It is March, and that means it’s time for one of the most popular Second Saturdays in the Bay – Souper Mudfest! This favorite Old Town tradition spotlights beautiful ceramic bowls, hand crafted by local artists. When guests purchase a bowl for $25, they receive an arm band that allows them to sample soup from Old Town Merchant Association members all over Old Town.For nearly two decades, residents and visitors from far and wide have visited Historic Old Town BSL to find the perfect addition to their soup bowl collection. There will be two bowl-selling stations this year: The Methodist Church on Main Street and Ms. Mary’s on Second Street will both have bowls from all your favorite artists as well as creations from new artists. The bowl sale opens at 2:00 pm and runs until the last bowl is sold. Proceeds will benefit Ruth’s Roots Community Garden, Hancock County Tourism, the Old Town Merchants Association, and the local artists who made the bowls.
Bay St. Louis has always supported and encouraged local artists, and nowhere will you find more creativity than in the second block of Main Street. This month, the Old Town Merchants Association celebrates not just the traditional arts but the art of floral design, the art of having fun, the art of creating a beautiful home, music, and the art of serving up delicious ice cream and coffee with these highlighted businesses.
Gallery 220 and Clay Creations
220 Main Street | (228) 466-6347
Mon–Sat 11 am-5 pm; Sun noon-5 pm
Begin exploring the second block of Main Street at the north end by visiting downtown’s only co-operative art gallery. Organized after Hurricane Katrina, Gallery 220 hosts the largest collection of local art in the area. With over 15 independent artists, there is a wide range of artistic styles and something for everyone. In the back of the gallery, you will find the artwork of Gallery 220’s owner and clay artist, Janice McCardell. Clay Creations is a studio with ample display space for her well-known clay plaques depicting every iconic landmark in the region. If Bay St. Louis is the site of a special event, it is likely there is a Clay Creations piece to commemorate the occasion. Pieces of art from Gallery 220 or Clay Creations make perfect souvenirs of a fun visit to the Bay.
The French Potager
213 Main Street | (228) 364-3091
Mon-Thurs 10 am-5 pm
Since 2012, floral artist Martha Whitney Butler has been living her dream in what she refers to as “the tiniest, cutest building on Main Street.” The French Potager is a beautiful little floral shop with a huge reputation for making others’ dreams come true. Well-known as the go-to floral designer for all special occasions, Butler and her team share their incredible artistic talents for all of life’s important moments. Their skills have received numerous awards and accolades, and Butler has been featured in national publications. Stop by and enjoy some time at The French Potager surrounded by beautiful flowers, garden gifts, and more.
Fleurty Girl
216 Main Street | (228) 344-3106
Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm; Sun 11 am-4 pm
Out of a desire to celebrate all things New Orleans, entrepreneur Lauren LeBlanc Haydel created a highly successful business that takes the art of having fun to a whole new level. Fleurty Girl is a colorful collection of stylish goods with an unmistakable flair. What began as a T-shirt business in 2009 has expanded from its Louisiana roots to become a beloved destination in Old Town Bay St. Louis and eight other locations around the New Orleans metro area. Stop in to see their array of must-haves and maybe even rent a bike to cruise down Main!
Sassy Bird Interiors
211 Main Street | (228) 344-3181
Tues-Fri 10 am-5 pm; Sun noon-4 pm
Sassy Bird Interiors is an inspiring gift shop, interior design firm, and home goods merchant. It is a unique shopping destination offering carefully curated accessories, regional art, and stylish furnishings for the coastal home. You will also find gifts, educational children’s toys, and beach getaway essentials. There is always something beautiful and different every time you visit the shop. The friendly staff will give you a warm welcome and help you find just what you are looking for. They also offer design services for all your home needs.
Good Earth Records
212 D Main Street (rear) | (504) 356-2251
Tues- Sat 11 am-6 pm; Sun 11 am-4 pmGood Earth Records is an independent record shop that carries new and used records, CDs, tapes, books, music-related films, and artwork with an emphasis on Gulf Coast music. You will find an extensive plant selection as well as local handmade art, vintage clothing, crystals, and unique gifts. Good Earth is also your source for DJ services and home or business gardening assistance. They work with local event spaces to produce live concert events featuring talented regional artists. Entrepreneurial couple Doug Page and Erin Warfield love the BSL community, where they feel surrounded by music and creativity. They have established a celebration of that affection in a one-stop shop for all things music, plants, and art.
Good Earth Records
212 D Main Street (rear) | (504) 356-2251
Tues- Sat 11 am-6 pm; Sun 11 am-4 pm
Good Earth Records is an independent record shop that carries new and used records, CDs, tapes, books, music-related films, and artwork with an emphasis on Gulf Coast music. You will find an extensive plant selection as well as local handmade art, vintage clothing, crystals, and unique gifts. Good Earth is also your source for DJ services and home or business gardening assistance. They work with local event spaces to produce live concert events featuring talented regional artists. Entrepreneurial couple Doug Page and Erin Warfield love the BSL community, where they feel surrounded by music and creativity. They have established a celebration of that affection in a one-stop shop for all things music, plants, and art.
Creole Creamery
207 Main Street | (228) 231-1943
Sun-Thurs noon-9 pm; Fri-Sat noon-10 pm
PJ’s Coffee
209 Main Street | (228) 231-1942
Daily 6 am-8 pm
The combination of Creole Creamery and PJ’s Coffee provides a delicious spot for taking a breath from all the activity in Old Town. Offshoots of two popular New Orleans businesses, these ice cream and coffee establishments are joined together by a deck dotted with tables and umbrellas and a courtyard complete with a water fountain and benches. Creole Creamery has a wide selection of ice cream flavors brought to the Bay fresh from New Orleans. In addition to the heavenly coffees at PJ’s, there are sweet treats, and their beignets will transport you directly to the French Quarter. The union of these two shops serves up sumptuous indulgences that will surely satisfy your gourmet cravings any day of the week.
