The Luna Pilsner collection from NovaScotian Crystal.

THE BAR IS OPEN

• It might be a little clunky to get on the plane home, but it’s worth arranging the shipping for the Umbra champagne chiller at Attica on Barrington Street. An elegant throwback, it’s a stylish addition to a home bar.

• Drinks just taste better in an elegant crystal glass, and few know that better than the craftsmen at NovaScotian Crystal on George Street. Case in point: the elegant and functional Luna Pilsner collection.

Unique crafts abound at Bogside Gallery.

CRAFTY CREATIONS

• Amidst the bustle of Spring Garden Road, Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia boasts a wide variety of locally made crafts and gifts—works from 140+ Nova Scotian craftspeople. The selection includes pottery, pewter, woolens and more.

• In the stylish Hydrostone neighbourhood on Young Street, Bogside Gallery is an award-winning retailer, with many unique pieces you just won’t find elsewhere.

• In the Historic Properties on Upper Water Street, Handsmiths specializes in “extraordinary” jewellery, hand-crafted by Canadian designers. The store also showcases works by artisans in a variety of media.

Antique treasures at Finer Things on Agricola Street.

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

• Hailed by The New York Times as “a destination not to be missed,” Finer Things Antiques and Curios on Agricola Street is Halifax’s largest antique shop. It’s jammed with antiques and collectibles from dealers around Nova Scotia. The selection includes 19th-century furniture, mid-20th-century retro items, sterling silver and much more.

• Just down the street, Geddes Furniture and Antiques also boasts an array of antique furniture, plus the store’s own custom creations.

Locally made gifts at Jennifer's of Nova Scotia.

MADE IN THE MARITIMES

Every item in Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia is made locally. Some 143 Nova Scotian craftspeople provide products for this charming shop on Spring Garden Road. From pottery to clothing to handcrafted jewellery, it’s the perfect spot to find a distinctive memento of your visit to Nova Scotia.

The Cuisipro Scoop & Stack at Cucina Moderna.

KITCHEN CUPBOARDS

Serious foodies know that you can never have too many kitchen gadgets—and it’s a safe bet you’ll discover something new at Cucina Moderna in Dresden Row Market. This summer’s coolest offering? The Cuisipro Scoop & Stack works with a simple twist and lift action to create cylindrical scoops of ice cream, perfect for stacking or crafting creative desserts—kids will love it.

STYLE POINTS

Looking for the perfect piece to complete your look? Check out Boutique Joliette on Hollis Street. It specializes in Canadian jewellery, handbags and accessory clothing for fashion savvy shoppers. Browse through a selection of vintage jewellery, designer bags by Ashley Watson, handmade jewellery by Peter Bauer and much more.

Fresh Atlantic lobster at Clearwater and Fisherman's Market.

TASTE TO TRAVEL

Want to share some of that famous Maritime seafood with the folks back home? If they’re packed properly, you can easily get just-out-of-the-water Atlantic lobsters—or other seafood selections—home, fresh and ready for cooking. Talk to the experts at Clearwater or Fisherman’s Market on the Bedford Highway.

Find travel literature galore at Maps & More on Lower Water Street.

5 FOR BIBLIOPHILES

• Carrefour Atlantic Emporium in the Historic Properties: Not a bookstore per se, but carries a nice selection of Atlantic Canadian titles.

• Bookmark on Spring Garden Road: The neighbourhood’s last independent bookstore; a mix of bestsellers and local- interest works.

• John W. Doull Bookseller on Barrington Street: Two storeys of used books; rare titles; very knowledgeable staff.

• Woozles Children’s Bookstore on Birmingham Street: Canada’s oldest kids’ bookstore; tons of fun and educational titles.

• Maps & More on Lower Water Street: Looking for travel books, maps and atlases? Odds are good that you’ll find what you need here.

NEEDLING AROUND

If you’re the crafty sort, head to Barrington Street to visit The Loop Craft Café. This knitter’s haven offers fine yarns, creative patterns, a welcoming space to sit and knit, classes, expert advice and more.

Fashions for men at Dugger's.

LOOK SHARP

Dugger’s Men’s Wear on Spring Garden Road is Halifax’s shop of choice for the fashion-conscious man. And with the latest hot looks from Canali, Hugo Boss, Diesel and many other internationally acclaimed lines, it’s little wonder why.

Distinctive jewellery designs at Fireworks Gallery.

Image © Julé Malet-Veale

GLITTERATI

• Fireworks Gallery on Barrington Street: Old World designs, specializing in Canadian diamonds and recycled gold, plus artisan jewellery from Canadian, American and Italian designers.

• Belgium Diamonds on Upper Water Street: Atlantic Canada’s largest selection of premium quality diamonds, handcrafted award winning designs in yellow gold, white gold and platinum.

• Trinity Jewellers on Quinpool Road and in Park Lane: Canadian diamonds set in gold, platinum and silver, custom work and repairs on site.

Custom jewellery designs at Fireworks Gallery.

Image © Julé Malet-Veale

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Fireworks Gallery on Barrington Street is a must-visit destination if you’re serious about jewellery. Marrying Old World techniques with cutting-edge technology, the on-site goldsmiths and jewellers design peerless pieces.