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Joined 10 years ago

A bankrupt brew house turned tourist goldmine.. The Scene
Developers saw dollar signs when local brew Jax Beer bit the dust in the 1970s, leaving this prime piece of Jackson Square real estate empty. The brewery reopened in the '80s as the home of more than 60 shops, galleries and restaurants, anchored by a three-story Virgin Megastore. You won't find many locals cruising the pathways in Jackson Brewery, but you will see lots of families, tour groups and strolling senior citizens. The vibe is more relaxed than on the streets, and shop employees happily offer rehearsed bits of history and good directions.

The Goods
Jax is packed with Louisiana souvenir shops. Mostly Mardi Gras specializes in Carnival trademarks such as second-line umbrellas and feathered masks; Foto Fantasy will shoot a commemorative portrait of you in the Big Easy. There's also a plethora of oddly exclusive boutiques, including one devoted entirely to novelty socks.