Historic New Orleans Hotel, Steps From the French Quarter
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Insiders Guide of things to do, eats and drinks in New Orleans

Rathbone Mansions Insiders Guide

With its unique, vibrant history, award winning chefs, craft cocktail bars, and party atmosphere, there's no wonder NOLA is consistently ranked one of the best cities to visit. We've got you covered with insiders' tips on the best places to visit, eat and drink during your stay. Click through our blog for suggestions, current events and truly experience New Orleans like a local.

New Orleans has a unique, vibrant history, award winning chefs, craft cocktails galore, and a low-key, Southern fun atmosphere. There's no wonder NOLA is consistently ranked one of the best US cities to visit.  We've got you covered with tips on locals' favorite spots to check out during your stay. Scroll through our blog for suggestions, current events and truly experience New Orleans like a local.

 

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Are You Still Shopping?

We gave you tips for buying gifts in the Big Easy days ago. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE. In case you’re not finished, here are a few more suggestions.

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For the avid shopper, New Orleans doesn’t get much better than Magazine Street. For roughly six miles the street goes through the Warehouse District and along the riverside edge of the Garden District. It’s lined the entire way with small shops offering a stunning selection of gift ideas: everything from art to antiques and more. Take a look.

Shoppers laughing it up

Shoppers laughing it up

Cresent City Comics

 

Their original location is at 4916 Freret Street and offers board-and-card games and comic-related toys and novelties. The flagship store is at 3135 Calhoun Street – it features new comics, graphic novels and toys. The helpful staffers say, “Even if you’ve never read a comic, we guarantee we can find a book that interests you!”

 

Cole Pratt Gallery

 

Why not surprise someone with a great painting? This gallery celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2018, so it must be doing something right. Cole Pratt showcases the work of contemporary Gulf Coast and Southern artists. We viewed a stunning piece online by Joey Slaughter, a talented artist who has exhibited his work in a number of art shows in the South, New York and elsewhere. You’ll find this gallery at 3800 Magazine Street.

You’ll find art of every description in New Orleans art galleries

You’ll find art of every description in New Orleans art galleries

C Collection

 

This shop has a breezy and fun approach to fashion. It describes itself as “trendy and affordable.” C Collection is in a house that has been converted into a stylish boutique at 8141 Maple Street. You’ll find fun tops, denim skirts and shorts, T-shirts, shoes and a range of accessories. They say, “Visit our Facebook page or Instagram profile to see more styles. We post new outfits daily.” Can’t beat that!

 

GoGo Jewelry

 

If you’re searching for stylish, one-of-a-kind jewelry: rings, earrings, necklaces, cuffs, belt buckles – with a bit of sass – this is a good place to start. The owner, GoGo Borgerding is a real character. She describes herself as a person who: is 115 lbs., was born in the year of the Ox and makes unique, bold, colorful jewelry. Her shop is at 2036 Magazine Street and she lives in NOLA with two dogs, one cat and one husband – in that order.  

 

The Spotted Cat Music Club

 

I’m including this because it’s a personal favorite – their products are nicely designed, mainly black and remarkably “elegant.” The selection is quite limited (T-shirts, a shot glass, a poster, a magnet and a cap). CLICK HERE to take a look. The Spotted Cat itself is at 623 Frenchmen Street, just steps away from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter.

 

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk

 

I saw this in The New Orleans Official Visitors Guide 2018 where it says, “Find a huge array of gifts for family and friends – at the 75-plus stores and restaurants in The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk.” This is basically a shopping center in the heart of downtown New Orleans. You’ll find everything from a Currency Exchange to Neiman Marcus and more. Gifts? Definitely.

 

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 Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Christina DiPierro