Zèle NOLA

Absolutely loved my time in this vast store - filled with artisan booths. I lingered here for an hour handpicking unique one-of-a-kind items. If you're visiting New Orleans this is the one store on Magazine Street that you should not miss! Also very kind and outgoing staff too. Just a really memorable experience and I will be back in the future for sure!

My friend and I stumbled upon this building while walking through Magazine Street. It's such a beautiful space. It's filled with numerous artists and their work. Jewelry, art work, wood work, soap bars, etc can be found here.

So, I love shopping local artists and finding different treasures when shopping for my loved ones. I'd rather spend a little more in my life to get something truly unique than to go to a department store and buy something that anyone could have. Same goes for souvenirs or mementos from my travels. I would rather something unique than just another magnet or keychain. If they must be magnetized, at least let them be quirky.SO, long story short (too late), one of my favorite accessory creators - Poly Paige - posted on her Instagram that she updated her little shop at Zele and of course she had the earrings that I had been drooling over from afar there. If that wasn't good enough, those earrings weren't even on her etsy, so I knew I had to make a trip. (To be fair, they look like lava lamps and I'm in love. No judgements, k?)Anyway, I find this location, park around the corner, and then proceed to just die and go to heaven. Right there. Look for the marker.The store is right up my alley and has a little bit of everything for everyone. Everything from wall art, to wearable art, to dishware, you will find something. And yes... even magnets! I was also given a card that has the shop keeper's cell number on there. She said if I needed anything, just text her. Like that's all she has to do with her time. I was just in love, and I can't wait to go back!

I was really disappointed by the shops in the French Quarter - tons of mass-produced, kitschy items - but I get that visitors to, say, Pier 39 in SF feel the exact same way. It's only when you get away from the touristy center that you find the more unique, soulful items to gift the folks back home. If that's what you're looking for, then Zele is a veritable treasure trove. No, not everything is emblazoned with something explicitly New Orleans related, but if you have friends who are into doggos, cats, etc., I think they'd appreciate something handmade with love from a NOLA-based artist than the random dishtowel talking about beignets (though they have these here, too). I'm really grateful I stopped by this place on my last full day in New Orleans because I did 95% of my souvenir shopping here. Do yourself a favor and peruse the entire store before you start making any decisions about what may best suit you and/or a loved one. There is a lot to see in every nook and cranny so use your time wisely. I ended purchasing some dishtowels, wooden ornaments and a beautiful feather headband that I know one of my friends in particular will love. There were so many other items I wanted to purchase, though, from earrings to paintings. If you have the time in your itinerary, head to this spot on Magazine Street!

One of the best stores in NOLA! I bought a few things that I love including original artwork. Store is just awesome I even got a plant. Nothing is junk it's all tasteful!

So many local artists and things to choose from here in a prime spot on Magazine Street! From paintings to photographs and random nick nacks, I got most of my Christmas shopping done here while supporting small business artists. One of my favorites, Cary Chung Lee, has a booth set up here. I will definitely be back whenever I need another gift in the future! After you're done shopping, head on over across the street to Ruby Slipper for brunch :)

Very nice market. I was exploring Magazine St. a bit (was in town for a wedding, and my airbnb was nearby) and stopped by here. I bought a print of Bourbon St. (sketch) for about $20 with tax, and I picked up two Beyonce-inspired wine bottle bags for a friend - they say "Okay ladies, now let's get in formation" with a pic of some wine bottles, and I had texted him a picture of it and he immediately had to have it. :)There are a lot of different stalls here from different artisans, and they had a nice collection of things to purchase. I'd definitely come back here when in the area.

My favorite place to buy local art. Low-key no pressure sales, it's like walking through an affordable gallery...I buy almost all my gifts here.

What an amazing, local arts gallery! The store is huge and overflowing with so much beautiful creativity. Lots of small pieces, great for travelers, it's easy to find a little something to take home. And they ship too. Right on a busy part of Magazine Street, stop in while you are on a walking tour in the area. Zele Nola has been selling my art on architectural salvage here for 7 years, they are fabulous!!

SHOP HERE! We love souvenirs from our travels but hate the normal made-in-china touristy junk. This shop has amazing items made by local artists. All kinds of items for all price ranges. This is a great stop to pick up some New Orleans survivers that are completely unique and made by true artists. We enjoyed walking through and checking out all of the items!