CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island - I am not the hand-clappin', knee-slappin', foot-tappin' sort but unexpectedly found myself engaging in those behaviors on Prince Edward Island, a destination that sings to the heart and soothes the soul.
The peaceful little island, smallest of all Canada's provinces, is just north of the much better-known and more accessible Nova Scotia and is linked to New Brunswick by the Confederation Bridge. Only 140 miles long and from 4 to 40 miles wide, the island, known as PEI, might seem like an easy destination to cover in a week's time. But that's not the case, once you discover there is much more to it than enjoying the stunning scenery; going golfing, kayaking or bicycling; downing lunchtime bowls of mussels and nightly lobster suppers; and following the trail of PEI's most famous resident, the fictional red-haired and pig-tailed orphan Anne Shirley of the classic book Anne of Green Gables.
Every new view on this island seems more picturesque than the last. Quiet harbors, filled with fishing boats at anchor, turn golden in the evening sun. Red limestone cliffs and sand are framed by blue water and sky.
But what makes PEI even more stellar than the reddish tint of its beaches (caused by the iron oxide - rust! - in its limestone bedrock), is its endearing music tradition known as the ceilidh.
Celtic for "kitchen party" and pronounced "kay-lee," the events feature the island's talented residents who've grown up fiddling, playing guitar and singing about their friends and neighbors and life. It also has become their way of inviting visitors into their warm and welcoming culture.
Despite the joy that comes from attending ceilidhs and the island's gentle beauty, its biggest draw still is Anne and following the "Anne" trail to the sights and experiences that author Lucy Maud Montgomery describes. First published in 1908, the book's 100th anniversary is being celebrated all over the island.
No matter whether you make it for Anne's birthday bash this summer or fall, or can't visit for another year or two, reminders of the spunky little orphan and her creator always will be there.
Anne of Green Gables, The Musical, in its 44th season and Canada's longest running production, is performed at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. The show does a great job of providing the story line for anyone who hasn't read the book (not something any PEI visitor should admit).
