It's high time for another travel review review around here, don't you think? Today let me take you up to idyllic Prince Edward Island, Canada (truly, one of our favorite places on earth) to share with you a beautiful Victorian gem located in the heart of Charlottetown - the capital city. When we vacationed on the island, we spent half our time lodging on the North Shore, and the other half based in Charlottetown, I would highly recommend any visitor to PEI do the same. This way, we had all of the island within easy driving distance at some point during our stay.-While we wanted to remain near the heart of the city, we didn't want the hustle and bustle of traffic and such, so finding Elmwood was the perfect solution! Within easy walking distance of Victoria park and the harbor, Elmwood is located right off of a main street down a private, enchanting Elm-lined lane. This one-acre treasure is truly secluded and convenient!
Upon our arrival, we were greeted with tea on the front veranda, and the weather was perfect to enjoy it in the company of the afternoon breezes.
Our room was called Rosa's Room (rates for this room range from $149-$199 CAD), and it is tucked upstairs cozily under the eaves. The bed and draperies make you feel like you're in a fairy cocoon - very creative use of the space, don't you think? This long, narrow room also had a nice little sitting area with a settee covered in peacock velvet (which had me at "hello") positioned in front of the electric fireplace. We enjoyed a few "take out" meals here! For such occasions, there was a convenient guest fridge that was centrally located. - Moving through the sitting area to the en suite bath, you really do forget sometimes that this house was built in 1889. The bath has been completely renovated with beautiful, modern amenities that include a huge whirlpool tub for two (with shower), a creamy white pedestal sink, and a nice rack to store your toiletries.Elmwood also boasts an extensive movie collection, which you can leisurely browse to take back to your room for a late night flick. The entire Inn is decorated in beautiful antiques, and handmade Island quilts cover each of the beds.
Now onto the breakfast part of this "Bed and Breakfast". The food is truly one of the things that earns repeat guests at a B&B (at least, that's one of our very favorite parts!). Served by candlelight, and on cool mornings by firelight as well, our dining experience here was simply delicious! The juice is fresh-squeezed, the tea is piping hot, the fruit is fresh, and the entrees: varied and delicious. The dining area is set up with multiple tables, so for those of you who don't enjoy the communal dining experience that is often found at B&Bs, this is a nice, more private option.-
Carol and Jay were delightful hosts. Very helpful and knowledgeable about the area, they always had time to answer a question or two. The Inn was also stocked with a good selection of area maps, which made sightseeing by car a breeze.-
While in Charlottetown, we enjoyed the historic downtown area, the harbor, Victoria Park, meandering around the neighborhoods surrounding Elmwood (which were all meticulously groomed...we are convinced that the entirety of PEI belongs to a communal garden club :-)), and the Charlottetown Farmer's Market.
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| View of the bathroom beyond the sitting area |
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| The bathroom rates: 5 Stars from Kristin |
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| The entrance from the main road |
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| At breakfast in the dining room |
I'll leave you with possibly the most intriguing thing about this welcoming Inn- at least for those of you who are fans of the Anne of Green Gables books! There is reason to believe that this very home was the home that, in the AoGG books became "Beechwood", the home of Mrs. Josephine Barry. You can read more about that HERE.
Of course, if you have any further questions about Elmwood, or PEI in general, feel free to ask. It is a destination I would highly recommend for anyone who is a true romantic at heart, and of course it is a must for Anne fans of any age!
***Tomorrow is our first ever Little Happy Party here at Living Graciously. I hope you'll join in spreading smiles around blogland. You can read more about it over at Windy Poplars
