Pat Roach's Halifax

The John Dunsworth mural on Quinpool Rd. leaves me speechless to this day. It means more than I can explain when I see my best buddy immortalized on a wall in the city that he loved. I always take visitors to see it because it's so special to me.

I love to visit the Dingle — it reminds me of my parents. Back when they were dating, my dad would take my mom there for picnics, and now I like to take my wife there as well.

I hate picking favourites because the HRM has such an incredible restaurant scene, so I'll say current favourite. But I've eaten my fair share of burgers over the years, so I feel pretty confident when I say that Side Hustle Snack Bar makes one of the best smash burgers I've had in a long time. Honestly, everything I've eaten there has been incredible, but that burger… I'm not ashamed to admit I've been back on numerous occasions!

I walk every day with my wife and honestly, it's one of the best things we do for ourselves. Good for your physical health, mental health, heart, soul… all of it. We switch it up between neighbourhood walks, parks, and trails, but my favourite spot is Shubie Park. Seeing all the dogs running around off leash, just living their best lives. It's hard to beat!

I Love Pho is incredible. The staff is so friendly, the pho is amazing. One of my favourite foods is pho, and they quickly became my go-to spot!

I've been going to Mizu since they opened. The selection is so good and the staff is always so nice.

Micmac Tavern has always been a go-to spot for a good meal. You know you're going to get a big supper for a reasonable price.

A go-to for visiting friends and family lately has been Salt & Ash. Everyone we bring is blown away by their pizza and can't stop talking about it. It's also a great way to show off the Halifax harbour to visitors on their patio.

The internet can be a fairly negative place, so I personally love following creators who make content that just makes people feel good. Jax is exactly that, I mean if kindness was a person, it would be Jax. I love the way she showcases the genuinely wonderful people we have in the Maritimes with her phone calls. It's so funny, and so sweet, it's absolutely genius!

I've been loving listening to Esdaile lately. I finally got to see them live recently and they absolutely blew me away. The crowd was going wild, and it became pretty clear fast that they're not just talented musicians, they're real performers. They may be playing local spots right now, but it honestly feels like these guys are only getting started.

I spend my summers fishing on some of our many lakes! We are lucky to be surrounded by so much water. Some people have to drive hours to get to a good fishing spot, but here I can leave my house and have my boat launched within 20 minutes.

As for my secret spots? I can't share my favourite lakes because I'll never be alone again.