Attention: Patio Season is now OPEN

Here in Nova Scotia we love our patios and honestly, who can blame us? When you live in such a beautiful province like we do, it would be stupid for us not to kick up our heels after a long day at the office, pop open a Keiths (or Propeller, Garrison, Big Spruce or whatever tickles your fancy) and just watch the clouds go by. So here is a list of what we think are the some pretty kick-ass patios not only just in the Halifax area, but in the province as a whole;

Your Father's Moustache - Named Best Patio by the Coast for a number of years now, this rooftop patio gives a wicked view of Halifax's Spring Garden Road and even the Public Gardens. Keep in mind that every Haligonian knows about this patio so be prepared to wait for a table on hot days - especially if it's the first few ones of the year. Typically though, the crowds will die off after a few of them and you can head up to enjoy some of the 'Stache's amazing food, atmosphere and brew selection.

Hart & Thistle Gastropub & Brewery - I believe this might be one of the largest patios in the city and it certainly is one of the prettiest. Located on the waterfront overlooking the harbour, you can enter in through the Historic Properties. The Hart & Thistle is not only a place to find great food but they brew their own beer! The brews change frequently but they have a solid stash of regular beverages as well.

Paddy's Pub - Heading a little SouthWest of Halifax will bring to Wolfville & Kentville where you can find Paddy's Pub. I remember going here when I was younger for food but was able to appreciate both the food and atmosphere so much more as an adult. After a long day of hiking Cape Split, a nice relaxing dinner on Paddy's patio is the perfect compliment to an already perfect day.

Rudder's Seafood Restaurant & Brew Pub - Make you way further south on the 101 from Kentville to take you to Yarmouth, home of Rudder's and home to the best Lobster Poutine (as informed to me by The Pubnisian). This is definitely one of the places you want to go for the ultimate Nova Scotia seafood experience.

Governor's Pub & Eatery - Taking you to pretty much the exact opposite end of the province will bring you to Sydney. Sydney is the second largest city, home to the world's largest celtic fiddle and Governor's. Here you have 2 options - upstairs is more of a traditional pub set up with some great live music in the evenings while downstairs is a bit more upscale. Regardless of being upstairs or downstairs, you get a patio, some great food and even greater views of Sydney Harbour (and the Big Fiddle).

Auberge Gisele's Inn - Stopping into Baddeck while you make your way around the Cabot Trail? Why not check this place out? Having grown up only 20 minutes away from Baddeck I never really had a reason to check it out but I've heard nothing but good things about it. Upon further investigation, I've come to learn it has a pretty sweet patio! So after a long day of exploring the trail, golfing at Bell Bay or just learning of the legend that is Alexander Graham Bell, pay a visit here for a fine dining experience.

Wabos - It started as a pizza place but it's expanded over the years. There's honestly not much room on the inside but this place is perfect when the sun is shining! Located on the main strip in Cheticamp, Wabos might possibly be the best pizza on the island. Also - the prices for their entire menu are great in general :)

The Dock - Our final recommendation for patios in Nova Scotia can be found in New Glasgow. Speak to any local from the area and they'll mention The Dock. This place has a pretty extensive history and is also one of the oldest commercial buildings in the province! If you're in the area definitely check it out and order the quesadilla.

I end this post after indulging in a little patio action myself, however this one is located in my own back yard. For those looking for some sweet spots around Nova Scotia, I hope this gives you some guidance. For others who have suggestions of their own, I encourage you to leave your comments below for others reading. Happy summer y'all!

Ace of Base ... or Burgers

A couple of weekends ago we headed out to go to a cafe to have the all important coffee and get a couple of blog post wrote, well as we  often end up doing we got off track. So instead we ended up at Ace Burger on Agricola St for late afternoon lunch. Ace is located inside Gus' Pub which gives it an unique vibe, our group had mixed feelings about the location not loving the odor of the pub itself but personally I do enjoy the way it feels like a part of the Northend community.  Ace is owned as the same family that owns Brooklyn Warehouse, and BW happens to be running a Crowd funding at the moment to improve their kitchen and if you are interesting in supporting them you can find the info over on their blog.

Nordic Skiing in New Scotland

Just one of the beautiful look off points at North Highlands Nordic XC Ski Trails.

Nova Scotia is getting hit with SNOWMAGEDDON 2013 so what better way to brace Mother Nature with a nice relaxing trek in the woods. Am I crazy? No not really but I do believe that something has to be said about the numerous trails and pathways around the province for those outdoorsy people – Welcome to the wonderful world of Nordic Skiing in New Scotland.

Paper or Plaskett

There's a reason that I love this town. Well there's several but my favourite at the moment is  Joel Plaskett. Sonic Concerts just announced that the ECMA  nominated Joel Plaskett will be giving a show March 28 at Olympic Hall (my favourite new venue BTW). Tickets are $30.00 (plus tax and annoying fees) and $35.00 at the door. Just to give you that extra edge on getting tickets, pre-sale tickets can purchased here. The password is MONKEY.

                                                       

We Love The Candy Show

From Wikipedia 

I want to be best friends with Candy Palmater.

If you haven’t seen the stand up comedian’s TV show on APTN which is filmed here in Halifax then you’re missing out. She’s the new edgy multicultural version of Oprah.

Now, I had heard of Candy for awhile. I follow her on twitter and I’ve watched several youtube videos so I knew that she was a funny, funny lady but... I was two shows in and I had already laughed so hard I almost peed myself. WARNING!! If you’re a little emotional like me, some parts will also make your eyes well up with tears.

Screaming Eagles

But not the Cape Breton kind......




I shouldn't have to say this, but just in case, we have bald eagles!  Real life screaming eagles located in Sheffield Mills in the Annapolis Valley. And I am not kidding about the screaming part they... were very loud.
Last weekend (Jan 26 & 27) and this weekend (Feb. 2 & 3) the 20th Annual Eagle Watch is being held, conviently located in Sheffied Mills (Wine Country!) the eagle watch is a great way to spend a winter day.

Way too early on a Saturday morning, we got up to go get a look, and were not disappointed. 

LOCAL KIJIJI ADS

Kijiji is the best source for local entertainment when you're at work.. 

well maybe it's Youtube but if you're trying to be sneaky and not look at anything with sound.. Kijiji is the way to go. Kind of like a local Reddit

We can spend hours looking at ads on Kijiji at the stuff people put on there.. here are some of the recent good ones we've found and posted on our twitter...

$2.50 A half a Jug of Milk (It's Scotsburn in case you're wondering) - Halifax

$0.59 for a Box of Dollarama Toothpicks - only 11 used - Yarmouth

If you find any more please let us know!!