Aside from great music, excellent cuisine and amazing sites, New Orleans shopping ranks tops for shopping as well. And in New Orleans, you’ll find all sorts of treasures tucked away in antique shops, collector’s stalls and large markets. You can even create your own personal fragrance as a unique gift.
Antiques
When it comes to antiques New Orleans shopping reigns supreme. It’s perhaps one of the largest cities with the most venues selling treasures and collections from centuries past. You might want to begin your search at the Bon Marche. This antique’s mall showcases a large number of vendors with a wide range of merchandise. You just need to bring patience, your wallet and comfortable shoes. You’ll have a great time.
You’ll also want to search for unique items at Antiques de Provence. This nationally renowned establishment stocks the best quality 17th and 18th century antiques from France. Among these you can find hand carvings, fountains made of limestone, mirrors and decorative home pieces.
But if you’re looking for larger items, Bush Antiques is the place to go. Their selection of beds and tables is astounding. You’ll also want to make time to browse through the galleries filled with art deco and mid-century lighting, mirrors and art. Don’t be afraid to move the dusty textiles covering unusual religious artifacts and accessories.
For Art Lovers
Among the jewels of New Orleans shopping is the James Michalopoulos Gallery. This world famous artist has exhibited his works in France, England, Germany and New York to name but a few. His masterpieces consist mainly of oil paintings but the gallery also displays prints of architectural landmarks.
And if you’re looking for a beautiful coffee table art book, head out to Beckham’s Bookshop. It’s been around for more than thirty years and carries 50,000 rare, second hand and artsy books. It also stocks over 10,000 CDs.
Major Shopping
When visiting New Orleans, the French Market is a must see shopping spot. It’s the oldest in the country and has an interesting history. It once served as the trading center for the Choctaw Indians. Today tourists can enjoy five blocks of great shopping with specialty boutiques, a huge flea market and the famed Café Du Monde. The latter is home to Louisiana’s coffee with chicory and the sinful and delicious beignets (square-shaped fried donuts topped with powdered sugar).
Another must for New Orleans shopping is Magazine Street, known as “the street of dreams.” Its array of upscale venues, antique shops, jewelry boutiques, galleries and trendy cafes are well deserving of the nickname. It’s a favorite of New Orleans socialites where they find European labels as well as top American designers.
Specialty Shops
Bourbon Street is lined with outstanding themed establishments. The most visited for New Orleans shopping is the Bourbon French Parfums. Men and women alike enjoy this 150 year-old haunt. Every scent is mixed by hand and customers can create their own personal fragrances. But if you prefer, you can purchase already made perfumes with complimentary body products.