Momspace: Second Saturday Artwalk with the Family
By Andrea Vilemont Moreau
One of my favorite things to do since moving to the coast almost 20 years ago is to visit Old Town Bay St. Louis with my husband and children, particularly during one of the Second Saturday events held on Main Street. This evening takes place once a month, on the “second Saturday” of the month. It starts in the late afternoon and lasts through the evening, normally from around 4 to 8 p.m.
Officially called Second Saturday Artwalk, this family-friendly event has been going on since the early 1990s. It began as a way for galleries to highlight art offerings to the public. Later, restaurants and shops began to participate. Now the event is managed by the Old Town Merchants Association and more than 50 stores, galleries and restaurants participate. Second Saturday Artwalk features live music and most individual shops and galleries offer food and drinks to their customers. The shops on and off Main Street feature jewelry, unique art and paintings, clothing, antiques, hand-made crafts and home decor.
There are far too many shops and restaurants for me to mention here, although a complete listing can be found at Baystlouisoldtown.com. I will just mention a few of my favorites here.
Our afternoons usually begin with a “world class Mockingburger,” over at the Mockingbird Cafe, which has been featured several times in Southern Living. I might even pair this with an iced chai or iced coffee. My kids love the variety of sandwiches and delicious burgers offered. Then, my husband and I will walk down the street to split a daiquiri at the Daiquiri Shak, an adults-only beverage to sip while we head into any of the galleries or cute shops.
One of my favorite stores is The Social Chair, which I highly recommend if you need a gift for someone. The Social Chair has many unusual, whimsical and quirky gifts for those hard-to-buy-for friends! Another store I must visit is Maggie May’s, which hosts several different retailers under one roof, displaying everything from art and sculpture to linen clothing and jewelry, to boutique stuffed animals.
We always need to stop in the Serious Bread Bakery and pick up a freshly made sourdough loaf, some scones for Sunday, and a few giant chocolate chip cookies for the kids. This bakery features handmade artisan baked breads and several sweet things such as scones, cookies and muffins. This is a definite “must-see” if you visit Bay St. Louis.
Right around the corner is Bay Books. If you have been reading this Momspace column regularly, then you probably already know how I feel about books! Being one of only a handful of smalltown independent booksellers on the Gulf Coast, this one is definitely my favorite bookstore. The owners stock a lot of children’s books as well as books by Mississippi authors. Second Saturdays are popular for book signings, so don’t be surprised to get the opportunity to meet a local author and get a book autographed!
The evening of strolling and dancing in the street would not be complete without visiting Pop Brothers for an artisan ice pop in Blackberry, Lavender or Bananas Foster flavors! I highly recommend this! A friend of mine occasionally drives over from New Orleans on a whim whenever she and her kids get a craving…they’re that good!
Hope to see you at the next Second Saturday, which happens August 10.
Andrea Vilemont Moreau is a mother of three humans, a pre-teen and two teenagers, and two furry babies. She is a former teacher and librarian and is the author of the children’s book, “I Mustache You to Read with Me.” Her next book is due out this fall. Visit her website at Andreavilemontmoreau.com.
