Second Saturday - February 2015

by Lisa Monti

This month - Second Saturday and Valentine's Day coincide!  What could be more fun - or a more apropos?  
photos by Ellis Anderson

Second Saturday Artwalk in Old Town - February 14th

You'll find love all over Old Town this month - this is work by artist Spencer Gray at Gallery 220

By a happy coincidence of the calendar, February’s Second Saturday Artwalk falls on February 14, Valentine’s Day, making the monthly artwork and open house celebration in Old Town a bit sweeter.

The combination of Second Saturday and Valentine’s Day actually is a perfect pairing, considering shoppers will look for jewelry, flowers, artworks and other special gifts in shops and galleries around Old Town and then enjoy dinner for two (or more) at the nearby restaurants.

Second Saturday’s two hotspots — Cypress Cafe (300 S. Second Street) and The Palm House Cottage — have plans to enhance the Valentine’s Day celebration.

Cypress Cafe

300 S. Second Street 
Bay St. Louis, MS  39520
228. 466. 4877

Cypress Cafe, usually open for lunch only, will welcome guests on Second Saturday with special dinner service in its famous casual style in honor of Valentine’s Day. Dinner specials feature soup or salad, entrée of your choice and a special dessert. But you can always order from Cypress Cafe’s delicious menu. A Chocolate Truffle Treat with be included with all food orders on Valentine's night.
 
Since opening in 2010, Cypress Cafe has earned loyal fans who come back regularly to enjoy the soups, salads, specialty sandwiches, burgers, “chicks,” and wraps, which are all made to order. And yes, the desserts in the glass display case are as delicious as they look.
 
Besides the fantastic food, the Cypress Cafe is known for its roomy dining room’s brick walls with large windows. Guests can enjoy views of the huge oak tree and historic gazebo on the grounds of the historic 1905 City Hall.

Owner Holly Lemoine-Raymond has crafted the room’s furnishings and accent pieces, including the namesake cypress tables. The boutique cafe is steeped in local history and boosts one truly unusual feature: a trio of small jail cells near the bustling kitchen.

Shopping blends right in with a visit to Cypress Cafe and on Second Saturday all retail will be on sale. Look for specialty soaps, gourmet items and other one-of-a-kind gifts during your visit. And you might want to keep an eye out for possible paranormal activity in the cafe. The building has been under investigation by TAPS and Ghost Chasers of Mississippi.

The Palm House Cottage

217 Union St.
Bay St. Louis, MS  39520
504-729-0887

At Union and Hancock stands the historic Palm House, a 19th Century private residence and its Palm House Cottage, which is available for rent. Owners Grace and Christian Birch of New Orleans bought the property a year ago, and Grace has been discovering family connections on every weekend visit to their new community.

“We bought it in January and on Valentine’s weekend we were moving in and falling in love with the place,” Grace said. The location is within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, festivals and the beach, but the Palm House has a special atmosphere. “It feels like a retreat,” she said.

The main house is perfect for their multi-generational family members, while the charming guest cottage is ideal for visitors looking for a romantic getaway. “The cottage has hosted people on their honeymoon and a couple celebrating their 20th anniversary,” Grace said.

The cottage sleeps up to four and features a private patio, kitchenette, washer/dryer, jacuzzi tub and private parking.

“The cottage is fully outfitted for a really nice romantic stay,” Grace said. “And it’s just steps from where Second Saturday happens and the park next door has the duck pond and farmer’s market. We’re so excited about every new thing we find in town and getting to share it with our guests.”

For Second Saturday, Ann Wilson, Grace’s mother, and Anna Birch, Christian’s mother, will welcome guests to the Palm House with handmade Valentine’s cookies and hot apple cider. The family also plans to offer treats prepared by Rickey’s Off the Tracks, located a few steps from the Palm House.

Click here for more information and to make reservations.

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On Stage at the Mockingbird Cafe
110 South Second Street

Heart Throbs - Stoop Kids take Mockingbird Stage for Valentine's 2nd Sat.
Started by Griffin Dean in 2012, Stoop Kids’ music jumps between genres like hip-hop, doo-wop, jazz, psychedelic rock, funk, and everything in between. Their sound has been called a blend of “Beach Boys meets the Beastie Boys”. After the release of their debut album “What a World” Stoop Kids transformed into a live band with the addition of Thomas (baritone sax), David (keys/guitar), Patrick (bass), and Joe (percussion). In contrast to the relaxed sound of their recorded music, the live band is known for their upbeat and engaging performances. Over the course of 2015, Stoop Kids will be releasing a wide variety of content: new website, music video, live performance videos, and a new album.

End the Evening at 100 Men Hall!

Click here to buy tickets on-line!

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New Gallery opening on 200 block of Main!

The Gulf Coast Art Cooperative LLC at 209 Main Street in Old Town will be opening Saturday, February 14th, 10am.

From the gallery:  You are invited to come and join us to celebrate the opening, the brand new art show in the building, and join us for Second Saturday "outside." Refreshments will be served.

The Second Saturday Column
is sponsored by

Alternate Reality Artist Gallery

100 Men Hall - 303 Union Street - Special Valentine's Day Concert - Zena Moses and her band Rue Fiya.  Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm.  Tickets $18 in advance, $29 at door, cash bar.  Order tickets online here. 

Antique Maison Ulman Tearoom  - 317 Ulman Ave.  Booths for rent, good food, sales on merchandise and beautiful ambiance

Bay Emporium - 112 S. Second Street -  Thirteen shops under one historic roof.  features many options for your Valentine! Beachy fashions by "Ship Oar Shore", Swan Creek Candles from Scents on Second Street", art and constructions in "Steampunk Curiosities", handcrafted furniture by "Boesch and Co.", architectural salvage from "Charbonnet and Charbonnet", coordinating fashion and decor by "In 2 Details", fun and funky gifts by "Flair", jewelry and accessories by "bijoubel", vintage and retro in "Paper Moon", and our newest addition-"Voila!", French inspired goods! Also find 30% off decor and gifts in "Family Traditions". All this and more under one historic roof!

Bay-Tique - 125 D Main St. 125 D Main St. - Bay-Tique is having a HUGE sidewalk sale in Feb on 2nd sat! A tent will be set up outside with tons of merchandise, all 50% off! Jeans, shoes, apparel, gifts, jewelry….making room for spring merchandise!

bijoubel- 126 Main St. ( inside Maggie May's) it's not late for that last minute Valentine's Gift.  All Mariana and Renaldo jewelry will be 20% off this Second Saturday.

The Bonner Collection - 108 S. Beach Blvd.  Suite D.  Come by the Bonner Collection and enjoy some refreshments and choose that "special something" for the loves of your life. 10% of all Mardi Gras..Cheers!

California Drawstrings -  216 Main Street -

George’s Girls - 108 S. Beach Blvd. Ste B, (inside the French Settlement building). Purveyors of Fine Linens.  Georeg's Girls is a great place to spot in for beautifully scented candles and soaps, some of our newest our from Lafco and Mer:Sea, also it will be the first chance to view some Spring Yala clothing and beautiful night wear.

Gallery 220 - 220 Main Street - All day long, you and your sweetheart will find specials on artwork throughout the gallery.  There will be fun "Valentines" for sale too.  Then from 5pm - 8pm, enjoy finger foods and a cream-filled heart-shaped king cake!  At 7:30pm, two whimsical centerpieces by artist Nancy Lowentritt will be raffled off.  Raffle tickets are only fifty cents and will be sold at the gallery from Sunday, February 8th til the raffle on Valentine's evening (winner doesn't have to be present). 

Green Canyon Outfitters -108 S. Beach Blvd.- Come visit us upstairs at the French Settlement. You will find all of the latest activewear, ranging from Sunglasses, boots, yoga, fishing, hunting, and much more!

Fashion Express - Down the long hall  at Maggie May’s Art Gallery (126 Main Street),   Swarovski crystal collections by Victoria Lynn and Victoria Cross in an array of stunning colors, great for Valentine's Day, complimentary gift wrap!

The French Potager - 213 Main Street - Stop by The French Potager and swoon your Valentine with flowers and a fabulous shopping experience. Order your Valentine's Day flower arrangements today! Mention this ad and receive 10% off your flower order. Green Mountain Pies will be in the front yard with homemade king cakes for sale. Treat your loved one to a special evening!

ALSO, The Arts, Hancock County presents Imagination Station in front of The French Potager. Pastry chef, Hannah Roberts of Green Mountain Pies will help kids decorate Valentine's Day cookies. Stop by for this FREE kids' art activity!

Magnolia Antiques - 200 Main Street -  You must come see the totally rearranged shop!  We have completely turned it around.  All the same great stuff plus more!  Annie, the Doll Doctor, has moved her hospital to our location and her best collectibles!   And if you're looking for Dan's MANtinques, you'll find him in Magnolia Antiques too!   PLUS we're happy to welcome Our special entertainment for the evening, Ms Cynthia Chen,  well known New Orleans Jazz Pianist!   And of course, we'll offer snacks, wine, and a special dessert treat!  PLUS, mention you read this press and get 20% off all JAX items.

The Mockingbird Cafe - 110 South Second St.  Live Music by Heart Throbs - Stoop Kids take Mockingbird Stage for Valentine's 2nd Sat. from 6 - 9pm, Artist Laura Kidd Hurt will be showing her Mardi Gras headdresses, joining regulars Marsha Prejean, Kat Fitzpatrick, Diane Chunn, Sue Louvier and J.J. Foley. Local brews and dinner menu with famous Mockingburgers. 

Serious Bread Bakery - 131 Main Street, Suite D - Along with signature artisan breads, flatbreads and sweet things, you can also try pesto, hummus and our special tomato sandwiches.  As always, we offer samples of our baked goods. 

Social Chair - 201 Main St. - Love is in the air at Social Chair with the debut of the new styles for Spring of Helen Marie Swarovski crystal jewelry.  The popular leather and pearl styles are now available.  We are getting ready for Spring with new garden items arriving weekly.

Time After Time Antiques (Inside Bay Emporium), 112 S. Second St. Offering a unique array of antiques, furniture from different eras, collectibles, and home decor.  Between the hours of 4PM and 8PM we offer 20% off furniture.  Our selection changes monthly, so come see us.  We also carry the pottery line of Swan Creek Candles.

Twin Lights Creations - 136 Main Street - Eclectic garden & home décor. It’s Mardi Gras and what better gift is there than a hand made glass Mardi Gras Fish wind chime?  All new, made in the USA, the selections of these true art pieces are something to see.  Wide range of sizes and prices!  Come enjoy the elements of nature and take a little of the “Light” with you!