When the snow falls and temperatures drop, don’t barricade yourself inside and give up the fun.
Kensington resident Jennifer Morris-Stenhouse suggests bundling up and embracing the ample outdoor (and indoor) opportunities Prince Edward Island has to offer this winter.
“With everyone being so isolated because of COVID-19, getting outdoors in the fresh air with a small group of people and discovering new parts of the Island is so good for your soul,” says Morris-Stenhouse.
P.E.I. has many amazing trails to explore, so she and a friend created a public hiking group called Central Island Trail Blazers. Participants of all ages get together on Fridays and Saturdays. She says once you disappear into this crisp white landscape, it offers the much-needed tonic from all the commotion of everyday life.
She monitors hiking trails for safety, while working in conjunction with Island Trails. And when she’s not slipping into the wintery solace of nature, she’s making it a priority to support local businesses — giving them a fighting chance to outlast the pandemic.
“I support the Schurman Family Farm by getting their weekly Veggie Box subscription that’s full of fresh, local organic produce,” says Morris-Stenhouse. “By supporting local, it impacts not just the business but your neighbour, your community and your province.”
Charlottetown resident Louise Campbell agrees with this advice. When she’s not discovering the mecca of groomed Island trails, her hobbies include kicking up her feet to live music events.
“I’m a huge fan of the Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown. It has the same intimate ambiance as the original Trailside, plus the variety of live music throughout the week, accompanied by fantastic food,” she says, adding that she already has tickets for a St. Patrick’s Day show featuring the Grass Mountain Hobos.
After having to stay away from the stage for so long, during pandemic restrictions, Campbell says local performers are clearly “thrilled” to be sharing their talents with live audiences once more.
“It is a privilege for us to enjoy live music still, and we are so blessed to live on this safe, beautiful Island,” says Campbell. “We have done well with COVID-19, thanks to our chief public health officer, and I challenge everyone to take up a new hobby, get outdoors, be active, enjoy nature and not take what we have for granted.”
Learn more at ActivateOurIsland.ca and connect on social media using #ActivateOurIsland.
