The New York City based daytime talk show, ‘Live with Regis and Kelly’, arrived on PEI a few days ago to set up production and all of PEI is taking notice. The crowds are huge, as are the expectations for what this visit will do to increase PEI tourism and recognition for Canada’s smallest province in the U.S. "Many people simply do not know that PEI exists", said Robert Ghiz (PEI’s top politician) in a recent interview. The PEI government has been strongly critisized in recent weeks for shelling out about one million in tax payer’s funds to lure the highly rated U.S. morning program to do four shows on Canada’s Island Paradise, but PEI tourism officials stand by their decision to bring Regis Philbin and Kelly Rippa to the Birthplace of Confederation and hope the move will be a panacea for the Island’s sluggish performance as a tourist mecca in recent years.

Others question the wisdom and performance of PEI Tourism officials for maintaining ‘The Gentle Island’ advertising campaign that has been widely critisized as unimaginative and ineffective in recent years. There is little doubt that the ‘Regis and Kelly’ show will have a positive impact  to some degree. Future statistics will show if the effects will be long lasting or simply ‘fly by night’, but thousands of people are embracing the excitement. Some may  argue that it’s simply a ‘Hail Mary Pass’ late in the fourth quarter and not a more elaborate initiative designed to provide a well defined marketing strategy- time will tell.

Amazing views of the local rolling hills greet you as you enjoy your morning coffee. This gorgeous property provides an opportunity for an idyllic country lifestyle and could be easily adapted to operate a `Tea Room` or B&B in the adjacent barn. Situated directly beside the `Confederation Trail` in this picturesque village, it`s the perfect escape from the busy world. Retire in peace or raise your children in safety with great schools within close reach. And it`s been tastefully renovated in recent years. Even the septic and roof shingles have been recently updated. This `Jewel` in the friendly and quaint village of Emerald could very easily be your piece of PEI paradise.

 Call Hamish today to view this special property. 902.218.0496.

Title of ‘Canada’s Island Paradise’ Goes to Island Province of PEI!

The remarkable Title of Canada’s Island Paradise has been awarded to Prince Edward Island for a second straight year. The competition is as tough as ever with beautiful islands from coast to coast to coast all vying for the trophy, but somehow PEI continues to beat out popular west coast Islands, including Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island, which have threatened to take the lead. Prince Edward Island seems to capture the title when all of its merits are weighed, including beyond par golf courses, warm waters thanks to the shallow Northumberland Strait, larger than average lobsters, world class theatre, and the most affordable seaside real estate in Canada or the U.S. It truly is a magical environment, and despite a strong effort from Baffin Island in the North, PEI came up aces again in 2010.

Congratulations to Prince Edward Island on its second win and good luck in 2011. The award is granted annually in a secret ceremony in early April at an undisclosed location somewhere on the winning Island. Premier Robert Ghiz was not available for comment, but a close associate was quoted as saying, "I’m honoured to hear about the award and believe we have a good shot to capture the title again in 2011", which will be an election year for the young PEI premier.

Amazing PEI Tourist Business FOR SALE BY OWNER

Where in the U.S. or Canada can you find a gorgeous sea view B&B with 4 renovated cottages a stone’s throw from a gorgeous beach for under 500K? That is the 5 million dollar question. And 5 million is what this established seaside tourist business would cost on the east coast U.S or BC Coast.

Come to Canada’s Island Paradise and run a ready to go ‘turn key’ summer business near the greatest golf and swimming beaches in North America.

 Call Hamish Today at 902.659.2778 for details and realize your PEI B&B dream in time to benefit from this year’s already established cash flow! ‘Come Home’ to the Island!

‘Come Home’ to the Island  -copyright of Live the PEI Dream. 2010.

PEI is rich in great musicians and a thriving music scene. There must be something in the well water. Sarah Sandford is one of the young ones who will definitely see a growing fan base as the years progress. The petite songstress has a big heart with lots of passion for her music and what she does best. Sarah writes most of her own music, which ranges from melodies about life’s tribulations, to belt it out rocker chick mayhem!  A brilliant talent on five instruments, a jaw dropping voice, and she’s just getting started. Look out for this wild lass down the road. This much talent in one petite package comes with just enough attitude and is destined for great things. Check out the song above and feel free to contact this website to learn more about this PEI Talent.

PEI Web Virtual Tours-  An Essential Marketing Tool

No one would ever consider having a website without at least one photograph. It would seem odd and be a waste of a visual medium that is meant to showcase your product and develop business leads and sales. In fact, most web sites are strategically designed for best effect and include a large number of appropriate photos and art work. Well, the time is now upon us that is seeing the wide use of video in on-line marketing to better illustrate our services and capture the imagination of the intended audience. After all, this is a highly visual medium and video is the next logical step.

Web Virtual tours have been used in real estate for quite some time, but mainly in major markets and with higher end listings due to the initial high cost. Prince Edward Island is only now seeing a move in this direction and PEI Realty TV & www.LivethePEIdream.com offer short, affordable videos in high quality digital format for home owners who wish to sell their properties privately. PEI Real Estate agents are also able to market their listings on the website. The only thing worse than having no video option is to have a video that is poorly shot and edited. A quality digital camera should be used and it should appear to be professionally filmed (no shaky bits), and include captions, narration, and/or music to enhance the mini-production. People judge a video instantly and a certain level of professionalism should be achieved. After all, image is everything.   

A video on PEI Realty TV is affordable, custom designed and edited according to specs, and will achieve results in this highly competitive PEI real estate market.

Call Hamish at 902.659.2778 to learn more about showcasing your PEI property in high quality digital video on www.LivethePEIdream.com. The video can also be integrated into other websites and placed in a PEI MLS listing (if applicable). Prices start at only $250. Get the edge on the other listing in this competitive marketplace and sell your property this year.

1. The above average size of PEI’s lobster (No one can honestly say size doesn’t matter).

2. Prince Edward Island sunsets. (second to nowhere)

3. The Golf on PEI. (Sean Connery agrees)

4. The cost of PEI seaside real estate. (Best deal in Canada or U.S.)

5. Bothwell beach near Souris, PEI. (Check it out)

6. The PEI Potato (Especially the organic spud)

7. The entire works of Lucy Maude Montgomery. (No one would know of PEI otherwise)

There are so many options for the visitor to Prince Edward Island. You can stay at five* Inns, rustic B&B’s, hotels, motels, or maybe you want to tent it at Lord Selkirk Park in Eldon, which is located about thirty minutes east of Charlottetown just off the trans Canada. It depends on your budget and on the type of PEI vacation you’d like to experience. Is it all about being near the mini-putts and go cart tracks that characterize the bustling Cavendish  north shore, or do you come to PEI to experience the natural flow of the lifestyle, less crowded beaches, and maybe some clam digging on an endless sand bar at low tide?? Different strokes for different folks, but whatever you seek, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Canada’s Island Paradise.

Have a look at some of the videos on the site to learn more about PEI holidays and places to stay. And feel free to call or email with your questions if you’d like some inside information.

The PEI Hobby Farm Dream

There are so many people living urban lives who, either openly, or very secretly, have the fantasy of living on a small hobby farm in rural PEI. Maybe it’s from watching too many ‘Road to Avonlea’ reruns with Sarah Polley and quietly wishing for a less chaotic way of life, but I know you’re out there. I get calls and emails everyday from people in Alberta or BC or Ontario or Europe asking about small plots around five or so acres with an old farmhouse and a barn and an outbuilding, so they can keep chickens and a few sheep. 

Life in the city is getting a little less safe and maybe just too busy. A lot of people get to a certain point in life and simply want to simplify. Maybe it’s the dream of running a B&B, the desire for clean air, or maybe a wish to stop fighting traffic in the daily commute? It’s understandable though. We weren’t really designed to live in a concrete environment. Some love it, but some need that five acres and a trip back in time. The good news is Prince Edward Island property is still a great deal and coming to PEI is like traveling thirty years in the past.

Get in touch today if you secretly or not so secretly wish to flee the urban chaos for a more simple lifestyle on Canada’s Island Paradise. Affordable hobby farms still exist! I am always happy to talk about PEI with anyone who wishes to learn more about this amazing Island. As far as I’m concerned, It’s Canada’s Island Paradise. Call Hamish any time 902.659.2778.

Prince Edward Island has some amazing homes tucked away in quiet coves along the shoreline and this is one of the most unusual beach houses you’re likely to find anywhere in PEI. It’s built on stilts and is located near Souris, PEI, and rents for around $4500 a week to tourists who want serious luxury on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the Island. 

The views are spectacular thanks to the stilts (actually, telephone poles) that suspend this sprawling PEI Beach Home in the air. You might want to split the cost with another family or two, but your vacation on PEI will provide memories to last a lifetime, or until you come back.

Check out the video for this PEI home on this site.