs the album in its entirety, note for note, cut for cut at Harbourfront Theatre.

When: Sunday 15 April, 7:30 PM 

Where: Harbourfront Theatre, 124 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside

Cost: $42.00 (tax & fees included)

Book here  

Rosie & the Riveters
Dress-up in your best 1940s/1950s outfits and hit the town for a great night of music with one of Canada’s most fun new bands. Rosie & the Riveters are fiercely talented and sassy dames from Saskatoon.

The band wrote over 40 songs in a cabin in Northern Saskatchewan before travelling to Toronto to collaborate with heavy-hitting Canadian songwriters.

When: April 13, 7:30pm

Where: Harbourfront Theatre, 124 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside
Cost: Regular Tickets: $28.00,Youth Tickets (18 yrs & under): $14.00 tax and fees included

Book here 

Rosie & The Riveters

Music

 Bluegrass Old Country Jamboree

The 19th Annual Bluegrass Old Country Jamboree will be held on Saturday, March 24th at 7 pm.

Featuring The Oxbow Mountain Boys , Mark Boutilier from Nova Scotia, PEI’s own Joe Casey and Westwind. Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Marilyn Singer.

When: Saturday 24 March, 7:00 PM
Where: Harbourfront Theatre, 124 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside

Cost: Regular Tickets: $23.50 (tax & fees included)

Book here

Beatles vs Stones: Battle of the Brits

The ultimate Beatles vs Stones tribute show. Don’t miss the story of the infamous rivalry between the two greatest bands of the rock and roll era; it’s a thrill-ride of a show!

When: 7:30pm

Where: Harbourfront Theatre, 124 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside

Cost: Premium seating (rows A–G) $50, Regular seating (rows H-T) $45, Regular Tickets: $28.00, Youth Tickets (18 yrs & under): $14.00 (tax and fees included in all ticket prices)

Book here

HELLO 2018

Say Yes To New Adventures

Make the Most of Prince Edward Island's Winter Wonderland. 

As fireworks light up the sky across the world it heralds a new year.  New hopes are forged while many reflect on the year that has gone by so quickly.

For many of us we start the year with the best of intentions to get fit, explore more, and stress less. Ahhh if only intentions pulled away the pounds.

With winter well and truly amongst us it’s easy to come up with an excuse to stay indoors, so we thought we would give you some inspiration to pull on your mittens and head outdoors for an adventure.

 Mill River

Located approximately 30 minutes from The Cottage is Mill River Golf Course.  And while it’s a little too nippy for a round of golf there is an abundance of winter-themed activities on offer. The course conveniently doubles as the perfect setting for cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails. And if you don’t have all the gear for these activities you can hire these onsite.

To view the prices please click here.

Brookevale Provincial Ski Park

Brookvale Provincial Ski Park

If you bundle in the car and head an hour east you’ll find Brookvale Provincial Ski Park around an hour away from The Cottage. The park has a lot on offer with activities including cross-country and alpine skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

If you have always wanted to hit the slopes but aren’t sure how to get started you can get the snowball rolling with one click here.  

There is a range of classes available for all ages.

Download the Brookvale Snow Shoe Map 

Bonshaw Provincial Park

Bonshaw Provincial Park has a trail system covering 25 kilometres. There is many shorter trails that vary in length and intensity connected to the main trail.  

Bonshaw is an excellent spot to snowshoe or get out the cross-country skis.

A public Facebook group has arranged an event for anyone that wants to join them for a morning of snowshoeing. To find out more please click here.

Click here to download the Bonshaw Hills Trail Map

Something a little less strenuous

If you are more of a gym-goer and would prefer to get outside for something less strenuous but equally as fun here are some options that might be more suitable for you.

Sleigh Rides

There are a number of farms on the Island that offer sleigh rides throughout the winter months. 

Great Northern Adventures

The team at Great Northern Adventures offer sleigh rides through the winter months and to warm up afterwards there are fire pits and hot chocolate.

924 Fort Augustus Rd, Charlottetown

Potts Farm, Bonshaw

This third generation farm started doing sleigh rides in 1975 when owner Noel was asked if he could take a small birthday party group for a sleigh ride. The idea took off, with the family’s winter months soon revolving around the sleigh ride operation.

439 Bonshaw Road, Argyle Shore 

Phone: (902) 675-2794

Phone: (902) 894 7558

Snowmobiling on the Confederation Trail

When Prince Edward Island's railway was abandoned in 1989 Islanders were quick to notice a unique opportunity. The idea of a shared use walking and cycling trail in the summer and a snowmobile trail in the winter was born.

The Confederation Trail stretches 435 kilometres and goes from one end of the Island to the other. The closest section of the trail to Birch Hill is the O’Leary to Wellington section. A map can be downloaded here. http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/tour_confed_gui.pdf. The trail is classified as easy to moderate, so if you are after something a little more challenging you might want to go a little further between Wellington to Hunter River.

Freebie

And if you want a taste of a bit of everything there is a free family fun day being organized by watershed organizations from the Hunter-Clyde, Wheatley, and West Rivers, along with the PEI Department of Communities, Land and Environment, below is the details.

Family Fun Day

Learn more about Island wildlife, forest eco-sytems and sustainable woodlot use while having a little fun.

When: Saturday, January 27, 2018 - 9:00am to 1:00pm

Where: Strathgartney Equestrian Park, 18 Strathgartney Road, Bonshaw

Cost: Free

Highlights:

• Sleigh rides
• Snowshoeing
• Guided trail walks
• Chain saw clinic
• Woodworking
• Birds of prey
• Maple syrup demonstration

For more information please click here. 

So what are you waiting for?  Ready…set….Snow! 

The romantic side of PEI

Prince Edward Island’s scenery makes the perfect backdrop for a bit of romance, weddings, or even a proposal.

What qualifies us to write this, personal experience. We (Clare & Ian, the founders of Penguin & Bear) were engaged at The Cottage this month and there couldn’t have been a better location to say yes!

We have picked out some fun outings you might want to pop on your 'to do' list across five unique and charming (just like your loved one) regions

North Cape Coastal Drive

• Have a sleep in and then venture out for some local flavour by visiting one of the various cafes throughout the region, our pick is the recently opened Tyne Valley Tea & Company

•A visit to North Cape is a must. Located at the very tip of this region, are wind turbines of all shapes and sizes. Explore the trails that take you up-close to the giant windmills, learn about renewable energy at the interpretive centre, and have dinner with a view at the Wind & Reef Restaurant.

•Wrap up your evening after dinner with a local musical production, a walk along the Summerside harbourfront or an exciting evening watching harness racing.

Green Gables Shore

•Rent bikes and embark on a seaside ride or explore the North Shore by kayak as the sun begins to set.

•Unwind with a delicious meal and a glass of wine at any of the various restaurants that overlook the beautiful North Shore coastline and rolling dunes.

Charlottetown

•Book a table for two at any of the amazing restaurants downtown, most of which have award winning chefs and specialize in local farm fresh produce. Our pick would be:

•Wind down with a stroll along the waterfront and then head to Victoria Row where, during the summer months, you can find a seat on an outdoor patio and enjoy live music and a nightcap before heading back to your accommodations.

Points East Coastal Drive

•A visit to Basin Head, where the sands sing and the views are unforgettable, is a must for your romantic getaway.

•There is lots to do in the Points East Coastal Drive. In fact this region boasts: 13 golf courses; 34 beaches; 6 lighthouses; 34 history and cultural attractions; 24 harbours; more than 100 restaurants; 230 fixed-roof accommodations and campgrounds; 12 provincial parks; 6 Scenic Heritage Roads; and a national park.

Source: Tourism PEI

Explore PEI while geocaching

Do you consider yourself a treasure hunter?  That is pretty much what geocaching is about!  If you enjoy a walk in nature combined with a bit of adventure, then explore PEI with a GPS or your smart phone.  Download a free app and you’re ready to track the cache.

What exactly is a cache, you ask?  A cache is a small container, most likely camouflaged and a little off a beaten track or trail.  The cache is waterproof and contains a log book or perhaps even pins, badges or small toys.  There are thousands hidden in Prince County alone!  

When you find a cache, remove the log, enter the date found and sign your user name.  Then replace the cache in the same spot you found it.  Log onto the geocache site, and in many instances, you will find history of the area and many interesting stories.  You can see what others have written and how many have been adventuresome in the same area you just traversed.

Geocaching is enjoyed world-wide; so why not give it a try? You never know it might just end up being your new favourite outdoor activity.  On beaches, in parks, deserted roads, in forests, graveyards, in secluded areas across PEI, get out and enjoy the beauty of our Island.  A great place to begin your geocache experience is Green Park—a 4-minute drive from The Cottage!

For more information and to register:  www.geocaching.com

Article by Carolyn McKillop

Lennox Island

In Malpeque Bay, a short distance from The Cottage, lies Lennox Island.

There is no time line for the First Peoples of Canada and when they settled in our area; however, storytelling tradition goes back thousands of years. The ancestors of the Mi’kmaq were 'gatherers' — fish, berries, wood for baskets. They travelled and lived in camps in the area: Northam, Tyne Valley, Port Hill, Conway Narrow, Freeland, and Portage. Hogg Island, also in Malpeque, was a sacred settlement and many Mi’kmaq are buried there.

There are many stories of hardship, struggle and survival. There are also many stories of success and triumph. Two books of interest at the cottage are Ni’n na L’nu: The Mi’kmaq of Prince Edward Island by A.J.B. Johnston and Jesse Francis, and Micmac by Choice by M. Olga McKenna.

In the fall of 2016, CBC profiled five communities in Canada facing serious threats from climate change. Lennox Island was one of these communities: the forecast is not bright—it is reported to have lost one square kilometre of land in a single generation. At this rate, 50 percent of the island could be underwater in 50 years.

You will be warmly welcomed to experience all that Lennox Island has to offer and learn more about this unique settlement. Stop at the Eco Tourism Centre and the Cultural Centre as well as walk the “Path of Our Forefathers.” Gifted artisans showcase original woodwork, painting, jewelry and basket weaving.

To visit Lennox Island, take Hwy. #12 from the cottage to Tyne Valley, continue past Ellerslie and take Rte. #163 to Lennox Island.

To learn more about Lennox Island you can visit www.lennoxisland.com, or watch the North Cape Costal production via Youtube. 

Article by Carolyn McKillop