Magazine Street stretches from Canal to Audubon Park. A very large section of it (block 3000 or so and up) is populated by a variety of shops offering everything from antiques and jewelry to fine clothing and chocolates. It can easily be reached by public transportation (New Orleans city buses run up and down Magazine from the intersection of Canal and Camp) for $1.25 each way, exact change needed. I bought a unique Mexican Fire Opal ring and pendant at Sabai's, 3115 Magazine. There is a Magazine Street merchant's association, and they have a website if you want more information.

This is a long stretch of trendy boutiques, antique shops galore, art stores with dashes of rundown abodes, and circumspect-looking corners. It’s a good idea to ride the length of it on the bus, as it will give you a sense of where you’d like to spend your time.

You can start at Canal, which runs perpendicular to Magazine, ending at Jackson. You have 23 blocks where there is a concentration of bookstores. Within each major classification will be different types of establishments. For example, on the 2100 block, the Brass Menagerie will catch your eye. No, Blanche does not work there!

I spotted the NO School of Glassworks and Printmaking Studio and immediately went in. They hold demonstrations daily in architectural glassblowing and are extremely safety conscious. Much of the finished art work is on display as you enter, and the pieces will blow your mind. The printmaking area is impressive, and I saw a work in progress, with the color separations hung on a wall. Give them a call if you are in town at 504/529-7277.

I peered at some long-forgotten magazines in one of the vitrines. See the photo below. Also to be found are two of the street’s antique bed-and-breakfasts, built in the late 1850s and restored. From Jackson to Louisiana, where the 2200 block starts (going up to the 3300 block), you can enjoy or just browse the variety of personal services available, such as spas, skin and body services (banish the cellulite right here!!), and pampering. Animal Snackers Petcetera offers gourmet and natural foods for your pooch. Linger at Stationer of New Orleans for upscale albums, journals, and handmade gift ideas of all types.

As Louisiana ends, you are now at the 3400 to 4300 blocks, where jewels are precious and represent the city’s best in silver, pearls, and artist’s jewelry and objects. For a quick change of pace, visit the Magazine Pawn Shop for bargains on used baubles. Several of the shops are owned by the artists themselves, which are more interesting and show a variety of other enchanting collectibles.

The next 13 blocks extend from Napoleon to Jefferson Streets and concentrate on hospitality. I didn’t see any hotels though, so what’s up with that? Between Napoleon and Jefferson, you have 13 blocks of basically nothing. The next nine blocks take you from Jefferson to Calhoun, the latter bringing Magazine Street’s browsers to a shopper’s end.

Don’t worry if all this walking has you hungry; there will be all sorts of eateries to calm your pangs: sushi is available on the 2800 block and smoothies and local Creole cooking are on blocks 3000 and 3900. A noted international beer tavern/pub called the Bulldog awaits you on the 3200 block. For lobster on brioche, stop at French restaurant Lilette at no. 3637. As you near the end of the trail, you’ll find a Whole Foods Market to restore your sense of balance.

The real highlight of Magazine Street is the window-shopping. The shops are mainly old shotgun and other Victorian-style homes that have been reconstructed and fancied up in bright attractive colors to catch the eye of passing shoppers. Large shop windows entice passersby with goods in creative and unusual displays. There are some real decent restaurants open for lunch that are worth checking out. Some are open for lunch only, so it's best to check ahead.

The only disappointment was that as lively as this street is during the day, it's really dead at night! Only one or two places are open and the street is very dark. Still, it's worth spending a morning or afternoon just browsing along its' interesting six miles.

The Contemporary Arts Center claims this festival for itself down on Julia Street and charges $15-$25 for entry into their event, but there is no charge to attend the dozens of open houses hosted by art galleries and shops on Magazine street. The first Saturday in October, after 6 pm, the shops stay open and offer free wine, desserts and snacks. It's like trick'r treating for grown ups (kids are welcome too, just watch grabby hands). There is a free shuttle to take you between Julia Street and Magazine.

This is Antique Row; the streets are lined with antique shops from Canal St to Audubon Park. You could spend two or three days shopping here. There are enough shops, from high priced to le junk, that bargains are surprisingly easy to find. There are great eats here. From Igor's Buddha Belly Burger Bar to Chez Nous Charcuterie, you are sure to find what you are craving. Check out the Bed and Breakfasts here: The McKendrick-Breaux House and The Muses are both affordable and elegant.