This building was home to the great William Faulkner while he wrote Mosquitoes and Soldiers Pay. Every shelf at Faulkner House Books is occupied by a great work that is a collectible as well as a literary landmark. This book shop boasts a large collection of first editions by Faulkner himself as well as many other first-rate authors.
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Cigar Factory is a cigar-lover's dream. Here, you can watch master cigarmakers at work. Among the specialty styles made here are the Plantation Reserve, Tres Hermanos and Vieux Carre. There are tables along the wall so you can sit and smoke or just watch the masters do their work. This is also the only cigar factory in New Orleans, boasting 100% hand-rolled cigars. Cigarmakers are available for special events.
Royal Street is one of the oldest streets in the city, well known for its businesses that deal in antiques and artwork from all over the world. This impressive street is surrounded by French and Spanish colonial architecture on all sides and emanates a distinct old-worldly look. The shops dotting this street are filled with consumers having an eye for quality, authenticity and detail. The quality of the merchandise is unmatched and sometimes, just talking to the shop owners can be an educative experience. Make this street your next shopping destination for all that is antique and unique.
From the famed beignets of Cafe Du Monde to the fabulous farmer's/flea market going strong since 1812, this shopping experience incorporates buying, dining and entertainment all within a five block radius of the famous French Quarter. The French Market boundary begins on Decatur Street across from Jackson Square. While you stroll through you may see any number of items, including candy, cookware, spices and mixes, clothes, fresh produce, crafts and toys, memorabilia and even gator-on-a-stick. The Market is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free for browsing.
This modern day indoor marketplace is conveniently located close to the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center and the Aquarium of the Americas. This strategic positioning makes it easily accessible to families touring the museum and to businesspersons hoping to quickly pick up some souvenirs during lunch. Riverwalk Market Place is located on the Mississippi River at the junction of Poydras, Canal, and Julia Streets. It is home to 120 stores and restaurants filled with the best gifts, tastes, and styles in New Orleans.
In the heart of the French Quarter, this voodoo shop doubles as a shrine to the famous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau of New Orleans. Psychic readings, voodoo dolls, statues and altars are the real thing, not found in other touristy spots. Whether you come to the Big Easy for business or pleasure, you can find an original souvenir and even learn a little something of the black arts from around the world at Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo.
This small boutique in the Riverbend area of New Orleans specializes in silk clothes and silver jewelry. Run by a small family, Vanda is a fairly new addition to the area. The owner is a skill seamtress and one of the friendliest people you will ever meet. The clothes are of Asian design, using vibrant and breathtaking colors that captivate the eye. The jewelry, which is designed specifically for this shop, is exquisite and made of fine silver and semi-precious stones. The items at Vanda are unlike anything you will find in the rest of the city, and perfect for those seeking unique offerings at moderate prices.
The Manheim family has had a long intimate association with fine arts appreciation since 1919. Bernard Manheim fled Austria and set up an antique gallery and cabinet shop, which to this date serves as the Manheim Galleries. An eye for art is a skill that Ida Manheim has picked up from her famous art curator father, when she accompanied him on his world buying trips. The same skill and eye for detail is put to use when she works with a client. Her clientèle include famous celebrities, dignitaries and even art connoisseurs.
Treasures for the home and garden from the French and English countryside won't require a trip across the Pond. Aux Belles Choses carries a large collection of carefully selected domestic items. The shop's inventory includes vintage enamelware and kitchen accessories, table linens, kitchen towels and garden accessories. Many home decor and garden articles of Aux Belles Choses are also available from their website. -Bethany Culp
Elegant French decor isn't limited to those lucky enough to reside in the French countryside. Maison de Provence gives everyone in search of French-styling interesting options that generally don't saturate the marketplace. For instance, Maison de Provence's owner, Terri Goldsmith, carefully selects and imports 18th and 19th-century pieces from France, Italy and Sweden to give her clients access to truly unique items. Other things they happen to carry are tables and chairs, painted chests and wardrobes, and accessories along with custom upholstered furniture.
Whether you're looking for a unique gift that's sure to impress or a one of a kind piece to enhance your own home, you're likely to find something to please at Potsalot Pottery. Cindy and Alex Williams, the owners of Potsalot Pottery, use their artistic talents to craft beautiful and functional pieces for the home. Handmade pieces in this Magazine Street shop include bread bowls, canisters, vases, dinnerware, and sinks. -Bethany Culp
In a matter of minutes, Tiny Buffalo Clothing can take your design and print it on the shirt of your choice. This Oak Street t-shirt parlor gives everyone the opportunity to see their own designs become wearable art through a new printing technique. What is fantastic about the process is that the full-colored detailed designs are created in as few as 15 minutes. In addition to custom prints, Tiny Buffalo Clothing stocks fleur de lis , "Who Dat" accessories, and a line of shirts (many with New Orleans flare) are available only from Tiny Buffalo. - Bethany Culp