We have a real treat this week. Thanks to Trudi of Double Happiness, we are getting an amazing city guide to a very quaint Canadian city on the East coast, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Here is part one. Part two a to follow this week. Thanks Trudi!
A great place to start a tour of Halifax is down by the waterfront at the Farmer’s Market. Held every Saturday morning in a historic brewery building with a wonderful atmosphere, the market is a great place to buy food and is also home to lots of local artists and craftspeople.
A short stroll along the waterfront boardwalk will take you to Historic Properties. The restored wharves and boatsheds have their share of tourist trap gift shops, but I like to go there for the galleries – Argyle Fine Art - which has a good selection of cards, prints, jewellery and craft items made by local artists, Seeds Gallery – showcasing the work of NSCAD University students and alumni, and Gallery Page & Strange are all good places to stop.
Heading up the hill along Barrington Street, you’ll come to John W. Doull, Bookseller. Described by the owner as a “Cornell Box”, the shop is bursting with books. The shelves are metres high, and everywhere you look, there are towers of books that look as though they are going to topple over. I especially like the selection of vintage craft and cookbooks, but you’re sure to find any book you want here.
Although you could spend the day lost in the stacks at JWD, it’s worth walking up to Argyle Street to check out Biscuit. It’s a shop with clothing for men and women that you can’t find elsewhere in town, including lots of Canadian designers. You can also find jewellery, handbags, cosmetics, kitschy-cute housewares – lots of gorgeous things. The shop recently expanded to include sections devoted to kids (books, toys, clothing) and – be still my beating heart – fancy frocks! Argyle Street also has a lively social scene in the evenings, there are many pubs and bars along this strip with great outdoor patios.
A little bit further up the hill is Spring Garden Road - the city’s busiest shopping district. Just off Spring Garden is Love, Me Boutique – a shop devoted to handmade goods by independent Canadian designers. Walking into the shop feels like visiting a friend -owner Chara Kingston has decorated the shop like a chic apartment and stocked it with gorgeous things. The first time I visited, I was so thrilled to finally see in person work by many of my favourite bloggers and Etsy sellers. Chara is also extremely supportive of the local arts and crafts community and offers classes taught by her suppliers.
Nearby you’ll find Elsie’s - a treasure trove of vintage and quality used clothing – you never know what you’ll find here.
A short jaunt down the street will bring you to The Loop – a wonderful shop for knitters chock full of beautiful yarns and tools. It’s a welcoming space with a loft where you can sit and knit with goodies from Ciboulette café next door. Best of all, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to help (hopeless) beginners like me.
Carbonstok is a great new shop featuring contemporary, environmentally friendly products. The design of the store has a cool industrial edge, and it’s fun to browse all the quirky and unique wares.
As gathered by Trudi of Double Happiness Designs
doublehappiness.ca
doublehappiness.etsy.com
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