You probably know New Orleans for its very colorful musical culture, one that is traced back centuries. You perhaps know it for its vibrant art scene, influenced by the rich history that’s laced with French heritage. Whatever the case, New Orleans is no doubt a fascinating destination, one where the streets never sleep and a dull moment is never recorded. With interesting places to visit including the quaint French Quarter, there’s always something to do in this city. And in each place you visit, there’ll be a piece of history to snag up. If you’re thinking of what to buy to commemorate your New Orleans trip, below is a list of the things to buy in New Orleans, so scroll down and find out more.
1. Royal Street artwork
New Orleans’ colorful culture and vibrant aura are evident in the artwork created by its people. And the best place to buy these creations is in Royal Street, a street lined with numerous antique shops and art galleries. The choices are seemingly endless, with stunning paintings, sculptures and antiques for sale. Royal Street boasts galleries like Gallery Burguieres, where you can find animal-themed pieces as well as the artist’s famous Notebook Series, a series of paintings that are made to look like notebook sketches. Also drop by Sutton Galleries, a century-old gallery with local and international art for sale. You could also shop at Rodrigue Studio, the place responsible for the iconic blue dog painting, which is portrayed all over New Orleans’ streets.
2. French Market hot sauce
If you’re a lover of everything culinary, the French Market is where you should be. Having been in operation for over two centuries, this market is a foodie’s little heaven, a great place to tuck into the local cuisines. The French Market is also perfect for a little craft shopping. However, what the market is most famous for, is their mouth-watering hot sauce. A few steps into the district and you’ll see shop after shop with shelves packed with bottles of salsa. Good things are said about this hot sauce, with some claiming that it’s the best on earth. You need to try it for yourself because no words can do it justice.
3. Beignet mix and coffee
If you’ve never heard of beignets then you definitely will when you visit New Orleans. Every cafe has this square-shaped, puffy doughnut that is part of the city’s French heritage. Always dusted with sugar to give it that Louisiana edge, beignet’s are a sugar lover’s guilty pleasure. The ensemble isn’t complete without a mug of coffee, specifically, cafe au lait; the two never go anywhere alone. Once you’ve had this combination, you’ll certainly desire to replicate this experience back home. Visit Cafe Du Monde and buy a packet of beignet mix, the exact mix of ingredients used to make these doughnuts. While you’re at it, grab a can of coffee (dark-roast preferably).
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4. New Orleans’ music
If you don’t know this city for anything else, then you should only link it to music, a heritage that is traced back centuries. The people are mainly adept at jazz and they don’t shy away from sharing their love for music. Therefore, if you only had to buy one thing at New Orleans, for heaven’s sake, buy the music. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a vinyl or a CD, as long as you have a piece of New Orleans’ legacy, you’ll be all set. Record stores are aplenty, for example, Skully’z Recordz or Peaches Records. If you’d also like to buy some music-related merchandise, visit Mushroom New Orleans.
5. Mardi Gras beads
In the 1800s, during the Mardi Gras parades, a practice of throwing items like sugar-coated almonds to the crowd was started. Long story short, the custom of Mardi Gras ‘throws’ was popularized at this time. Later, those in the parades started throwing inexpensive, beaded necklaces that became so popular, everyone started adorning them during the festivals. This is how Mardi Gras beads became synonymous with New Orleans and the people’s festive spirit. Luckily, there’s no shortage of the beads, sold in virtually all specialty stores in the city.
6. Cajun-inspired spices
While you’re at the French Market, snagging the world-famous hot sauce, do yourself a favor and get a couple of Cajun-inspired spices. Not sure what those are? The Cajuns are Louisiana French and their cuisines are all over New Orleans, at restaurants and a part of the street food. Once you try out these delectable dishes, you’ll definitely want to grab a couple of their spices, the soul of all their meals. At the French Market, visit the World Famous N’awlins Cafe & Spice Emporium, perhaps the best place to stock up on various spices and blends as well as the hot and spicy sea salt.
7. Hurricane glass
A curvy and seductive-looking drinking glass, the Hurricane glass is synonymous with Pat O’Brien’s bar in New Orleans. This bar serves a mind-blowing cocktail referred to as ‘The Hurricane’, a drink that was first mixed over seven decades ago. So here there are two things you can buy, the drinking glass, sold at Pat O’ Brien’s for about 4 USD, and the world-famous Hurricane Mix, sold in a one-liter bottle for about 4.50 USD. Just add some rum to the Hurricane Mix and you’ll have replicated the Pat O’ Briens experience. And with the Hurricane glass, your New Orleans experience will forever remain in your mind.
8. Voodoo dolls
Whether you believe in voodoo or not, buying yourself a couple of voodoo dolls would surely be a good way to cap your New Orleans trip. This city’s voodoo culture runs deeper than you would think. It’s a culture that started way back in the 1700s, arriving along with the African slaves who practised this craft. The culture grew to become engrained in Louisiana and New Orleans’ traditions which is now a very strong part of their history. A visit to the Voodoo Museum would prove to be fascinating and before you leave, drop by their gift shop and buy some genuine voodoo items.
9. Alligator-skin wallet
Perhaps you might not want to buy this if you love alligators (who doesn’t) but if you’ve always been a fan of products made from alligator skin then New Orleans is perhaps one of the best places to buy these. Head to an alligator farm, obviously the best place to buy genuine alligator-skin products including handbags and belts as well as wallets. Of course, they don’t come cheap but it’s totally worth it if you want something snazzy.
Memories from New Orleans
New Orleans will embrace you with its charisma and keep you entertained with its charm. It’s no doubt you’ll have a fantastic time in this city and with the list of things to buy above, the memories of your trip will be forever etched in your mind.
History
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