September 2 - Cavendish

Welcome to Cavendish, P.E.I.'s most famous beach. The beach is located on the north of the island and is part of the Prince Edward Island National Park.

But we didn't spend our day at the beach. Instead, out day was devoted entirely to Cavendish' s most famous resident: Anne Shirley, or as she is most known, Anne of Green Gables.

FROM WIKIPEDIA: Anne of Green Gables is a 1908 novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. Written for all ages, it has been considered a children's novel since the mid-twentieth century. It recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, a middle-aged brother and sister who had intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island. The novel recounts how Anne makes her way with the Cuthberts, in school, and within the town.

Since publication, Anne of Green Gables has sold more than 50 million copies and has been translated into 20 languages.^[4] Numerous sequels were written by Montgomery, and since her death, another sequel has been published, as well as an authorized prequel. The original book is taught to students around the world.

It has been adapted as film, made-for-television movies, and animated and live-action television series. Anne Shirley was played by Megan Follows in the 1985 Canadian produced movie. Plays and musicals have also been created, with productions annually in Canada since 1964 of the first musical production, which has toured in Canada, the United States, Europe and Japan.

When it could not get better, it did! We met Anne herself walking around the farm. She was sweet and a bit naughty, just like in the book. Anne took time to talk to us and answer all questions, including if she likes Gilbert. Not surprisingly the answer was a big no!

Anne's haunted forest.

SOURCE: http://www.gov.pe.ca/greengables/

Green Gables, located in Cavendish in the Prince Edward Island National Park, is a popular tourist destination. Each year hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world visit the site which inspired the setting for L.M. Montgomery to create her beloved tale of a red-haired orphan, Anne of Green Gables. In addition to the Green Gables House, several museums and sites invite visitors to learn more about Anne and Montgomery and a popular musical version of the story runs every summer at the Charlottetown Festival.
Interpretation programs and new personalized tours of the site are offered to visitors during the month of May to October. The tours highlight the heritage of the area and explain the significance of the site; portraying Lucy Maud Montgomery's role as an author of national historical significance. And of course, visitors to the site will be welcome to stroll the Haunted Woods and Balsam Hollow trails as described in the book.

The picture of the day.

I don't need to say how excited and proud they were to be sitting beside their newest favourite book character. I have a feeling this love affair will carry forward for their lives.

Not too far from the Green Gables is the Avonlea Village, a small village with shops, restaurant music and pony rides, which recreates the fictional community where the book Anne of Green Gables is set. Although it is a commercial place, it's worth a visit. The restaurants look like they serve quality food and the place is just adorable. just let your imagination work and you will start seeing Anne, Gilbert and Diana on every corner. 

There are three heritage building here: the 1876 schoolhouse - where the author L. M. Montgomery used to teach -, the 1906 Minister's residence and the 1872 historic church. 

This church is now a place for local musicians to perform. In the summer, there are two concerts a day here. Before, in late 1800s this was a sanctuary place for residents of Cavendish, including its most illustrious resident ever.

Just like her.

My favourite Anne of Green Gables part of the day! ;)

Because one needs blue ice cream to match the blue hair pin.

A sentimental mom moment:

Throughout the day I got tears in my eyes at different moments. The novel Anne of Green Gables was the first real chapter book that I read to my 4 year old Julia. While reading to her I could experience all the amazing feelings that a good book can spark. She laughed, she was apprehensive, she cried and she felt angry (against Gilbert, of course). To be here, just a week before she starts a new chapter in new short but happy life going to "big kids school", was very emotional for me. Like Anne, I wish my imaginative little girl, a journey full of excitement, beauty, friendships and obstacles as well. I am positive that like Anne, my Juju will conquer the world and touch many lives! Te amo, Juju!