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.

Wool 'n Tart is a cute little yarn store/bakery on the main strip in Wolfville. It's small, but it…read morehas a good selection of some beautiful, colourful yarns. I spent quite a bit of time squishing everything in sight while chatting with the owner, who was very friendly and knowledgeable. They are affiliated with the Gaspereau Fibre Shop in the middle of wine country, just up the road from Main Street. Prices are reasonable and it would be a great place to grab a chocolate and knit for a spell. Just don't get the chocolate on your project. ;-)

I was truly excited when this business opened. Not only can I purchase fresh bread, and desserts…read moremade locally but I can feed my knitting habit as well.

After shopping at many locations on my week-long tour, Hags on the Hill was a refreshing change…read more The merchandise, from local artists, is up the scale from usual tourist shops. After looking at several jewelry and woven items, I settled on a clever picture made from items found along the shore.

I can't believe I've never been here before because this is everything I want in an arts and crafts…read morestore. Not only does it carry gorgeous local art from some of my favourite artists, but they also do workshops and classes. I believe the post them on their website, but I heard there's a book binding one coming up that I would love to go to. When I went last weekend it was because I wanted to meet Amy of Friday55 (one of my favourite local artists) and I ended up learning how to do some embroidery while there. It was really lovely! The Lunenberg Makery was also there showing how to do felting, but I ran out of time to learn that one because I was loving embroidery so much. I think I've found a new favourite hobby. The Trainyard General Store is one of those stores that is completely community-oriented, and I adore it. It's a bit hidden on Portland Street, so a keep an eye out for the sandwich board pointing you in the right direction.

From the owner: Unique and practical handmade goods…read more Workshops led by the Makers whose goods are in store are offered weekly.

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 a cozy little tea house with a spectacular view of the ocean beaches. The food is all…read moreprepared on site and served to your table with that lovely home feel. They only accept cash so be prepared when it comes time to pay.

There is not much else to say about this store except it is pretty special!…read more Ditto to all the other reviews and comments. It really is a place you have to go for yourself. I do not think there is once spec of room left in the store to put anything. It is jammed packed! The staff are great and friendly. We went there to look for a few of the games we like. It is true , most people probably walk by not knowing what is on the other side.

If you have kids this is a place to go when you want something fun and interesting and even…read moreeducational. Taking my son there when he was smaller we purchased many items from this location and he still have two of these today. This is a store that is for the Hobbyist. Not only do they have games for kids they have fun and interesting they have hobby kits for adults. Ship making kits was something that was very interesting. Puzzles and paints fill the walls and ready for that little one to make something special from. Honestly this is a store that is different and unique and a must see for all to enjoy and learn. Can you honestly put a price on education? This store is a bit pricey but like I said my son still has two of the games and he is 22.

Well, you can't always find what you're looking for. The same goes for this little art supply…read morestore. Never mind the colourful sign indicating its whereabouts, you still have to enter through doors prior to the shop and manoeuvre your way through the small halls with low ceilings. But hey, once you've found it, you'll always know how to get there. Okay, difficulty locating it aside, this is a pretty nice little art store. It isn't too big so you don't feel overwhelmed by different gadgets, but it still has all the necessary tools for the true artist. Sadly, that isn't me. I didn't know where to look or where to even start. Lucky for me, it is small so there wasn't much room for getting lost. I ended up finding something that seemed like what I needed, but when I asked the clerk if it would be suitable for my project, he simply responded with, "I don't know." That was all. I was hoping for a little more help than that. I think he could sense I wasn't the artsy type and therefore snubbed me a bit. Even when I asked a couple more questions his response was always the same. I didn't feel too confident about my project after that. At least I know I can find this place again if I ever decide to try another project. Perhaps I'll be given a different answer than, "I don't know," to any question I may have.

This is an exciting little shop that can be easy to miss. Concealed in the depths of the Granville…read moreMall and predominately frequented by NSCAD students, this is a space available to anyone and everyone with the artistic will. Its just a tiny little thing, but packed with a wide variety of art supplies and books of the art related. The store lay out is straight forward and well maintained, making it easy to find what you're looking for. I've found they can run low in stock on special items throughout the school year if there's a NSCAD class requiring specific materials. But most of the time they are pretty good for having things on hand. They have a lovely selection of paper. From Mayfair to more exquisite, textured Japanese papers... certainly a highlight for me! From all the basics to the more nit-picky tools, the NSCAD Supply Store has a well rounded body of product and at reasonable prices. There are also certain items they keep behind the counter, so if you're having trouble finding it, ask an employee! The books are mainly there for classes, however if you're interested in learning some art history or teaching yourself photography, the selection offers a great platform for some self education! I'd recommend this store for all creative individuals around the city!