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 In this series of articles, we invite
you to follow some of the county’s sharpest shoppers
while they explore Chamber member stores and
restaurants. These volunteers have discovered an
amazing array of fabulous finds– and all in our own
backyard! For more information on this “Shop Local”
campaign, contact the Hancock Chamber of Commerce
office at 228.467.9048. For Shop Information and
Hours click here.
Sharp Shopping - Old Town, Part 2!
Fifty years ago, newlywed Myrt Haas
left her home in the “metropolis” of Hattiesburg and
rode across the Bay Bridge with her husband. When
she first saw the quaint fishing village that was to
be her home, she began to cry. There were few stores
or restaurants in the entire county. Young Michael
Haas urged her to be patient, believing that the
town was on the move.
“Mike was right,” Myrt reflected one recent
afternoon. “We don’t have to leave Hancock County
anymore to find great stores. Believe me, that’s a
blessing. I remember when I used to have to load
six kids in the car and drive for miles to go
Christmas shopping.” She laughed and shook her
head. “Now THAT was an experience!”
 Myrt
had volunteered to explore several Old Town
establishments as part of the Hancock Chamber’s
“shop local” campaign. One of her daughters is Tish
Williams, Director of the Chamber and Myrt often
lends a hand on various projects.
In
the matriarch’s typical fashion, she organized the
mission, commandeering a cheerful clan of
grandchildren to participate.
“Our family draws names for “Kris Kringle” gifts at
Thanksgiving,” she explained. “You’re supposed to
keep the name you pick a secret and choose a present
for them. The children are part of it too, so they
all need to buy gifts. What better place than Old
Town?”
Then
Myrt’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Here’s a poem we can
start with,” she said, grinning. Apparently, she
composed the rhyme on the spot:
“T’was two weeks before Christmas and
all through the town,
The munchkins were shopping and joy
abounds.
We all heard the sounds of laughter
and glee,
I hope they were buying presents for
ME!”
The
family had rendezvoused at the Mockingbird Café to
fuel up with a hardy lunch before tackling the
shopping. Myrt dined on the front porch with three
adult daughters.
Several grandchildren ran up and down the steps or
played in the garden - darting to the table briefly
to nibble from over-stuffed sandwiches. “This has
to be the best sandwich in the world,” Myrt
rhapsodized, taking a bite from her own.
Lots
of people agree with Myrt.
The
Mockingbird has been featured in
several national publications - including the New
York Times, Southern Living and in the upcoming
issue of Cottage Living. Journalists from around
the country come for sandwiches, then are smitten
with the atmosphere that makes the café the hub of
the Bay St. Louis community. Patrons of all ages
type on laptop computers or dine on deli sandwiches
created with premium Boarshead meats and “Serious
Bread” from Al the Breadman (baked on premises).
Friends recharge with quiet conversation and various
potent caffeine beverages. The walls are hung with
art by Gulf Coast favorites Kat Fitzpatrick,
Elizabeth Veglia and Cathy Waugh. Thursday nights,
the café draws large crowds as it serves up freshly
grilled “Mockingburgers” with live music.
The
café has been so successful, a spacious addition has
been constructed behind the original historic
cottage. The new kitchen – complete with a custom
brick oven – will begin to serve appetizers, gourmet
salads and pizzas in January (full menu available
after 5pm). The airy upstairs room can accommodate
up to 70 people and will double as a dining room or
location for special events like corporate meetings
or family gatherings. For holiday giving, café gift
cards are available, as well as bags of a special
coffee – “the Bay St. Louis Blend.” Myrt smiled
when she noticed a few of her older grandchildren
lingering at the counter asking questions.
“They’re quick studies,” she noted. “Good shopping
genes.”
The
family ambled up the second block of Main Street and
into
the Social Chair.
Owner and designer
Yuki Northington has assembled a
selection of items that drew constant exclamations
from the young crowd. “Cool!” “Wow!” “Awesome!”
Most of the children were cagey about who they were
shopping for - except for three-year-old Chris. His
grandmother gave him a shopping bag and he began
naming family members as he delicately loaded it
up.
 Austin,
who is 6, was mesmerized in the children’s room by a
collection of “Story People” books by
internationally known artist Brian Andreas. Social
Chair has a Coast exclusive on the series, which
includes books, sculptures, prints, furniture and
cards (starting at $14.95). Austin declined to
comment when asked who might receive the book as a
gift.
The Social Chair also features
artwork from eight local artists – including
contemporary designs by Yuki. She has also teamed
up with Jenny Bell to produce high-demand poster
designs for the Gulf Coast Community – all signed,
numbered and dated—including a second limited
edition of the Bridge Fest and a new Waveland
poster. Rainbow colored glass jewelry sparkled
alongside Pass Christian and Silver Run soaps and
body products (both locally made). Themed trees hung
with Santas, tropical or Mardi Gras ornaments
captured the attention of both adults and kids.
Even pets aren’t forgotten – the shop stocks jingle
bell dog collars, Santa coats and glow in the dark
leashes.
 Just
next door,
the Funky Rose
offered more temptations for the young crew. Our
Lady Academy student Sarah Haas showed her
grandmother a line of jewelry by “Two Sisters.” The
two local jewelers work with semi-precious stones
and crystals and often incorporate components from
authentic vintage pieces into their designs ($20 -
$150). The Funky Rose offers a mélange of products
including fine stationary, work by 20 plus artists
and collections of several antique dealers.
Functional pottery by five regional artists is also
on display. The shop has an Old Town exclusive on
potter Regan Carney’s work with its “dreamy glazes
and pastel colors that set it apart.”
Shop owner Renee Boxx named the shop
after her grandmother who “was a fashion plate.”
She’s obviously inherited the same love of fine
clothing and good value. Popular designers works
include Alberto Michali and Glam. Clothing by “Ivy
Jane” has been a hit on the coast. “She’s known for
her distinctive retro flair,” said Renee. “I’ve
actually had customers fighting – with good manners
– over her pieces.”
 Funky
Rose claims to have something for everyone. Myrt
would agree. She pointed to a colorful counter
near the front where the teenagers in the group were
finding a variety of small gifts for friends. “If
you can entertain a teenager, you’ve got it made,”
said Myrt.
The art deco building next door sits
on the corner of Main and Toulme and sports a lively
Coca Cola mural on the side. The 220 Main Street
location is legendary – it was the first Old Town
business to reopen after Katrina and hosted a 2nd
Saturday Artwalk event less than two months after
the storm. For the rest of the year, 2nd
Saturday became a weekly event – giving stressed-out
residents an opportunity to revive and reconnect.
The shops at 220 Main were named Business of the
Year 2007 because of their entrepreneurship and
commitment to the Old Town community.
220 Main is home to a dozen
businesses and artists – in addition to owner Jenise
McCardell’s classic “Clay
Creations.” Jenise has garnered a
regional reputation for her original ceramic
creations. With a line of works that range from
magnets to ornaments and wall hangings, the artist
sculpts, casts, twice-fires and hand-paints New
Orleans and Gulf Coast architectural gems – all on
the premises.
 Twins
Georgia and Tricia Williams were attracted to a wall
covered with renditions of schools and churches
(starting at $24). The array of possible choices
stretched far over their heads. The astonishing
selection is the result of the 27 years Jenise has
been designing for various charitable organizations,
schools and Mardi Gras krewes.
The Pic
Tease
booth in the same building is the brainchild of
photographer Betty Stechmann. Betty says she’s been
shooting pictures for most of her life, but
eventually turned into a “real shutterbug.” Several
years ago, she began the project of documenting the
entire Gulf Coast in a series of postcards. Katrina
cut the project short after she had photographed the
area from Lakeshore to Pass Christian. After the
storm, she recovered her flooded discs filled with
digital images, by washing them carefully and drying
them in a dish rack. Then she took her camera and
began shooting the aftermath. From the two sets of
pictures, she has created a series of “before and
after” images that will fascinate future historians
as well as current coast residents. Many of the
images have been incorporated in a book she
co-authored with Vicki Niolet, called “West Side
Stories” ($28).
 Betty
shows her lighter side with a display of
desk-toppers – framed quotes sure to garner a laugh
(framed, $5). Best sellers include “Stressed is
just desserts spelled backwards,” “Does wine count
as a serving of fruit?” and “Chocolate – the catnip
of the female world.” CDs by New Orleans musical
icon Bennie Grunch give laughter seekers another
option. “The Twelve Yats of Christmas” is a two CD
set full of funky holiday cheer.
 Chocolate
turns out to be more than catnip to women – the
children of the Haas clan were drawn irresistibly
into
Shabby Chic Designs
across the street. The sign in front reads “Nothing
Says Love Like Chocolate.” The shop is the only
place on the coast that creates handmade
chocolates. Inside, glass cases beckoned boys who
pressed noses against the glass, trying to decide
between 60 odd varieties of love.
Owner Dwight Isaacs says he’s been
making chocolates since he was 16 years old and “if
you can dream it, we can do it.” Past creations
include edible basketballs, footballs - even golf
clubs. Customers can order custom gift baskets and
tins for home entertaining or weddings and corporate
events. Holiday specials include mint chocolate
Christmas trees, cinnamon chocolate Santas and three
flavors of chocolate made with fresh squeezed fruit
juices: Key Lime, Orange and Lemon. Shabby Chic
also represents ten local artists and specializes in
fine architectural salvage, like mantles,
gingerbread accents, windows and doors. “I’ve got
it all – for historic renovation or home décor.”
 While
the younger crew was revved up on a chocolate
charge, the adults were ready for a real break at
the
Buttercup (a few steps away on Second
Street). The relatively new restaurant has a loyal
following of breakfast buffs and according to Myrt
is very “family friendly.” Regular customers rave
over the lunch offerings like croissant and Panini
sandwiches, wraps, fresh salads and homemade soups.
Classic Blue Bell ice cream is served heaped atop
crisp old-fashioned cones.
Fresh pastries are made on the
premises and cases are filled with homemade cookies,
muffins, cakes and cupcakes, Danishes and biscotti
sticks. Delectable specials like raspberry tortes
have locals popping in just to see what’s hot out of
the oven. Any of the luscious baked goods can be
ordered in large quantities for private or corporate
holiday gatherings with just three days notice.
Across the street,
Antique Maison features 38 vendors in
over 5,000 square feet of space. The children had
finished their shopping and opted to play outside
while the adults roamed through the vast interior.
Oriental rugs, armoires, artwork and tabletop
accessories lined the aisles in a profusion of
visual delight. Myrt noted that while many antiques
were on display, some booths featured exceptional
new furniture with brand names like Pulaski.
Myrt’s daughter Jennifer Jung was
captivated by a bookcase filled with antique crystal
glass. She found a set of delicate miniature beer
mugs, dating from the 1930’s. The glasses were used
as a promotional item and are extremely rare. The
price for a set of four was $8. Owner Sylvia Young
explained that most of the vendors mark prices on
collectibles much lower than the average book
value. “These are collectibles you’re not afraid to
use on a daily basis,” she said, laughing. “We try
to make sure that regular customers find lots of new
things every time they come in.”
 Myrt
had one final mission for the day – she wanted to
order a piece of art custom framed for someone on
her own Kris Kringle list.
The Loft Frame Shop
is located on Second Street in an arts complex
called “The Lumberyard.” Myrt had called ahead and
owner Donna Davenport met her at the door. The
upstairs studio overflowed with samples of mat
colors and frame stock. Donna immediately went to
work presenting combinations that would bring out
the best of both the art and the room where it would
hang.
In the ten years she’s been a
professional framer, Donna has gained a reputation
for knowledge of conservation and creative
presentations. As an artist herself, she considers
framing itself an art form. Many prominent coast
artists bring their work to the Loft when they’re
framing for exhibition or sale. The combination of
quality craftsmanship, personal attention and
reasonable pricing has built the business a loyal
following. Donna will also take on challenging
projects like needlepoint and collages of personal
mementos or old family photographs. Myrt was
delighted to learn that Donna even delivers locally
After farewells and hugs, the last of
Myrt’s grandchildren dispersed for various weekend
activities. She took a few moments to talk about
community changes in the past half century. “What a
difference between now and then. And look what a
good time my family had today, all right here within
a few blocks. If I was coming across that bridge
for the first time today, I’d be wearing a grin from
ear to ear!”
If Hancock county residents commit to
shopping locally this holiday season, our economy
could receive an estimated 35 million dollar boost.
With that very merry goal in mind, The Hancock
Chamber of Commerce has launched a “Holiday at
Home!” campaign to make local shopping easy and
fun. The campaign will publicize the bounty of our
county - including seasonal events, merchant
specials and a spectacular array of gift ideas.
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