#and the thing is that I am simply not very impressive in the pottery studio :|

[chiropteracupola]

gee whillikers I am so bored of reading about tea

#news from the cupola #says guy who voluntarily did this to themself #but I will sit here and read about tea because it is something to do whilst I gather the confidence to go sculpt in front of the Pros #yes it is very cool and nice that Real Professional Potters are here but also I feel a desperate need to Impress Them #and the thing is that I am simply not very impressive in the pottery studio :| #this is also reminding me that I am going to be going to chakai this weekend and that I feel Very Unqualified To Do So #we have arrived at 'knows enough to be terrified of the magnitude of things they do not know' territory #and that in addition to the usual social anxiety big scary is. hm not great.

[retireearlyandtravel]

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Enjoy the Magic of a 5 Day Prince Edward Island Road Trip

Prince Edward Island Road Trip

We took a five-day 4-night Boston to Prince Edward Island road trip. If you have not visited this charming island in the Maritimes of Canada, I highly recommend it. It is an easy road trip from Boston, New Hampshire or Maine. We have provided a complete Prince Edward Island road trip itinerary from where we fly into, Boston Massachusetts.

Our Itinerary

Day 1

We began our Prince Edward Island Road trip by Driving from Boston to Sackville, New Brunswick entering Canada at the Calais/St Stephen Border Crossing. Remember to bring your passport! The drive is wonderous especially in Northern Maine and New Brunswick.

On the first evening, we stayed at the Sackville Bed and Breakfast. Our hosts Barry and Wendi were delightful. Their Victorian home nestled in the quaint village of Sackville, New Brunswick is warm and welcoming. Breakfast in the morning was excellent, and we enjoyed sharing it with the other three couples staying at the inn. We love the opportunity to make new friends.  Additionally, Sackville is charming and has some places where you can grab dinner your first evening.

  Day 2

Begin the second day by driving from Sackville to Pictou to take the ferry to PEI. It is always free to enter PEI, but you must pay to leave. We chose to go over via the ferry and leave by the bridge. Besides, it is more expensive to go by ferry so save some money for shopping by entering PEI by ferry and leaving by the bridge.

Your first stop in PEI is the Wood Island Lighthouse built in 1876. This lighthouse is close to the ferry. Additionally, if you like wine, then make your way to the Rossignol Estate Winery. They offer fruit wines, table wines, and liqueurs. Tastings are by donation.

Next stop is the Point Prim Lighthouse. Coincidently, it is the oldest lighthouse on PEI. Now it’s time for lunch, and even though you are in the middle of nowhere, the Point Prim Chowder House serves fantastic meals.  Located right next door, you can dine inside or outside. Most importantly, they serve delicious authentic east coast food and drinks. I had a fantastic plant-based lunch with arugula, sweet potatoes and pumpkin seed, yummy!

Head to Downtown Charlottetown and check into Hotel on Pownal. This hotel is excellent for exploring Charlottetown, Canada’s birthplace. Overall, the hotel has a classy, urban vibe. The staff at Hotel on Pownal was welcoming and helpful.

We walked from our hotel to visit; Province House, Great George Street, Victoria Row, Peake’s Wharf and Cow’s Ice Cream, yum! Finally, you are sure to find a restaurant that suits your taste in either the wharf or Victoria Row.

Day 3

Continuing your Prince Edward Island road trip, make your way to Cavendish, home of Anne of Green Gables. Along the way, I highly recommend stopping at the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company in New Glasglow. They produce artisan preserves, fine teas, and local pottery. We bought gifts for ourselves and family from there. In essence, just walking through the store is a visual treat.

First stop in Cavendish is the Green Gables Heritage Place. Here you step back in time to when Lucy Maud Montgomery was inspired to write Anne of Green Gables. Next, visit the Cavendish Post Office. Inside there is an exhibit where you discover the connection between this Canadian writer and the postal system. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive through PEI National Park from Cavendish to North Rustico. Have lunch in New Rustico.

Experience PEI

For the next stop, follow Route 6 to New London. In New London check out Village Pottery. This studio creates functional and unique pottery for everyday use.

Next, we were on to Talking with Horses. Talking with Horses is part of Experience PEI. A Prince Edward Island Road trip is not complete without partaking in some of the wonderful PEI experiences.  There are many to choose from, so I am sure there are a few to fit your interest. We choose this one as our first. Here, we learned to communicate with our horse. Then, we went on a trail ride through beautiful pastoral lands.  Afterwards, we enjoyed some Acadian soup. Our trail ride took us through local farms, forest and down dirt roads.  Jasmine is passionate about horses, and her husband is excited about Acadian history. Additionally, if you would like to stay the night at the stables, they have a one-room cottage for rent.

French River

Now, drive to French River and check into the Beach House Inn located on a quiet country road close to the best beaches in PEI. The Beach House is in a quiet, tranquil, pastoral location. We had a balcony, so we took the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine from it. After some wine and relaxation, we were off again to explore the New London Lighthouse and the Cape Tryon Lighthouses just before sunset. Because of the location, the views at Cape Tryon are breathtaking! We heard the chorus of sea lions hungering in for the evening in the caves. Because of this, I highly recommend visiting at sunset. Brenda at the Beach House Inn makes you feel like you are a visiting friend. She will give you some great recommendations for dinner.

Our room was located above the kitchen. It was very spacious with a sleeping area, sitting area, large bathroom and a terrace. Above all, our breakfast here was fantastic. It was a piece of french bread covered with prosciutto arugula and a poached egg on top. Best breakfast in PEI!

Day 4

This morning make your way to Wellington and on your way stop at Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel Church in Mount Carmel. It’s one of PEI’s oldest churches and cemeteries. Moreover, its shoreline backdrop is a perfect setting for a place of God or a final resting place. While you’re visiting say hi to Norman for us, he sits outside the church to greet visitors.

Next stop is the Bottle House. Explore three fantasy-like buildings created of bottles set in a lovely natural setting. The designer’s intention was for the houses to enhance the natural beauty of the area. Thus, the entire grounds are tranquil.

Afterwards, follow the North Cape Coastal Drive to O’Leary. There you can visit the Canadian Potato Museum. By and large, potatoes are very important to PEI’s economy. One-third of all of Canada’s potatoes come from PEI. Thus, this museum celebrates all things potato which is my favorite carbohydrate! While you are at the museum, have lunch at the Potato Country Kitchen. Keith’s favorite was the potato fudge.

Another PEI Experience

Next, make your way to Albany. Our second Experience PEI event was Fun with Falcons. This was the best part of our trip. Yes there are many Experience PEI programs, and we recommend trying as many as you can, but do not miss this one! Jamie with Island Falconry is passionate and articulate. Watching a falcon or hawk in full flight, soaring and diving while catching the air currents is impressive. But, holding one on a gloved arm is even better.

After your experience head to Victoria By the Sea. This historic fishing village has many artisans located on cozy streets, one of whom is a chocolatier. If you love chocolate, stop by Island Chocolate. We were amazed to know that the owner has spent a lot of time in Ecuador. As you know, we live in Ecuador right now. Becuase the next stay is isolated, I suggest a very early dinner here in Victoria by the Sea, possibly at the Lobster Barn.

After an early dinner, make your way to Fernway and check into Briarcliffe Inn. Briarcliffe Inn is an over 100-year-old PEI farmhouse Bed and Breakfast. So, the setting is peaceful and rural amongst pastoral scenery. We sat in our lovely room enjoying a glass of wine and marveling how quiet it was. Malcolm and Carrie are charming hosts. They will give you a full history of the house which is fascinating. The breakfast is simply delicious. They also have a neighbor’s pigs living on their property, and the pigs are so cute! Make sure to walk the grounds, especially down to the beach.

Day 5

On the last day of your Prince Edward Island road trip, travel to Bolten-Carleton via Route 10 and stop at Marine Rail Park to get the iconic picture of the Confederate Bridge. Also, if a filling of BBQ beef and cheese in a puff pastry sounds like heaven to you, pick up snacks at The Hand Pie Company. These hand pies inspired by the novel series, Outlanders are delicious portable hot dishes. Some are sweet some are savory. Finally, depart Prince Edward Island via the majestic Confederation Bridge.

If you want to go back into the United States seeing a different part of New Brunswick, there is a second option, but it will take you a little more time. Head for the Houlton–Woodstock Border Crossing that will put you directly onto I-95 in Maine.

Idyllic and Charming

When describing Prince Edward Island, the first word that comes to mind is idyllic. This small province in Canada is charming. There are well-preserved lighthouses as well as world-class eateries. The people are very friendly making you feel like you’re in a second home. While visiting you feel as though you have stepped back in time. It is a place to gather handmade products from quilts to preserves. A Prince Edward Island Road Trip should be added to your Bucket List.

Have you visited PEI?  Please share your experience with us below; we would love to hear from you!

Watch our road trip video

Be sure to check out our other story on Prince Edward Island – Fun with Falcons

#Canada #Our Adventures