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.

If anything you just have to stop in here and take a look at the floors they are truly amazing. 120…read morecoats of lacquer make them shine like you are looking in a mirror. This is my favourite store in Chester and a must when I go visit family. It is truly beautiful and filled with unique items. I love all the pretty dishes and just neat items that are displayed in the back of the store. Glass wear and balls hand in the window with crystals that when the sun hits them are truly fabulous. Jewelry is a must I think in all locations of Chester but Warp and Woof have some big chunky pieces that are really different. Anything from candles to handmade bags you name it this place has it. As well I see that they brought in a section of photos and art work. And as you know me by now I love a bargain so behind the door when you walk in they have a clearance rack and this weekend I purchased some really cool hooks so that my son does not throw his towels on the floor hint hint. Please make sure that this is a must see when travelling in the beautiful Chester area.

What not to love about Warp and Woof. Eclectic wares, colours that jump out at you. Items you…read moremust have, one of a kind pieces of jewelery. If there is anywhere that you can find that different gift, it is here. Give yourself enough time to browse through this store.This is a large store with everything you can imagine. I have bought a few things from here and enjoy every-time I go. The staff is great and the floors, well, I think you can put your makeup on in them, the shine is that polished.

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.

Have a Yarn recently moved into larger, brighter premises and is now possibly the most perfect yarn…read morestore in Nova Scotia. Okay, it's not inexpensive to shop here, but if you're serious about textiles, knitting, crocheting and the like, it is possibly yarn heaven. The colours and textures of the yarn make you want to build your yarn stash in a really intense way. They have a wonderful assortment of top end yarns (including local yarns), roving, needles, notions and patterns. The knowledgeable staff are very helpful to novice knitters (they really helped me a lot when I started knitting) and give great advice. They run a number of wokshops every month on different topics, and there's a weekly Knitting Afternoon on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm where you can chat, work on your projects and enjoy the company of fellow knitters.

The store was beautiful and well lit. The owner was extremely helpful and the selection of hand…read moredyed yarn was wonderful. There was something for everyone and at every price point.

I'm new to Nova Scotia and until the other day, I thought customer service people, without…read moreexception, were kind, friendly and helpful. The other day, I entered the store and asked a tall, older, grey haired woman behind the cash if they have any sewing kits. She pointed to a kit hanging right across from her and 1 look at it tells me don't buy it. Terrible quality and contents. I then walk around the store looking for thread and needles (1st time in the store). No one is around to ask for help although I'm really nearby the woman at the cashier. I choose what I think I need (turns out to be wrong) and while I'm waiting to pay, I see a selection of sewing kits on a table near the cashier. Why didn't she point these out as well? Perhaps, she was having a very bad day. It just left me annoyed and surprised.Good selection of fabric though and other supplies, not so much for just regular sewing needles, it seems.

There's remarkably good selection at this store in spite of their limited space. I buy as much as…read moreI can here because it's an important resource for the area's sewers, quilters and needleworkers, and I don't want to lose it. Basic fabrics are well-represented, especially quilting fabrics and upholstery/drapery fabrics, as well as all the accessories and equipment one needs. There's a small but good selection of general craft items, paints, glues and beads. Best of all is the staff. With a few exceptions, the staff are knowledgeable and very, very helpful, and the manager is outstanding.

The Teazer is, and has been for many years, my hands-down favourite shop in Mahone Bay. Tucked away…read moreby the gas station on the main drag out of town, this charming blue homestead is hard to miss and not to be overlooked. Packed with hundreds of items for the home, the kitchen, the pets, the kids, the babies, the fridge, or even the wardrobe, there really is something for everyone in there. While not everything is locally made, a good chunk of the stock has been and the store staff are happy to point you in the right direction if you need help finding it. Don't miss the 'bargain basement' in the adjacent garage where you can find great steals. Just hit up the ATM at the gas station for cash before you go - this section can't accept plastic.

Super cute store! They have every nic-nac imaginable for gifts, home, friends, a hostess, kids,…read moreetc. Could be a bit overwhelming so take your time to walk throughout the store. I highly recommend you stop in if in the area. You're bound to find something for someone if not for yourself.

Lovely store in Lunenburg selling paintings by a local artist. I love that all the art depicts…read morescenes from around the Lunenburg area. The artwork also shows you how life was like during simpler times. We bought a few prints to enjoy at home and to remember our time in Lunenburg. Very affordable prints that were great as souvenirs as well!

We paid $25 for a reservation. Face verified same day for time. Arrived early. Restaurant…read moreclosed. No call to us at all. Never in 40 years of dining has been so dismissive and disrespectful. "OH, you must not be on the right time zone" like we've traveled internationally for 40 years. They may be great or maybe they are what they are to us. No shows.

The best food! Quaint little shop and restaurant. The music was soft. The view was beautiful. You…read morecan see the lighthouse from the top floor tables. The fish and chips were fresh halibut. So good. The Hodge Podge was a root vegetable soup in a cream sauce. So, so delicious. The hot chocolate was real chocolate and topped with cream.