When the commotion of everyday life gets overwhelming, there is no better escape than the whimsical world of L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Sometimes, though, daydreaming about the Lake of Shining Waters and the White Way of Delight is just not enough. Luckily, literary escapism can turn into literal escapism with a quick weekend getaway to Anne’s home, Prince Edward Island (PEI).
Anne’s World
Fans of Anne of Green Gables will find plenty of “scope for the imagination” on PEI. Rent a cozy cottage or check in to the Kindred Spirits Inn on the Green Gables Shore for quick access to sites and scenes from our favorite redhead’s world. In fact, the Inn is directly adjacent to the hub for all things Avonlea—Green Gables Heritage Place. Located in Prince Edward Island National Park, the secluded Heritage Place will transport you back to the early 1900s. Here, you can learn about L. M. Montgomery and view artifacts from her life, experience traditional farming techniques in the reconstructed barn, and grab a snack at the Butter Churn Café.
The crowning jewel of the Heritage Place is the original Green Gables house that inspired Montgomery’s novels. Upstairs, take a peek into Anne’s bedroom, where you’ll find her famous puffed-sleeve dress. Brief guided tours are available outside Green Gables if you’d like to learn more about Montgomery and her love for PEI. If you’re lucky, you might even get to meet Anne Shirley herself! Finish off your visit with a quick 1.6 kilometer (one mile) walk through the Haunted Woods or down Lover’s Lane.
Feeling hungry after your morning excursion? Make the quick drive over to Avonlea Village, where five different restaurants sit nestled among historic buildings and replicas of locations from Green Gables. After you’ve had a bite to eat, browse the Anne of Green Gables Store to find the perfect souvenir.
Outside Green Gables
There is plenty of fun to be had on the island for non-bookish travelers, too. Outdoorsy folks will fall in love with the many athletic activities available. With over 25 golf courses to choose from, PEI is a golfer’s paradise. Beyond the fairway, trails for hiking, biking, and running weave through the picturesque landscape. Take a stroll along the lighthouse-studded coast or dive into PEI’s warm summer waters for swimming and water sports. Wherever you go, keep an eye out for breathtaking wildlife—beavers, red foxes, seals, and even bald eagles call PEI home.
After a busy day of island exploration, head into Charlottetown for an evening of PEI’s finest cuisine and culture. Peake’s Wharf Historic Waterfront is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood and live music. After dinner, climb aboard the Fairview for a romantic sunset cruise with Peake’s Wharf Boat Tours.
As your weekend jaunt draws to a close, you may be tempted to extend your stay in Anne’s world. You may even begin dreaming of your next trip to Prince Edward Island before you’ve gotten back home. But that’s alright because, as Anne says, “When you are imagining, you might as well imagine something worthwhile.”
—Katie Erickson
