Photo: Jeremy Tsang
Bring some new flavours into the kitchen by visiting Liquid Gold, located at The Hydrostone Market on Young Street. Take a look at the assortment of flavour infused olive oils, bath and beauty products, gourmet oils and other olive items this shop has to offer. Hard to choose just one? The tasting bar has samples of more than 40 balsamic vinegars and extra virgin olive oils available.
Theordore Too in Halifax Harbour
Kids’ reactions are always priceless when they stroll down Cable Wharf and see the giant smiling tugboat in the big red hat. Theodore Too is a loving life-sized re-creation of the eponymous Theodore Tugboat of PBS fame. Hop on board for a tour that lets your kids live the Big Harbour adventures they’ve seen so many times on television.
Nautical adventures continue at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Lower Water Street. With lots of hands-on exhibits and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great spot for kids to explore and learn about the Titanic, swashbuckling pirates and the world wars. You can see shipbuilders at work and explore a retired hydrographic vessel moored dockside.
Just up the hill on Barrington Street, the Discovery Centre is a hands-on science centre where kids can explore trippy optical illusions, stand inside a giant bubble and even freeze a banana in liquid nitrogen.
A delicious pasta dish from Cafe Chianti
Café Chianti on Barrington Street serves up a hearty menu of Northern Italian fare with fresh seafood, lamb and duck dishes. Their extensive wine cellar includes varietals from Chile, Spain, Argentina, South Australia and, of course, Italy.
Da Maurizio on Lower Water Street, three-time winner of the CAA Four Diamond Award, is known for its impeccable service, wine list and northern Italian menu. Indulge in antipasti such as Scampi Alla Marchese or Muscoli Alla San Remo. And don’t forget the desserts like tiramisu, sorbetti, and trio di brulee.
The Loop Craft Cafe
Visit The Loop Craft Café on Barrington Street and pick your favourite colourful yarns from the shelves. This spot has a large selection of wool, crochet hooks, knitting needles, embroidery kits, colourful thread, patterns and more. Local products include spindles, glass buttons and needle felted animal sculptures.
For a creative spin, drop by Dartmouth Yarns. Located on Queen Street in Dartmouth, this store has the knitting tools you need, whether you’re a beginner or pro. Choose from a wide selection of yarns, knitting needles and more. Looking to start a new project or hobby? They also have kits for making bangles, yoga socks, silk purses, scarves and hats.
A Highlander stands guard at the Halifax Citadel.
MARITIME GOTHIC
With centuries of history, a city gets its fair share of mysteries and folklore. Explore the city’s more sinister side with the Halifax Ghost Walk. Meet the group at 8:30 p.m. at the Old Town Clock on Citadel Hill (just up from Sackville Street). Narrators lead you through historic Halifax’s nooks and crannies, sharing tales of pirates, ghosts and haunted houses.
WIDE OPEN SPACES
At the south end of the peninsula, Point Pleasant Park is a popular year-round destination. Ocean-side and woodland trails draw hikers, bikers and runners in any weather. The park also hosts productions of theatre al fresco with Shakespeare by the Sea throughout the summer. In the midst of the downtown on Barrington Street, the Old Burying Ground is a secluded historic cemetery. It’s also notable as the resting place of British Major General Robert Ross, who burned Washington, D.C. in the War of 1812. Uptown on Spring Garden Road, the Halifax Public Gardens are one of the finest Victorian gardens in North America. In the summer, its bandstand hosts Sunday afternoon concerts. Across the harbour, the Dartmouth Common is a green oasis with splendid views of the Halifax skyline.
CENTRE STAGE
The region’s largest professional theatre company, Neptune Theatre on Argyle Street, wraps up another season with another blockbuster. Continuing through May 26, Legally Blonde: The Musical stars Halifax-born Lindsey Frazier as Elle Woods, in a Broadway re-invention of the Hollywood hit.
LOCAL HARVEST
From Lonely Planet to the Montreal Gazette to The New York Times, Halifax draws constant praise as a premier culinary destination. In the Guide to Dining you’ll find listings for a tremendous variety of restaurants. And discover where Halifax’s talented chefs find their inspiration: the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market on Marginal Road. Fresh-baked goods, savoury snacks, artisanal cheeses, award-winning Nova Scotian wine and produce aplenty—you’ll find plenty to entice.
TIME TRAVEL
Still the geographic (and emotional) heart of the downtown, the Halifax Citadel is Canada’s most popular National Historic Site.
In Halifax’s early days, citizens were notoriously unpunctual. The solution, courtesy of an early noble, was the Old Town Clock on Sackville Street.
You can shop and dine where privateers once stashed their booty in the Historic Properties.
Discover a long line of sports heroes—most recently, Sidney Crosby. Learn more: Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame on Duke Street.
Devastated in the Halifax Explosion almost a century ago, the area now called The Hydrostone has regrown as a stylish neighbourhood with unique architecture, quaint shops and world-class dining.
DAY TRIPPIN’
Centrally located, Halifax is an ideal day-trip base. Take a 45-minute drive east, and you’ll find the Memory Lane Heritage Village, a living-history museum that re-creates life in rural Nova Scotia as it was 70 years ago. Or, take a 45-minute drive west, and you’ll find the historic fishing village of Peggy’s Cove. Its iconic lighthouse, perched on the rocks just above the wild Atlantic waves, is Nova Scotia’s most photographed site.
Beauty and the Beast plays a five-show engagement May 24-26. Photo: Joan Marcus
May 9: Acclaimed roots singer/songwriter David Myles, fresh off a collaboration with rapper Classified, plays the Dalhousie Arts Centre.
May 10: Steve Patterson, host of The Debaters on CBC Radio brings his This is Not Debatable tour to Halifax.
May 12: The Saint Cecilia Concert Series wraps up another season of celebrating classical music with a matinee concert at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts on Chebucto Road. Musician-in-Residence and cellist extraordinaire Shimon Walt performs, joined by his colleagues in the Rhapsody Quintet. Their varied repetoire includes a show-stopping rendition of the rock standard “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
May 15: One of the godfathers of outlaw country, Merle Haggard is enjoying a renaissance of late, releasing a string of critically acclaimed songs. He performs at the Halifax Metro Centre.
May 17 to 19: Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Blue Nose Marathon has plenty for both experienced runners and newcomers to the sport, including a youth run, a 5K and a 10K. The full marathon begins at the Old Town Clock on Sackville Street on May 19. It runs past Halifax Citadel, through the North End, back through the downtown along Barrington and Hollis streets, around Point Pleasant Park and back up to the Clock.
May 24 to 26: The classic Disney fairy tale Beauty and the Beast comes to life, as the touring version of the Broadway production plays a five-show engagement at the Halifax Metro Centre on Duke Street. Young fans will love the opulent costumes, detailed sets and familiar music.
Editor’s Choice
May 27 to June 9: The Scotia Festival of Music, Atlantic Canada’s largest annual celebration of chamber music, returns with a roster that reads like a who’s-who of chamber-music scene, including conductor Kenneth Woods, pianist Lynn Stodola, violinist Robert Uchida, cellist Denise Djokic, trumpeter Richard Simoneau, Composer-in-Residence Tim Brady and many more.
Bookmark. Photo: Michael Hamm
Visit Bookmark, an independently owned bookstore, on Spring Garden Road, for a wide selection of books, maps, stationery and more. Browse through the themed sections, including travel, current affairs, history and beyond. Can’t find what you’re looking for? You can even place a special order online.
Brain Candy Toys on Bedford Highway is full of fun and educational books, games and toys for little learners. Locally owned, it first opened in 2010. “We strive to be a source for educators, parents and children to find products that keep them unplugged, inspired and entertained,” says the website. So check out the toys that are piled high and explore what this store has to offer.
The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Bar
Halifax’s first desserterie and bar, Middle Spoon on Barrington Street, is the perfect place for those with a sweet tooth. Indulge in fresh desserts like Chocolate Lava Cake, Peanut Butter Pie, New York cheesecake or a create-your-own sundae. The cocktail menu is just as decadent with choices including the Ruthless Ruby, Obsession and Pretty in Pink.
Fans of cheesecake will love Broadway Cheesecake Co. on South Park Street. But these aren’t your traditional flavours. Try tastes like apple caramel, Baklava, cherry crumble, chocolate banana rum and Reese Peanut Butter Cup. Or you can sample the pies or cupcakes. The menu also serves a selection of savoury sandwiches.
Top comics from across the country and around the world headline at the Halifax Comedy Fest.
Darrin Rose
The joke’s on Halifax this month, as the Halifax Comedy Festival returns to the city. Things kick off on April 24, as Bob Marley hosts the Opening Gala at Casino Nova Scotia on Upper Water Street. A 15-year comedy veteran, Marley (not to be confused with a certain reggae star) has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Joining him at the gala is Dana Alexander, a veteran of comedy clubs across the country and a mainstay of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. Look for local talents like high-energy Halifax comedian Nikki Payne and acerbic Peter Anthony, a native Nova Scotian now based in Toronto.
There’s more action at the Casino on April 25, as it hosts Comedy All Stars. Smart and spontaneous, host Caroline Rhea is a beloved sit-com actress (Sabrina, The Teenage Witch and The Drew Carey Show), with a comic resume the length of your leg. The roster also includes many local favourites, such as Darrin Rose (from the shot-in-Halifax sit-com Mr. D), Scott Thompson (one of the original Kids in the Hall) and John Wing (a CBC Radio regular). Also on April 25, Yuk Yuk’s on Hollis Street hosts a showcase of top local comics, while the Seahorse Tavern on Argyle Street features Nikki Payne, Charlie Demers, J.J. Whitehead and more.
On April 26, the Dalhousie Arts Centre is the hottest Friday night spot in Halifax, welcoming the Gala of Laughs. Acid-tongued Mark Critch, best known as one of the hosts of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, hosts. Several of the week’s popular comedians, like Wing, Payne and Anthony return to the stage, but the main-eventer is Brent Butt. His sit-com Corner Gas was a Canadian TV institution. His stand-up act is more of the same: witty, sharp, insightful and intelligent. You’ll find more live comedy tonight at Yuk Yuk’s on Hollis Street.
On Saturday afternoon, April 27, there’s a Halifax Comedy Fest matinee on the waterfront, at the Lower Deck in the Historic Properties. Debra DiGiovanni (Video on Trial) emcees. Featured comics include Erica Sigurdson, John Sheehan, Graham Kay, Tony Krolo and Graham Chittenden.
Later that day, festivities move back to the Dalhousie Arts Centre for the Gala Finale. This rollicking show celebrates some of the week’s top comics, with Mark Critch returning as host. Scheduled performers include Debra DiGiovanni, Erica Sigurdson, John Sheehan, Darrin Rose, Lachlan Patterson, Tony Krolo, Graham Chittenden and Graham Kay. Finally, Yuk Yuk’s wraps up the festival with a Saturday night show (starting at 10:30), showcasing Patrick Haye, Jeff Elliott and Phil Hanley. Surf to www.halifaxcomedyfest.ca for more details.
Sugar Shok Candy Boutique
If you’re craving sweets, check out Sugar Shok Candy Boutique. Located on Portland Street in Dartmouth, this funky spot opened last fall. It features a large assortment of classic candies, bubble gum, cake pops, chocolate and more. For something a little different, treat yourself and try the ChocoBacon (yes, chocolate dipped bacon). The store also has party accessories, funny greeting cards, neat knick-knacks, gifts and candy bouquets.
Susie’s Shortbreads is the place to be for cake and cookie fans. Located on Dresden Row and Bayers Lake, this sweet spot has a daily cupcake menu jam-packed with flavour. Try the lemon zinger, white chocolate raspberry or peppermint patty, to name a few. The red velvet is only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so plan your week accordingly. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available. Prefer a cookie? Bite into a toffee chocolate chip or coconut vanilla.
For a quirky candy store experience, check out Freak Lunchbox. First founded in Halifax in 2001, this popular shop can be found on Barrington Street and the Bedford Highway. With circus-themed décor and colours galore, it’s a great place for kids—and kids at heart.
Pizza at Piatto. Photo: Paula Bugden
The taste of Napoli makes its way to Halifax at Piatto Pizzeria + Enoteca on Morris Street, the only VPN-certified pizza in the Maritimes. Try a slice of Neopolitan-style pizza, all made with fresh ingredients including San Marzano tomatoes grown in the volcanic soils of Mount Vesuvius, and baked in a wood-burning oven. Pair it with an Italian wine.
Tomavino’s on South Street offers a relaxed, romantic atmosphere and great pizza, too. Pick up a six-inch pizza or a half nine-inch pizza with Caesar salad for lunch. For dinner indulge in the pizza vongole with baby clams, artichoke hearts, fresh roasted garlic, Parmesan and Alfredo sauce. Vegetable lovers can savour the pizza primavera with tomato sauce and three veggies.
For night owls, visit Freeman’s Little New York on Quinpool Road. Open seven days a week until 5 a.m., Freeman’s menu offers New York-style pizza with choices including Manhattan, BBQ chicken, Philly Cheesesteak and Greek.
Editor’s Choice:
Jennie Dobbs, owner of Morris East on Morris Street, takes some of the best local artisanal products and transforms them into creative dishes for every palate. Lunch and dinner menus include organic salads, unique appetizers and sandwiches and thin-crust pizzas baked in the wood-burning oven. The menu for Saturday and Sunday brunch offers wood-fired eggs, house-made bagels, and vanilla pear soufflé pancakes.
Pendants and other jewellery are available at Aiktens Pewter.
Handmade pewter collectibles, décor, tableware, jewellery, ornaments and more are the specialty at Aitkens Pewter in the Historic Properties on Upper Water Street.
Close by on Lower Water Street is Amos Pewter, where you can watch pewter being cast and learn about the company’s award-winning designs. Buy a gift or something for yourself on site.