Any restaurants we should hit up while doing a day trip there the first weekend of August? Any events happening that weekend (August 5-6)?

Hello from Prince Edward Island;

Thank you for reaching out to Ask an Islander. Here on the Island, there is so much to see and so many places to enjoy fine meals. Below, I will provide one choice in each area of the Island.

If you arrive via the Confederation Bridge, make the PEI Handpie Company your first stop. They make delicious hand held pies from local ingredients that you can purchase warm or frozen for meals later on.

From Albany, if you are heading west to Summerside, visit Brothers Two or for great coffee and a light lunch, stop at Samuel's Coffee House.

Further along, mke a quick stop at Richmond Dairy Bar for a chocolate vanilla swirl soft ice cream. I hear lots of 'raves for burgers at Backwoods Burgers in Tyne Valley.

Alternatively, if you head to Cavendish from the bridge, I recommend Chez Yvonne's for good family dining with friendly staff.

In Charlottetown, there are too many restaurants to count so it's hard to recommend just one! But hey, here's a few. For fine dining, Slaymaker & Nichols Gastro House is my first choice. For take out style, go to the Chip Shack at Peake's Wharf for Lobster Mac & Cheese and top off your dinner with the innovative and delicious Apple Fries for a sweet treat.

To the east, here are a few recommendations:

• up east in Souris, the best spot is 21 Breakwater;
• in Montague, Windows on the Water or What's Good?
• in Murray Harbour, Harbourview Restaurant;
• in Wood Islands, the Whistle Stop Cafe for a great selection of gluten-free options;
• in Point Prim a stop at the Chowder House is a must.

Regarding music events, Rock the Boat Music Festival is happening at Green Park in the Tyne Valley area. There is a great lineup with Allan Doyle (from Great Big Sea) headlining Saturday and Glass Tiger and Chilliwack on Sunday. 

For ceilidhs, live entertainment and kitchen parties, check out pubs, breweries and small halls across the Island. I'm personally fond of the one at the Women's Institute Hall in Stanley Bridge featuring traditional Celtic/folk music on Saturday evening.

Hopefully, my suggestions will inspire you and make your short visit to PEI a special one. Enjoy!

Charlene