Small Towns Offer Big Charm on Prince Edward Island this Fall

With a reputation as "Canada's Food Island," Prince Edward Island kicks off autumn with the annual Fall Flavours Festival, a celebration of authentic PEI tastes and traditions with culinary adventures, events, and specialty meals hosted by celebrity chefs scattered throughout the province. Local events such as Copper Pots at Copper Bottom, Taste of Georgetown, Savour Victoria and more let small towns share their local fare with visitors.

Here are just a few picturesque towns travelers can experience more than great food this fall:

Murray River
With a population of under 400 people, Murray River's fishing village mixes with the cool vibe of the young entrepreneurs moving there making it a "must stop" destination for travelers along the eastern end of PEI. Shoppers can stop by shops like Magik Dragon with funky handcrafted pieces from around the world or grab a cup of locally-brewed coffee or homemade baked goods at Companion Coffee. Visitors can wind down with a glass of wine and a view of the river at Newman Estate Winery before heading down to the nearby town of Montague where a young husband and wife team have opened Copper Bottom Brewing Company. The taproom brings their rural community together for freshly brewed beer and live music in the taproom.

Georgetown
Georgetown is a historic town set along the Points East Coastal Drive. Travelers can stroll through the quiet streets filled with brightly-painted homes and shops on a self-guided tour, or drop in on local character Peter Llewellyn at his Shoreline Design studio where he makes jewelry and tells stories about the town. Next, visitors with a sweet tooth can stop by the Maroon Pig, a Georgetown favorite, for a freshly baked treat with the local crowd. No visit to Georgetown is complete without seeing a show at the King's Playhouse. For more than 120 years, visitors and locals have enjoyed live performances at this community staple.

North Rustico
Known to the locals as "The Crick," North Rustico offers a beautiful red-sand beach and some famous PEI seafood. North Rustico Harbour lets travelers watch fisherman bring in their daily haul before enjoying some famous PEI mussels at the Blue Mussel Café. Active visitors can grab a bike at Outside Expeditions and peddle through the PEI National Park or join a kayaking tour of the harbor then finish the day with a traditional lobster supper at Fisherman's Wharf Lobster Suppers.

Alberton
Alberton, along PEI's Central Coastal Drive, offers travelers a sweet array of bakeries, restaurants and more. The small town tempts visitors with baked treats from local hang out, Alberton Bakery, or French pastries and bread at Café Chez Cartier. Travelers can relax on the beach at Jacques Cartier Provincial Park or learn about the town's history at the Alberton Museum, once the courthouse and jail. Minutes from Alberton, the Northport Pier offers a place for visitors and locals to shop and grab a bite to eat at The Boat Shop Restaurant. At the neighboring Northport Harbour onlookers can catch a glimpse of the Giant Bluefin tune coming into the dock in season.

Victoria-by-the-Sea
Situated on Prince Edward Island's South Shore, Victoria-by-the-Sea serves up Maritime charm, history and local flavors. History buffs can opt for a photo with PEI's oldest tree then visit the Keepers of the Light exhibit at the Victoria Seaport Museum. A seaside lunch awaits hungry travelers at The Lobster Barn or Beachcombers then dessert at Island Chocolates for handmade delicacies. Visitors also can kayak through Victoria Harbour, or take in a show at the historic Victoria Playhouse, PEI's longest running "little theatre".

To plan a trip and find more information on Prince Edward Island, visit https://www.tourismpei.com/.

About Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT):
This project has been made possible through funding provided by the Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT). ACAT is a nine-member pan-Atlantic initiative comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Associations, and the four Provincial Departments responsible for tourism.

For more information on the four provinces, visit these websites or follow on social media:

New Brunswick
Web: http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca
Instagram: @DestinationNB
Twitter: @SeeNewBrunswick
Facebook: @DestinationNB

Nova Scotia
Web: http://www.novascotia.com
Instagram: @VisitNovaScotia
Twitter: @VisitNovaScotia
Facebook: @NovaScotia

Newfoundland and Labrador
Web: http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com
Instagram: @newfoundlandlabrador
Twitter: @NLtweets
Facebook: @NewfoundlandLabradorTourism

Prince Edward Island
Web: http://www.tourismpei.com
Instagram: @tourismpei
Twitter: @tourismpei
Facebook: @tourismpei

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