For the folks who are lucky enough to call the Bywater home, they live in a perfect spot to never need a car. There is so much within walking distance in this section of New Orleans – shops, bars, restaurants, Crescent Park. If you love colorful, old New Orleans homes, then you’re going to love taking a stroll through this ‘hood. While you’re down there, check out some of these local businesses.
Located in a repurposed gymnasium since 2013, NOLA Bark Market consists of a dual business. New Orleans Art Supply features quality art supplies, accessories, & books. It also houses New Orleans School of Art & Craft, which offers a large variety of classes. NOLA Bark Market offers a selection of high-quality cat & dog food, grooming & bedding supplies, & other goodies. Popular for dog lovers, they offer doggy daycare on the weekdays, complete with a dog run. NOLA Bark Market also works with the NOLA Bulldog Rescue to offer meet & greets. The owner, Blake, has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years. She recognized that the community was full of dog lovers & artists and built a business to fill their needs.
Dr. Bob’s Folk Art
Dr. Bob has been in his Bywater complex for 26 years. It’s a large property that has the feel of an old carnival that rolled into town and just never left. Quirky, to say the least, but New Orleans funk at it’s finest. His art is inspired by old dive bars in Mississippi, that he used to drink at instead of going to class. No New Orleans home is complete without one of his well known “Be Nice or Leave” signs over their kitchen zink. Popular with locals & tourists, Dr. Bob’s complex is a sprawling workspace, storage, art installments, & a gallery. Despite the seeming chaos of the area, the indoor gallery has a very tranquil atmosphere. Dr. Bob is heavily immersed in the community as he is active in local charities & fundraisers.
Independently owned, Euclid Records has been in this spot for 3 1/2 years. They were previously a few blocks away for 4 years. This Bywater business owner has been here for 20 years and loves the location. They have a massive selection of local music and tons of vinyl to choose from. Due to Crescent Park, they have a huge influx of tourists roaming through their doors. Euclid also holds record release parties for local bands, as well as special shows for Jazz Fest. All of their shows are free. T-shirts, some music gear, & gift certificates are available for in-store for purchase. Euclid proudly boasts being THE place to be for Record Store day in April.
Learn more about New Orleans Neighborhood, the Bywater.