Main Street BSL Instagram Opportunities
Instagram-worthy Sights on Main Street, Bay St. Louis
Join us for a rundown of the most Insta-worthy spots on the main strip of Old Town Bay St. Louis before heading out on the prowl. In this segment, we cover highlights of the first and second blocks of Main Street. You’ll find lots more, these are just of a few of our faves!
- story by Caitlin Bourgeois
- photos by Ellis Anderson
“The Promenade” Mural
Head up Main Street from the beach and you’ll find the heart of the town. Shops line the street one after another with much variety to choose from. But there’s one attraction that will make you want to take a break and simply reflect on the history of Bay St. Louis for a moment. “The Promenade,” painted by award-winning Mississippi artist John McDonald in 1997, is a 16-by-98-foot mural showcasing the rich history of Bay St. Louis.
McDonald and his assistants worked months on the mural, much of which was done from a bucket lift. Maybe one of the most interesting elements of the mural is that town residents could donate to the project to have a likeness of themselves included.
The most obvious character to point out would be folk artist Alice Moseley, walking along the top floor donning her iconic red beret. The mural suffered after Hurricane Katrina but was restored in 2016.
McDonald and his assistants worked months on the mural, much of which was done from a bucket lift. Maybe one of the most interesting elements of the mural is that town residents could donate to the project to have a likeness of themselves included.
The most obvious character to point out would be folk artist Alice Moseley, walking along the top floor donning her iconic red beret. The mural suffered after Hurricane Katrina but was restored in 2016.
Stokoe Memorial Building
If you’re the rebellious type, the history behind this building might be for you. Constructed in 1925 by A.L. Stokoe, the building hosts the town’s Masonic Temple. Stokoe himself was a pioneer for Bay Saint Louis. A local bottler and lighting magnate, Stokoe brought the first streetlights to the town.
Not many of the townspeople were happy with the update and felt they were unsightly, thus filing a lawsuit to try and prevent the project. Today, our streetlights make great spots to snap a cute picture with their unique shape.
The Stokoe Memorial Building now houses Bay-Tique and Southern Accents Boutique, two great shops to visit for a new outfit or two.
Not many of the townspeople were happy with the update and felt they were unsightly, thus filing a lawsuit to try and prevent the project. Today, our streetlights make great spots to snap a cute picture with their unique shape.
The Stokoe Memorial Building now houses Bay-Tique and Southern Accents Boutique, two great shops to visit for a new outfit or two.
Hancock County Courthouse
Built in 1911, the Hancock County Courthouse still stands tall despite facing down two major hurricanes, Camille and Katrina. It’s definitely a building that you can’t miss, with its towering columns and wide staircase. Perch in front of one of its grand columns for a classic photo backdrop! The green lawn is a nice place for a break as you stroll down Main Street.
The Sycamore House
Oh, wow. The history, the ambience, the beautiful oak trees. The amazing partnership of chefs and owners Stella LeGardeur and Michael Eastham.
If this isn’t a stop on your tour of Old Town’s Main Street, then reevaluate and do not deprive yourself! The couple settled into this location in 2002 after completing their study at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. The menu ranges from Creole flavor to Asian influences and let’s just say their pizza is a huge talking point among locals. Any dish you order is sure to garner attention on your grid. Snap a quick selfie with a house-made cocktail, on the screened-in porch or lush patio, and voila – Instagram gold.
If this isn’t a stop on your tour of Old Town’s Main Street, then reevaluate and do not deprive yourself! The couple settled into this location in 2002 after completing their study at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. The menu ranges from Creole flavor to Asian influences and let’s just say their pizza is a huge talking point among locals. Any dish you order is sure to garner attention on your grid. Snap a quick selfie with a house-made cocktail, on the screened-in porch or lush patio, and voila – Instagram gold.
Creole Creamery
This little historic cottage can be easy to miss, nestled between a popular coffee shop chain and other fabulous shops (we’re looking at you, The French Potager). But, honestly, the dessert here is tough to beat. Chef Bryan Gilmore and David Bergeron started The Creole Creamery 16 years ago in Uptown New Orleans, and they haven’t slowed down since.
Brought to Old Town BSL in 2018, the shop hosts new flavors almost weekly, along with some great staples. Check out their fun ambience and cute Instagram-worthy wall in the back. Local artwork hangs on the wall along with a door hosting artwork by a Slidell tattoo artist.
Brought to Old Town BSL in 2018, the shop hosts new flavors almost weekly, along with some great staples. Check out their fun ambience and cute Instagram-worthy wall in the back. Local artwork hangs on the wall along with a door hosting artwork by a Slidell tattoo artist.
Gallery 220
This building and the energy inside is so unique that it’s a Main Street must-stop-in. The outside is just begging you to come see what’s going on indoors. Home to 27 artists, all with unique styles, Gallery 220 is one of the oldest galleries in Mississippi. Jenise McCardell and Mark Currier, owners of Gallery 220 and Clay Creations, organized the cooperative after Hurricane Katrina left many artists looking for a new home for their work.
The gallery offers a personal interaction with the artists, which sets it apart from many others. It’s clean, easy to navigate and exploding with creativity. The front window of the gallery changes monthly so there’s always something new to view – or photograph.
The murals on the outside host unique spots for a cute family picture or selfie, the artwork inside makes for a perfect addition to your home, and the conversations you’ll have are perfect captions to your trip.
The gallery offers a personal interaction with the artists, which sets it apart from many others. It’s clean, easy to navigate and exploding with creativity. The front window of the gallery changes monthly so there’s always something new to view – or photograph.
The murals on the outside host unique spots for a cute family picture or selfie, the artwork inside makes for a perfect addition to your home, and the conversations you’ll have are perfect captions to your trip.
We love a good Insta-worthy spot. There are so many on Main Street alone that you could fill your whole grid with Old Town Bay Saint Louis love! Make sure you get that #oldtownbsl ready and go venture into town for the day. We’ll be focusing on Second Street next - there’s some gold out there!