Miscellaneous Shopping

There are far too many personalized and one-of-a-kind shops in New Orleans to mention. From Mardi Gras outlets to voodoo houses, New Orleans has it all. Below are some of the most intriguing stores in town, including books, gifts, Mardi Gras accessories, voodoo, historic food markets, and music.

Mardi Gras. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accent Annex Mardi Gras Headquarters

633 Toulose St.

504/ 592-9886

Everything you could possibly want to prepare for the greatest party in the world – Mardi Gras. They’ve got beads, masks, capes, beads, fabrics, beads and more. Open daily 10am to 6pm.

Mardi Gras Center

831 Chartres St.

504/ 524-4384

Carries costumes and such in practically all sizes and has a large section of ready-made Mardi Gras outfits. Of course, there are plenty of beads, doubloons, wigs, masks, hats, makeup, jewelry, and more. Shop for Halloween here too. Open Tues - Sat 10am to 6pm.

Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Anne Rice Collection

2727 Prytania St.

504/ 899-5996

You guessed it; Anne Rice Paraphernalia is abundant here. Gothic-related items fill the store, ranging from clothes to knickknacks, to other, weirder amenities. Open Mon - Sat 10am to 6pm, Sun 11am to 4pm.

Scriptura

5423 Magazine St.

888/263-9699

Everything you ever wanted that relates to scribbling is located here. Despite any impressions you may have of such a place, do not judge this store until you’ve been here, for, surprisingly, it features some intriguing items. You will find designer stationary, crazy fountain pens, unique journals and much, much more. This place makes for neat gifts. Open Mon - Sat 10am to 6pm.

Voodoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo

739 Bourbon St.

504/581-3751

Okay, this place is very touristy, but it’s a good start and makes for a nice voodoo gift shop. Voodoo dolls and gris-gris bags are available as well as information and memorabilia relating to the voodoo queen herself, Marie Lavaeu. Open Sun - Thurs 10am to 11:30pm, Fri & Sat 10am to 1:00am.

Occult . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Westgate – The Original Necrotorium

5219 magazine St.

504/899-3077

A great store for Necro-lovers, featuring “deathly” art and jewelry, skeletons and other graphic, death-themed artifacts. Only in New Orleans! Open Tues - Sat noon to 5pm.

The Bottom of the Cup Tearoom

732 Royal St.

504/ 523-1204

Patrons interested in psychic memorabilia, tarot cards, crystal ball and other such merchandise will love this place. It has been open since 1929 and features psychic consultation in addition to many unique gifts and things. Open Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat & Sun 11am to 7pm.

Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Louisiana Music Factory

210 Decature St.

504/586-1094

Carries a large selection of regional music, including Cajun, zydeco, R&B, jazz, blues, and gospel; plus books, posters, and T-shirts. It also features live music and parties (with beer!).

Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Faulkner House Books 

624 Pirates Alley (directly behind St. Louis Cathedral)

504/524-2940

It was here that the great American author and Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner penned his first works – Mosquitos and Soldier’s Pay. This little store offers one of the best book collections in the world (for its size), as every shelf is filled with collectible classics and rare first-editions. Also featured is a section particularly dedicated to New Orleans-related writings. This place is awe-inspiring. Open daily 10am to 6pm.

Food Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

French Market

St. Ann St. down river to Barracks St.

This 220-year-old market features everything from souvenir shops to open-air cafes. There are numerous produce booths in addition to flea-market-type sections, as well as anything else you can think of in terms of marketplaces. Also located here is the famous Café du Monde, serving tasty coffee and world-renowned beignets. The French Market is a big part of New Orleans, so visit this historic area even if you aren’t buying.