My Big Day Downtown: Doggie Style
Recently along with 30 others I was given a $100.00 Visa by Downtown Halifax and asked to spend a day and the money any way I wanted to. There were only three rules, it had to be downtown, it had to be legal, and it had to be documented. What would I do?
One of my earliest childhood memories of New York was a limo pulling up to Bloomingdales. The door opened and to two perfectly coiffed Afghan hounds with elegant leashes and collars emerged. They were followed by the longest legs I had ever seen rising from luxurious stilettos. Endless as they scissored out from the back. I couldn’t tell you what the woman looked like, my eyes weren’t focused on anything above dog height. I was spellbound. The legs quickly followed the dogs through the welcoming doors and past the doorman. No one stopped them. It was true, anything was possible in New York, even dogs could shop in style!
My excitement wavered as I thought to myself that such a thing could never happen at home.
A lot has changed in Halifax since my childhood dreams of shopping with my dog. Many downtown shops and services allow dogs these days. Savvy retailers understand that the way to a dog lovers heart (and wallet) is to welcome their furry companions in.
My Big Day downtown would be with my dog Kitty and our favourite friend Gail.
It would be a day filled with style.
We began our day at Government House, home to the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Until recent restorations this side of the beauty was hidden behind a solid fence.
First things first, a walk along the waterfront.
It was a hot day and Kitty insisted on checking out Bishops Cellar for a break from the heat.
Kitty sniffed out a quick suggestion of Jim Jim (the down under dog) 2006 Barker’s White then went straight to business with her friend Matt.
The real reason Kitty loves Bishop’s Cellar? The dog treats.
Lunch at a Mano.
We found a table at the end of the patio where other customers wouldn’t be bothered by a dog and there would be plenty of shade. We came at the end of lunch so it wouldn’t be as busy.
Going downtown with your dog is a two way street and other people should be considered. Unsupervised and obnoxious pets are as welcome as unsupervised and obnoxious children. The difference is it’s easy to throw a dog out.
People watching.
decisions, decisions
Caesars’ for us and water cheerfully delivered for Kitty. I brought a collapsable bowl for the dog so staff wouldn’t have to find one.
Everyone’s happy.
Perfectly cooked calamari.
Pizza Prosciutto e Rucola~ Tomato Sauce, mozzarella di bufala, prosciutto, arugula, drizzled with chili oil, parmigiano.
A considerable dent in my budget. Good thing I like window shopping.
No trip downtown would be complete without a Harbour Hopper sighting. These amphibious vehicles are filled with tourists and locals alike traveling along land and sea.
Next it was off to Bark and Fitz…………….
Liver treats for all. Christine is the owner and a dyed in the wool dog lover.
An entire case of speciality dog treats to choose from. Kitty ended up with double dipped biscotti and a pig’s ear. Yum!
Cutting across the Halifax Public Library grounds is always interesting.
Kitty toys with this young hound.
These pooches weren’t the only hot dogs around…..
Artists gather to paint on the Public Library lawn.
The Black Market is impossible to miss.
Incense
And Henna.
Bobbles and beads at The Black Market.
Attica has the largest selection of quality home furnishings and extends a welcome to all including four legged friends.
A little farther downtown on Granville Mall is our favourite Gallery Page & Strange.
Owned by Victoria Page and Victoria Strange this gallery features world class artists.
It was so hot out that Kitty found herself lost in this winter scene by Jack Bishop- dreaming of cooler days to come downtown.
Victoria Strange shows Kitty a work by Tom Hammick an artist we already have at home on a much smaller scale.
We headed down Granville Street with a stop on the corner at Urban Cottage
Urban Cottage is a treasure trove of other peoples stuff from fine antiques to junk. All at reasonable prices. I often find treasures in here.
These chairs could be really great in the right space and at under $15 each they’re high style for students. Orange is one of the hottest colours right now.
I’ve always been fascinated by the iron work on The Bank of Nova Scotia. Located on Hollis Street this building is an architectural gem.
Back up the hill to Argyle Street known for its nightclubs, restaurants and this next treasure.
Biscuit General Store is filled with kitsch and contemporary fashion.
Hannah strikes a pose as I purchase some “fashion” shades.
New sunglasses to show off and it was time to meet a friend for drinks at The Economy Shoe Shop.
Drinks with my Twitter friend @bradfraser at The Economy Shoe Shop patio. Kitty was tucked in a shaded spot with lots of water.
Brad and Kitty play on Citadel Hill.
From 1749 Halifax was one of four principal overseas naval stations in the British Empire. Citadel Hill was part of a defence system built to protect our port. It’s view plane to and from the harbour is still protected. Citadel Hill has been both the first and last view of Canada to many.
At the end of wonderful day exploring downtown Halifax with Gail and Kitty we ended our day where we began. This time the other side of Government House.
It was a day filled with dogs and with style.
Thank you Downtown Halifax.
