Gallery 220 is my favorite art gallery…read more For those that know me, you know that the idea of me perusing an art gallery is quite humorous. I don't frequent traditional art galleries, but Gallery 220 is anything but traditional. It's unique, casual, reasonable and more of a shared space where many different artists can sell their creations. Inside the shop there are six or seven different areas. While all are cool, there are three that stand out to me. The first is immediately to your left when you walk in. That area has art created from metal and wood scraps that Is industrial looking while still having a homemade look to it. The best items there are their magnets with metal hearts affixed to wooden blocks. No two are alike and they are very reasonable. The next area I really like is along the left wall towards the rear of the front room. That area has art that focuses on local sea life. My favorite painting was one of a crab, but it was a little rich for my blood. Last, but most certainly not least is the area in the back room. There you'll find the custom ceramic artist that recreated the facades of local and New Orleans businesses and landmarks. There were famous Nola restaurants like Commanders Palace, all the local cities, and even that bullshit school Jesuit. These ceramic pieces were remarkably accurate and were very reasonable. If you are in downtown BSL, you owe it to yourself to stop here.

Downtown art gallery featuring several local artists. I look forward to reaching the stop sign just…read morebefore it on Main Street so I can see the window dressing and who was featured. The Coca- Cola mural on the side of the building has become iconic, denoting you're in the heart of Bay St. Louis. Art prices are reasonable and allow even a casual collector to find a treasure. My all-time favorite queen artist, Michelle Allee, has a space in here. Check out her work. The multilayer, Bingo cards covered by a semi-sheer Queen/face are stunning. The big, piercing eyes speak to everyone. Give Gallery 220 a look!

Such a nice small art gallery. They carry original art and prints. They are so welcoming and share…read morestories of the art and artist. Nice experience even when you're just looking.

The town of Bay St. Louis is one of the most unique areas in the south. Smith and Lens adds to the…read moreuniqueness of downtown BSL, and it's well worth a visit. Located inside of a rustic looking cypress cottage, the modern art adorning the walls may seem out of place. But that is just what makes this place so special. On the day I visited the art on display involved 50s and 60s advertisements made in to modern art. It was completely unexpected, but at the same time, completely cool. The man working the counter was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was also very welcoming despite the two kids I took with me who didn't appreciate the art as much as I did. Maybe one day I will get a gallery show here. Even if I don't I will be sure to keep visiting and check out the real artists that do make the cut to be displayed. If you find yourself in Bay St. Louis, make sure to add Smith and Lens to your list of places to visit.

Another favorite shop when visiting downtown BSL. Wonderful art gallery and I also throughly enjoy…read morethe festivities the owners help organize for the community.

I love colorful, uniquely New Orleans art and Tami Curtis fits the bill. I just happened to find…read moreher gallery in the back of another store I was visiting and I loved all of her bright, beautiful work. Tami herself is friendly and is happy to tell you about her pieces. She sells originals and prints of her work including such subjects as Louis Armstrong, Pete Fountain, BB King, St. Louis Cathedral and much more. I don't know if I'll ever have enough money to own a Tami Curtis original, but I would love to add one of her gorgeous prints to my collection someday.

A friend saw her art at a local event and purchased a Mr. Bingle piece for me so I ahd to find her…read morestudio and see more...turns out she's in the pop up space behind Miss Smartypants. Easy-peasy. I stopped in to peruse her wares and was super excited by the old theater seats completely painted with images of Louis Armstrong along with song lyrics. STUNNING! If only I had room and $$ for such a purchase. She sells originals and prints with lots of NOLA local flavor. Definitely a great spot to peruse for something new for your house or a gift. And I love my Mr. Bingle

We were in an antique shop two doors down. We were told that the Mockingbird Cafe had the best…read morecoffee. It was hot and I was in need of an iced coffee. The recommendation did not disappoint. I ordered an iced mocha and added their house made coconut syrup. Others in my groups ordered the Honey Bee Latte with unsweetened lavender syrup and an iced vanilla latte with almond milk. I didn't try the vanilla latte but they liked it. The iced honey bee latte was interesting. I'm not a fan of lavender syrup. My Iced Mocha was amazing. My partner and I agreed, the best mocha we've ever had. The coconut syrup was a little sweet so next time I'd do less.

Don't come in here expecting a big, heavy meal. Even if you order the hashbrown bowl, expecting…read moreyou'll be taking some home. But do come in here expecting a really good breakfast, and excellent service. The avocado toast was piled pretty high with and pickled red onions. And a little goat cheese (be sure to read carefully - my wife did not, but she still ate all of it). The hash brown bowl was also really good. And of course I ate it all!! Who wouldn't?? This is a great little spot for having a breakfast to wrap up a weekend on the coast!!

Denise is an amazing artist with a beautiful storefront in Pass Christian! She has her beautiful…read moreoriginals on the wall, with a wide selection of prints, journals, and cards! Even if you go in to just look and say hello, Denise is always there to greet you with a smile! Make sure to stop in the next time you are in the area!

We have not been to Denise's gallery yet, but we had the honor to have her paint at our wedding!!…read moreEarly into our wedding planning, my wife and I discovered that there are artist that paint moments or interpretations of weddings. We found Denise Hopkins on a wedding website and looked at the Live Wedding Paintings she posted online. We were very impressed with the beautiful works of art she posted, so we booked Denise to Live Paint our wedding reception at the "Messinas" Atrium in New Orleans . From the start, Denise was very responsive with early communications, explaining the process and giving advice on what shape and size would best capture the reception venue. She suggested square (over rectangle), because our venue has a mezzanine and high ceilings. It was great advice. When our wedding day arrived, we finally had an opportunity to meet Denise in person, at our wedding reception where she was set up to create a painting of the celebration. She is a wonderful person! Denise was an absolute hit at our wedding! So many of our guests raved about how great it was to have Denise with us, painting our big night, and interacting with the guests. Some of our guests even took photographs of the painting at different stages, so we could see how the painting progressed through the evening. The final piece of art is exceptionally beautiful! Denise perfectly captured the magical energy of the entire wedding reception. On one canvas, Denise created an art piece that tells the story of our special evening, celebrating our love, while we dance the night away with family and friends. Every time we look at the painting, we are transported back to our wedding reception, and it gives us butterfly's. Huge thank you to Denise, for telling the story of our wedding in such a unique and beautiful way. -Kenny & Luyen