Top Things to do in Louisiana
What to do and see in Louisiana, United States: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
This family owned, 4th generation company has been hand-crafting copper gas and electric lanterns since 1945. Learn about the history of Bevolo and of gas lighting in America at our Museum and event space! Watch copper smiths hand crafting gas lanterns in the Bevolo Museum. BEVOLO DESIGN SERVICE There are so many aspects that go into choosing the perfect lights for your home: What style goes with the architecture? How many lights should there be? Where do they go? Gas or Electric? What is the proper scale? Don't get overwhelmed, let us help. Bevolo has a team of lighting designers with generations of experience. Every aspect of the home will be taken into account when we look at your project. We will narrow down your options from the hundreds of combinations in our line to help you make the best decision for your home. How it works: -Send us a copy of your elevations or a photo via email or mail. -We will look at your project in its entirety and come up with a comprehensive plan for every light in the home. -You will then receive photos, schematics, installation instructions and even utility locations if needed. Bevolo offers this service complimentary to all of our clients because we take as much pride in designing the perfect lighting plan as we do in hand placing every rivet on your Bevolo lanterns.
Reviewed By 404HappyTraveller - Saskatchewan, Canada
This is a combination of a bit of a museum with the history of gas lamps, and the opportunity to watch the craftsman actually making the copper frames for a variety of lamps. He was interesting to watch, and friendly to chat with about what he was doing, and how gas lamps continue to be a ongoing business, shipping product right across North America.
2. Meyer The Hatter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
One of America's finest hat stores.
Reviewed By MvStory - Oakland, United States
We passed this shop closed late one night and made a big mental note to come back. The store window was enough to tempt us! We stopped by late in the afternoon and SO enjoyed our experience. My husband was delighted to find a fine wool cap made in Italy that suits his style and temperament. Well made and perfectly sized, we spent an enjoyable half an hour trying on whatever caught our eye- and we will be back. I found the staff was SUPER- friendly, knowledgeable and willing to pull out all the stops. I felt charmed and valued- not just a possible sale. The hats are not cheap but they are great value for the price.
3. Boutique du Vampyre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 735 reviews
The place where vampire's shop. The boutique features unique and creative items, many of which are hand crafted by local artists. From stained glass bats and gargoyles to Gothic jewelry, hats, capes and Custom Fangs - and our famous fortune candles which we select for each customer. Visiting the boutique is an experience you will never forget. We like to create customers for eternity.
Reviewed By richardcardoneb
We always stop at Boutique du Vampyre when visiting Nola! You've heard stories of ghosts and vampires in New Orleans, so I'd recommend checking out this fun shop for the atmosphere and cool gifts. Steven and all the crew are friendly, knowledgeable, and can hook you up with a cool tour or give you inside info about other exclusive places to visit.
4. Natchitoches Pecans
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Unique Gift Shop just a short 25 minute drive north of Alexandria, Louisiana just off I-49. Not only are delicious pecans available grown right here on Little Eva Plantation but one can find Fleur de Lis themed items, LSU, New Orleans Saints, Mardi Gras, Funky Signs, Baby gifts, Clementine Hunter inspired canvases and ornaments, Flavored Pecans and pecan candies, Gourmet sauces and jellies, and so much more.
Reviewed By LBWillTravel
Great shop to visit when you are in the Natchitoches area. A great assortment of pecans and pecan products! And chock full of great, unique souvenirs and gift items. Don't miss this one!
5. Earth Odyssey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 167 reviews
Located in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, we showcase Sterling Silver Designer Gemstone Jewelry, Crystals & Minerals, Fossils, Gemstone Beads, Aromatherapy and more. We offer Psychic Readings including Tarot, Angel, Palm, Past Life, Astrology and more. We also offer classes and workshops on many topics pertaining to alternative healing and energy work. Visit website for more details.
Reviewed By gabispiz
I love this store! Always an amazing vibe with great energies. Diandra was my sales associate and she truly was extraordinary. She made sure my friends and I got what we were looking for and was very patient! I will definitely be back soon and I hope Diandra will be there to help me again.
6. Rosetree Blown Glass Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Rosetree Blown Glass Studio and Gallery specializes in the creation of blown art glass in the Venetian style of furnace work. One of the largest contemporary art glass galleries in the South. 99% of the work in our gallery is created in our in-house studio. Watch masters of the glassblowing art manipulate molten glass using two-thousand year old methods. We are just a short 8 block walk from the Algiers/Canal Street Ferry terminal through a bucolic neighborhood. Stroll the quiet streets of the second-oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. See our gorgeous houses and churches and stop for an adult beverage at one of our top-rated bar rooms. The Ferry does not take passenger cars anymore, although some GPSes will try and take you on it. If you want to drive to the studio, please call for directions. The charge for pedestrians on the Ferry is $2 each way. We are open M-F 10:00-5:00 with a lunch break 12:30-1:30. Please call for Saturday hours. Call us to ask about our hands on classes!
Reviewed By L77WYjenniferh
You HAVE to check out this studio in Algiers Point! Just a quick trip across the river, you'll find the most beautiful views of the city, some amazing food, and this absolute gem in the Algiers Point community: Rosetree Blown Glass Studio. Shop for beautiful, one-of-a kind pieces or give yourself the ULTIMATE treat of participating in one of Mark's regular "Blow Your Own" events. What an incredible experience! Mark is a fantastic teacher who leads you the process of creating your very own piece. It is absolutely fascinating to see the whole process from start to finish, and I loved how "hands-on" it was. The entire Rosetree team is also incredibly friendly and welcoming; it feels like an afternoon hanging out with old friends in one of the cities most beautiful neighborhoods. You don't want to miss this! I've already signed up for my next event.
7. Hex: Old World Witchery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 589 reviews
Hex New Orleans offers Psychic Readings with authentic Witches and magical merchandise for both the curious and Witch alike. Whether you want a candle to bless your home, herbs and roots to make your own magic, a potion to attract love, the perfect ritual tool, a Voodoo doll made by a real practitioner, or to cast a spell at our authentic Witches' Altar, Hex is for those who believe in magic and those whose hearts beat with its fire. Be sue to click Book Now to schedule a psychic reading!
Reviewed By agnaregil
I have been coming to this location for many years now. I love this store. As me and my wife got into town we were very blessed that Ms. Elie Barnes had some extra time to do a 30 minute reading for me and my wife. It was a life changing experience for us. Ms. Elie has an extensive knowledge from far beyond any other reader that I have ever met and she is just a delightful person to talk to about anything at all. I super duper highly recommend you to book some time with Ms. Elie if you are ever around the French Quarter, there is just something truly magical about her and her readings. She is truly a very positive and uplifting women and she will bring you much happiness. Hex also has so many amazing things in the retails store front, from local sourced herbs and candles, tarot cards from many artist from around the world, amazing books, charms and spell kits. I highly recommend this store to anyone. It is is one of the highlights of my trip to New Orleans. The staff is one of the most import key elements to the magical place. I've met so many amazing individuals who work or have worked there in the past and I have to say those individuals have some of the most amazing free spirited souls i've ever encountered and they have changed my life for the better. Amazing how a retail store can change someones life. being from a small town and never having an opportunity to be exposed to so many amazing things, this store will definitely get you in the right direction of magic, personal growth and witchcraft.
8. Maskarade
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Maskarade is an art gallery filled with handmade masks of leather, papier mache, feathers, and other mediums from over 40 local and national artists. We are a woman owned family run business since, 1998. All of our masks are wearable, comfortable, and hangable as art. These artist made masks range in price from $40 to $1,000.00 and up, mostly one of a kinds. To be able to have something to offer to all budgets is important which is why we have a souvenir wall in the back room with (Made in China) mass produced masks starting from $10 to $45. Please visit soon!
Reviewed By Y5605BBrichardg
This is one of the only mask shops in new Orleans that has authentic European and American made----- one of a kind masks------. Many different types of masks available and they ship as well. If you want a real mask locally made and not a cheap copy from china.... this is the place to go.Lisa helped us at the shop, she was great. I called her when I returned home from NOLA and she very graciously shipped the masks that i had chosen. She was very helpful and made the purchase as smooth as could be. Masks arrived well packed and beautiful. THANK_YOU LISA!!!!
9. Dutch Alley Artists Co-Op
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By CeesaRae - Keller, United States
I make a point to stop in the shop each time I visit New Orleans. There’s always something new and unique to discover. The artists are welcoming and friendly. Great spot to find gifts or a memento of your visit.
10. Moonshine Nettie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Glitter, rhinestones & rock n roll adornments, curiosities, sparkles, rock tees & selected vintage garments.
