Economy Shoe Shop: Wooden Beams

Seafaring History Dept: FRIDAY, according to The Star. 10 p.m. Wet your whistle: Stop around the corner on Argyle Street, where there s a fine collection of bars and clubs, from the kitschy Toothy Moose to the trendy Economy Shoe Shop. Try the locally brewed Garrison Irish Red or ask one of the shoe shop s bartenders to mix something different. The restaurant serves what are reputed to be the best nachos in town. Next door is The Backstage, which features barrel-vault ceilings and faux shrubbery hanging from the walls. A popular R and B band might spark a big lineup at the neighbouring Seahorse Tavern. Economy Shoe Shop is at 1663 Argyle. www.economyshoeshop.ca . 902 423-8845 and hALIFAX We all know about the harbour here; the seafaring history and the Titanic connection. We know that what could be the most famous lighthouse in the world is just a few minutes down the road at Peggy s Cove, waiting to seduce yet more camera-toting visitors. And you may have heard of a certain local beer called Keith s. Those all are great reasons to visit the hub of the Maritimes. But there s also a delightful urban core that s got just about everything you can imagine. 7 p.m. A seafood stop: You didn t come here for chicken and ribs, so head to The Press Gang and load up on mussels in a coconut-chili-lime base. The lobster duo $42 features a good-sized broiled tail but also, far better, a generous chunk cooked in champagne and butter. It s crawl-on-your-knees-and-thank-the-chef-in-person good. The restaurant is in the second oldest building 1759 in the city, with exposed rock and brick walls, huge wooden beams and cosy archways. A nice wine list, or try a signature martini for $10. 5218 Prince St. www.thepressgang.ca . 902 423-8816. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.