Years ago, Point Pleasant Park was extremely important in defending Halifax. It had several artillery batteries, the remains of which can still be seen today. Constructed by the British in 1762, Point pleasant battery is one of the oldest fortification batteries. Over the past few centuries, the batteries have endured various military attacks, as well as storms. What is still left of Point Pleasant Battery today is mostly from the 1900s. Remains of a  Martello Tower, also built in the 18th century, can also be seen today in Point Pleasant Park.

One interesting, fun fact about Point Pleasant Park is that it is currently on a 999-year long lease from Great Britain. The city of Halifax currently pays a rent of 1 shilling (about 10 cents) per year.

During warmer months, Point Pleasant Park hosts performances by the Shakespeare By the Sea theater company. Shakespeare by the Sea performs several Shakespeare plays a season (during summer 2010, for example, Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar, and Treasure Island were ont he playbill), as well as family-oriented matinees. This has been a favorite activity for Haligonians and tourists for seventeen years. For more information regarding performances and times, click here.

With its beautiful views and serene landscape, Point Pleasant Park is a wonderful place for celebrations and events.

For park rules, hours, and telephone numbers, check out the park’s website here.

[image: J. Elliott]

The Shoe’s atmosphere and decor make it unique among other restaurants and bars. It has tropical plants hanging from the walls and light fixtures, dripping candles, and vaulted ceilings. With its multileveled rooms and different nooks and crannies to choose from, the layout of the Shoe gives it a charming sense of privacy. The Shoe features live jazz shows on Mondays and readings from local literati on Tuesday evenings. There are also art shows every months that feature works by local artists.

Many people tend to rave over the Shoe’s menu. The Shoe’s famous Shoe Shop Nachos are a favorite among tourists and regulars alike. Other snacks and starters include fish cakes, hummus, spring rolls, and flambed shrimp. Its menu also features a variety of tapas and sandwiches, as well as high-quality entrees. All of the dishes are delicious and fairly-priced.

Be sure to check out The Shoe’s website for information regarding live music and readings. Other information, including prices, hours, and directions, can be found on the website, as well.

[image: Paul Joseph]

Il Mercato has some of the best Italian dishes in the city. It features an extensive wine list and diverse menu, which adapts to the changing seasons. To start, diners select antipasti from the deli counter in the front of the restaurant. Afterwards, choose from a variety of focaccia sandwiches, thin crust pizzas, pastas, soups, and salads. Main courses, which range in price from $20-$25, include Pan seared haddock, veal scallopine, almond and gremolata crusted halibut, and basil pesto crusted Atlantic salmon. For those who aren’t big fans of Italian food, don’t be alarmed – there are non-Italian entrees, as well. Desserts at Il Mercato are irresistible. During the summer, Il Mercato features delicious and refreshing flavors of handmade gelato, such as amaretto, passionfruit, lemon, mint chocolate, and blueberry.

Il Mercato Trattoria is open every day of the week except Sundays. Reservations are not accepted, so it is advisable to arrive fairly early in order to secure a table. For hours, phone numbers, and other information, check out Il Mercato’s website here.

[image: Rubber Slippers in Italy]

The townhouses that now comprise The Halliburton were originally private residences in the 19th century. The hotel is named after Sir Brenton Halliburton, who served as the first Chief Justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court and resided in one of the townhouses. Today, The Halliburton’s guests enjoy drinking coffee and tea in what was once Sir Brenton Halliburton’s library.

The Halliburton has twenty-nine unique, individually decorated  guest rooms and suites that vary in layout, size, and number of beds. Some of the rooms have fireplaces, and others have balconies overlooking an enclosed courtyard and garden. Each room has amenities including air conditioning, cable television, WiFi, telephone, coffee and tea makers, and an iron and ironing board. Like any true bed and breakfast, The Halliburton offers a complimentary breakfast every morning.

The Halliburton’s premier restaurant, Stories Casual Fine Dining – which is popular with both travelers and locals – features creative regional cuisine (“East Coast Fusion”) and an extensive wine menu in its intimate dining room. Some of the items on the menu include grilled darne of salmon on baby bok choy with red pepper almond romesco, roast bison tenderloin, and grilled yellowfin tuna. During the summer, guests enjoy light meals in the hotel’s garden courtyard. In the fall, diners sit inside in the hotel’s library near the fireplace.

For directions, phone numbers, and other information, visit The Halliburton’s website here.

[image: Charles Hoffman]