Halifavourites

Rebekah Higgs' Halifax

Rebekah Higgs·Musician & DIY Influencer & TV Host & Interior Designer & Contractor12 picksMay 2026

Rebekah Higgs first made waves as the frontwoman of Ruby Jean & the Thoughtful Bees, then as a solo singer-songwriter touring across Canada and beyond. After stepping away from music, she channelled her background in marketing and TV production into DIY MOM — a Bell TV series documenting her journey renovating homes as a single mom. Today she's a full-fledged DIY influencer with nearly 100K Instagram followers and the founder of Matriarch Design & Contracting Co — offering full-service renovations, interior design, and creative consulting for clients looking to transform their spaces.

“I even turned one of her pieces of the Halifax waterfront into custom wallpaper and installed it in a living room. It brings so much character to the space.”

Ramblers

My go-to coffee shop for a chill vibe and a great cup. I love what Elly and Adam are doing with their shop — Elly creates a sweet little zine called The Ambler, and Adam curates intimate music showcases in the cozy space.

It's a true north end neighbourhood gem.

Cafe Directions Website

Mappatura Bistro

Mappatura serves up homemade Italian food that's full of heart. The calamari is to die for, the wine list is always on point, and the owners are warm and welcoming.

It flies under the radar because of its unexpected location, but it's walking distance from home — my perfect neighbourhood spot.

Under-the-Radar Restaurant Directions Website

Carrots & Crab

at Bar Kismet

The Carrots & Crab is my obsession. The carrots are dressed in a sherry vinaigrette that brings the perfect tang, and the crab is rich and buttery.

It's one of those dishes I crave out of the blue — and I keep going back for it.

Favourite Dish Directions Website

Mexican Chocolate

at Dee Dee's Ice Cream

The Mexican Chocolate flavour is spicy, chocolatey, and totally crave-worthy. I love that I can pop into Dee Dee's in my old North End neighbourhood on a sunny day — or just grab a tub from the corner store.

Bonus: no one else in my house eats this flavour, so it actually lasts in my freezer!

Ice Cream Directions Website

Reformer

at The Pilates Barre Halifax

I've been working out with Erika Ferguson for 10 years, and Reformer Pilates at her Hydrostone studio has changed my life. It's helped heal old injuries from years of music and renos.

Erika is a phenomenal teacher, and I'm so excited the studio is back after repairs and ready to welcome first time reformers.

Fitness Studio Directions Website

Renée

Renée has been doing my signature ginger hair for the last five years, and she nails the colour every time. She's also a Davines educator — an organic, Italian product that I swear by.

I trust her completely with my locks.

Hair Stylist

Noggins

Noggins is my go-to because it's so well curated — with tons of local produce, snacks, and dips from Nova Scotian vendors I love. It has all the basics, plus some delicious extras, and it's walking distance from my house — so I'm there all the time.

Grocer Directions Website

Aquakultre

Aquakultre's soulful sound and amazing beats always lift me up. There's something contagious about watching someone sing with a smile on their face — it just radiates joy.

I love his energy, his message, and how deeply he supports the Africville community. His story of redemption — overcoming a troubled youth and beginning to write music while serving time as a teenager in prison — is deeply inspirational. His journey and music are powerful reminders of what's possible.

Local Musician Spotify

Matt McMullen

Matt has never let me down — whether he's capturing one of my home spaces or taking a portrait of me, he just gets it. His eye for light, mood, and detail always brings the best out of the moment.

His gentle disposition would put anyone at ease, and that comfort shows in his photos.

Photographer

Emma Fitzgerald

I love how Emma captures the quirkiness of Halifax in her drawings — her work has such charm and personality.

I even turned one of her pieces of the Halifax waterfront into custom wallpaper and installed it in a living room. It brings so much character to the space.

Artist

Urbanbutter Creative Group Inc

I shop here twice a year and always come away with something unique. People constantly ask me where I got my outfits — most are one-of-a-kind samples that aren't sold in stores.

It's funky, fun, and the prices are amazing.

Sample Sale Directions Website

Osprey's Roost Butchery & Provisions (Getaway Farm)

This is where I stock up on beautiful local meats — and the best-kept skincare secret: beef tallow. A $4 tub goes on my face and body, and it's been a total game-changer.

Celebs like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton swear by it for reversing aging… and honestly, I get the hype.

Butcher Directions Website