Retail Therapy
Finding Hidden Treasures in Sidney: Part 1
If you askd most people to picture the shops in Sidney, odds are they would imagine Beacon Avenue, the location of Treat Street, the Christmas Parade and the summertime Thursday markets. But the side streets, from the waterfront up, are full of hidden gems – all worth exploring! Park at one of the free three-hour parking lots around Sidney and let your journey begin. Start the day at Seaport Place, home of Victoria Distillers. Fight the urge to indulge in sampling the gin – you have some walking to do.
Cross the road and checkout the latest in eco-fashions and specialty items at Ecotopia. Walk next door to enjoy the fascinating gemstones and jewelry at Mineral World and the Scratch Patch – great for kids, and for presents for your friends.
Next up is 2nd Street where you will find two of my favourite stores – the luxury consignment clothing store, House of Lily Koi. Expect to be warmly greeted and given tips on everything from shoes to hats to accessories. Next door is like falling down a rabbit hole and coming out in England.
Chef on the Run makes a full range of homemade pies. Try a pasty for $3.15, or a warmed-up steak and kidney pie and pretend you are standing in your favourite local pub. Don’t leave without picking up a jar of pickled onions and some Rose’s marmalade. Stroll next door to the
Green Door Thrift Store, one of Sidney’s many fun thrift shops – perfect for treasure hunting.
Feet starting to hurt? Cross the road to Sidney Nail & Spa, soak your feet in a warm footbath, and indulge in a pedicure and manicure. Looking for a forever memento of Sidney? 2nd Street Tattoo is right next door.
Heading along 3rd, the next cross street, check out Connections – a trendy consignment store for serious brand-name bargains. Over the road is Beauty by the Sea. Book yourself in for a new look and a bit of pampering.
Next up is Lolly Gobble. Willy Wonka himself would be impressed with the endless variety of sweets and chocolates.
Cross Beacon again, order a set of new blinds at Outlooks Design and ask Paula for a home-interior update consultation.
The Haunted Bookshop, founded in 1947 is directly across the street. Reputed to be the oldest bookstore in the region, I could spend hours browsing their leather-bound tomes. It is impossible to leave without finding a book you “must” own.
A very special hidden treasure is right next door: Dig This and Muffet
& Louisa. Cross the threshold and keep on walking. It’s like an Aladdin’s Cave of gardening supplies and accessories, house-dressing decor and kitchen must-haves. There’s even a Secret Garden at the back where real flowers and veggies flourish.
Sidney has eight cross-streets, so stay tuned for Part 2.
After all those steps and retail therapy, you can now indulge in that gin tasting.
For a complete list of Sidney’s businesses, visit: distinctlysidney.ca