Souvenirs Galore in NOLA

When one travels to a new spot in this fascinating world of ours it’s fun to think about bringing back a souvenir of sorts – just to keep the memory of one’s journey alive. For adults, a beautiful vase may do the trick, but for kids it should be something catchy and fun. I come from a family of four and the minute either parent returned from somewhere without us there were howls of “What did you bring me?” I remember my mother saying that, “It’s a lot of work looking for fun stuff for all you kids,” but she still did it – and we loved her for it. So, here are a few suggestions on where to go and what to buy in The Crescent City, as New Orleans is often called because the original town, the Vieux Carré (French Quarter) was built at a sharp bend in the Mississippi River.

1. Frenchmen Art Market: This is a boutique art market that is located on historic Frenchmen Street (just steps away from the French Quarter). You’ll find a rotating collection of over 80 local illustrators, painters, jewelers, sculptors and much more. This market offers a diverse collection of unique handcrafted art and is open seven nights a week – which gives you lots of time to shop. It’s located at 619 Frenchmen Street in New Orleans.

2. Simon of New Orleans: The art in this shop is as vibrant as the city itself. He’s described as, “The Best Folk Artist in New Orleans” and you’ll see his work in the local bars, restaurants and shops in this city. Simon is super friendly and always ready to have a snap taken with the guests at his gallery – a nice, warm gesture. There is also a display of eye-catching antiques right next door. This shop is right off Magazine Street. The address is 1028 Jackson Avenue and it’s open Monday to Saturday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Hello? I double-checked this: who buys art or antiques at 7:00 in the morning? That’s what it says!

3. Louisiana Music Factory: Looking for some lively music to take home with you? Then this independent record and CD store is for you! Its specialty is the music of New Orleans. One shopper says, “The day I came to visit their large selection of music books was blocked off because they were hosting an ‘ALL-DAY LIVE MUSIC FOR JAZZ FEST’ – possibly the best excuse I’ve ever heard!”

He goes on to say, “This place has a wonderful staff – plus every kind of jazz – to a great selection of gospel music.” (I think he likes our factory.) The address is 421 Frenchmen Street – in the Faubourg Marigny of New Orleans. Open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.  

The Louisiana Music Factory specializes in jazz, blues, Cajun, zydeco, R&B and Dixieland any way you want it: CD, DVD, LP + books and posters

4. Faulkner House Books: This is house where William Faulkner wrote his first novel called “Soldiers Pay” in 1926 (if that doesn’t impress you – nothing will). It’s described as a little gem of a bookstore that has Faulkner’s complete works, including first editions. (I was an English major at Columbia and read a lot of Faulkner – I believe “Light in August” published in 1932 and “Absalom, Absalom” in 1936 were my favorites.) This place is at 624 Pirates Alley: off Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Hours are Sunday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.  By the way, William Faulkner famously had a 20-year “drinking problem” – if I wrote as much as he did, I’d have one, too.

Faulkner House Books – this shop was founded in 1988 and is a sanctuary for fine literature and rare editions, including books by and about Faulkner

5. Dirty Coast: Okay, here’s a spot where you can look for an offbeat souvenir for some rebellious relative or friend. It’s described as a “pint-sized shop selling a variety of locally-themed T-shirts with clever and quirky designs.” Let’s take a look: NEW ORLEANS IS FOR LIVERS, or LET’S EAT LUNCH AND TALK ABOUT DINNER, or BURY ME ABOVE GROUND – you get the picture. It is located at 5631 Magazine Street (Uptown) and open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, seven days a week. They’re also at the New Orleans Airport in Terminal B – for last-minute shoppers.

Dirty Coast is the spot for T-shirts, tea towels, coasters, candles and cards – all very humorous and all worth taking home

Don’t forget to pick up souvenirs to commemorate your visit to New Orleans and your stay at Rathbone Mansions!

Shaun Nelson-Henrick