On my Sunday walk in Chester I came across this little whimsical store called Lucia. Walking into…read moreall these locations just the architecture of the buildings interests me. In-scents and holders to beautiful journals fills the racks. Beautiful candles and holders as well. Pieces of pottery are stattered around the store. In the back they do have a small section of PJ's and pillows all created by locals. It is just beautiful to stop in and who knows you might find something you love, I know I did.

On a recent drive along the Lighthouse Route, we stopped in Chester to wander a little and enjoy…read morethe last of the Fall weather. And I'm so glad we took the detour because we discovered this most awesome shop. I've listed it under art galleries, because it is filled with art. Art by local artisans in particular. From fabric and paper, to glass and pottery, each piece is a masterpiece. And if that doesn't get to you, they also carry scented candles and my favorite Tangled Garden herbed jellies. Sometimes you'll find fused glass serving platters and dishes that will brighten any home. Even if you don't use them and only place them in front of a window, you will instantly smile when you glance their way. By the way, I also fell in love with handmade purses and jewellery, and I can't wait for our next trip along the Lighthouse Route to get another fix.

Dots & Loops combine everything that I love about Inkwell, the Independent Mercantile and Duly…read moreNoted into one beautiful shop. I've only actually been once, but it was enough to make me swoon. I mean...I've been following them on social media for ages and have drooled over their photos, but now that I've been inside, yep, it's love. I love that just about everything in the shop is made in Canada, and there is so much love for local Nova Scotian artists too! I could have bought a car full of goodies - Rifle Paper Co journals? Adorable prints? Jewellery dishes shaped like woodland animals? And then the jewellery itself that is just so gorgeous, it's hard not to want a little bit of everything. The store is packed full of goodies in every space available, but it doesn't feel cramped or crowded. The set up is perfect for browsing in a crowd (even though I was there in the off-season). I can't say enough about this charming shop! I can't wait to go back.

Just. YES. After a…read moreday of shopping the south shore, inundated by stereotypical 'maritime' crap that I just can't get down with, I almost let out an audible cry of happiness when I walked into this brand new addition to the Lunenburg scene. The modern, open and bright space really let the products on the shelves shine rather than forcing customers into an awkward stumble through overpacked aisles of random nick-knacks. Within seconds of seeing all the inspiring and adorable prints, handmade pillows and stuffed toys, quirky greeting cards and stationery, and tons more, I knew I was in trouble. Much like a similar store in Halifax (Love, Me Boutique), I just wanted it all. And that's okay...because every purchase helps support a legitimate local artist or crafter which makes me feel MUCH better about gift-giving than just picking up your average mass-produced 'Authentic Nova Scotian' anything. Besides, there were so many great products available for less than $20 which makes it easy to do some damage without having to hate yourself for it later. I will absolutely be back. Hopefully soon and often.

Place is totally unreliable, don't open in time and close hours before they advertised to be…read moreclosed. Had some antiques to sell, the owner told me the person doing the china is coming in later, she would call me to make an appointment, left my number there on two different visits, never got a call. If you are not interested just say it and I can go somewhere else.

I love this relatively new shop in downtown Lunenburg. The same folks used to run the shop of the…read moresame name in Mahone Bay -- this version is big, bright and full of vintage and antique treasures of an extraordinary range and price points. Truly something for anyone I think, who enjoys antiquing, from clothes and jewelry to furniture, ephemera, old tools and china. And the ice cream's good, too :) A great addition to Lunenburg.

This is one of the nicer arts and craft stores in Mahone Bay. There are some local and area…read moreartists who sell their wares here. The shop is centrally located in the town.

Lovely shop with a smart line of women's clothing, handbags, jewelry and locally made crafts and…read morewind chimes. The store is large. Parking is always an issue in this beautiful historic village, but this shop is near the city lot on the waterfront where public bathrooms are also available.

Put a downpayment for a replica lighthouse and then got ghosted, no response from business and a…read moredisconnected number.

I've worked with Vito for years suppling materials for him. His products are of superior quality…read moreand he puts great pride in the work he does. I would definitely recommend him if your looking for local crafting work!

For some reason each time I go to Chester this is a must stop for me. Why I am not sure... Located…read moreon the main drag of Chester it actually looks like a house attached to a beauty salon. Walking in you can tell the age of the location as it has that old smell as it reminds me of frenchys with the cloths in bins. Some of them are hung up on racks etc: dresses and coats. I will say they do work hard with trying to fold them neatly but you know those people that love to come and make a mess. I do stop in there as sometimes there can be that rare occasion where something will surprise you.

I am greeted by the sweetest little pup of life. Digger, a soft ball of fur and playful puppy of 5…read moremonths, is the owner's pet and boutique doorman. Learning the ways of retail, his cuteness is the perfect way to begin this endeavor. What a sweet little shop. Although its been open for about ten years, I'd only recently learned of Wildflower from an acquaintance. Its confines are currently dressed in soft, breathable garments and assuring color palates. (Periwinkle, charcoal, rose pink, nude, and flecks of colour amongst it all!) Its actually a breath of fresh air, and a different variety from other independent boutiques in the area. I was elated to discover the accumulation of Free People frocks, which is probably my favorite [semi] affordable brand of all time. The owner mentioned that they would be getting more in soon-- whoo hoo! The overall stock seems romantic, flowing, and of excellent taste. Cute tops, rich fabrics and cuts are here for the taking. I think its safe to say that Wildflower has Bohemian Romantic down. The owner of the shop offered me genuine conversation and an easy shopping experience. I was the only patron at the time, so we chatted as I browsed. There was no pressure, no facade-- just good conversation and a shop full of wonders. After much swooning and chit-chat, I know this is a boutique I can dig. Besides the clothes, there were also some pretty neat accessories. I'd say the owner of Wildflower has a great eye. Understated, funky, classic and bohemian looks are all fused into one cohesive collection. All you need is a paycheck. xo

Wildflower clothing has a pretty nice selection of trendy clothes for women. The only down side to…read morethis little boutique across from the Clyde Street NSLC is the cost! This store is pretty tiny though and they do manage to have a reasonably sized sale section. Very nice staff! Check out the hand bags! Expensive but just the right size: Big enough to carry your laptop, sweater and a few grocery items without looking as though you carry your home on your back like a snail. Mainly leather too! Really the only downside to Wildflower is the cost but check them out for their sale rack and accessories!

This is a great Frenchys. If you're visiting from away you may not know that Guy's Frenchys is a…read morechain of great thrift stores spanning Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. They focus on used clothing, but you can also buy used books, oddments and a few housewares here. Frenchys is much cheaper than Value Village and smells better. The location in Bridgewater is huge, friendly and packed with bargains. I know many well-dressed people who dress themselves almost entirely from Frenchys, and dress well. I often find myself costuming shows, and Frenchys is an important source for that, too.

What caught my eye for this place was the little knight standing right outside. I was a little…read moredisappointed that there weren't more fantastical items, it was mostly touristy things. I was kind of expecting a store similar to Little Mysteries before I walked in. The items they did have were nice and they also sold swords (yes, swords with dragons on them).

This really is the strangest little shop on the South Shore…read more.. Nestled in on a street of mostly predictable purchases for the area-nautical this, tartan that-Bluestone is three-quarters maritime souvenirs, one-quarter mystical, magical, fantasy collectibles. And I don't just mean pictures of Stonehenge here, people. We're talking sexy witch figurines complete with clear sight-lines up their skirts, swords and daggers, and all kinds of things ranging from legit pagan books, to Dungeons & Dragons decor. Now, just because there's a solid representation of other-worldly stuff, that's not to say they don't have a really good handle on your typical tourist souvenirs. There's all kinds of east coast must-haves like lighthouses, seagulls, seashells, fishing ropes and nets, postcards, books, keychains, shot glasses, and the whole lot. Strange? Sure. But all in all, an easy place to do your necessary gift shopping for the folks back home. Including that awkward nephew who spends too much time in the basement.