Oh, how we love The Oval. It’s officially the highest concentration of smiling people in HRM. Finally, the Common is alive, as is the spirit of winter. And while we’re talking spirits…here are some great places to grab a drink or two after you’ve skated yourself silly.
jane’s on the common
Carefully cross the icy Common and be rewarded with a steaming mug of jane’s homemade hot chocolate. Even better, try their butternut hot chocolate complete with a kick of amaretto and butterscotch schnapps to satisfy your sweet tooth and your freezing fingers.
2394 Robie Street, 431-5683
Seasons by Atlantica
With renos freshly finished, this front-row, centre view of The Oval is looking pretty swanky. Warm up here or simply sit back and watch skating enthusiasts go round and round during their happy hour from 4:30-6pm daily. And keep your eyes peeled come February: Seasons will be in full-gear for the Games with a calendar full of events and specials.
1980 Robie Street, 490-3331
George and Lito’s
This cozy, friendly neighbourhood joint has affordable eats to warm your tummy, and for the month of January they’ve got a different martini for five bucks everyday.
2196 Windsor Street, 405-3542
This article appears in Jan 20-26, 2011.