Explore the Northshore

Explore louisiana northshore

St. Tammany Parish Tourist & Convention Commission Fall/Winter 2022-23

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Lake Pontchartrain

contents FALL/WINTER 2022-23

on the cover Delaune Sailing Charters offers a romantic evening on Lake Pontchartrain.

Photography by Kevin Garrett

04 celebrate

Honey Island Swamp

We revel in Northshore culture, art, music and cuisine through fêtes big and small.

10 couples retreat

Follow cupid’s arrow to these romantic Valentine’s Day activities in St. Tammany Parish.

11 discover

Get to know some of St. Tammany’s charming towns with these day itineraries.

22 indulge

Experience the Tammany Taste culinary scene with some of the chefs, restaurants and artisans we love.

32 explore

State parks, fine art, gators and giraffes…oh my!

38 adventure

Swamp tours, glamping, paddling, hiking and fishing await the adventurous.

43 connect

Small museums, historic sites and trails give perspective on the area’s past.

PHOTO KEVIN GARRETT

46 splurge

Shop St. Tammany for treasures to take home.

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 1

Explore

from the editor

the northshore

There's a Cool Breeze in the Air

H

ello! It’s my honor to welcome you to the next issue of Explore—a seasonal, inspiration guide for the Louisiana Northshore. As long as I can remember, I have savored the beginning of autumn with my family and friends … and not just for the football! The change of the season and first respite from the summer heat uplifts the community and beckons you outdoors. It really is a mood! And what’s not to love?

During the fall and winter, the Northshore is abuzz with seasonal events and festivals around every corner, sure to have residents and visitors alike enjoying the many ways to celebrate and delight in our local flavors and fun.

We’ve packed this Fall/Winter issue with a mix of old and new favorites across St. Tammany Parish. Our day trips beginning on page 11 feature easy ways to explore Abita Springs, Covington, Madisonville, Mandeville, Slidell and everywhere in between. And being just 45 minutes from New Orleans, our convenient location allows the Northshore to serve visitors as both a relaxing escape and as the hub of the ideal Louisiana vacation.

Fall and winter are the perfect seasons to indulge, and St. Tammany Parish offers picture-perfect gathering places for waterfront dining and al fresco options. On page 23, don’t miss a new feature on the brand-new fine dining eatery at the Southern Hotel, The Gloriette, and an in-depth interview with the Louisiana Travel Association's Restaurateur of the Year, Chef Pat Gallagher, on page 24. We’ve also added a collection of Black-owned restaurants on page 28 such as Roots Plants and Coffee, Willie’s Taste of Soul and Celina’s Soul Food Café, to name a few delicious delights.

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Katie Guasco

EDITORIAL STAFF

Erica Glory, Sarah Hill, Roberta Carrow-Jackson CONTRIBUTORS

Jyl Benson, Christina Cooper, Beth D'Addono, Kevin Garrett, Renée Kientz, Rae Shipley, Anna Strider

LouisianaNorthshore.com PRESIDENT AND CEO

Donna O'Daniels

As we revel in the cool air of fall and winter, join us as we uncover exciting adventures to explore Louisiana Northshore.

From glamping in style at Fontainebleau State Park on page 34 and up-close animal encounters at Global Wildlife and InstaGator Ranch & Hatchery to paddling and fishing excursions, you’re sure to be immersed in the family-friendly, natureinspired spirit of the seasons. If relaxed grace is what you fancy, look no further than our art galleries and shopping opportunities beginning on page 47.

We can’t possibly cover the full splendor of these seasons in one issue, so we invite you to visit our website or find inspiration with us on social media to start planning your next trip. We’re ready to host you and once you’re here, be sure to tag your images with #LaNorthshore and #TammanyTaste.

We look forward to sharing many stories with you and hope you will visit us soon!

St. Tammany Parish Tourist & Convention Commission 68099 Highway 59 Mandeville, LA 70471 (985) 892-0520 www.LouisianaNorthshore.com

PRESIDENT/CEO

Kimberly Ferrante GROUP PUBLISHER

Adam Pitluk, PhD CREATIVE DIRECTOR

David Halloran CONTACT THE PUBLISHER

info@midwestluxurypublishing.com midwestluxurypublishing.com 917.447.7731

Explore the Northshore is a biannual publication of the St. Tammany Parish Tourist & Convention Commission. The STPTCC provides visitor information and assistance to leisure and business travelers in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. Find comprehensive listings for accommodations, attractions, dining and events at the STPTCC’s official website: www.LouisianaNorthshore.com

Katie Guasco Follow us on Facebook at ExploreLouisianaNorthshore and on Instagram @lanorthshore

editor - in - chief

Printed in the USA

View of Fontainebleau State Park from Lake Pontchartrain

PHOTO JOHN NEWMAN

celebrate

join the party There’s always something fun afoot on the Northshore. We celebrate the blues, the food, antiques and art—and just about anything else that brings joy our way.

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PHOTO KEVIN GARRETT

Abita Fall Fest in Abita Springs

The Northshore planner

Head to

louisiananorthshore.com/events

to explore more

*all events are subject to rescheduling, canceling or postponing. visit louisiananorthshore.com for current information.*

Sept. 29-Oct. 2

PHOTOS BILL LANG; KEVIN GARRETT; ABBY SANDS; JOANIE JOHNSTON; CHRISTINA COOPER; ANTHONY “CHOPPER” LEONE; ANNA STRIDER

St. Tammany Parish Fair Carnival rides, critters and food

Oct. 8

Oct. 29-30

Christmas Past Festival Yuletide fun in Old Mandeville

Nov. 4-6

Jan. 6–Feb. 26, 2023

Bluesberry Music & Art Festival Music, art and blueberry treats in Covington

Ozone Songwriter Festival 100+ free performances in Mandeville

Oct. 15-16

Three Rivers Art Festival Juried outdoor art in Covington

Wooden Boat Festival Maritime fun in Madisonville

Dec. 10

Olde Towne Street Fair Hunt treasures in Olde Towne

Nov. 12-13

Mardi Gras Boats, floats, and pups on parade

March 25, 2023

Whole Town Garage Sale Abita’s yard sale on steroids

family-friendly mardi gras in st. tammany parish

Looking for a tamer version of The Big Easy? The Northshore’s Mardi Gras celebrations are quirky, unforgettable and full of positive energy. If small-town family celebrations are what you’re after, St. Tammany Parish will definitely fill your bag. Check out LouisianaNorthshore.com/mardigras (see related story on pg. 8).

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Don’t Miss! rockin ’ the rails

Enjoy live music during the free concert series at the Covington Trailhead every Thursday evening in October. Explore downtown Covington afterward for specials. wild things

PHOTO ANTHONY “CHOPPER” LEONE

Bring the kids for a free event at Southeast Louisiana Refuges Headquarters in Lacombe to celebrate National Wildlife Refuges Week. Canoe tours, animals, wildflower walks and kids’ activities. Oct. 8 louisiana food truck festival

The Harbor Center sponsors live music, a kids’ zone, vendor booths and a collection of area food trucks, including Old School Eats, Semplicé, Kona Ice, Frytastic, Diva Dawg, Crepes a la Cart and more.

Oct. 8 biketoberfest

Brooks’ Bike Shop takes you on a group tour of the scenic Tammany Trace and to St. Tammany’s breweries, including Old Rail and Chafunkta in Mandeville and Abita Brewery just outside Abita Springs. Oct. 22 olde towne zombie crawl

This pet-friendly street party in historic Slidell is held at the 2200 Block of Carey Street, between Robert and Cousin streets. Live music, arts and crafts and vendors.

Oct. 28 abita springs fall fest

One day of 11 musical acts on two stages, this family-friendly fest features art, cuisine and the cultural heritage of quaint Abita Springs.

Also, go to the pre-festival concert Friday night to get in the right frame of mind. Acts include Sunpie & The Louisiana Sunspots, Washboard Chaz and Muscadine Bloodline. Nov. 4-5 lobby lounge concerts in slidell

Check out the cool, intimate Bohemian-style performances at the Lobby Lounge at The Harbor Center. Local celebrity Amanda Shaw closes the 2022 series on Nov. 16 with winter shows kicking off the 2023 season Jan. 18, Feb. 23 and March 22.

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Maritime Magic at the Wooden Boat Festival No plank-walking necessary, though a love of the water is required for the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival

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ituated on the banks of the Tchefuncte (pronounced Cha-FUNK-ta) River, the little town of Madisonville knows how to have fun on the water. Its biggest event each year is the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival, a weekend that celebrates maritime history and proves to be the largest gathering of wooden boats on the Gulf Coast. Some captains even let landlubbers board their boat to admire the craftsmanship.

Sponsored by the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, the festival features scores of vintage watercraft from across the Gulf South, as well as demon-

strations, live music, divine festival food, a beer garden and a children’s area. There’s a Kids Boat Shop, too, where tots can design their own vessels from wood pieces provided by the St. Tammany Woodworkers Guild.

The highlight here just may be the Quick‘n’Dirty Boat Building competition, which challenges participants to pick a theme and then build a boat from provided materials in 14 hours. The boats then must prove their seaworthiness—but often don’t, to hilarious results. Mark your calendar for this memorable festival October 15-16. woodenboatfest.org

Olde Towne Street Fair shops beckon year-round in Slidell’s Olde Towne

District, but the treasure hunt spills into the surrounding area for one weekend each fall and spring with street fairs selling everything vintage, cool and collectible.

There is also lots of food and music. Free parking, no admission charge, but plenty of temptation. Oct. 29-30, 2022, and March 25-26, 2023, Slidell

FA-LA-LA-LA-LA Show-stopping Yuletide musical performances can be found all around the Northshore. Lift your spirits and rejoice in the season with song.

PHOTO BOBBY GILBOY

nov. 19

Holiday’n the Vines at Wild Bush Farm & Vineyard dec. 3

Candlelight Caroling at the Covington Trailhead dec. 3

Santa joins Covington in the annual Deck the Rails event at Covington Trailhead. Come join in the celebration on Dec. 3.

Welcome Back, Saint Nicholas Santa makes his presence known on the Northshore by jyl benson

I

n these parts, Santa has been known to travel via pirogue pulled by a troupe of friendly alligators. When his watercraft pulls up to the banks of Lake Pontchartrain to visit the Northshore, he makes a big splash.

Santa’s first stop on the Northshore is Mandeville, where he arrives by boat on Dec. 3 for the Winter on the Water boat parade and then again on Dec. 3 for Merry Madisonville in Madisonville.

He also makes a grand entrance via horse and buggy at the Folsom Horse and Wagon Christmas Parade on Dec. 10.

Holiday strollers spread cheer as they meander through the streets of Old Mandeville at the lakefront town’s annual Sips of the Season on Dec. 2. The event is modeled after the German Christkindlmarkt tradition, in which revelers wandered the town squares with mugs of warm, spiced wine called gluhwein. Purchase a mug in advance (they sell out quickly) at participating shops and join in the fun. Shoppers enjoy special sales, warm cider and signature spirits from local shopkeepers.

On Dec. 4, Covington Heritage Foundation presents its pedestrianfriendly History and Holly Home Tour with wine tasting. Listen to holiday music while enjoying the festively adorned homes in a quaint Covington neighborhood. Join Santa on a visit to yesteryear on Dec. 10 as you wind through the leafy streets of Old Mandeville,

Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall’s Holiday Concert dec. 11

Christmas on the Northshore Concert St. Timothy United Methodist Church dec. 17

Mandeville Trailhead Evening Holiday Market (and Music) dec. 17

Holiday Concert with Northshore Community Orchestra at Slidell Municipal Auditorium enjoying carols sung by local musicians and choirs, for the city’s annual Christmas Past Festival. An old-fashioned holiday atmosphere sets the backdrop for offerings of arts and crafts, jewelry, seasonal food and beverage, a Children’s Village and train rides.

Be sure to stop at the historic Lang House for pictures with Santa (bring your camera!).

Enjoy Teatime with Santa at the Southern Hotel, The English Tea Room or Maison Lafitte. You can also catch up with Santa while you dine at the Youth Service Bureau’s Your Santa Breakfast on Dec. 3 or meet the jolly old elf at Winterland at the Shops, Dec. 9-11. You’ll find Santa dropping in all over St. Tammany, so be sure to check our website calendar for more.

St. Tammany lights up the parish with more than the shimmer of twinkling lights sprinkled along the streets, Tammany Trace trailheads and parks. Bring the entire family to Covington to experience the magic with Deck the Rails at Covington Trailhead on Dec. 3, and to Slidell’s Bayou Christmas in Heritage Park the week before Christmas. You’ll also find lots of family fun at Christmas Under the Stars Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 9-10, and if you have a golf cart, decorate it and get ready to roll with your friends and neighbors in the Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Parade on Dec. 4.

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PHOTO CHRISTINE REGUSA

Krewe of Poseidon rolls down the streets of Slidell.

Get that Mardi Gras buzz Parades roll, march and float in towns all across the Northshore during the festive Carnival season

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here are a few misunderstandings surrounding Mardi Gras festivities in Louisiana. For instance, Mardi Gras is only one day. It means Fat Tuesday in French and falls every year on the Tuesday before the start of Lent. So what is the rest of the parade season, which lasts about three weeks, called? Carnival. As in, “It’s Carnival time! Throw me some beads!”

Another misunderstanding: Mardi Gras is not about flashing, streaking or drinking alcoholic beverages to the point of oblivion.

Most parades, especially on the Northshore, are G-rated, family oriented and more about cheering on marching bands and showing off all the beads, toys and mementos you caught.

Carnival season kicks off on Jan. 6 (the Christian holiday of Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night) and continues until Fat Tuesday, which in 2023 falls on February 21.

The St. John Fools of Misrule marching krewe, complete with flambeaux (torchbearers) and costumed cavorters, gets Northshore 8 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

Carnival off to a raucous start Jan. 7 as they parade through the streets of downtown Covington.

After that, Carnival momentum builds with weekends of parades by krewes with names like Poseidon, Selene, Eve and Titans rolling across the Northshore. And, new this year in Slidell is the Krewe of Antheia, goddess of swamps and flowery wreaths. Abita Springs’ always-zany Krewe of Push Mow is especially popular for its humor and themes like “What’s that Smell?” and “Terrible New TV Channels.”

There are boat parades, dog parades, day parades and night parades, all culminating on Mardi Gras Day when most Northshore communities celebrate in some way. The biggest celebration is Carnival in Covington, which begins with two parades followed by a street party at the Covington Trailhead. For a schedule of Northshore Carnival parades, visit louisiananorthshore.com/ mardigras

Krewe du Pooch parades along the Mandeville lakefront.

Pups on Parade officially ends with Fat Tuesday, the Northshore can’t quite let it go until the dogs have had their day, the weekend after.

On Saturday, February 25, costumed pooches parade with their humans along the Mandeville lakefront and compete for best costumes. The fun will continue afterward with a free public concert, pet adoptions with local rescue groups, food and drinks, and fun activities for the whole family.

The big finale for Mardi Gras 2023 comes Sunday, February 26 when the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws takes to the streets of downtown Covington in one of the most popular processions in St. Tammany Parish. Always fun and colorful, the parade also raises funds for area animal agencies supported by the Ian Somerhalder Foundation. Somerhalder, a Northshore native, has joined the parade in past years and his possible appearance accounts for some of the excitement among the gathered crowds. although the carnival season

PHOTOS K9 PHOTOGRAPHY; KARYN LOCKE

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 9

Couples Retreat Follow cupid’s arrow to these romantic Valentine’s Day activities in St Tammany Parish by erica sweeney glory

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to spend this Valentine’s Day. From getting cozy together and relaxing during a sunset sail with Delaune Sailing Charters, saddling up and spending the day horseback riding at Splendor Farms, or self-exploring our waterways by kayak or canoe, you’ll be sure to make memories together.

The Northshore is not shy of beautiful photo opportunities with many romantic Instagrammable locations to share a shot of you and your beau. Meander through our towns and their historic districts lined with outdoor murals and small shops. Finish

the day with a sweet treat from confectionery hot spots like The Candy Bank in Old Mandeville or share a banana split at the Old Town Slidell Soda Shop!

Following the pandemic, people are longing for connection and closeness with others more than ever. The Louisiana Northshore brings people together and is a destination that welcomes and celebrates romance of all kinds. Take this Valentine’s Day to explore a new city or be a tourist in your own hometown as you enjoy a local staycation in St. Tammany Parish.

Old Town Slidell Soda Shop

PHOTO KEVIN GARRETT

L

ove is in the air of the quaint and charming towns on the Louisiana Northshore.

Though Valentine’s Day can induce pressure to plan a perfect date, almost more important than who you spend the time with is where you go. You and your partner can be sure to find ways to reconnect and celebrate your love here in St. Tammany Parish.

Fine dining and breathtaking views make up the St. Tammany culinary scene.

Dinner for two can be a magical time given the right ambience to set the mood you envision. Restaurants such as Palmettos on the Bayou, tucked away on the beautiful Bayou Bonfouca in Slidell; an intimate Italian table, off-street in downtown Covington at Del Porto Ristorante; upscale dinner by candlelight at Tchefuncte’s Restaurant in Madisonville; or dining at Annadele’s Plantation in Covington and booking a room there to stay for the evening or weekend— the Louisiana Northshore offers many options to enhance romantic celebrations.

If an overnight stay sounds like exactly what you and your partner need, you’ll also find diverse options for traditional comfort and chances for unique experiences. Retreat to the Southern Hotel in Covington to be immersed in the arts of the boutique hotel, bask by the retro pool and enjoy cocktails crafted by expert mixologists at the Cypress Bar. If you are hoping to get better acquainted with nature as well as your spouse, opt for glamping in Fontainebleau State Park.

Truly an unforgettable adventure, glamorous camping or “glamping” allows you the fun of camping, but without all the packing and self-setup traditional tent camping requires. Simply show up with a few of your favorite comfort items and you’ll find a canvas tent already set up with a queen-sized bed, camp tables, chairs, a firepit and more awaiting you! Spend less time preparing the campsite and more time enjoying your outdoor adventure and perks of the most-visited state park in Louisiana (more on glamping on pages 34-35).

For couples whose ideal dates involve the outdoors, the Northshore is the place

discover Causeway Bridge from Lake Pontchartrain

day trippin’ Take a short, scenic ride across the Causeway Bridge to meander through Louisiana Northshore’s unique towns and experience their vibrant personalities.

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 11

a Quirky day in...

Abita Springs

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bita was originally inhabited by the Choctaw, who believed in the healing powers of its springs. The tiny town is nestled near the scenic Abita River in a lovely little hamlet among longleaf pines and artesian waters. In 1887, a Covington doctor tested water from the springs and declared it positively medicinal, which led to scores of summer tourists from New Orleans vacationing in Abita Springs at the turn of the century. They arrived by train and stayed in grand hotels and boarding houses to escape the heat and

yellow fever prevalent in New Orleans. Today, Abita Springs has a fun and funky personality like the artists, scholars and painters who have flocked here for its feel-good vibe. Visitors to Abita find themselves breathing fresh air as they take a relaxing ride along the Tammany Trace—and taking a large sip when they sidle up to the bar at the birthplace of Abita Beer. The chic and charming Abita Springs Hotel is right in the heart of town. For more accommodations, visit louisiananorthshore.com/hotels.

The eccentric and off-color John Preble is just as likely to throw you an insult as a compliment, and his UCM Museum attracts the curious from far and wide. His Abita Mystery House is a wildly wacky collection of found items, tongue-in-cheek displays and outsider art, and Abita has John’s brilliant mind to thank for some of its best events, including the Louisiana Bicycle Festival, the Busker Festival and the Krewe of Push Mow Mardi Gras Parade.

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PHOTO KEVIN GARRETT

it’s a mystery

ride a bike

Rent bikes via mobile device at the Brooks’ Bike Shop rental stand (or bring your own) and ride a section of the 31-mile Tammany Trace to the Abita Brewery, the first and largest craft brewery in Louisiana. The packed-with-personality Abita Springs Trailhead Museum is worth a wander inside on Fridays and Saturdays.

abita springs trailhead park

Stroll around and admire the Abita Springs Pavilion, on the National Register of Historic Places and built in 1888. Back then, there were four drinking fountains under the pavilion, enabling tourists access to the artesian springs. Today, a bronze statue of the Choctaw Princess Abita tells the legend of her recovery thanks to the healing waters. There’s a cheerful playground and a path leading to a bridge over the Abita River, and the Abita ‘Spirit Stick’, a towering totem with directional signs.

welcome morning

Locally roasted coffee, fresh pastries and beignets will help you get a fresh start to a memorable morning.

gourmet fare

(but

not fancy)

There are several spots a stone’s throw away where you can dine-in or pick-up a picnic and soak up the sunshine.

abita springs café

Visit this cozy café offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee, produced locally by the Abita Roasting Company.

abita brew pub

22132 level street

Great seafood, killer burgers, live music on weekends, growlers and outdoor games in the birthplace of Abita Beer.

(985) 400-5025

72011 holly street

PHOTOS KEVIN GARRETT; ERIC LINDBERG; BOBBY TALLEY

(985) 892-5837 dragonfly café

This mobile café serves hot and iced coffees, smoothies, cream sodas and baked goodies.

22059 hwy 59 (504) 252-2161 maple street bakery

Muffins, cinnamon rolls, pastries.

72066 maple street (985) 327-5554

mama d’s pizza

Hand tossed artisan pizzas and pastas.

22054 la-59 (985) 809-0308 artigue’s abita market

Satisfying hot plate specials and two words: Thunder Cheese.

22069 la-59 (985) 892-7300 LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 13

PHOTO KEVIN GARRETT

a Charming day Covington in...

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n the National Register of Historic Places, the quaint and welcoming Division of St. John in Covington is thoughtfully laid out in a grid pattern, with free parking areas called Ox Lots centrally located throughout the town. This hearkens back to days when schooners came down the Bogue Falaya River to trade goods from Covington and surrounding Northshore areas with New Orleans. Traders brought their wares and parked their oxen in the squares.

this is a good morning

Begin your day sunny side up in Covington at any number of delightful breakfast spots, where you’ll find heavenly benedicts, crêpes, creamy grits, artisan roasts, beignets and more. abita roasting co.

Buttermilk Beignets and Princess Abita Coffee

1011 village walk (985) 246-3345 english tea room

Windsor High Tea 734 east rutland street (985) 898-3988 mattina bella

Blue Crab Benedict 421 e. gibson street (985) 892-0708

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There are shops, galleries, little museums, nightspots and more than 25 restaurants in this walkable district, many of which are located in historic cottages. The town is nestled at the convergence of three scenic rivers, the Bogue Falaya, the Abita and the Tchefuncte. The elegantly restored boutique Southern Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1907, and the Blue Willow B&B and Camellia House B&B offer visitors comfortable accommodations in the walking district.

For a complete list, visit louisiananorthshore.com/hotels.

stroll the shops

Grab your girlfriend and shop the boutiques, antiques and art galleries along Lee Lane, E. Rutland and Columbia Street. This little stretch is home to a variety of shops in cuteas-can-be cottages and offering all kinds of shopping temptations. There’s custom jewelry, boutique clothing and vintage finds.

Don’t miss H.J. Smith and Sons.

Kayaking the Bogue Falaya with Canoe and Trail Adventures

be artsy

Check out Covington’s art community at galleries around downtown, including Marianne Angeli Rodriguez, SALADINO, Rutland Street Gallery, Armbruster Artworks and the St. Tammany Art Association. Explore your own creative side and inquire in advance about making your own masterpiece at Hammer & Stain.

linger for lunch

Captivating cafes beckon for a respite after some serious shopping. Enjoy cheerful eateries with healthy options for a light lunch. lola

Chicken Salad

517 n. new hampshire street (985) 892-4992

get outside

Rent bikes, paddleboards or kayaks at Brooks’ Bike Shop, and pedal around downtown or along the 31-mile Tammany Trace (see related story p. 39) or launch from the paddler’s launch at Bogue Falaya Park. Canoe and Trail Adventures offers canoe and kayak rentals from The Chimes restaurant. The Bogue Falaya’s scenic waterway offers many sandy banks to pull up and splash around on, and clear water to spot schooling fish.

decadent dinners

Enjoy an evening out worth remembering with elegant surroundings, craft cocktails and impeccable service from some of Covington’s charismatic chef/owners. gallagher’s grill chef pat gallagher

Smoked Old Fashioned, Eggplant Orleans, Filet with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, and White Chocolate Bread Pudding 509 s. tyler street (985) 892-9992

coffee rani PHOTOS BOBBY TALLEY; KEVIN GARRETT; DAVID GALLENT

Cobb Club Salad 234 lee lane (985) 893-6158 cured. on columbia

Cheese & Charcuterie Board 415 n. columbia street (985) 893-0355

del porto ristorante chefs david and torre solazzo

Seasonal Fresh Fruit Martini, Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, Cavatelli, Tiramisu 501 e. boston street (985) 875-1006 meribo chef gavin jobe

Bee Sting Mule, Whipped Ricotta, Neopolitan-style Pizza, Chocolate Chip Cookies 326 lee lane (985) 302-5533 LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 15

aMaritime dayMadisonville in...

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he Tchefuncte River runs through the picturesque Town of Madisonville’s waterfront community, where maritime heritage is celebrated year-round on the water, at the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, and reveled in annually at the Wooden Boat Festival, the largest congregation of wooden boats on the Gulf Coast. Numerous marinas stretch into the river, and several restaurants grace the riverfront, ideal places to while away the afternoon and watch the watercraft cruising by. Fairview-Riverside

State Park is located in Madisonville on the Tchefuncte River, with opportunities for launching your own boat, camping, wildlife spotting, birding and fishing. The scenic Tchefuncte River system empties into Lake Pontchartrain, where the historic Tchefuncte River Lighthouse, built in 1837, stands sentinel and symbolizes the town. The best place to view the lighthouse (not open for tours) is by boat, but it can also be sighted by driving south on Main Street from Hwy. 22.

start the day with sunshine

Grab a seat outside at a café table and watch the world go by. Madisonville may be small, but it’s big on charm. abita roasting co.

PHOTOS BOBBY TALLEY; KEVIN GARRETT

Cajun Praline Chicken & Waffles and Black and Tan Coffee 504 water street (985) 246-3340

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= riverside dining

tchefuncte river cruise

Captain Mike Jones is the charming, sunkissed host of Louisiana Tours & Adventures, and he’s eager to introduce guests to the waterways he grew up on. His private pontoon tours with a tailor-made itinerary offer 3-and 5-hour cruises of the scenic Tchefuncte River. Experience Madisonville like a local and motor by the stately mansions on the river, spot alligators, bald eagles, great blue herons, and venture out into Lake Pontchartrain to admire the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse, especially beautiful at sunset.

Captain Rob Rouyer with Tchefuncte River Charters is not only a captain, but also a DJ by trade, and his 26-foot pontoon party barge is equipped with a sweet setup that includes a bar, LED lighting system, sound system with Bluetooth and onboard restroom.

Both Captain Mike and Captain Rob know all the great spots to stop, and you’ll motor by many locals’ hangouts that celebrate the weekend with live music and killer waterfront views. Bring your own spread for noshing or moor up for one of Madisonville’s waterfront restaurants. louisiana tours and adventures

(985) 789-9602 tchefuncte river charters

(504) 237-1029

Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum

lake pontchartrain basin maritime museum

It’s hard not to imagine the nearby Tchefuncte River filled with schooners, war ships and steamers when you visit the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. Located on the site of the former Jahncke Shipyard, the LPBMM tells the story of the Northshore’s seaport roots through well-done exhibits, artifacts (have you ever climbed inside a Civil War submarine?), detailed dioramas, video and replicas of everything from bateaux to pirogues.

elegant evening

Live a little, you’re in Louisiana and the food is fabulous. Don your best dress and pamper yourself with a night out on the town. We see a craft cocktail or an excellent vintage in your future.

midday meal

Louisiana seafood is a specialty on each of these menus. the anchor

Smoked Salmon Dip, Crispy Redfish Platter 407 st. tammany street (985) 323-4800 PHOTOS KEVIN GARRETT; JASON B JAMES (2)

morton’s seafood & bar

Soft Shell Crab Seafood Boat 702 water street (985) 845-4970 orlando’s seafood restaurant

Stuffed Flounder Platter 304 hwy. 22 west (985) 845-4446

impastato cellars

Seafood Cannelloni, Redfish Marcello, Limoncello Cake 240 la-22 (985) 845-4445 keith young’s steakhouse

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, House Cut Filet with Potato au Gratin, Bread Pudding 165 la-21 (985) 845-9940 tchefuncte’s

Turtle Soup, Pan-seared Gulf Snapper Warm Sticky Praline Cake 407 st. tammany street (985) 323-4800

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 17

aMandeville daybyin... the Lake

B

ernard de Marigny de Mandeville founded the town of Mandeville in 1834 as a resort community for wealthy New Orleanians, a place of respite from the city in the summers. History still hangs in the air along the lakefront community, where ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss and historic homes line glittering Lake Pontchartrain. Marigny designated public green space between the street and the lake, and at any time of day, you’ll find residents and visitors luxuriating in a leisurely seawall stroll, bike ride or jog with a view. There are

numerous bed and breakfasts in Old Mandeville located a short walk from the lake, including Blue Heron, de la Bleau, About Trace, MarVilla, Pontchartrain Winds, Guesthouse on Girod and Cressy House. A bike ride east of the Mandeville Trailhead via the 31-mile Tammany Trace hike-and-bike path, you’ll find Fontainebleau State Park, Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville’s former sugar plantation and historic site. For a complete listing of accommodations, visit louisiananorthshore.com/hotels.

rise and shine

Sure as the sun rises over Lake Pontchartrain, breakfast spots beckon to start your day off right with a strong cup of coffee and a smile. liz’s where y’at diner

Bananas Foster Waffles

la lou

Blue Crab Benedict 200 girod street (985) 231-7125 crazy pig southern kitchen

Booya Biscuit 4700 la-22 ste. 1 (985) 792-7900 18 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

PHOTOS ERIC LINDBERG; DAVID GALLENT

2500 florida street (985) 626-8477

take a ride

Cruise around Old Mandeville with ease with a bike rental from Brooks’ Bikes, Trikes & Beyond. There are plenty of shopping ops—you’ll find ladies clothing, antiques, art and gifts galore in the quaint shops all along Girod Street. Score designer finds for a song from Gran’s Attic Thrift Shoppe, boutique clothing from Cameo, unique gifts and art at Wild Osprey Gallery, antiques from Mae’s and Tallulah’s Vintage Market; and lovely Louisiana gifts from Das Schulerhaus: A Christmas & Gift Gallery.

Children’s Museum of St. Tammany

explore mandeville’s heritage

Brooks' Bikes, Trikes & Beyond

contemporary louisiana cuisine old rail brewing company

Brewpub has outdoor seating right on the Tammany Trace, as well as Crawfish YAYA Pasta, Alligator Tempura and Chicken Andouille Gumbo.

639 girod street (985) 612-1828

For a glimpse into 19th century Mandeville, tour the lovingly restored Jean Baptiste Lang Creole House and Museum, one of the few “Anglo-Creole” structures still standing in Old Mandeville. Immerse yourself in Mandeville’s resort history and see unique architectural elements such as a subterranean cave (believed to be used for storing wine), mortise and tenon construction and faux bois. Also, pick up a map here to begin the Mandeville Historic Walking tour. Just scan the QR code and go! History comes alive for kids at the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. Read stories while sitting in a miniature lighthouse or pretend to fish in Lake Pontchartrain while learning about life in St. Tammany Parish.

sit a spell

Rest up and get your second wind with a sweet treat, cup of joe, snack or an ice cold beer. the book & the bean coffee shop

Flamjeaux Coffee and Pastries

PHOTOS ERIC LINDBERG; KEVIN GARRETT; RANDY SCHMIDT; KATHRYN SHEA DUNCAN

rips on the lake

235 girod street unit a (985) 237-3655

Louisiana seafood on the balcony is memorable—try the Trout Audrey.

pyre bbq

1917 lakeshore drive (985) 727-2829

Local craft beer, smoked whole wings 2020 woodrow street (985) 231-7558

pat’s rest awhile

A casual, family-friendly vibe indoors and out, with lakefront views on the Oyster Bar & Deck and the dogfriendly patio 2129 lakeshore drive (985) 951-2173

candy bank

Cappuccino, ice cream sodas and house-made fudge 201 carroll street (985) 778-2750 the barley oak

hambone

Upscale approach to Gulf South comfort foods in the middle of Girod Street shopping.

Soft-baked pretzel basket, Gator Sausage and Chafunkta Brews on tap 2101 lakeshore drive (985) 727-7420

544 girod street (985) 778-0531 LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 19

a day in...

Splendid Slidell O

lde Towne Slidell is a blast from the past, a small-town gem that channels the Northshore’s version of Mayberry, where TV sheriff Andy doled out homespun wisdom like bags of penny candy. Here in Olde Towne, a 10-square-block district of historic buildings, specialty shops, restaurants and museums just steps from Bayou Bonfouca makes it possible to stroll and soak in the kind of Main Street hospitality that does a body good.

— Beth D’Addono.

But there’s more to Slidell than Olde Towne; there are charter fishing trips that depart from the Rigolets Marina, flat-bottomed tours of the pristine Honey Island Swamp ecosystem and up close encounters with alligators in the wild (see related story p. 37), as well as glorious spots for nature walks and seafood straight off of the boat. More than 20 hotels are located in the Slidell area, so you’re sure to find comfortable and convenient accommodations at louisiananorthshore.com/hotels.

break the fast beignet au lait

Beignets and Café au Lait 1071 robert blvd.

(985) 643-4949 creole bagelry

Cochon Benedict

1337 gause blvd., ste. 102 (985) 649-6151 la pines café

Soft Shell Crab Benedict

s&h good eats café

Scrambled Mess

1830 hwy. 190 west (985) 726-4900 terry lynn’s café

French Quarter Toast 1960 first street (985) 641-3500 20 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

PHOTOS KEVIN GARRETT; MIDDENDORF’S

1061 robert blvd.

(985) 641-6196

enjoy heritage park

Heritage Park is the newly renovated centerpiece of Slidell, and you can launch a kayak or boat into beautiful Bayou Bonfouca. There are also paved walking paths and a grassy meadow. And the kids love the smartly outfitted playground.

Free concerts and movie nights sponsored by the City of Slidell take place at the amphitheater overlooking Bayou Bonfouca.

Green Oaks Apothecary

olde towne stroll comfort food at its finest middendorf’s slidell

Thin Fried Catfish

1951 oak harbor blvd.

(985) 771-7777 ky’s olde towne bicycle shop

Oyster Bordelaise Pasta

Take some time to meander around Olde Towne, and take some pics in front of the new mural installations spread throughout town. Admire rows of herbs from Green Oaks Apothecary. Search a smattering of antiques shops. Peruse art at the City of Slidell Cultural Center and make your own creation at Lori’s Art Depot. Experience Slidell’s history through the Slidell Museum. Enjoy a scoop of ice cream and play a round of miniature golf at Old Town Soda Shop.

contemporary louisiana cuisine restaurant coté

2267 carey street (985) 641-1911

Prosciutto wrapped Scallops, Shrimp and Oyster Rustica, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

peck’s seafood

2219 carey street (985) 288-5440

Crab Cake Pasta

2315 gause blvd. e (985) 781-7272

phil’s marina café

southside café

Fried Bowtie Pasta with Lump Crab Dip, Tuna Zachary, Key Lime Pie

Peacemaker Poboy PHOTOS KEVIN GARRETT (2), ERIC LINDBERG, PALMETTOS

3154 pontchartrain drive (985) 643-6133

1194 harbor drive (985) 641-0464 nathan’s

Seafood Platter

Coconut Shrimp, Trout Amandine, and Sweet Potato Hash

400 pontchartrain drive (985) 643-2717

36440 old bayou liberty road (985) 643-0443

kenney’s seafood

palmettos on the bayou

Warm Crab and Artichoke Dip, Catch Pontchartrain, Creole Bread Pudding 1901 bayou lane (985) 643-0050 LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 21

indulge

take a bite Life’s a feast on the Northshore, where the culinary perspective has been shaped by the area’s diverse cultures as well as the bounty of the bayou. Whether you choose poboys from a mom-and-pop or Gulfinspired fare from talented chefs, there’s a great meal waiting for you.

22 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

Big Mama’s Country Kitchen

Crispy Gulf oysters

PHOTO RANDY KRAUSE SCHMIDT

Southern Comfort

by French Cuisine The Gloriette is the perfect combination of art and food by jyl benson

W

ear your party dress because The Gloriette, the new destination restaurant in The Southern Hotel in Covington, is cause for celebration.

Covington artist Graham Menage, responsible for the mural depicting the history of Covington in the hotel’s Cypress Bar, was re-engaged to execute a lush garden mural that sets the tone. The mural scrolls across the robin’s egg blue walls, tucking its way into the alcoves behind two recessed tables to form a cocoon of brilliant garden flowers. Banquette seating covered in azure blue ultra-suede invites lingering gazes through the picture windows upon a verdant park of moss-draped oaks while sipping proper cocktails from elegant coupe glasses.

Chef Steven Marsella’s menu merges local cuisine with French inspiration. For brunch, the crabcakes are an indulgent splurge, the fragile lumps bound together with a mild house made tartar sauce and breaded with a whisper, just enough to turn golden via a pan sear.

The avocado toast is a visual feast with smoked salmon, tomato, tendrils of pickled red onion and sprouts, labneh and pistachio.

Dinner brings grilled rainbow trout with a toasty brown butter

vinaigrette. The pork and clams Alentejana, a garlicky white bean stew, harkens to its Portuguese birthplace. Duck leg confit arrives with braised red cabbage, dirty rice and a rich duck glacé, and a buttery, pan seared filet of Gulf flounder is mounded with lump crab, brioche croutons and sauce Grenobloise.

Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday; brunch is Saturday and Sunday. thegloriette.com

You'll Eat Our Words Confused by some of the items on the menu?

Here’s a Louisiana lexicon to interpret for you

O

ne glance at a menu and you know you’re in Louisiana, even if you aren’t familiar with the dishes. Here’s a brief primer to help you decipher local menus and speak like us.

andouille:

This flavorful, spicy sausage is a favorite in chicken and sausage gumbo. (Pron. Ahn-DOO-ee)

bbq shrimp:

Not what you think. It means shrimp left in the shell and served almost submerged in a garlicky, peppery butter sauce.

Crisp French bread helps you lap up the butter. It’s messy. It’s fattening. It’s okay; live a little.

boudin:

Another sausage. Though there’s boudin in France, the Louisiana version is a regional specialty made with pork, rice and seasonings. It’s often found in restaurants in the form of fried boudin balls. (Pron. Boo-DAN)

gumbo:

You’ve heard this term, probably tasted this Louisiana dish.

Though it’s popped up on menus across the U.S., you’re not likely to get the real thing outside of south Louisiana unless it was cooked for you by a transplanted native. A dark, flavorful soup, real gumbo takes a long time to cook and requires a little voodoo to do properly.

Most gumbos are variations on two themes: seafood or chicken and sausage. Served with rice, it can be light brown or dark as swamp water. poboy: A long sandwich on crusty French bread, a poboy really isn’t

the same as a submarine or a hoagie. It can be ordered with a variety of fillings, including the most popular: fried shrimp or oysters or long-simmered roast beef slathered in gravy. pralines:

A simple candy that’s nevertheless hard to make well.

Most pralines are made with sugar, butter, vanilla (or other flavoring like rum) and nuts. (Pron. PRAW-leen) LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 23

Family Tradition

Softshell crab with a side of Potatoes au Gratin at Pat Gallagher’s 527 Restaurant.

Chef Pat Gallagher dishes on what it takes to be a restaurateur in a true foodie part of the country by beth d’addono

Who would you consider your inspiration?

My dad, absolutely. I’m so thankful I got to tell him how much he taught me before he passed. I told him he taught me more about what I do than he could ever understand—he didn’t see it at first.

But he had a lifetime of building teams, being a leader, getting new people to buy into a program; I watched him do that and it’s my inspiration.

24 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

Why do you think you were named Restaurateur of the Year?

I joked that if you hang around long enough, they’ve got to give you something. Maybe it’s a lifetime achievement award. Seriously, this award is shared by every single person who has ever worked for me through all these years. Many have gone on to be doctors, lawyers, there is even an MIT rocket scientist in the bunch. But they all started washing dishes. I’d be nowhere without my team.

PHOTOS RANDY SCHMIDT (5)

C

hef Pat Gallagher has been feeding hungry customers in St. Tammany Parish since he opened his $1.75 per plate lunch joint, Winner’s Circle, in Folsom back in 1978.

“I’d never fried a piece of catfish in my life,” he recalls. “I remember the day before we opened, asking the guy who brought the fish, ‘What temperature do I fry this at?’ He said, ‘Uh, when are you opening?’ That first night I lay in bed looking at the ceiling, asking myself, what did I do? That’s happened many times over the years.”

Gallagher’s can-do spirit and legendary work ethic continue today at four restaurants—Gallagher’s Grill in Covington, Gallagher’s on Front in Slidell, and Gallagher’s 527 and his newest, Pat’s Rest Awhile, on the lakefront in Mandeville. Gallagher was recently named Restaurateur of the Year for 2022 by the Louisiana Travel Association. The Louey Award, as it is known, is given annually to a person who “understands the importance of the tourism industry and provides an outstanding visitor experience.”

For Gallagher, hospitality is a passion. He has deep roots in St. Tammany Parish. His physician grandfather, Dr. Henry Gautreaux, co-founded St. Tammany Hospital and was also the parish coroner. His dad, Coach Hubie Gallagher, is a legend; a hall of famer at Covington High School who also has a park named for him.

Explore sat down with Chef Gallagher to dig a little deeper into what makes him tick.

At 72, you’ve been at it a while. What’s your secret?

I’ve fallen a few times. To quote the late, great Jerry Garcia, ‘What a long, strange trip it’s been.’ This business takes a lot of fortitude to stay at it. There’s been times I wanted to throw in the towel. But then you just show up and do the work and another day is done.

What advice would you give young chefs coming up?

I remember being around the table with chef Warren Leruth right when the whole fusion craze was going on. He said, ‘I’m worried about young chefs who throw anything together to make a name for themselves.’ Because when you get right down to it, there’s nothing more spectacular than a properly prepared trout amandine. I’ve never forgotten that. It’s all about sourcing the best products and simple preparation.

What are you most proud of?

I’m very proud that a few years ago, before the pandemic, my wife and I made the decision to offer health insurance to our people, which is unusual in this industry. It’s paid out in dividends. During the pandemic, they all stayed with me.

How do you manage work/life balance?

It’s not balanced really well. My wife is always after me to take a day off. She told me that as recently as an hour ago. I did take a week off and went to the beach with the family, which was great.

Nothing fell apart. Everything was just the same as when I left. I have to do that more often.

Where’s your go-to for a great meal?

I’m a carnivore. I go see Mr. Sal at Sal and Judy’s in Lacombe. I’ve ordered everything on his menu. It’s all great.

What do you want your customers to know about dining at your restaurants?

I always try and touch every table in the place. I took my kids to Commander’s a few years ago, all of them. We were a table of 10.

On the way out, every single person thanked us, from the waiters carrying trays up the stairs to the managers, the front of the house.

That’s the way to make a customer feel special. We do that.

Do you ever consider retiring?

That wasn’t a word in my vocabulary until recently. Three of my four kids are now involved in the business. My youngest son just joined the Mandeville Police Department, so I’m very proud of him. But the three working with me, eventually I would like them to take over. I’d be very happy coming to one of the restaurants in the evenings and having a glass of wine with my friends and customers. I’ll look forward to letting my kids do the hard work a few years down the road.

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 25

#TammanyTaste

The Northshore’s deep and diverse restaurant scene feeds your hunger for authentic culinary experiences

hambone

544 girod street, mandeville

Hambone takes an upscale approach to Gulf Coast comfort foods. Think fried boudin with crab boil mozzarella, decadent char-broiled oysters, a rockin’ gumbo - all served in a cute-as-can-be cottage.

annadele’s plantation

71518 chestnut street, covington

restaurant côté

& the maple room 2219 carey street, slidell The restaurant’s name is taken from the Creole word meaning “at the home of,” and Chef Jeremy Reilly’s food definitely offers comfort made from scratch. Fried green tomatoes, shrimp and oyster rustica, the Cote burger and blackened shrimp are made with ingredients that originate from within 60 miles of the restaurant (and many vegetables are grown in the garden out back).

26 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

pyre provisions & pyre bbq

70437 la-21 #100, covington and 2020 woodrow sreet, mandeville

Veteran Chef Jeff Mattia’s restaurants bring the heat. Southern-inspired fare with global influences makes the woodfire menu, meant for sharing, pop at Pyre Provisions. The new Pyre BBQ in Mandeville is located right on the Tammany Trace hike/bike path and boasts a refreshing drink menu, ice cream window and perfectly-prepared BBQ.

PHOTOS ANNA ROCKHOLD; BOBBY TALLEY; KEVIN GARRETT

For a romantic and intimate dining experience rooted in history, make your way to Annadele’s Plantation. Taste classic creole cuisine at the fine dining restaurant that even offers overnight stays at their bed and breakfast.

café lynn

2600 florida street, mandeville

Chef Joey Najolia’s French and Creole cuisine has been satisfying his loyal Northshore following since he and his wife, Brandi, opened their restaurant in 2007. Savor classic French dishes cooked to a consistent perfection in a casual yet refined setting–escargot au garlic, filet au poivre and crispy duck confit.

cured

1901 bayou lane, slidell

Chef Amanda Birdsong and her partner, Anna Watkins opened Cured. On Columbia in October 2020. Together, they created a space everyone can relax, enjoy great food, sip on delicious coffee and feel at home.

sal & judy’s

27491 highway 190, lacombe

Chef Sal Impastato’s Lacombe institution is where Italy meets Louisiana. There’s pasta, veal cannelloni and lasagna, and even Bruciolini and Cappelletti (pasta stuffed with chicken and mortadella). But also trout Meuniere and crabmeat au gratin.

lola

517 n new hampshire street, covington

Talented husband-wife chef team Keith and Nealy Frentz make magic in a caboose kitchen attached to Covington’s old train depot.

The pair met when both were chefs at worldfamous Brennan’s in New Orleans. Housemade everything pleases LOLA’s lunch crowds with blue plate specials, great salads and desserts. Dinner is more upscale but fresh, smart and creative–and especially fun in LOLA’s darling vintage dining car.

PHOTOS KEVIN GARRETT; CHERYL GERBER; RANDY SCHMIDT

del porto ristorante and the greyhound

501 e. boston street and 705 e. boston street, covington

st. john’s coffeehouse 535 e boston street, covington

Historic coffeehouse located in downtown Covington serving up delightful breakfast sandwiches and specialty drinks such as the Italian Cream Soda and Affogato.

The husband-wife chef team of David and Torre Solazzo are three-time semifinalists for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef South award, and their contemporary Italian fare at Del Porto has an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. (Most Saturdays, you’ll see David shopping for his restaurants at the Covington Farmers Market.) Their newest endeavor, The Greyhound, is a casual gastropub with a wood-burning oven serving pizza, burgers, fish and chips, German sausages and Reuben sandwiches with house-made pastrami.

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 27

Willy’s Taste of Soul

Roots Plants + Coffee

Southern Comfort These Black-owned restaurants brim with bold flavor and relaxing atmosphere

roots plants

+ coffee

This trendy plant and coffee shop is new to the scene in Olde Towne Slidell. The bright and encouraging atmosphere lifts one’s spirits the moment they step inside. Bee, the owner, can be found assisting fellow plant lovers or hosting group classes focused on keeping plants thriving. Roots is the perfect place for an afternoon break with freshly brewed coffee, tasty gluten free donuts, good conversation and an airy feel. rootsplantsandcoffee.com

Big Mama’s Country Kitchen

big mama’s country kitchen

Step into the bright and welcoming Big Mama’s Country Kitchen in Slidell. Fresh flowers on each table and the smell of country cooking create an ambience of being home in mom’s kitchen with family all around. From shrimp and grits to chicken and waffles, Big Mama’s cooking takes taste buds on a ride and brings back wonderful memories. bigmamascountrykitchen.com

willie’s taste of soul

At the Mandeville Trailhead Community Market, Willie’s Taste of Soul awakens the senses with every delicious bite. The seafood gumbo Willie serves is beyond words and will make any trip to the market unforgettable. Willie is at the market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the best part about visiting his booth is the chance to discover other great vendors at this popular weekly market. facebook.com/willies-taste-of-soul 28 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

This is only a small taste of the Black-owned business on the Northshore. Scan the QR code to find more.

PHOTOS RANDY SCHMIDT (2); JADA DURDEN

B

lack-owned restaurants in St. Tammany Parish are thriving and exciting taste buds from near and far. Here are a few favorites to get started on this culinary journey.

Get Your Beer Here

Take a tour, belly up for a tasting at Abita and other Northshore breweries

W

hat started in 1986 as a tiny operation in a little pub in Abita Springs has grown into the country’s 14th largest craft brewery—and one of the Northshore’s most popular tourist attractions. Abita beer now is found in all 50 states and beyond, expanding its fan base and attracting visitors from across the planet.

Imbibers come by car and by tour bus (and sometimes by bike, arriving via the nearby Tammany Trace bike path) to Abita Brewery to taste favorites like Purple Haze and Turbodog at the source.

Self-guided tours are free; guided tours with tastings are $10.

The welcoming taproom is open seven days a week and makes it easy for anyone to belly-up and taste what master brewers, Artesian water and three decades of experience can produce.

The Northshore is well represented on the Louisiana Brewery Trail with additional breweries here. Nearby in Mandeville, Chafunkta Brewing Company is turning out beer with names like Kingfish Ale and Old 504 (porter). Or stop by Old Rail Brewing Company for its seasonal brews and some grub. The Barley Oak on the Mandeville Lakefront is a great brew pub to sample everyone’s wares in one spot.

Pop the Cork

The Wine Garden and the Grapeful Ape give you something to cheers about northshore oenophiles have something to clink about. The Wine Garden, housed in a historic space in Slidell’s Olde Towne, is a fave gathering spot, thanks to its patio, large selection of wines by the glass and by the bottle, and menu items such as fried artichoke hearts, steak dinner and crème brûlée. In Mandeville, 20 minutes west, grape nuts can indulge at Grapeful Ape, a friendly space with cheese plates for a light snack and some fab wine selections. On select nights, Grapeful Ape hosts local food trucks and live music. Take a drive and enjoy Wild Bush Farm and Vineyard’s wines in its classic tasting room adjacent to acres of vines. Wild Bush is known for its popular Jazz’n the Vines music series held each fall and spring.

Grapeful Ape

grapefulape.com

Wine Garden

facebook.com/slidellwinegarden

Wild Bush Farm + Vineyard

wildbushfarmandvineyard.com

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 29

Fresh Food and Fresh Air

T

here’s no better time than now for al fresco dining (translation: eating outside), especially in the communities in St. Tammany Parish. You know those special dining experiences—where Mother Nature’s beauty, temperate climates and memorable meals electrify you in the moment. Nosh in nature at any number of these outdoor dining spots. abita brew pub 72011 holly street, abita springs

The original home of Abita beer, the Brew Pub serves Abita seasonal and flagship beers and has growlers to go. The Brew Pub’s happening patio with live music on weekends, outdoor checkers, Giant Jenga, corn hole, horseshoes and more is located adjacent to the Tammany Trace and charming Abita Springs Trailhead Plaza. Also known for Andygator crab cakes, catfish étouffée, killer burgers and gyros and Brewer’s BBQ crab claws. the shack 1204 w. 21st avenue, covington

The secret is the ShackYard, a welcoming, fenced-in, open-air patio for al fresco dining. With its tin roof, brightly painted picnic tables and twinkling lights, it looks like it’s been transplanted from the islands.

Live music and inventive cocktails keep the convivial atmosphere going, and outdoor play is encouraged for the littlest patrons. With Latin and Caribbean influences, the menu is beautifully presented and bursting with fresh flavors. Can’t miss dishes include marinated skirt steak and lump crabmeat guacamole.

30 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

nola southern grill 1375 gause boulevard, slidell

You know you’re in for a good time when you see the large crawfish statue waving a claw from the street. It belies the wide array of Louisiana regional specialties served on the patio and upstairs balcony at NOLA Southern Grill. Find char-grilled oysters, gator bites, zydeco shrimp, Gulf shrimp and grits, shrimp étouffée, soft shell crab and red beans and rice on the menu, and much more. habanero’s 190 1331 n. hwy 190 #100, covington

White twinkle lights, a waterfall fountain and lush outdoor patio create a festive scene as you sip a jalapeño-cilantro margarita and listen to live music. Dine on Mexican urban cuisine including esquites and street tacos. the chimes 19130 rogers lane, covington

A raw oyster bar, alligator, seafood gumbo, red beans and rice, po’boys and more can be found at this lively spot serving Louisiana specialties. Sweeping decks and boardwalks meander around massive cypress trees down to the Bogue Falaya River. Kids love to spot the resident goats, and big fish swimming in the clear water below. middendorf’s slidell 1951 oak harbor boulevard, slidell

The new Slidell location of Middendorf’s is grand and whimsically outfitted. Known for their Thin Fried Catfish and outstanding seafood, Middendorf’s has a wrap-around dining porch overlooking an expansive sandy beach, fenced and ideal for playing among tiki huts, palm trees and fountains.

PHOTO KEVIN GARRETT

Casual outdoor dining amplifies the atmosphere for every type of fare on the Northshore

Outdoor dining’s fun at Abita Brew Pub.

Pat’s Rest a While

Tchefuncte’s

The Blue Crab

PHOTO JOHN EVERETT

On the Waterfront

T

he beautiful waterways of St. Tammany are a feast for the eyes as much as these dining spots are for the belly. Check out these 5 spots to dine on the waterfront on the Northshore.

Morton’s

tchefuncte’s & the anchor 407 saint tammany street, madisonville

Sweeping waterfront views at this dual-concept restaurant on the Tchefuncte River. theanchorla.com palmettos on the bayou 1901 bayou lane, slidell

Louisiana regional specialties; romantic setting on Bayou Bonfouca surrounded by lush landscaping. palmettosrestaurant.com pat’s rest awhile 2129 lakeshore drive, mandeville

This hot new restaurant on Lake Pontchartrain has Northshore notable Chef Pat Gallagher at the helm. patsrestawhile.com the blue crab 118 harbor view court, slidell

A vibrant indoor/outdoor restaurant located on a beautiful Eden Isles waterway at Lake Pontchartrain, with fresh seafood and live music. morton’s seafood restaurant 702 water street, madisonville

The seafood boats are legendary at this casual spot on the Tchefuncte River. mortonsseafood.com

Palmettos on the Bayou

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 31

explore

Boardwalk at Cajun Encounters Tour Company

come on in Experience the beauty of Honey Island Swamp, meet the wildlife (giraffes and gators included), tour a mystery house or explore with your furry friend. There’s a lot to discover.

32 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

Honey Island Swamp

Pristine Natural Beauty Encounter nature without cinema special effects in the Honey Island Swamp

F PHOTOS KEVIN GARRETT (2); LAURAGRIER.COM

Cajun Encounters tours exploring Honey Island Swamp

orget the swamps you’ve seen in movies with 20-foot gators launching themselves into canoes and hissing black snakes dangling from every moss-hung tree. Pure Hollywood.

What you can expect to find in the Honey Island Swamp, on the northeast edge of St. Tammany Parish, is pristine beauty and abundant wildlife. There are gators, to be sure. You’ll see them sunning themselves on logs or watching warily from the banks (you make them more nervous than they make you); if they swim out to the boat it will be to score a few protein pellets thrown by the tour guide to lure them closer.

You probably won’t be seeing any snakes, though they’re out there. And despite reported sightings that date back centuries, odds are you won’t be catching a glimpse of the Honey Island Swamp Monster, either.

You will see turtles, maybe an eagle overhead and snowy white egrets patiently stalking a bullfrog dinner. You might see boar, a nutria, prehistoric-looking pileated woodpeckers or great blue herons, depending on what time of year you visit.

You’ll see an absolutely lovely patch of planet Earth, one that’s been largely protected from us.

The Honey Island Swamp encompasses almost 70,000 acres, more than half of which is preserved for posterity as part of the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area. The PRWMA is swampy in the south, more hardwood bottomland to the north and home to black bears, feral pigs, cougars, nutria and abundant year-round migratory bird populations.

Several swamp tour companies bring visitors into the Honey Island Swamp.

Reservations aren’t mandatory but much appreciated and may avoid disappointment on your part. Most tours run around two hours in length.

In the fall, the cypress trees begin changing from brilliant green to a rust color. And winter has its own beauty as the cypress trees bare, gators are mostly dormant but other wildlife are more active and visible. Visitors in spring will see the most color, as irises and water hyacinths bloom in profusion; summer is prime time to see alligators.

Several tour companies operate out of the Slidell area. Most companies offer boats that seat 15 to 24 passengers, however tours by kayak are available as well.

For more information on Honey Island Swamp tour operators, visit LouisianaNorthshore.com/swamp

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 33

Tim and Charlotte building a fire

Glamping at Fontainebleau State Park Enjoy a family nature escape—with an easy button by christina cooper

“Mom, do you want to talk about glamping?”

Four days earlier, I had spilled the beans about our upcoming glamping expedition to Fontainebleau State Park. Though I felt like we had exhausted the conversation already (what with talking about it every day since), I didn’t mind talking about it again when my daughter, Charlotte, looked up at me with bright blue eyes, earnest and eager. Her enthusiasm was contagious.

There are eight state parks in Louisiana that now have Tentrr sites, 60 glamping sites in all. Tentrr makes it simple for would-be campers, especially those of us who are looking for an easy button on a fun family adventure. The canvas safari-style tents come fully equipped and are a brilliant way to go camping comfortably.

Living locally, Fontainebleau was even easier for us to have a staycation getaway. Friday evening, as the sun started to wane in the sky and twilight approached, we made our mad dash to get out the door after work and school, and to get settled in at the site before dark. We had packed our groceries, lanterns, backpacks and bedding the day before, and on the way to the park we stopped at a nearby store to pick up a few bundles of firewood.

We passed the main entrance to Fontainebleau State Park and entered at the second entrance, in a less-traveled area of the park.

All Tentrr sites were chosen for their natural beauty and ours was perched with three others on the edge of a large and shimmering pond, across the water from a long fishing pier. I had sagely chosen 34 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

a site we could drive to for our first family glamping adventure.

Now that we know what to expect, the three Tentrr sites that are only accessible by a paddle across Lake Pontchartrain beckon to my husband every day as he drives home from work across the Causeway. Next time.

Patrick, our Tentrr CampKeeper, met us at the parking area with a smile to introduce us to our home away from home. He had thoughtfully left a hand cart at the end of the road to help glampers

The sweet Tentrr setup

PACKING LIST • bedding (pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, etc, whatever you will use) • firewood • charcoal/lighter (tongs, spatula) • food/drinks (along with plates, cups, utensils, pots/pans, etc.)

• bug spray • toiletries (including toilet paper if you will be using the camp loo) • lantern/lights

tote their (ahem) necessities to the sites. Because, let’s face it, the kind of people who go glamping still bring way too much stuff anyway. He showed us the propane heater inside the tent (which would later keep us toasty warm), the five gallon container of water on the picnic table and the grill and fire pit just waiting to roast marshmallows for s’mores.

My family wasted no time lighting a fire, and just as the sun was beginning to set, we spotted a bald eagle perched at the top of a longleaf pine tree. My husband flashed me a brilliant smile, and we told stories from our childhood late into the night as our daughter happily stoked the fire and sent embers sailing into the air.

A faint rustle nearby belied the presence of company at our campfire, and Charlotte was riveted to see a possum circling just at the edge of the firelight, which she promptly named Harold and made an honorary pet. She was excited to see him every night and so sad to leave him on departure day.

An owl hooted good night as we drifted off to sleep; we were warm and cozy all night long, all three of us snuggled in the comfy queen bed. There are few experiences that compare to opening up a tent’s flaps to behold a beautiful landscape, and the next day, as the morning haze hung low over the pond and I burrowed in the

“There are few experiences that compare to opening up a tent’s flaps to behold a beautiful landscape.”

PHOTOS CHRISTINA COOPER (2); SARAH HILL

bed a little longer, I watched as Charlotte jubilantly deposited more wood on the pit under her daddy’s watchful eye.

Morning brought a spontaneous discovery hike on the trail that meanders along Cane Bayou. We studied deer and raccoon footprints in the mud and woodpecker holes in the trees, and Charlotte climbed on massive fallen trees from one of this season’s many hurricanes. We had the trail all to ourselves.

We cooked hamburgers and s’mores over a campfire, saving a few scraps for Harold, our uninvited but welcome dinner companion.

As we took a night walk under a starry sky, I mused that our whole glamping experience was nothing short of a series of magical moments, and a memory our family will cherish always.

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 35

Meet the animals up close and personal at the Global Wildlife Center.

Eye to Eye with Giraffes

T

he excitement builds on the approach. Scenery along rural, tree-lined Highway 40, as it ribbons through the northwestern corner of St. Tammany Parish, begins to subtly change.

Suddenly open grassland resembles an African savanna—and in more ways than one. The sight of zebras and Father David deer, giraffes and elands signal that you are about to enter a special place.

Global Wildlife Center is the largest free-roaming wildlife preserve of its kind in the U.S., home to more than 4,000 exotic and endangered animals living on 900 scenic acres. Visitors have a few options to explore Global. Many opt for the safari tours in large tractor-pulled wagons that travel the grounds, providing on-high views and the opportunity to toss feed to many of the animals as they approach the wagon.

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The private Pinzgauer tours are a great choice for families and animal lovers who want a unique and once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Seating up to eight people, the 4x4 vehicles put guests eye level with Global’s inhabitants who often follow or surround the vehicle. Stroke a giraffe’s neck as she leans over your shoulder. Amazingly beautiful up close, the giraffes are persistent—they want that food!—but they’re gentle. Touch the massive, wooly head of an American bison, or the horns of Watusi cattle as they feed from your hand. Deer, llamas and zebras come up close, and gaggles of fat geese waddle at top speed behind the Pinz as it pulls away.

Safari tours are given several times daily; Pinzgauer tours require reservations. All make unforgettable memories for kids of all ages.

Call (985) 796-3585 for tour availability, or book online. globalwildlife.com | 26389 highway 40, folsom

PHOTO CHRISTINA COOPER

Go on safari at Global Wildlife Center in Folsom

GATOR FACTS • The American alligator averages about 800 pounds and can be 10-15 feet long, though the largest ever recorded was found here in Louisiana and measured 19.2 feet.

• Alligators can run about 20 miles per hour in short bursts.

• The state’s alligator population is around two million, the most of any state. After population declines by the mid-20th century, harvest quotas were put into place. Populations now are at sustainable levels.

• Diet consists mostly of fish, turtles, small mammals and birds, though alligators have been known to attack dogs, deer and on rare occasions, humans.

• Alligators today represent a $50 million industry for Louisiana. Shoes, purses and other items of alligator skin fetch high prices and the meat, which is classified as seafood (but, yes, tastes like chicken), is increasingly offered in restaurants.

PHOTOS KEVIN GARRETT (2)

• Mating season is April to May. Females build a nest and lay 20-60 eggs, then cover the nest with vegetation and hang out til August when eggs begin to hatch.

• As a species, alligators have been around for about 37 million years.

Calling All Gator Groupies Get your reptilian fix at Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery and learn everything there is to know

I

t’s not a visit to Louisiana without an alligator interaction, right? We’ve got just the place for you. Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery in Covington is home to more than 2,000 alligators (and a few humans who interact with them). Insta-Gator offers fun and educational tours and programs that will teach you all about the prehistoric reptiles and even give you a chance to hold one.

Kids (and their parents, too) love to visit the touch pool, where smaller alligators swim in crystal clear water and you can scoop them up as they glide by for a fantastic photo-op.

Visitors hear all about the harvesting of gator eggs, often from area waterways like Bayou Castine, and watch a video before visiting huge alligators in tanks in their covered barns. Guides explain the indus-

try that actually helps preserve the species in the wild. There’s a gift shop at InstaGator, too, where they like to say you’ll learn everything about the American alligator from “hatchling to handbag.” 23440 lowe davis road, covington

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 37

adventure experiences

PHOTO KEVIN GARRETT

Get in touch with your inner adventurer on the Northshore, where you can go boating, hiking, biking, fishing and paddling all year long. Rent gear or take a charter, but get out there and play!

Kayaking with Cajun Encounters Tour Company

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Tammany Trace

Tracing your way through St. Tammany's towns

Bike riders enjoying a cruise on the Tammany Trace

BIKE RENTALS brooks’ bike shop

PHOTOS ERIC LINDBERG; KEVIN GARRETT

Patrick Brooks operates three bike shops on the Northshore: one near the Mandeville lakefront; one in Slidell; and another in downtown Covington at the start of the Tammany Trace bike path. He’s also got self-serve rental stands in Abita Springs. Visit his website to reserve. Guided tours of Old Mandeville, Covington and the Trace can be scheduled with as few as three people, and there’s even a brewery tour by bike. brooksbikeshop.com

T

he 31-mile-long Tammany Trace winds through green spaces and parks, and over bayous, connecting five communities and offering all who travel the path a way to experience the Northshore’s natural beauty.

Originally a corridor for the Illinois Central Railroad, the Trace now is a walkable, rideable asphalt ribbon stretching from downtown Covington, continuing through Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell. It’s so special that it was inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2017.

Some users stroll or pedal leisurely. Others power-walk the path or even horseback ride along the adjacent horse trail. Serious cyclists, in racing jerseys and Lycra shorts with padded buns, whiz through from beginning to end and back.

Whether you walk a few blocks or go the distance, the Trace is a lovely way to explore the Northshore.

There are numerous entry spots for the Trace, Louisiana’s first (and only) rails-totrails conversion, but the official trailhead is located on Koop Drive off Highway 59.

A green caboose serves as the information center and ranger office. Also, there are restrooms, water fountains, a playground and picnic tables. There are trailheads with parking and restrooms in downtown Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville and Slidell. The recent expansion into Camp Salmen Nature Park means even more naturescapes to explore. (Bike rentals are available in several towns; see related story.)

The Tammany Trace is closed to motorized traffic except for the small carts used by park rangers who patrol its length from 7:30 a.m. to dusk daily.

Visit TammanyTrace.org for a map and possible construction closures to plan your outing.

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 39

FIVE SPOTS ... to make a splash

fontainebleau state park

This 2,800-acre park not only has a splash pad, it also has a sandy beach with shallow water to wade in, too.

62883 la-1089, mandeville coquille sports complex

This large splash pad area and playground has lots of shady space for watchful parents.

13505 la-1085 , covington mandeville trailhead

Canoe and Trail Adventures kayaking on Cane Bayou.

Children love to splash at the Tammany Trace Trailhead in Mandeville and climb the steps to the lookout.

675 lafitte street, mandeville abita springs park

Our serene waterways await the curious and adventurous

W

ith scenic rivers, bayous and Lake Pontchartrain to explore, the Northshore is a great spot for paddlers. There are a number of easily accessible launch spots in the area. You can bring your own gear but you don’t have to. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are available for rent at several locations for paddling at your own pace, and there are tour operators happy to take you out for a day on the water.

Canoe and Trail Adventures’ guides are Louisiana Master Naturalist certified, and are great for pointing out the wildlife along the way and sharing knowledge about the waterways and its flora and fauna. The locally-owned business is operated by a father and son team and has been providing outdoor experiences for locals and visitors alike since 1972. Passionate about the outdoors and consciously eco-friendly, Canoe and Trail Adventures’ guides are as comfortable on the water as they are on land (and they’re also happy to lead birding expeditions and naturalist hikes).

Moonlight and Twilight guided paddling tours with Canoe and Trail Adventures on the beautiful Cane Bayou in Mandeville are unforgettable. The three-hour excursion takes you on a leisurely paddle down 40 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

meandering Cane Bayou, arriving at the mouth of the bayou where it empties into Lake Pontchartrain—just in time to catch a glorious pink, purple or gold sunset. Cane Bayou has plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. Paddlers regularly spy osprey and great blue herons soaring over cypress trees and alligators in the reeds near the banks.

After the sun sets, excitement is palpable as the symphony of night sounds envelop paddlers on their journey back to the launch site. Bring a flashlight to illuminate the flora and fauna along the way.

Canoe and Trail Adventures also offers rentals of paddleboards, family canoes and kayaks launching from the popular Chimes Restaurant on the scenic Bogue Falaya River. There are many sandbars to splash around on, making the river paddles perfect for fun-filled family adventures. After you work up an appetite paddling, slurp some fresh Gulf oysters shucked onsite, or enjoy Louisiana specialties like alligator, crawfish étouffée, BBQ shrimp or red beans and rice. The kids will love playing on the boardwalks and meeting The Chimes’ resident goats. Their parents will appreciate the extensive collection of beer on tap. Visit Canoeandtrailadventures.com to book a tour or for rentals.

22044 main street, abita springs lakeshore drive

Playgrounds, a swing set and a sandy beach are part of this splash pad complex.

1545 lakeshore drive, mandeville

honey island swamp

Two local outfitters offer guided tours of Honey Island Swamp by kayak. Cajun Encounters has been offering tours of the pristine ecosystem via 22-passenger flat-bottomed boat since 1997, and their experienced local guides recently began taking more adventurous visitors on a two-hour kayak paddle down Eagle Slough.

Expect utter serenity and a stunning and verdant area of the swamp filled with oldgrowth cypress trees on your paddle, as well as fun-loving guides with insight into the area’s ecosystem and the wildlife that can be found there. Call Cajun Encounters at (504) 834-1770 to book. Transportation from New Orleans is available.

Jessica’s Honey Island Kayak Tours is a family-owned business with outdoor enthusiasts as guides and offers customizable and intimate tours for small groups— they’re even pet-friendly. The paddle will take you through the heart of the swamp where you’ll learn about the diverse ecosystem and wildlife that inhabit the island. honeyislandkayaktours.com

PHOTO ERIC LINDBERG

Pick Your Paddle

The Abita Brew Pub, the Abita River and a playground are nearby this popular splash site.

Marsh and Bayou Outfitters in Mandeville

Fish On!

Catch your limit and a good time

F

ishing is a favorite pastime on the Northshore and a fun activity year-round for families who can throw out a line from Mandeville’s free fishing pier at Sunset Point, along Lake Road’s marshy banks in Lacombe or from the St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier in Slidell. But there’s action for serious anglers, too, thanks to the many charter captains launching out of Northshore marinas.

With easy access to Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Borgne, the Rigolets Pass and the Biloxi Marsh, charters are a great way to spend the day on the water. Area captains know where to go for trophy trout, record redfish, largemouth bass, sheepshead, tripletail, flounder and drum. Some, like Mike Gallo of Angling Adventures of Louisiana, and Dudley Vandenborre, famous for his Deadly Dudley lures, make regular appearances on Louisiana fishing shows, sharing expertise and tips on where fish are biting.

Basic info: Charters often start just before daylight and end in the early afternoon. Most charters can carry five-tosix people. You don’t need to know the difference between spinnerbait and jigging spoons; most welcome anglers of all skill levels and all ages, too. You’ll need to make a reservation. You won’t have to clean your fish; your captain does that for you.

For more information, visit fishthenorthshore.com and download our Fish On! guide to fishing the Northshore.

FIVE SPOTS ... for fishing gear

bayou stuf

Live bait, tackle, fishing and crabbing supplies for purchase or rent, convenience store and grab-and-go hot and cold meals 28178 us-190, lacombe

marsh & bayou outfitters

Extensive selection of fishing tackle, accessories and apparel; even a fly shop 2600 florida street, ste. 3, mandeville

the bait shop on front street

Fishing, crabbing, crawfishing gear, propane, pogey, shiners, worms, crickets and more 1604 front street, slidell gus’s tackle and nets

Fishing, shrimping and crabbing accessories

726 old spanish trail, slidell jes tackle

Propane, bait, fishing supplies 40559 highway 190, slidell

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 41

Accessible Adventures

The Northshore welcomes wheelchair users by jim and barbara twardowski

A

relaxing retreat of fun, food and nature awaits those who venture to St. Tammany Parish.

Whether you are attending an annual festival or longing for an unhurried weekend away, you’ll find the Northshore welcomes wheelchair users. cruise through covington

Covington contains a variety of wheelchair accessible activities.

Use the ramp located at the back to enter H.J. Smith’s Sons General Store and Museum—a family-owned store since 1876. For a coffee break, head to Coffee Rani where the display case is filled with pastries or indulge in a Creole Cream Cheese waffle cone at HooDoo Ice Cream. For lunch, snag a table at LOLA where the kitchen is inside a train caboose. Make dinner reservations at Del Porto for contemporary Italian fare. linger along the lakefront

Heritage Park, near Olde Towne Slidell, overlooks Bayou Bonfouca and has a wide cement path winding alongside it. Next door is Palmettos on the Bayou. The Acadian-style restaurant prepares Louisiana cuisine under lush cypress trees. For a special treat, attend the Saturday Cajun brunch when a three-piece band accompanies the meal. Wheelchair access to the 5,000 square foot deck and the restaurant is by a ramp located on the side of the restaurant. feed the wildlife

More than 4,000 free-roaming endangered, exotic and threatened animals live at the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom. Hop aboard a wheelchair accessible covered wagon and come face-to-face with zebras, bison, giraffes, kangaroos and more as they traverse the 900-acre preserve. Be sure to buy plenty of feed and have the camera ready for photos. tour a brewery

Wheelchair accessible paths beside the seawall on the Mandeville Lakefront provide unobstructed views of Lake Pontchartrain.

Handicapped parking is located along Lakeshore Drive. Stop for a selfie at the gazebo at Carroll Street or snap a picture underneath a 100-year-old live oak tree. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a playground, too.

Kick back in Abita Springs. Take a 30-minute guided tour of the Abita Brewery and sample four craft beers. Another option—only offered seasonally—is the craft soda tour. The tours are wheelchair accessible. Closed-toe shoes are required for anyone participating in a tour. Check the calendar for fun events ranging from crawfish boils to trivia night.

roll on the rails to trails

go fish

The Tammany Trace provides 31 miles of an asphalted trail through five communities—Mandeville, Covington, Abita Springs, Lacombe and Slidell. The path presents views of wildlife, bayous, streams and rivers from elevated vantage points. The wheelchair-accessible trail can be accessed from a variety of spots you might already be visiting—download a map. meander by a bayou

The St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier in Slidell includes handicapped accessible sections where the railing is lower. Bring your own fishing gear and a license to catch off the 650-foot pier. museum hop

A quirky attraction, the Abita Mystery House at UCM (“yousee-’em”) Museum is packed with an eclectic collection of more than 50,000 objects. Enter a vintage gas station and make your way through several accessible buildings to examine everything from aliens and scary clowns to funny signs and folk art.

Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum is also wheelchair accessible.

Louisiana-inspired items make wonderful souvenirs or gifts.

Saturdays, the Mandeville Trailhead Community Market bustles with vendors selling a variety of prepared foods, fresh produce and a slew of arts and crafts. The booths are stationed beside wheelchair accessible sidewalks and there’s almost always live music. The Camellia City Market in Slidell is also wheelchair friendly. Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon—rain or shine. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, pick up a locally made treat (baked goods, honey and jellies) at the Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At The Book and The Bean

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Many more accessible restaurants, attractions and events not mentioned are ready to welcome you!

PHOTO JIM TWARDOWSKI

shop for one-of-a-kind finds to take home

connect HJ Smith & Sons

looking back Northshore residents live among the ghosts of St. Tammany’s past.

Experience history at our Louisiana State Parks, myriad museums or on a self-guided walking tour of Old Mandeville.

LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 43

St. Tammany Timeline

The Choctaw inhabit the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain, which they called Okwa’ta (meaning “wide water”).

Bernard de Marigny builds sugar plantation (now Fontainebleau State Park), then founds Mandeville a few miles west.

Tourism boom begins in Abita Springs when a doctor declares the area’s local springs have restorative qualities.

First span of the 24-mile Pontchartrain Causeway is built, creating the longest continuous bridge over water in the world.

Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum

I

t’s hard not to imagine the nearby Tchefuncte River filled with schooners, war ships and steamers when you visit the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum in picturesque Madisonville. The museum tells the story of the Northshore’s seaport roots through well-done exhibits, artifacts (a Civil War submarine!), video and events like wooden boat building classes and the Wooden

133 mabel drive, madisonville

Old Mandeville Historic Walking Tour walk the steps of those who came before us and get a glimpse into the rich history of Old Mandeville, considered a getaway for New Orleanians since it was founded by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville in 1834. Start at the Mandeville Trailhead, located at 675 Lafitte Street (the old rail depot) and look for the QR (Quick Response) Code. Scan it with your mobile smart device to bring history to life. From there, you can visit 41 points of interest in person and by visiting the City of Mandeville’s website to view a written history of the site, see historical images and hear the history narrated by WDSU television host and Northshore resident Heath Allen. The stops on the tour are diverse, ranging from historic homes, churches, clubs and schools to burial grounds. cityofmandeville. com/explore-historic-mandeville

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Boat Festival held each October.

The museum is custodian of the nearby Tchefuncte River Lighthouse, built in 1837 and still standing but put at risk by storms and shoreline erosion. You can’t tour the lighthouse but you can visit the lightkeeper’s cottage, moved from the mouth of the Tchefuncte where it long stood next to the lighthouse.

PHOTOS ZONDRA WHITE JONES; BOBBY TALLEY

1830

1812

The Republic of West Florida is formed to revolt against Spanish authority in the area — and lasts 74 days.

Louisiana admitted to the Union in April. West Florida resists but becomes part of the state five months later.

1956

1887

Explorers Pierre LeMoyne Sieur d’Iberville and Jean Batiste LeMoyne Sieur de Bienville check out the Northshore.

The U.S. acquires 828,000 square miles of territory in the Louisiana Purchase, which does not include St. Tammany Parish.

1810

1803

1699

1600 B.C.

Originally home to Choctaw and other tribes, the Parish has been shaped by various cultures and events

St. Tammany Time Machine

The past is accurately and delicately preserved on the Northshore

hj smith & sons general store and museum 308 n. columbia street, covington

otis house museum

119 fairview drive, madisonville

This late 19th century lumber baron’s home includes memorabilia and photographs from the area. The Queen Anne-style home is on the grounds of Fairview-Riverside State Park.

Opened in 1876, HJ Smith & Sons is still operated by the Smith family, who’ve stocked it to the rafters with everything from camo to garden gnomes.

Floors creak and history hangs in the air at the free museum next door, where artifacts of Covington’s past are preserved at the original general store in all its mercantile glory.

fontainebleau sugar mill ruins 62883 highway 1089, mandeville

walker percy trail

louisiananorthshore.com/ walkerpercy

Dating to 1829, the old brick ruins are all that is left of the sugar plantation and mill built by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, founder of the town that would take his name. The ruins are located on the lovely grounds of Fontainebleau State Park.

The noted author and Covington resident moved to the Northshore in 1948. It was here that he wrote his most famous books, including the National Book Award-winning The Moviegoer. camp salmen

35122 parish pkwy., slidell

PHOTOS ERIC LINDBERG (3); KEVIN GARRETT

This peaceful respite is a 130-acre nature park maintained by St. Tammany Parish for visitors to enjoy.

Wander the interpretive journey’s trail system and scenic setting along Bayou Liberty. One of the oldest trading posts in the area was located in what is now Salmen Lodge, a French Creole-style cottage onsite that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

slidell museum

abita springs trailhead museum 22044 main street, abita springs

This special space at the heart of town is known for history exhibits, arts and culture festivals, and its location on the Tammany Trace.

2020 first street, slidell

Housed in the town’s old jail, the museum displays two floors of photos and memorabilia from Slidell’s history as well as the South’s role in the Civil War. LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 45

PHOTO KEVIN GARRETT

splurge

treat yourself Some of us just need to shop.

You’ll find plenty of shopping ops on the Northshore, so let’s go!

Das Schulerhaus Gift Gallery & Christmas Boutique

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Girod Street Shopping

Wares that span the ages are available in Old Mandeville by jyl benson

M

andeville has a storied past as a lakeside retreat for wealthy New Orleanians who traveled across Lake Pontchartrain to escape the city and yellow fever during the 19th century summer months. Remnants of graceful, beautifully restored properties from a bygone era dot Lakeshore Drive behind which unfolds a historic shopping, dining and entertainment district spanning blocks of easily walkable tree-lined streets with plenty of free, easily accessible parking. Businesses here are privately owned, usually with the proprietor on premises, ensuring a singular experience.

Tallulah’s Vintage Market changes constantly as it is stocked and restocked with rare and fine antique furniture and collectibles such as religious ephemera, vintage linens, signs, china, handmade soaps, local honey, unique gifts, upscale, one-ofa-kind furniture pieces and on the really good days, homemade pralines! 149 girod street, (985) 951-2300 Donna Plaia, the proprietress of Das Schulerhaus, is the angel of all things Yuletide. However, this festive shop celebrates all holidays—or even just the given day, all year long. The cottage store is lavishly stocked with Christmas items, often with an Old World bent, that keep time with the Easter Bunny, Halloween goblins, nightlights masquerading as stained-glass art, Mardi Gras decor, festive housewares, seasonal clothing, kooky teapots... you name it. Take time to linger and explore this veritable funhouse.

611 girod street, (985) 727-7778

In keeping with the neighborhood it serves, Cameo is stocked with elegant, casual choices for date nights, dinner with friends and romantic strolls along the nearby waterfront. Look for Joe’s Jeans, Lauren Hope jewelry and a well-curated selection of serve ware for entertaining and gifting. 302 girod street, (985) 231- 1332

Charissa and Anthony Lovecchio, a certified sommelier, organize the wines in their cozy shop and wine club, The Grapeful Ape, by the types of proteins they best pair with. Looking for something to serve with lamb? There is a sign for that. Serving a crown roast of pork? Just look for the sign. Since 2018, the focus here has been on offering value wines from all over the world with the driving belief that excellent wine does not have to cost a fortune. The array of offerings trends toward those from organic, biodynamic and small production wineries.

It was a chilly night in November 2019 when friends Melissa Levine and Sarah Northey Eddy realized the dream of their gallery and artists’ workspace in opening The Wild Osprey. A rotating roster of works from local Southern artists and unique gifts from around the world keep things bright and interesting. Artist-taught classes are offered in the detached rear studio for a hands-on experience. Check out TheWildOsprey.com for more details. 522 girod

PHOTOS CHRISTINA COOPER; KEVIN GARRETT

street, (985) 801-9463

For a quick grab-and-go lunch of signature sandwiches or a take-home dinner, check out Girod Street Market and Deli. The market features local produce, grass-fed beef, 100 percent non- GMO chicken and pork and farm- fresh eggs for making your own meal. Fully prepared daily specialty meals that need only be popped in the oven—Panko-crusted rack of lamb with elegant sides, anyone?—make entertaining easy as do garden flowers, regional snacks and delicacies. 528 girod street, (528) 629-4260 LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM | 47

Holiday Shopping Events and Markets nov. 26-27

Olde Towne Christmas Market

first & erlanger streets, slidell dec. 2-4

38th Annual Christmas Extravaganza Arts & Crafts Expo st tammany parish fairgrounds dec. 3

Covington Art Market: Art under the Oaks – Holiday Edition old covington courthouse lawn

48 | LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

dec. 10

Christmas Past Festival

girod street shops & restaurants dec. 10

Sugar Plum Holiday Market

recreation district #1/castine center dec. 17

Mandeville Trailhead Holiday Market mandeville trailhead community market

Palmetto's on the Bayou

PHOTO KEVIN GARRETT

go to louisiananorthshore .com/explore for more vacation ideas .