Find premium quality stones at Belgium Diamonds.

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Belgium Diamonds, in Purdy’s Landing on Upper Water Street, boasts Atlantic Canada’s largest selection of premium quality diamonds, emphasizing cut, colour and clarity. In the heart of the downtown on Barrington Street, Fireworks Gallery is a Victorian-style shop where on-site goldsmiths marry Old World techniques with cutting-edge design technology. Closer to the water in the Historic Properties, Handsmiths Jewellery and Fine Craft showcases a variety of unique creations from artisans across the country.

Cool shades for summer at YKN Sunglasses.

ACCESSORIZE YOUR EYES

Big, bold, and beautiful remains the hot style at YKN Sunglasses & Eyeglasses on South Park Street. Cool shades from Dior, Gucci, Armani, Versace, Rayban, Maui Jim and many others are just the thing to complete your summer look.

Jennifer's of Nova Scotia boasts a variety of made-in-the-Maritimes gifts.

MADE IN NOVA SCOTIA

Distinctive creations are the hallmark at NovaScotian Crystal on George Street. Visit the waterfront studio to watch Canada’s only makers of fine, mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal transform molten sand into functional works of art.

You’ll find the perfect memento of your visit at Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia on Spring Garden Road. Marking its 30th anniversary this year, it offers an array of made-in-the-Maritimes crafts and gifts, including pottery, pewter, woodwork, jewellery, clothing and accessories.

Travel-friendly styles from Tilley Endurables.

TRAVEL GEAR

As seasoned travellers know, the right clothes make all the difference. That’s why styles from Tilley Endurables are so popular—they’re light, hard to damage, easy to clean and wrinkle-resistant. Check out the new summer collection at shops around Halifax, including Colwell’s, Island Beach Company, the Trail Shop and the gift shop at Pier 21.

The Rockwood Mendocino Ultra Double Chaise at Backyard & Veranda.

BETTER HOMES

Sprucing up your home this spring? Try one of these hot new home-and-garden products.

• Attica on Barrington Street features European-styled outdoor furniture that is waterproof and UV protected against fading.

• Caffeine junkies must visit Cucina Moderna in Dresden Row Market and Sunnyside Mall. Its Saeco Primea Touch Plus boasts a colour touch screen and memory for favourite four customized coffee beverages.

• Made of Indonesian teak, the Rockwood Mendocino Ultra Double Chaise at Backyard & Veranda is a beautiful addition to any outdoor space.

• A mohair throw from Henhouse, in The Hydrostone, will give your furniture a bold, colourful new look.

• Also in The Hydrostone, Topiary offers stylish earthenware plates with four lodge-inspired motifs.

Be the hottest thing on the beach, with fashions from the Maritime Campus Store.

BACK TO THE BEACH

Want to make a splash on the beach? Bandeaus are hot, with rich jewel tones, geometric prints and shiny bling. Check out the one- and two-piece styles at the Maritime Campus Store on Quinpool Rd.

The Loop specializes in fine yarns and related tools.

KNIT WITS

If you’re a knitting aficionado, Halifax is the right city for you. Downtown on Barrington Street, The Loop Craft Café specializes in fine yarns and knitting accessories. Get a snack and a hot drink and relax as you work on your latest creation. Also downtown, in Barrington Place, Kreative Knits & Designs offers countless patterns, designer yarns and more. Further north, in The Hydrostone on Young Street, LK Yarns Inc. also offers supplies aplenty, plus expert advice.

Stores like Premier Wine and Bishop's Cellar stock a variety of Nova Scotian wines.

POP A CORK

If you’ve been following the Canadian wine scene in the last few years, you already know that Nova Scotia’s wineries have burst onto the scene, drawing rave reviews and several awards. Find offerings from popular Nova Scotian wineries like Gaspereau Valley, Domaine de Grand Pré and Jost downtown at the Bishop’s Cellar on Lower Water Street or Premier Wine and Spirits on Brenton Street.

Atlantic News was recently lauded as the country's best magazine retailer.

THE WINNER IS...

The rest of Canada has discovered one of Halifax’s favourite newsstands. At the recent Magazines Canada conference, Atlantic News on Queen Street won the Retailer of the Year award. Presenters lauded the shop for “proudly supporting Canadian magazines and going the distance to provide customers with access to diverse titles.”

Try a relaxing massage at Interlude Spa.

SPA ESCAPES

• Interlude Spa boasts the seven-hour Interlude Indulgence, featuring a body mask and massage, facial, manicure and pedicure, finishing with a haircut and style and make-up application. Locations in downtown Dartmouth and at the Marriott hotel.

• Located in Park Lane on Spring Garden Road, The Summit Day Spa & Wellness Clinic is a relaxing escape in the heart of the city. The Summit Mini Vacation includes a facial, mini-pedicure, massage and a gift from the spa store—all in 90 minutes. Summit also has a location at Sunnyside Mall in Bedford.

• One of the city’s newest spas, Embrace Spa on Parkland Drive is gathering a loyal following with top-notch treatments like the Ultimate Spa Revival: a body scrub, facial, plant Pure-Fume steam bath, massage, hand and foot relieving treatment, plus shampoo and style.

Explore the city with a tour from Itours Halifax, downloaded onto your Ipod.

AT YOUR OWN PACE

Looking for something to help you explore Halifax? Itours Halifax offers an innovative new service to help you. Just load the tour onto your digital-media player and visit 20 Halifax landmarks as you listen to commentary, facts and anecdotes from notable locals. Download your tour at several downtown hotels, Opa Greek Taverna, Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery and other locations.

Custom furniture at Geddes on Agricola Street.

LOST TREASURES

• Downtown on Hollis Street, Stoneleigh Antiques & Jewellery specializes 19th- and 20th-century furniture, and offers an array of anituqe and estate jewllery, with pieces from across Canada.

• On Agricola Street, Geddes Furniture and Antiques offers historic treasures and custom-made furniture designs. The friendly staff will arrange shipping within Canada and the northeastern U.S.

• Just down the street, you’ll find Finer Things Antiques and Curios. It’s the city’s largest antiques shop, hailed by The New York Times as “a destination not to be missed.”

Considered Canada's best comic shop, Strange Adventures has appeared in two issues of Superman.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Hailed as “Canada’s Best Comic Shop” by Reader’s Digest, Strange Adventures on Sackville Street has even appeared in two issues of Superman. Don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you—this shop boasts an array of comics, graphic novels, toys and much more. You don’t need to be a kid to appreciate this place.