SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - There seems to be an air of magic back at Spinnakers’ Landing as vendors and Summerside Port Corporation staffers prepare for another season.
“When I was a little kid, Spinnakers’ was the most magic place to be. You could play on the equipment and then your brother would stick you in the wooden handcuffs that were on display while he went and got ice cream,” said Jill MacIntyre, the social media and events co-ordinator for Spinnakers’ Landing.
“There is a real dedication from staff members and vendors to bring that magic back this year.”
In recent years, vendor spots had remained empty, but this year the Landing is full of returning and new vendors.
“We have about six new vendors this year, including a new restaurant and a juicery. There is a real showcase on local artisan talent, designs and producers. There’s a wide variety of items that can be found this year.”
Vendors at Spinnakers’ Landing this summer:
- Uncle Mike’s on The Water
- Glow Juicery
- Catch the Ebb
- P.E.I. Dirt Shirt
- The Deckhouse Pub and Eatery
- Summerside Souvenirs and Treats
- Sunflower
- Shoreline Design P.E.I.
- The Hive
- Vintage
- Celtic Mist
- MaiYa Pearls
- Viva La Crepe
- Current Collective
MacIntyre says the goal is to make Spinnakers’ Landing a place where both locals and tourists want to visit.
“We’re hoping to attract some long-time Summerside residents. We’ve got entertainment Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings this summer. We want to get people out of their homes and show them you don’t have to leave Summerside to have a good time.”
“… The changes we’re seeing this year have been really great. In the past, we may not have been pushed as the place to go for locals and tourists, but it’s nice to see Spinnakers’ become a centralized spot again.”
-Claus Schmidt
Claus Schmidt, one of the owners of MaiYa Pearls, is excited to launch a second location at Spinnakers’ in the new shop Catch the Ebb.
MaiYa Pearls has occupied Spinnakers’ since around 2006.
“There have been many changes to the Landing over the years. But the changes we’re seeing this year have been really great. It’s nice to have every spot filled and a new restaurant as well. In the past, we may not have been pushed as the place to go for locals and tourists, but it’s nice to see Spinnakers’ become a centralized spot again.”
Locations like Spinnakers’ make downtown Summerside a unique place, said Schmidt.
“It’s really important to bring people to this area. We’ve got the historic buildings and the shoreline. There are a ton of little businesses with so much to offer. It’s what people love about Summerside.”
MacIntyre agrees.
“Now as an adult living in Summerside, I really see the value of what Spinnakers’ can mean to the community. There’s so much in this city but we need to be willing to invest in it. And it’s really evident this summer that there is a commitment to seeing Spinnakers’ prosper and become and remain a vibrant place in the community.”
Jocelyn Llewellyn, co-owner of Shoreline Design, is excited to open a location at Spinnakers’ this season.
Shoreline Design is based in Georgetown and has operated there for 13 summers. Now it’s making its way west on P.E.I. It specializes in handcrafted jewelry, with a spot in each location so shoppers can see the process of making the pieces.
“It’s nice to be able to be in two different regions of the Island. And this location has such a great vibe to it.”
Melanie Batsford, who works at Shoreline Design, feels the same.
“It’s such a positive place. And there’s a real dedication among the vendors to make this the best summer ever. I think everybody is looking forward to the variety of shops and items here.”
More information:
- Spinnakers’ Landing is open daily through July and August from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Entertainment Thursday through Sunday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Facebook: facebook.com/Spinnakers-Landing-637183746299528/
- Instagram: instagram.com/spinnakerslanding
- Website: spinnakerslanding.com
