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.

I visited Lunenburg last fall and happened to walk in here thinking it would be a good place to buy…read moresome post cards for loved ones back home in Ontario. This place is a bit of a rummagey mess. It is filled to the brim with bad quality, cheesy trinkets. I suppose this isn't unusual for a touristy place such as Lunenburg. The real reason I'm writing this review is because this older man on staff, whom I can only describe as a condescending, kept trying to pressure me into buying something! ugh! If you are looking for something cute from Nova Scotia wander a couple streets up. There are some nice and unique stores with reasonable prices in that direction.

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.

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.

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.

Kept is one of those places where as soon as you walk in, you know you could spend hours looking at…read moreall of the things they have for sale. Tea, chocolates, fancy paper, cards, hand bags, home wares this is a "get all of your gift shopping done in one place" kind of store. The store is nice and spacious with a good flow to it, and is packed with goods without being over packed. It's definitely full, but not so much so that you have to sort through piles of things to find what you're looking for. Whoever does the merchandising for Kept knows what they're doing, I'll say that for sure! If you're looking for local gifts, they've got some local products in here too. I noted some local card makers up on the second floor - if it can be counted as a second floor? - and Rousseau's has chocolates there, for instance. And in the not local category, they have Rifle Paper Co. here. I'm completely in love with the Rifle Paper Co. art style, so that made me incredibly happy!

This is such a cute little shop. I could definitely spend a fortune in here. Lots of cute…read moreknickknacks, kitchen gadgets, gift ideas and so much more. I was particularly fond of all the cat themed items, being a crazy cat lady, I approve. I forsee myself doing holiday shopping here. Plus there's a squirrel on the sign and I love squirrels. Nope doesn't take much to win me over. The new location is more spacious which is great!

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.

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.