Terrell House
1441 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA
866-261-9687

What makes Terrell House a classic bed and breakfast is the owner’s sense of style including many antiques, oriental rugs, and a variety of collections. Those who stay at the Terrell House can look forward to a large collection of first edition books, antique bamboo fishing rods, antique lures, and local New Orleans art. Linda and Ed O’Brien have been collectors for more than 30 years. They bought the bed and breakfast in October 2003. They have spent much time and care fixing up the residence, which includes a carriage house for additional guests. Much of what decorates the house is from their personal collection before buying the house. What is most impressive is the massive book collection Ed O’Brien has accumulated. He only collects first edition copies and prefers signed books. Most of his collection includes modern authors such as Joseph Heller, Umberto Eco, James Jones, Kurt Vonnegut, and Walker Percy. He even has a signed Faulkner first edition. Even more surprising, this massive collection was only started 6-8 years ago!

Upstairs, among more books, Linda O’Brien shared her favorite collection with me. Linda has been collecting modern Russian boxes for the past few years. She admires the tedious work often painted by a little more than a few strands on a brush. The heavy lacquer adds to the look of these artistic boxes. Though she has never been to Russia herself, she has fallen in love with Russian box art. I have always recommended a stay at the Terrell House. Not only were they great neighbors of mine for 2 years, their accommodations are stunning. Being a very friendly couple, they are more than happy to show you their collections and are quite proud of their bed and breakfast. Not only does one get to stay in a historic New Orleans home, but also one is surrounded by great collectibles and antiques, which only add to the flavor of the stay.

Bush Antiques
2109 Magazine
New Orleans, LA

I was reminded of the axiom, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” when I walked into what I thought was a small antique shop on Magazine Street. In fact, Bush Antiques includes over 12 rooms of antiques, specializing in antique and reproduction beds. They even have beautiful courtyard with garden and architectural antiques. The second floor includes nine separate rooms! The owner, Allain Bush, showed me a fountain from the 1800s made of wonderfully colored tile in an adjacent room. Named after her mother, Margie Bush, Allain’s store dates back to 1969. Allain joined her mother in 1979 and the business moved to its present location. Allain described her mother as a person with a quirky sense of style, which, due to some of the interesting items found there today, is shared with her daughter. Most of the pieces in the store come from France, Buenos Aires, or New Orleans. Even with the decrease in tourism since Katrina, the Bush Antiques’ online business is booming, helping get the word out about all the new shipments of antiques. The Bush Antiques specializes in beds, French furniture and accessories, religious art, garden and architectural art, and some unusual pieces, too.

Some of the great items you can find include a room filled with religious items, everything from priest chasubles to genuflectors to tabernacles. Allain also showed me grand chateau doors tall as any high ceiling in New Orleans. Next she revealed a French console of gilded wood behind a folding chair. As you walk upstairs, one enters a whole other world of the past. Each room tells its own story with details from cards and cigars on a table to shoes by the bed. According to www.bushantiques.com the Bushes wanted to organize their store by “highlight[ing] items in vignettes.” By accomplishing this goal, Bush Antiques is a comfortable place to explore and shop. There is such care taken to make every room feel as a home. There is no doubt you will want to stop for some great New Orleans finds at Bush Antiques.

Mid-City Krewe
Mardi Gras, New Orleans

Considering the confusion of cancellations and weather, we were blessed with a beautiful Sunday for four day parades. Mid-City Krewe celebrated their 75th year of parading Sunday. The krewe is named after the area they began their route in until 2002. The 185 member female and male krewe parade on the regular uptown route complete with marching bands, krewe officers on horseback, and 17 floats. This parade is a favorite among families and children, especially because of their throws. The throws include plush toys, Frisbees, cups, potato chips, polystone medallion beads, and doubloons in several colors. The Mid-City Krewe gives out many beads with the name of their krewe on them, embossed with their symbol of two joined hearts under a crown. Since Katrina they have refurbished all their floats and replaced 6 floats with the first 50-person float in Mardi Gras. This krewe loves to vanguard new Mardi Gras practices. In 1947, the Mid-City Krewe was the first krewe to use animated floats in a parade. This year the parade was as fantastical as ever, complete with brightly decorated floats using a lot of plastic wrapping. I was amazed at how many people gathered for these parades, but the 70-degree weather helped the crowds to stay all day for the night parade, Bacchus. The Mid-City krewe reminds all of us what Mardi Gras is truly about, simple and good fun. Despite what people see on TV and rumors on the Internet, Mardi Gras is for the family and Mid-City helps every member enjoy the season.

Finally back to full membership after Katrina, Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club marched the streets of New Orleans, ushering in Mardi Gras. Named after one of the strongest tribes in Africa, Zulu is known for their elaborate costumes creating a truly impressive experience. Zulu celebrated their 92nd year as one of the longest running parades. Before Zulu, African Americans were not allowed to join krewes or even march on Mardi Gras. The Zulu tradition began in 1916 when William Story sarcastically satirized Rex, (the oldest and most traditional parade still running, which occurs after Zulu). Story wore a lard can as a crown and walked about with a banana stalk scepter, spoofing the Rex king. Seven year’s later the all black krewe began to officially parade. To this day riders dress in black face and large curly wigs. Zulu has 1250 members and 27 floats. They also include award winning marching bands like Xavier Prep Band and St. Augustine Band. It is truly a privilege to be asked to march during Zulu since more people attend parades Mardi Gras day more then any other day. This year’s theme was “The World of Legend, Heroes, and Folklore” with characters like Batman heading the floats. Standard signature floats include Big Shot, Witch Doctor, Mayor and Governor. Each are headed by an elaborately, Native-American influenced, costumed man. Costumes include a full headdress often detailed with sequence and feathers. The amount of care and time it takes to make these costumes is obvious in its appearance. Along the parade route walk the honor guard known as the Soulful warriors. They walk along the parade route in huge curly wigs and grass skirts, a reflection of the influence of Africa in Zulu’s festivities.

Each float and their members throw different beads with the Zulu name and/or symbol. Each float has a new official parade bead each year with Zulu’s name and emblem, too. With a large assortment of Zulu printed items from cups to Frisbees there are always enough throws to go around. This year I was very lucky to have caught a rare bead only coming off of one float. The beads read “King’s Club,” with Zulu icons on either side. Since these beads commemorate the past King of Zulu and are only thrown by one rider, it is my most prized throw of the year. Unfortunately I could not get my hands on the best throw of all, the Zulu coconut. Each float has a number of gold painted coconuts to hand out. More exclusively are brightly hand painted and decorated coconuts which come from the heads of the floats or from specific higher up members in the club. These are especially collectible items and are difficult to procure unless you are willing to get right up against the float. With all the people, it is hard enough to stay in one place, let alone move with ease throughout the crowd. The crowd received the parade well and barbequing families and groups of friends roped off the entire neutral ground. Perhaps the busiest Zulu I have seen in years, it was the perfect start to Mardi Gras day. Zulu livened up the crowd and gave people a reason to join together and celebrate New Orleans and its traditions.

With the theme of cocktail concoctions, the krewe of Orpheus brought Lundi Gras to thousands of screaming people. Lundi Gras is the Monday before Mardi Gras day and is known as a night to rest before getting up early for Mardi Gras day parades. As one can imagine, some stay out all night, refusing to sleep. It’s understandable, for after seeing Orpheus one wants to stay out and party with the city. Orpheus namesake is the son of the Greek muse Calliope, chosen by the founder of the krewe, musician Harry Conick Jr. Every year Harry Conick Jr. has multiple celebrity and musical guests along the parade route, including himself. One of the reasons he started the krewe in 1994 was so he could ride in his own parade, which he has done now for 15 years. Celebrities in the past include Whoopi Goldberg (who I caught a moon pie from a few years ago), Anne Rice, and Glenn Close. This year celebrities included musicians Salt’n’Pepa, Saints coach Sean Payton, racecar driver Helio Castroneves, and many more. The krewe is composed of 1200 male and female members on 36 floats. It is one of the most expensive parades. Derek Frankin designed all the floats. This year’s floats included names such as Mint Julep, Hurricane, and Zombie – all popular drinks in New Orleans. Standard floats include the Trojan Horse, which leads the parade, Leviathan, and Dolly Trolley. Orpheus has popularized the use of fiber optic lights. Not only found on all their floats, which adds to the ambience of the night parade, but also on their throws. Before last year very few parades had blinking and lit up throws. Thanks to Krewe D’etat and Orpheus, other parades realized the popularity of these items and even Proteus, the smaller parade that occurs right before Orpheus, has light up seahorses this year. Throws include krewe-emblemed throws, tambourines, hand clappers, fiber optic beads, fiber optic hats, and gold doubloons. Any throw off of Orpheus is popular due to the variation and style of the parade. Even though Orpheus is fairly new, I cannot imagine a Mardi Gras without this brightly lit and very extravagant celebration.

Representing the Roman god of wine and fun, the nontraditional Bacchus parade rolled in style. Founded in 1968 by 12 businessmen who wanted to bring new themes and changes to the parades, Bacchus always has a celebrity monarch to rule as Bacchus over the proceedings. For Bacchus’s 40th anniversary, Hulk Hogan was invited to rule, which he did wearing more sequence then any other rider. In the past Bacchus has chosen celebrity monarchs such as Bob Hope and Charlton Heston. Breaking free from tradition, Bacchus’s floats are intricate and often animated. The floats have highly intricately constructed sculptures and detailed sides. The riders themselves have lit up costumes. This year’s theme was a survey of the last 40 years in pop culture, fads, fashion, music, and TV. Floats included Music of the 60s, 70s Fads and Fashions, and TV of the 90s. The floats were bright and lit up using LED lights. Bacchus is known for their inventive floats including long time standards like the Bacchasaurus. This float shaped like a dinosaur is over 50 feet in length, with an animated head and tail. Another standard float is the Bacchagator, which is over 100 feet long carrying about 100 riders. To commemorate the recently past Sheriff Harry Lee, a float named the HarryLeesiana lead the parade tossing out black doubloons. Bacchus always has great beads with the Bacchus emblem. The monarch has special beads indicating they came from that specific float. Other great throws include 40th anniversary footballs, doubloons in three colors, and beads with the Bacchus emblem, often specific to a certain float. Being a beautiful night, the parade rolled down St. Charles with little to no problems. As the marching bands played and the riders waved and threw, everybody on the streets was screaming and reaching for a good time. As always, Bacchus does not disappoint. With a great theme, good throws, and detailed floats, Bacchus gets everybody in the Mardi Gras mood.

Krewe D’etat
Mardi Gras, New Orleans

Despite the cancellations due to weather, this year’s Mardi Gras parades have been spectacular. My favorite parade, The Knights of Chaos, had to cancel due to weather, but Krewe D’etat carried on the satirical tradition of Mardi Gras in its Dirty Dishes Parade. Each float was designed around a food theme with names such as “Slow as Molasses,” referencing the rebuilding effort in New Orleans, “Rotten Apple Turnovers,” referencing the corrupt members of city hall, and “Fudge Nutty Brownie,” referencing Ray Nagin and his lack of presence over the last year. Though a fairly new parade, first rolling in 1998, D’etat resurrects the political and social commentary found in the earliest Mardi Gras parades. Instead of king, D’etat has a dictator who rules over the proceedings. The parade includes 21 floats, 40 Flambeaux (men who carry lit poles once used to light the way for the floats, now are more of a novelty), the United States Marine Band, Storyville Jazz Band, and high school marching bands. Throws include doubloons in five different colors, blinking logo skulls, blinking rubber skeletons, a plush high priest doll, and most importantly the Skeleton Walking Krewe hands out the D’etat Gazette. The parade newspaper includes the story behind the theme of the parade, a description of each float, and colorful illustrations of all the floats. A definite must have for any serious parade-goer.

I was very happy to secure a Gazette for myself as well doubloons and blinking skeletons. However, the famous plush toy was impossible to come by! By the time the krewe rolled, it was already two hours late. The crowds were huge this year, mostly because the parades were cancelled Thursday and Muses was rescheduled for Friday night. Unfortunately, screaming in 30 degree weather for three hours can get tiring, so I was unable to stay through midnight for the last two parades. However, it is not the quantity of parades, but the quality. D’etat’s parade of dirty dishes was worth the aches and coughs of the next day. One of my favorite parts of the parade included a group of marching men dressed in Michael Vick jerseys. Calling themselves the dog pound, the group danced with large bones followed by a trailer mocking Vick’s cruelty to animals. One of my favorite floats had to be “Pop Tarts.” Referencing the youth in Hollywood and their crazy antics, the float has a picture of Britney Spears as mother of the year with frightfully skinny girls, like Lindsay Lohan, coming out of a pop tart box. Krewe D’etat truly lived up to its name, “Live to Ride, Ride to Live.”

Antique shops line the streets of New Orleans, so, as a break from the Mardi Gras celebration, I took a walk to gander at the local shops. Scattered throughout the streets, antique shops have kept Magazine Street alive and continue to help the commercial area grow. One cannot walk a block without running into an antique shop. So I walked around my neighborhood and found a great antique mall filled with an eclectic style of items called Bon Marche’. Keeping alive the local flavor, a lot of Bon Marche’s stock is based around Louisiana. I spoke with partner Dianne Butler about the organization of her shop. Having worked as the manager of another antique mall before the storm, she saw an opportunity afterwards to open her own place. Due to the vandalism that occurred she was able to find a shop right on Magazine, which is very lucky considering rent for the area. While people were leaving, Dianne started a new business that has flourished since. I have watched her shop fill with items over the last two years and am happy to see over 10 dealers presently in her shop and her shelves filled with collectibles.

As Dianne nurtured her business it grew to include collections of seashells, architectural and outside furniture, antique jewelry, Louisiana photographs, Louisiana paintings, local, handcrafted art, books, and Mardi Gras related memorabilia. She keeps her shop filled with middle to high-end collectibles as well as cypress furniture made locally. By creating a local theme for her shop Dianne gives visitors and residents a different experience than other, often cluttered antique malls. Instead, Bon Marche’ is clean and professional looking. Do not worry, Dianne will still negotiate prices and greets everyone as if entering her own home. Besides being in a comfortable environment, the shop is filled with a mix of antiques and consignment items, so you never know what you will find. Having a good mix of items helps Dianne to pursue her own interests in collecting, such as art deco, oriental pieces, orange glass, and mannequins. Apparently, while setting up the Bon Marche’, Dianne found many old mannequins to help display her vintage clothes. However, she liked the mannequins so much that she brought them home and has begun collecting them ever since. Dianne’s dedication to her customers and her business is apparent from my comfortable shopping experience. Bon Marche’ opens up Louisiana to its visitors, carrying many local items found no other place. Next time you are in town looking for that one thing to remind you of New Orleans, stay out of the T-Shirt shops and walk on into Bon Marche’.

The Choctaw Parade
January 26, 2008
Terrytown, LA

The 2008 parade season has begun in New Orleans and has not disappointed. For my first parade this year I traveled over the river, through the West Bank to Terrytown. My friends were a maid and an assistant to the maid in the Choctaw parade, so I gathered some friends and went the distance. The Choctaw social club was formed in 1935 to “promote good fellowship, contribute to civic good, encourage charity and keep alive the great spirit of Mardi Gras.” The krewe began parading in 1939 using old mail wagons as the framework for their floats. This year’s theme was “Choctaw’s Worldly Travels.” Each float represented a different destination in this truly global experience. Each maid was dressed to match the float’s destination. The theme of Native American culture permeated each float, many floats held “Indian braves” and head-dressed bead throwers.

Choctaw was a family friendly parade; too bad the weather was overcast and wet! Many of the throws include plush and plastic toys as well as a variety of beads. However, the throws were so numerous that it did not matter if one happened to fall in the mud — many more were coming at you. This parade did not have many of its own personalized beads; rather many were recycled from other, older parades. Knowing someone definitely helps because I was able to get the parade’s special beads! They include a huge Choctaw resin-casted emblem and strings of mini-beads. The marching bands were all new to me. I had a great time with the dancers, flag teams, and bands, each coordinated together, marching for miles. Though a great honor to be asked to march, these kids were impressive performers. There were many dancing in the streets and clapping along. By the time the last float ran and the police cars rolled past my group had gathered a gigantic bagful of beads, toys and plush. Luckily we got thrown a super large bag and stuffed it full of plastic goodies. My Carnival season just began on the West Bank and will carry me back to the East Bank for the next few weeks. I will never forget my first West Bank parade and am glad to get to share the experience of Mardi Gras with all of you!

The Cabildo
701 Chartes St.
Jackson Square, New Orleans LA
Admission $6 Adult/$5 Student

The Cabildo, once the governing building of the Spanish government in New Orleans, is today an elaborate museum set in a historical and magnificent building. From Meso-Indians to Reconstruction, the Cabildo Louisiana Museum presents a broad view of Louisiana’s history. With the help of illustrations, reproduced images and artifacts the museum tells the story of the first settlers of Louisiana. As one walks throughout the historic building, the story of the state is told. Unfortunately the Cabildo does not give out a brochure, but the lady at the front desk is so helpful you do not need a map. I was surprised at the size of the Cabildo, and the variety of objects that lie within. I was expecting just history on the Spanish period of New Orleans. Though there is some favoritism to the Spanish period (1763-1803), the majority of the exhibit is truly about Louisiana culture and how it has changed throughout history. Each room covers a section of history.

The Corps de Grande, once a police station in the 18th-19th centuries, holds the Pre-colonial and Colonial exhibits. Besides ancient artifacts like bowls and arrowheads, the room displays military weapons from the 1790s. This section of the exhibit highlights the different populations moving into Louisiana, especially during the Spanish era when a variety of peoples from Acadians to Canary islanders joined the population. The next room contains articles referencing entertainment of the Colonial populations including cards and a wonderful cabinet piano that contains all its inner workings above storage shelves on top of the keyboard. In the circular staircase hallway is a small section on Napoleon. His death mask, misplaced during the civil war, is found there, truly bringing Napoleon to life for generations to come. On the second floor the old Treasurer’s office now holds an exhibition on Andrew Jackson and the War of 1812. The next room, the Sala Capitula, was once the meeting place for the New Orleans City Council. The scene has been recreated with a long table and pews. Exit the Sala Capitula and enter a long hallway that looks out onto Jackson Square. The view from the second floor is exquisite, overlooking the park and Jackson’s statue. On the other side of the second floor the exhibit continues into Antebellum Louisiana (1812-1860). This section includes information on popular entertainment for slaves and the well to do of the time, death in Louisiana, especially common due to yellow fever, and the different people that compose the varied population of New Orleans. The third floor continues the Antebellum section with displays on the slave trade to agrarian life to living in New Orleans. The museum then moves onto the Civil War and Reconstruction periods. Included in this part of the exhibit are an upright piano from 1855, old Tabasco Sauce bottles and a large state lottery wheel. Information abounds, so be ready to spend a few hours reading at the Cabildo, but do not miss the great cultural artifacts of yesteryear while your educating yourself on the history of Louisiana.

Since 1812 the French Market in New Orleans has functioned not only as a place for trading, but for many different types of people to gather and meet. This remains true today. From residents to tourists, everybody can find something at this open-air market. Since colonial times the area has been used for trade. It was not until under Spanish rule that the area was consolidated, creating a much more efficient and clean shopping experience. Due to the variety of meat being sold at the time it was called the meat market. Not until the 1850’s did the name French Market come into use. Currently there are no more meat vendors due to health reasons. Today the market does not extend as far as it did 100 years ago and is currently under construction. Half the space has been rendered unusable for at least the next few months. After Katrina I can recall only a few fruit vendors, which was once a bountiful section of the French Market. Currently there are none, nor will there be any returning according to other vendors. However, the famous Cajun and Creole spices and food are still for sale; truly for the adventurous, not for a vegetarian like myself.

Most of the vendors sell souvenirs, t-shirts, and crafts. There are still many good places for knickknacks and strange New Orleans memorabilia though. There are even a few music booths carrying classic and modern Zydeco and jazz music. Maybe you won’t find many historical items for sale, shopping where many have done the same for generations is a timeless experience. The varieties of people that have shopped and traded here include the Cajun on the bayou to the free person of color. The French Market is not just a regular flea market, but also a true New Orleans experience. Also it gives one the rare experience of bargaining prices. The vendors are often full of stories and different crafts to peruse. Spending an hour or two in the market is sure to add to one’s historical experience of New Orleans.

Birds of a Feather Part 2
Historic New Orleans Collection
410 Chartres St. New Orleans, La
$6 Admission
$10 Admission + Booklet

I never thought wooden decoys would excite me, but after attending the “Birds of a Feather” exhibit at the Historic New Orleans Collection I was shown a new art form. The exhibit displays wildfowl wooden carvings from Southeast Louisiana. After seeing Part 2, which contains contemporary carvings, I wish I had caught the Part 1 on usable, older decoys. However, there is a great booklet available describing the history of decoys. The carvings I saw were not usable decoys, but they were created in the same tradition using cypress wood and wooden hand carving materials. A light and easily malleable wood, cypress was originally used to keep the decoys afloat. More than mere hobby, these woodcarvings are extremely lifelike, attesting to the talents of the artists as well as their knowledge of wildlife. One has to literally look twice to tell they are masterfully painted and shaped. In many cases each feather is carved out and individually painted. Many carvers try to capture the wildfowl in a natural stance, such as picking at feathers, cleaning themselves, nesting, sleeping or caring for their young.

Brought together from a variety of collections, the Birds of a Feather exhibit illustrates the talents of this local folk art form. Though some are educated, most carvers grow up learning to make their own fishing tools. Naturally a folk art would grow out of such craftsmanship; from the need to work with one’s hands arises the creativity of man. Perhaps the most striking piece was of an owl clenching a quail. Sitting upon a log with its claws clinging onto a lifeless quail, the owl looks truly magnificent. Wisps of feathers graze the quail’s head, but are really tiny flakes of cypress wood. When one looks upon the scene, it appears to be animated due to how lifelike the representation of wildlife is. My mouth gaping open, due to the power of the scene, I can hardly believe the soft feathers are all carved from wood. Before the exhibit ends on April 20, come travel to the Historic New Orleans Collection and be astounded by the collection of carved wildfowl, from ducks to pelicans to owls. Don’t be surprised if you think you see one move!

Carnival season has officially begun! The first parade looms around the corner! Truly the best time to be in New Orleans is over the next few weeks. However, the season is associated with moral depravity, drinking, and sex. Though a lot of drinking occurs, Carnival is surprisingly a family affair. There are many misconceptions about Mardi Gras in New Orleans. More than just Mardi Gras Day, Fat Tuesday, the season contains 53 parades over three weeks. Even dogs have their own parade, Barcchus. At all of these parades you will see kids on ladders reaching for beads. Thanks to good security by NOPD there are rarely violent incidences at parades and are safe for everyone. Truthfully, the closer to Bourbon one goes, the more adult the celebration.

Carnival is my favorite time of year because everyone, despite socioeconomic background and daily routine, comes together to enjoy each other and the costumed revelers on floats. To be able to ride a float one must be a member of a krewe, a social club. Krewes are quite secretive. Members wear masks on the floats. Carnival balls are formal, decadent and by invitation only. The themes behind each krewe’s parade are not revealed until parade day. Floats are hidden and members are sworn to secrecy. It is the secrecy and exclusive nature of these clubs that have caused uproar. Many of these clubs were all male and white, conducting business behind closed doors. Forcing them open, a New Orleans city ordinance was passed in 1992 ordering krewes to open their membership or that krewe’s parade would be cancelled. In reaction Rex opened its membership, while Comus and Momus, the oldest krewes, refused and have not paraded since. While 15 krewes went out of commission, 11 new krewes have since arisen, including two of my favorite parades, Knights of Chaos and Muses.

Parades today are a mix of fantastical and satirical themes. Day parades are modeled for children, stocked with plenty of colorful beads and plush toys. Families are found at night parades, but many of these parades have political themes. The Knights of Chaos’s theme last year was “Breaking Wind.” Each float commented on corrupt local politics and other local issues like rebuilding. Each float made reference to the flatulence theme in its decoration and personalized throws. Less offensive was Muses’ Superheroes/comic book theme. Though attacking a wide range of issues from inactive politicians to Katrina depression, the satire of Muses consistently maintains a hopeful outlook on New Orleans’ future. Each float represented a different villain and SuperMuses, who saves the day. Throws include plush shoes, unique beads, comic books, toothbrushes, key chains, lipstick and the prized Muses shoe. Each krewe member decorates a shoe and gives it out to a special parade-goer. One of my friends was blessed with this prize last year. Muses being the only all female krewe, I had three of my male friends write “I LOVE MUSES” on their chests. As each float passed the guys would lift their shirts “flashing” the ladies, who loved our ironic celebration and showered us with trinkets.

The goal of each krewe is to entertain and astound. The goal of each parade-goer is to have fun screaming for beads and partying with the rest of the city. If you choose to visit for Carnival, remember that everyone just wants to have fun, let loose. Keep your clothes on, (there are children about), do not drive, (because you can not get anywhere anyway), and do not fight over beads, (it is just plastic). The best times happen between parades when all the kids toss their plush footballs, an extremely popular throw for any parade, and everyone mingles like family. So come join the celebration and meet some New Orleanians. We promise you a great time.

Sputnik Ranch
3029 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA
www.sputnikranch.com

Finally, I found a place for designer toys in New Orleans! As a collector of these often tiny trinkets, I have been on the look out for someplace other than the Internet to buy these collectibles. However, difficulty defining what designer toys are remains a challenge to collectors and sellers like Gary, the owner of Sputnik Ranch. For a designer toy is not a toy, but a collectible piece of art. One of Gary’s goals is to educate people that art is not just in a museum, but exists in many forms that are affordable for anyone. The collectibles at Sputnik Ranch are affordable and attract people of all generations. Most designer toys are vinyl and come either in a large size (about 8 inches) or in blind box form (3 inches). Designer toys have similar shapes, but each are uniquely designed by up and coming, young artists. These artists include commercial artists to graffiti artists to professional artists. For example, all Dunnies have round bellies and bunny ears, but are graphically designed differently. Therefore each series release includes up to 40 varieties of the classic Dunny look available in blind box form. The best part of collecting blind box toys is you never know what you will get until you open it. Though you might end up with two copies of one design, the pleasure comes from discovering the toy for yourself. For others who like to collect but prefer something larger or want to know what they are buying, companies release certain versions, depending on the artist, in larger form.

Sputnik Ranch includes everything from these “toys” to Western wear to books. He also carries issues of Juxtapose, the magazine made for designer toy lovers. What links the items in this diverse store together is the idea that it is all art in one form or another. Gary started the store with his wife in hopes to bring to New Orleans the things he found and loved while traveling. Without a doubt he carries the largest variety and amount of designer toys in the city. He orders from Kid robot, Strange Co. and Play Imaginative, to name a few. His stock includes Dunny, Blow-up Dolls, Trexi, Mongers, and even Circus Punks. Gary and I share a special affinity for the Dunny series. In February he will be receiving a stock of the French Dunny series, a 8 inch Joe Ledbetter Dunny, and an 8 Inch Tristan Eden Dunny. Constantly receiving new inventory, Sputnik Ranch is the perfect stop for any designer toy collector or for anyone looking for cool gifts.

From ancient artifacts to confederate bonds, the Sword and Pen began as the Toy Soldier Shop, selling toy soldiers and limited militaria. The previous owner kept the store open for 40 years, but starting over after Hurricane Katrina was too much of a grueling task for the 80-year-old man. He sold his shop to owners of a tiny militaria store at 212 Chartes who took his collection and combined it with their own inventory. With this merger no one is deprived of the unique toy soldiers and the array of battle scenes that fill the display windows constructed by the previous owner. The newer name of Sword and Pen originates from the name of an old newspaper hanging over the door. However, the name neatly describes the collection of militaria as well as the plethora of paper goods. The collection has only expanded since the buy out 13 months ago to include confederate money, antique guns, swords, old newspapers, antique medical instruments, civil war relics, and medieval helmets, to name a few. The hodgepodge of items allows Larry a great opportunity to talk about a variety of subjects and for the customer enamored with any time period to be entertained. Some of the most interesting items include a civil war drum from the confederate army and an ink well set from Hitler’s personal office. The latter, being the most expensive item in the store marked at $25,000, attracts customers to investigate each case, onto other exciting historical memorabilia.

The Sword and Pen have a constant flux of new inventory, so even residents can frequent the shop without being bored. Besides, Larry would never allow anyone to be bored in his shop. He takes a personal interest in each customer, even tourists who were obviously lured in by the intricate toy soldier display in the front window. Larry takes the time to make everyone feel comfortable. Truly a good man, Larry spent his youth trying out law school and looking for an opportunity to use his History degree. Appealing to his esoteric side, Larry chose the antique business for a stress free environment and a chance to let his historical mind run wild. Ending up in the historic French Quarter has only added to his life as a history buff. For not only are you engulfed in history, Larry serves as a conduit to the past that so many come to New Orleans to experience. So if you are in New Orleans and have the hankering for some history, stop by the Sword and Pen at 528 Royal and allow Larry to expound on the city, for it is his love of history that makes the Sword and Pen experience complete.

Neophobia
2855 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA
www.neophobia-nola.com
504.899.2444
The name Neophobia, the fear of new things, perfectly reflects owners Amanda Frank and Vic Loisel and their retro collectibles. Creating a unique niche, the shop specializes in 50’s, 60’s, 70’s furnishings, clothing, and collectibles. From vintage clothes to Vistosi hand blown glass lighting to an Art Deco flip bar, Neophobia contains a whole range of affordability. In fact, I find many records for my collection as well as affordable furniture. The high-end collector will also be satisfied at the surprises that await them at Neophobia. Recent sales include rare Gioponti pieces, such as a silver tea service; items unheard of in New Orleans.
This smorgisboard of modern collectibles is not easy to acquire. Neophobia’s stock comes from a range of sources including out of state wholesalers, the internet, and the occasional walk-in seller. Only truly passionate collectors could find and create a place for the plethora of collectibles at Neophobia. Both owners entered the antique business via their personal collections. Vic started his collecting career trying to create his 50’s kitchen. Soon he had no space and started selling the fun and eclectic items he found. After catching the collecting “disease,” Vic partnered with Amanda, moving Neophobia into a new location on Magazine Street over a year ago. Open everyday, Neophobia has benefited from its move with more walk-in traffic; keeping business open is a struggle, but the future looks bright, especially with the tourist season peaking in the next couple months. Next time you are in New Orleans and want a truly special experience, find Neophobia and be transported back in time.