Click on the photo to see Charlottetown Gallery


Click on the photo to see Green Gables gallery


Click on the photo to see the gallery

We started our day with a good buffet at The Hotel on Pownal in its breakfast room. Then we wandered over to the conference center for a lecture exploring PEI history and culture. Afterwards we were able to view the history and culture with a local historian who guided us on a walking tour of Charlottetown, the birthplace of Confederation. In cool temperatures and threatening skies, we learned about historic architecture, an enduring symbol of Victorian elegance, including Beaconsfield Historic House with its mansard roof, elaborate gingerbread trim, and crowning belvedere stands. We heard about restoration of the town's historic properties as we continued along Great George Street and saw the outside of St Dunstan Cathedral as well as the location for the last public hanging in the city. We learned about high-profile people of the city, the prosperity and bust of its merchants, and the Fathers of Confederation. ​

Norman met us with the bus at the end of Great George Street and we were off for the rest of our daily adventure.

Our first stop was at the Green Gables Heritage Place. This is the site which inspired the setting for L.M. Montgomery to create her beloved tale of a red-haired orphan, Anne of Green Gables. Although I had not read the book, Ann had and was inspired to lead me around all of the place that she remembered. (I read the book later. It made the memory of the visit come to life). We toured the house and the grounds including Lovers Lane. It was much larger and more prosperous than I imagined.

Our next stop was for lunch at Dalvay-by-the-Sea. This wonderful old house was built in 1895 by Alexander MacDonald, a wealthy businessman and one-time president of Standard Oil Company. The highlight of the meal was Dalvay’s Signature Sticky Date Pudding, Brandy Snaps, Warm Toffee Sauce, and Tahitian Vanilla Bean Gelato. We had a little time after eating to walk around the grounds. ​

Our third stop was at the Dunelands Trail. We did not have much time there, but we were able to do a short walk. ​

After we retuned to Charlottetown, we had dinner on our own. All of the dinners up to this evening were provided by Road Scholar. Ann and I chose to go to Gahan House. This is a brew pub in the classic sense. It had its own draught beer as well as an excellent menu. We were seated at a table by ourselves when some other members of our group walked in. We joined them and had a good chat over our meal. I might have drunk two beers.