9 March Break Activities in Nova Scotia
If you have school-aged kids to keep busy during March Break and need inspiration for activities, look no further. These fun outings will help keep...
This gift-giving season, you don’t need to venture far to find that perfect present for someone special. Communities throughout Nova Scotia, both large and small, are home to a variety of locally-owned shops, boutiques, and businesses offering up unique items for everyone on your list.
Halifax and Dartmouth
Halifax is unquestionably Atlantic Canada’s top shopping destination. From big box international retailers to hyper-local markets and makers, explore the different retail areas throughout the city to find exactly what you’re looking for.
The Halifax Waterfront area offers up a variety of small boutiques like Frida Custom Fine Jewellery, Audrey Too, Bishop’s Cellar (for local wines), URBN-ish, and Sugah! Confectionery at Bishop’s Landing. Just up the boardwalk, explore the Queen’s Marque District, stopping in at Another Shop and Peace by Chocolate. Visit the gift shop at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and browse through Historic Properties.
Make your way up Barrington Street stopping at The Loot vintage clothing store, The Flower Shop, Venus Envy, Argyle Fine Art, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and Freak Lunchbox candy shop. Explore the Spring Garden Area where you’ll find a variety of clothing shops for all ages and occasions like All Dressed Up, Twiggz (for the littles on your list), Dugger’s Men’s Clothing, Wildflower Clothing, and Sweet Pea Boutique. Visit Be Gorgeous for makeup and skincare products, and House of Moda for handcrafted jewellery. Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia offers a variety of creations from Nova Scotian artisans, while Duly Noted sells modern stationery. Then stop into Bookmark for the book lovers on your list, and Sweet Jane’s for a few treats.
Quinpool Road has an eclectic mix of businesses like the Trail Shop, Finer Things Antiques, Long Alley Bicycles, Pro Skates, The Ikebana Shop, and Trinity Jewellers.
In Halifax’s North End, The Hydrostone Market area is home to Lady Luck Boutique and, Made in the Maritimes Artisan Boutique. Shop on nearby Gottingen Street, visiting The Independent Mercantile Co. before heading to nearby Agricola Street for Luke’s Small Goods, Sattva Boutique, Studio 14 Gifts & Gallery, Lost and Found, Agricola Street Books, and Local Source Market.
Cross the bridge or take a ferry across the harbour and browse the shops of Downtown Dartmouth. Audrey’s Little Shop of Plants, Casaroma Wellness Centre, Custom Curves, Kept Shop, New Scotland Clothing Company, Room 152 Clothing Boutique, Strange Adventures Comic Book Shop, and Taz Records are all sure to help cross a few things off your list!
Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg
These coastal communities are brimming with small shops and unique gift ideas. Given their proximity to one another, it’s easy to make a day of it. Take a break from shopping to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant or café before picking up a few more items.
Shoppers exploring the Chester area will enjoy browsing at Black Harbour Distillers, Nor’Easter Apparel, Seaweed Soap Company, or The Village Emporium.
Mahone Bay and Lunenburg have both developed a reputation for local shops offering up one-of-a-kind products you can’t find just anywhere. Stop into Amos Pewter, Birdsall-Worthington Pottery, Seamist Studio, Sprig Apothecary & Marketplace, Suttles & Seawinds, The Teazer, Here Nor There, The Tea Brewery, or Cosmic Hippie Boutique in Mahone Bay.
In Lunenburg, visit Down Home Living, Ironworks Distillery, Seek Gifts & Home Decor, Farrago, Jenny Jib, The Cormorant’s Eye, Pearl’s Vintage & Thrift, Mosaic Treasures of the World, Lunenburg Bound, Block Shop Books, or In the Woods to pick up a great present.
Yarmouth
Yarmouth offers shoppers national brand stores mixed with locally-owned stores. Browse the selection at Every Bloomin’ Thing, Yarmouth Wool Shoppe, Runner’s Attic, Hamilton’s Fine Clothing, The Store Next Door Gift Shop, Seahags and Scallywags, Warehouse 87 Antiques Emporium, Heritage Brewing, or Hands On Crafts.
Kentville & Wolfville Area
Shoppers in Kentville can find something special at locations like DM Reid Jewellers, Valley Stove & Cycle, Wholesum Refillery, Phinney’s, RD Chisholm Stationery & Books, Girliture, LIV Fashion Boutique, and Maritime Express Cider.
Just 20 minutes away in Wolfville, browse
- Blomidon Nurseries,
- Realm Boutique,
- The Market – General Merchants,
- We’re Outside Outdoor Outfitters,
- The Wool ‘n Tart,
- Just Us! Coffee,
- Retro Runway Fashions,
- The Wolfville Cheese Shop,
- Rainbow’s End Books & Discs,
- Jane’s Again Boutique,
- Wild Lily,
- The Clayground Studio,
- T.A.N. Coffee,
- Applewicks
Don’t miss Tangled Garden in nearby Grand Pré! Wolfville is also in the heart of Nova Scotia’s wine country. Visit one of several wineries in the region to browse their wine selection.
Downtown Truro
Downtown Truro offers shoppers an eclectic mix of stores. Visit:
- Anther & Apiary,
- Mingo Music Sales,
- Clay Cafe,
- Sandy’s Fashions for Men,
- Bambee Apparel,
- Totally Local,
- Elegant Steps,
- NovelTea Bookstore & Gifts,
- Alderberry Village,
- Honeycomb Health Market,
- Stanfield Factory Outlet and Company Store,
- My HOME Mercantile,
- Visual Voice Fine Art,
- Salty Dog Brewing Company,
- Thrown Together Pottery,
- Cooper’s Cabin,
- Silver Mint Thrift & Consignment Store,
- Inglis Jewellers,
- Hub Cycle,
- Take it Outside,
- The Trail Shop.
New Glasgow
Downtown New Glasgow features great gift ideas from Ekim Fashions & Accessories, Leslie’s Finery, Art of Divination Gift Store, Miners Apparel for Men, Henry’s Hut Hobbies and Collectibles, The White Lotus, Forge Home & Garden, Soley Shoes, Zelda’s Flower Studio, and Inglis Jewellers.
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