New Orleans is known for fine cooking and extraordinary eats. While professional chefs spend years mastering their culinary skills, there’s no reason why every Crescent City visitor shouldn’t leave the city with an introduction to the basics of Louisiana cooking. The New Orleans School of Cooking can do just that with one of its cooking demonstrations. In each class, attendees get to enjoy a sampling of each of the three to four dishes demonstrated by knowledgeable and entertaining chefs, and take-home copies of all of the recipes. Don’t have time for a class? Stop by New Orleans School of Cooking’s Louisiana General Store to pick up regional spices, cookbooks and cookware. -Bethany Culp
Finding affordable women’s fashions can be a reality at Armoire. This bright Magazine Street boutique stands out from other shops in the area by carrying a variety of sizes that aren’t necessarily available at the strip’s other stores. Armoire stocks the latest fashions in sizes 0 through 20, in addition to purses, jewelry and shoes through size 10. With every item in the store priced at USD100 or less, Armoire is a must-stop store for women looking for the affordable alternative to high-priced style. -Bethany Culp
This large book emporium offers shelves upon shelves of rare, antique and second hand books. There are literally thousands of selections to choose from. If you are a collector of the written word, (regardless of genre) Beckham's Bookshop is a must-stop shop for you. Both dealers and the casual book lover will be delighted at the assortment of first editions and paperback bargains. The large comfortable armchairs will invite you to sit and enjoy a good read. This is not a place that hurries its customers.
Pick out a pot or throw your own at Hands in Clay. This Uptown store and studio allows visitors to shop handcrafted ceramics and pottery or to learn to create a work of their own. Day and evening classes are available for artists at any skill level—beginners included—who are ready to get their hands dirty to create their own works of art. For those who aren't ready to learn this art on their own, Hands in Clay has a variety of decorative and functional pieces, made in house, that are available for purchase.
Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, the Idea Factory offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase truly one-of-a-kind gifts. The shelves of this shop are lined with handcrafted wooden toys, games, musical instruments and collectibles designed to run on the power of the mind - no batteries required. Additionally, the Idea Factory stocks office accessories, jewelry, clocks and boxes carved from hard and exotic woods. Each piece is beautifully finished so that even the most entertaining toys and practical office accessories look like true works of art.
While Magazine Street may have a reputation for being home to a plethora of antique shops and boutiques, some manage to stand out above the rest. Wirthmore Antiques is one of those shops. Wirthmore Antiques specializes in antique pieces from 18th and 19th-century France, Sweden and Italy. This Uptown shop’s caring owner personally selects each mirror, piece of artwork, chandelier and piece of furniture that makes its way to the sales floor in Wirthmore Antiques. Let Wirthmore’s staff help you find the perfect piece to meet your needs.