Halifax, NS for a weekend
Sep 30th, 2012, 02:13 PM
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Halifax, NS for a weekend
Seems silly writing about Halifax since I literally live 2 hours away but also work in the city during the week. However, a recent blog I wrote about a city in the US, a local responded saying thanks for mentioning things to do she probably wouldn't living in that particular city. So, I am going to write this from the perspective of a tourist 
We stayed at the Haliburton House on Morris Street in Halifax. I have stayed in every hotel in the downtown core but this one and thought we should give it a try. The hotel is made up of three historic houses. The main office also hosts a restaurant "Stories" which we didn't get a chance to try - perhaps next time. The menu is limited, but boasts very different wild meats. Our room was in the second building "Pryor House". It was located on the top floor along with one other room. Also we were in the alcove of the Inn, the room was well appointed with a sofa, two chairs at one end and then our queen bed at the other. A small but bright bathroom was just off of our sleeping area. It was extremely clean, and for $165 it also included a continential breakfast (fresh fruit, different types of breads, cold boiled eggs, yogurt, baked beans, coffee/tea). Parking was also included. Ice was available in the main house or they would deliver it to your room. Morris St. is located just off of Barrington, close to the waterfront and downtown core.
We were heading for the wine festival at the Cunard Centre, but decided to meet friends first for a cocktail. We we to the Henry House on Barrington St. We were there first, so made ourselves comfortable in the upstairs. A quaint old historic spot, we sat by the windows for a view of the streetscape. We didn't stay long as you had to order food to sit upstairs so we opted for the cozy pub in the bottom of the house. One of our party decided to try the spinach artichoke dip which was served with corn chips and pitas. It was actually quite good. The menu looked excellent and within prices of other pubs in Halifax.
The wine festival was a great way to spend an afternoon sampling wines, ports and food from Taste of NS restaurants.
Our group had grown to ten people by the end of the wine festival. We tried to get into The Keg, but they were unable to seat us. Halifax was very busy that evening, but finally we got reservations at The Press Gang. Although not all buildings in downtown Halifax are old, we seemed to be on a theme this weekend. A lovely spot, with a wonderful pianist who played throughout the evening. The place was packed, and service a little slow, but our waiter was pleasant enough. Our bill was around $160 and we each had a martini, a beer, appetizer and main course. It was my birthday, so dessert was on the house. The calamari wasn't the best I have had, but was served with a spicy dip on the side. I had the roasted warm beet salad with goat cheese. It was quite different and more than enough for one person - so I shared. I decided on the chicken wrapped in proscuitto (moist and delicious) and my husband had the special - pork tenderloin stuffed with spicy sausage. A hot banana cake with whipped cream was huge and shared around the table.
On our walk back to the Inn, we heard music from Bearly's on Barrington St. Live jazz and blues most weekends. There was a $7 cover charge, and while it is a good price to hear Carson Downey, we were tired and opted to head to the hotel for the night. Comfortable bed, quiet location, everything was excellent.
The Seaport Farmer's Market is literally a five minute walk from the Inn. Saturday is the big day, but Sunday we were pleasantly surprised to find quite a few vendors and lots of food booths. We also went to the Halifax Forum for the Sunday flea market. Not really my thing, but my husband likes to hunt around for bargains. Lots of used records, cd's, kids toys, etc. The only pleasant surprise was the vegetable booth set outside of the building. It was a gentleman who used to sell at the Sackville Flea Market years ago. He is a farmer from the Valley, and I always purchased my veggies from him. A large box of hot peppers and onions was $3.
For lunch, we met our friends again and went to the Midtown. Good food, lots of it, nothing special, but a popular spot.
All in all a great weekened in downtown Halifax!
We stayed at the Haliburton House on Morris Street in Halifax. I have stayed in every hotel in the downtown core but this one and thought we should give it a try. The hotel is made up of three historic houses. The main office also hosts a restaurant "Stories" which we didn't get a chance to try - perhaps next time. The menu is limited, but boasts very different wild meats. Our room was in the second building "Pryor House". It was located on the top floor along with one other room. Also we were in the alcove of the Inn, the room was well appointed with a sofa, two chairs at one end and then our queen bed at the other. A small but bright bathroom was just off of our sleeping area. It was extremely clean, and for $165 it also included a continential breakfast (fresh fruit, different types of breads, cold boiled eggs, yogurt, baked beans, coffee/tea). Parking was also included. Ice was available in the main house or they would deliver it to your room. Morris St. is located just off of Barrington, close to the waterfront and downtown core.
We were heading for the wine festival at the Cunard Centre, but decided to meet friends first for a cocktail. We we to the Henry House on Barrington St. We were there first, so made ourselves comfortable in the upstairs. A quaint old historic spot, we sat by the windows for a view of the streetscape. We didn't stay long as you had to order food to sit upstairs so we opted for the cozy pub in the bottom of the house. One of our party decided to try the spinach artichoke dip which was served with corn chips and pitas. It was actually quite good. The menu looked excellent and within prices of other pubs in Halifax.
The wine festival was a great way to spend an afternoon sampling wines, ports and food from Taste of NS restaurants.
Our group had grown to ten people by the end of the wine festival. We tried to get into The Keg, but they were unable to seat us. Halifax was very busy that evening, but finally we got reservations at The Press Gang. Although not all buildings in downtown Halifax are old, we seemed to be on a theme this weekend. A lovely spot, with a wonderful pianist who played throughout the evening. The place was packed, and service a little slow, but our waiter was pleasant enough. Our bill was around $160 and we each had a martini, a beer, appetizer and main course. It was my birthday, so dessert was on the house. The calamari wasn't the best I have had, but was served with a spicy dip on the side. I had the roasted warm beet salad with goat cheese. It was quite different and more than enough for one person - so I shared. I decided on the chicken wrapped in proscuitto (moist and delicious) and my husband had the special - pork tenderloin stuffed with spicy sausage. A hot banana cake with whipped cream was huge and shared around the table.
On our walk back to the Inn, we heard music from Bearly's on Barrington St. Live jazz and blues most weekends. There was a $7 cover charge, and while it is a good price to hear Carson Downey, we were tired and opted to head to the hotel for the night. Comfortable bed, quiet location, everything was excellent.
The Seaport Farmer's Market is literally a five minute walk from the Inn. Saturday is the big day, but Sunday we were pleasantly surprised to find quite a few vendors and lots of food booths. We also went to the Halifax Forum for the Sunday flea market. Not really my thing, but my husband likes to hunt around for bargains. Lots of used records, cd's, kids toys, etc. The only pleasant surprise was the vegetable booth set outside of the building. It was a gentleman who used to sell at the Sackville Flea Market years ago. He is a farmer from the Valley, and I always purchased my veggies from him. A large box of hot peppers and onions was $3.
For lunch, we met our friends again and went to the Midtown. Good food, lots of it, nothing special, but a popular spot.
All in all a great weekened in downtown Halifax!
Oct 1st, 2012, 12:36 PM
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Thanks for doing this, Tanya...I am a big fan of Henry House and find their food very good for 'pub grub'.
Next time you are in town, try Morris East for a great casual meal...not up to glamour of Press Gang, but neither is it as pricey.
You may also enjoy the Hydrostone "Market"...not a market per se, but an area of North-end Halifax that has wonderful small stores and restos, fascinating historical/architectural roots in the era of the Halifax Explosion AND a marvelous multi-generational vibe.
Next time you are in town, try Morris East for a great casual meal...not up to glamour of Press Gang, but neither is it as pricey.
You may also enjoy the Hydrostone "Market"...not a market per se, but an area of North-end Halifax that has wonderful small stores and restos, fascinating historical/architectural roots in the era of the Halifax Explosion AND a marvelous multi-generational vibe.
Oct 1st, 2012, 02:02 PM
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Thanks LJ and irecommend. Born and brought up in Halifax, but it always amazing there is so much to do and see! Morris East is great - have tried it! Hydrostone Market - although I never seem to have time when in the city, have tried some of the food places that are also present at the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning. Being a "tourist" in our own city it something we don't do enough!
Oct 6th, 2012, 11:23 AM
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Hi Tanya, loved reading your report. I lived in Hfx while attending NSCAD over 30 years ago now. Many of the places you mention were there then as well. I'll have to return for a visit myself someday soon.
