Big Canadian Birthdays:

Prince Edward Island & Anne of Green Gables

Canada's favourite redhead, Anne, of Green Gables, celebrates her 111th birthday on PEI in 2008.

I'm constantly amazed at how many western Canadians say they've never been past Toronto, and sometimes past Winnipeg!

1. Anne of Green Gables, & what to do in PEI.

If you're a typical Canadian, you've probably read Anne of Green Gables. Even if you haven't, you may feel like you already know the precocious redhead from rural PEI.

Anne came into existence in 1908, already aged 11. 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of her debut. Penned by author L.M. Montgomery, Anne made her creator wealthy and her home province famous.

Here are the Anne things you should do. Non-Anne follow.

• • Green Gables Heritage Site. This is the classic--the home and farm that inspired the book's setting. The author never lived there, but her cousins did. The house is 2-stories, covered in white clapboard, and has (of course) green-painted gables and shutters. It's peaceful and gorgeous.
    
    You tour the house. Although Anne is fictional, Parks Canada has chosen to name the rooms in the home after Anne, Marilla, and Matthew (her adopted family). Thus, you will see "Anne's Room," and it's almost impossible to believe she didn't live, let alone live there.
    
    The grounds include other sites mentioned in the books, namely the "Haunted Woods" and "Lovers Lane."
    
    Actors are dressed in costumes (generally Anne & Diana, her best friend) and can be found strolling the grounds.
    
    During the month of July, there are many special events held at Green Gables to celebrate the author's birthday--although Anne seems to be the focus. You can even enjoy birthday cake and "raspberry cordial" (soda pop) on with Anne.
    
    See the website for details.
    
    
  • Avonlea Village Theme Park. This is one of the best-presented for-profit "historic" sites I've ever visited. Avonlea is a fictional town, based on the villages of PEI (primarily Cavendish). This park is a collection of historic PEI homes and buildings, restored and turned into Avonlea. It includes homes, a church, a barn, and a store.
    
    The church is used as a theatre/auditorium. One of the homes' back porches is a stage for several reenactments from the books. The store is, of course, a store. You can buy everything Anne there.
    
    Throughout the day, activities take place around the village. A country fair is very popular, including 3-legged races and and other games. There are also square dances, concerts, wagon rides, and more.
    
    Most major characters from the book are present, and all are extremely good at what they do. Ditto the music at this place.
    
    It's $64 for a family, and worth every penny. Kids get wiped out tired as they play with Anne & Co.
    
    
  • Other L.M. Montgomery sites. There are numerous homes and museums dedicated to the author and her life. You'll find links to them through the L.M. Montgomery Institute, which sponsors festivals and scholarly events. The Anne 2008 site also has great tips.
    
    
  • Theatre Productions. There are two major, Broadway-calibre musicals on PEI. Both are exceptional, and both use professional, Equity actors and musicians.
    • Anne of Green Gables: The Musical (TM). Created in 1968 at the suggestion of no-less-than Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen went to Charlottetown to open the Confederation Centre, and was entertained by a song about Anne. She supposedly asked where the rest of the story was, and by the next summer, Anne and her gang were singing and dancing nightly on stage. 2008 marks the 43rd annual production of this excellent musical. If you're taking kids, this is the show to see. In the vein of a big Rogers & Hammerstein show.
    • Anne & Gilbert, The Musical. In some ways, this is the sequel to the above. But not really. This show pulls content from the sequel books, but it's style is vastly different. It utilizes more traditional Maritime-sounding music, and is more intimate. This was, hands down, my favourite, but I loved them both.

Other PEI must-do's (Non-Anne). There are plenty of diversions. The island is ringed with gorgeous beaches (Blooming Point is nude-popular, although not legally so). Also, there are no shortage of golf courses (I don't play, so can't advise).

• • The Dunes Studio Gallery & Cafe. This is one of the most unique places ever, combining the exact elements of its name! Owner Peter Jansons is a longtime PEI resident. He's a potter and furniture designer; both are sold at this spot. Surprisingly, the furniture is mostly Indonesian in style--it's gorgeous and contemporary. Peter's partner Nash is Indonesian.
    
    The Dunes also features the work of many other PEI artists, along with Asian art and a magnificent sculpture garden.
    
    The Dunes restaraunt is very popular, and serves a nice variety of upscale food in a setting that can't be beat. The patio overlooks Jansons back acerage--unspoiled pasture that ends at the sea. Wow.
    
    
  • Raymond Loo's Spring Willow Farm. Don't be fooled by Raymond's down-home style--this spud farmer is one smart and savvy dude. He welcomes visitors to check out his unique organic farm, and if he's got a few minutes, will gladly explain organic principles. Volunteers from all over the world come to work on his farm and learn from this cutting-edge guy.
    
    Loo's father was a pioneer in potato varieties, including one called Island Sunshine, which you've probably heard of. Raymond himself has taken the family produce to market in two cool places:
    • The Charlottetown Farmers Market, where you can sample divine berries and produce
    • Japan, where the organic movement is popular, and where Loo's produce is sold under the name Anne's PEI Farm.
      
      
  • Charlottetown. You can't miss it--it's the main town in the island, but it does deserve some exploring.
    • Wander the inner-city neighbourhoods and see loads of Victorian-era architecture.
    • Have a local brew at Gahan's brewpub. Tip: try their sample tray.
    • Try world-famous Cow's Ice Cream.
    • Wander the waterfront, filled with touristy shops, but still fun.
    • Eat at Flex Mussels. This bivalve shellfish is PEI's latest cash-crop, and they are DELICIOUS. Flex does them beautifully, and has a great patio (and hot wait staff!!). They offer tons of menu variations on the sauce.
    • Stay at the magnificent Great George Inns. This collection of 13 restored, downtown historic buildings is fantastic.

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