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.

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.

This is not the store it once was. It is a messy, sad shadow of its former self. The consignment…read morehas taken over, and it's all overpriced, underwhelming and dated. The passion for the business just isn't there.

From the owner: Women's Fashionread more

The Market is certainly not a "centre d'extortion". Funny though. Rick and Michelle, along with…read moreHector (RIP), and everyone else involved in the early days, human or otherwise, were nothing short of awesome. Forty plus years of awesome in fact. The new owner is equally as cool as Rick, although there is no canine presence, which is probably a good thing in the PC world we seem to live in now. The new store is completely different from the old Market but also quite the same. You can still buy papers, bongs, flags, t shirts, pins, buttons, and much more. Records are back too, in a big way, and there are even turntables available (not always). Remember, this isn't 1985, and this isn't the flea market. The prices reflect that. Get over it and enjoy yourself inside this gem of a shop, and bring your blunt smoking/record buyer friends too.

Love both locations of this store. I love supporting local businesses, and Made in the Maritimes…read moreallows you to support a local business ... by supporting local businesses. Yes, their wares can be pretty expensive, especially some of the beautiful wall art on display, but it reflects the effort, talent, time and money that goes in to producing handmade items on a small scale. And there are some lovely things here: jewellery, yarn, wood crafts, candles, treats, and of course the artwork. They have something for just about everyone on your gift list. Staff are friendly and helpful at both locations, and I don't think I've ever left empty-handed.

From the owner: At Made in the Maritimes, we support over 200 local makers. There has never been a better time to…read moresupport local business in the Maritimes and across Canada.

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.

What a terrific selection of artistic handmade items. The shop itself is a site to visit...right…read moreon the water ot Big Tancook Island. Lovely Angela will greet you and tell you about the art work she has collected and answer any questions. The special treat you get at her shop is to visit with RUBY the pot bellied pig....black, cute, loveable, comes with a pink bow and loves her belly scratched. Has a piggy door to her little yard....Angela just opened this wondrous place two months ago and coming from Arizona, in the U.S. it was a welcome stop on our visit to Nova Scotia. FIVE STARS FOR ANGELA and RUBY!!

A delightful renovated gift store, grocery store and cafe along a sleepy riverbank quite close to…read morethe 103. The story we hear is this place was bought and renovated by a "supported living association" and the association's volunteers, staff and clients operate it for the benefit of the association. We stopped in for soup and sandwich. The folks are friendly, the service solicitous and the tables have fresh flowers. We had the mushroom soup (served with a yummy but salty biscuit), the club sandwich (with real turkey) and the local pork sliders. All were carefully prepared and delicious. We did not have room for dessert but the "four cheesecake bites" looked amazing when served at the next table. This place is definitely worth a detour.

Such a cute little restaurant with great food. Wasn't to busy when we arrived, but apparently it…read morecan be. Might want to make a reservation if you can. Had a great view over looking the river, adding to the cozy atmosphere for our lunch. Portion sizes were more then enough to fill you up, and the ingredients were fresh and high quality. All for a reasonable price. Didn't get a chance to try their desserts as we were all full after lunch, but they did sounds very tasty. No complaints at all, will definitely be back on our next visit.

This is a well established florist that has been in business at this location a long time. Always…read morereliable and prompt.