the latter is a 135-roomextended stay property that is modernized to themax; the former holds 181 rooms and is,without a doubt, the nicest Hampton Inn I’ve ever seen. Always a reliable brand and offering amicable service, this Hampton Inn has an almost W Hotel vibe - sleek,modern, cool and fun, but not stuck on itself. Together, both Silverbirch Hotel properties are primed for 2016’s (and beyond) trade from the convention center just up the street.
So, too, is cute-as-a-button Danette Whalen who tours me through The Prince George Hotel, possibly the most elegant of lodging properties in the entire city. Luxurious and refined, and possessing 200-plus hotel rooms, the Prince George offers luxe surround- ings, whether it’s in one of its meeting,board or ball- rooms, or,within Gio, its highly-acclaimed restaurant.
Nova Scotia may be visited pretty much any time of year. Admittedly, spring through the fall is the most opportune season. I’m here now, in July, and it’s especially lovely – breezy (ah, the salty air!) and refreshing once the London-like fog lifts after a first day of light rains. That initial night, I go for a run and find an active city - bars along the bustling block of Argyle Street are lively (but not overly rambunc- tious), and it is an athletic city, too. I espy lots of bicy- clists and many-a-runner, like me, zipping here and there.
The lure of the Citadel draws me upward, so I take a jog along the big slope and its vast perimeter. The blanketing fog combined with the looming struc- ture’s feet-thick stone walls gives the appearance of a scene out of Frankenstein. Internally, I hearmy wife’s voice warning me I shouldn’t be alone and out so late at such a gloomy, foreboding place. “Relax,” I mentally reply. “Halifax’s center is considered very safe,even at this hour.”
The next day, however, when I’m back for a tour of the Citadel, and the sun’s shining brilliantly. I am enthralled by the stronghold’s spectacular views, and impressed by its inner spaces serving as ideal, if not historic, backdrops for meetings. Outside the parade grounds are available to planners, as well - wide-open expanses perfect for tented receptions and trade shows.
A bag-piper brays a melancholy melody that seems to float over the Citadel like a friendly old ghost…
Though I ate (and ate!) while in Halifax, I never seemed to gain a pound because it’s such awalkable city. Still, those many meals and bar hops brought an appreciation not only for the seafood-centrics of the fare there; I learned, too, that Halifax is riding a wave of culinary excellence through its chefs who
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 75
Halifax Public Gardens photo credit: B. McWhirter
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