Savoring the Slow: Summer in New Orleans & the Power of Shopping Local

If you’ve ever spent a summer in New Orleans, you know the heat has a way of slowing everything down. And honestly? We don’t mind. The slow Southern rhythm is part of the magic here—thick with history, charm, and a certain kind of intentional living you just don’t find everywhere. It’s why people fall in love with this city, and it’s what has kept NOLA Boards going strong for over ten years.

We’ve learned a thing or two over the past decade—especially about what it means to run a local business in a city that ebbs and flows like the tide. Some months feel like a feast, others like a ghost town. But what never changes is our gratitude for the community that continues to show up. Supporting local isn’t just about a sale—it’s about connection, creativity, and celebrating the culture that makes this city one of a kind.

Why Supporting Local Businesses in New Orleans Matters

In a world that moves fast and favors convenience, shopping local is a conscious choice. Every time you choose a handcrafted cutting board or a locally made kitchen accessory from us, you’re saying yes to Southern makers, small teams, and the kind of quality that comes from heart and hands—not factories.

You're helping us pay our team, invest in artisans, and keep this little dream rolling—even through the hot, slow months. In New Orleans, where small business is deeply woven into the cultural fabric, your support truly keeps our city vibrant.

Things to Do in New Orleans to Beat the Heat

Let’s be real—New Orleans summers are steamy. But we wouldn’t trade it for anything. Here’s how we recommend savoring the season while staying cool:

• Start your day early. Grab a frozen coffee from Lower Coast Coffee and stroll the Audubon Park  or The Cool Zoo before the sun hits full blast.

• Explore indoor gems. Visit local treasures like the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, the New Orleans Jazz Museum, or catch a mid-day movie at The Prytania.

• Cool off with local treats. Enjoy a sno-ball from Hansen’s, fresh Gulf seafood, or creamy ice cream from The Creole Creamery.

• Swing by our shop. Our Magazine Street store is air-conditioned, full of locally made goods, and always ready to welcome you in.

New Orleans doesn’t just survive summer—we savor it. From porch hangs to museum days, it’s all part of that laid-back Southern charm.

Feast or Famine: The Rhythm of Local Retail

Every year brings its ups and downs. Sometimes we’re shipping out orders like crazy; other times, we’re polishing boards and waiting for that next footstep through the door. But what hasn’t changed is our commitment to keeping NOLA Boards rooted in the city we love.

We’re here for the long haul—through the heat, the hustle, and the hope that people will keep choosing handmade over mass-produced, and local over big box.

So here’s to the slow Southern summer. To sno-balls that melt too fast, fans that spin too slow, and neighborhoods that feel like family. And here’s to you—for sticking with us, showing up, and choosing local.

Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to beat the heat—and keep the heart of New Orleans alive.

Stay cool, shop small, and savor the slow —
With love (and a sno-ball in hand),
Mandy

Owner, NOLA Boards