DESTINATION FEATURE

house, an open-hearth kitchen, overseer’s house, quarter house, crop garden pigeoneer and carriage house. Louisiana’s Old State Capitol provides more history of the area for groups to dive into, and the Louisiana Art & Science Museum and Irene W. Pennington Planetarium offers an intersection of art and science to fuel discovery, creativity and knowledge building.

Before moving on, be sure to visit Electric Depot, a 103-year-old building that was once an energy plant, but has since been transformed into a bustling entertainment center with shopping, food and spirits, live music and bowling. A short drive away and right near the Mississippi River is Oxbow Rum Distillery, where groups can take a tour and do some tasting.

Now, onward to New Orleans ! There’s a tremendous amount to do and see in The Big Easy; following are some of the most loved options. First up is the National WWII Museum, which has been a NOLA landmark for more than two decades. Filled with exhibits, multimedia experiences, and personal accounts, it also has recently introduced its Expressions of America exhibit, an immersive light and sound show that wows audiences with music, special effects, and 90-foot-tall projections capturing the lives of those who served.

Also newly opened is Vue Orleans, located on the top floor of the Four Seasons. Offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city and waterfront from its indoor and outdoor observation decks, it’s an ideal way to absorb the sights and sounds of this magnificent metropolis.

Groups could simply wander the streets of New Orleans and encounter curiosities galore, but for more structure, consider stops at Mardi Gras World, New Orleans Museum of Art, Audubon Zoo and JAMNOLA (Joy, Art & Music), described as a “Cultural Funhouse.” You could also take a carriage ride, riverboat cruise, or airboat swamp tour to carouse the town by both land and water. Whatever you do, don’t leave without embarking on a ghost tour with French Quarter Phantoms , New Orleans’ premier walking tour company. There are a number of chilling options, from vampires to voodoo; saints to sinners. Plus, walks through the Garden District, French Quarter and more.

WELCOME TO LOUISIANA NORTHSHORE!

St. Tammany Parish is ready to welcome your group! Located less than an hour from New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Louisiana Northshore is a destination in its own right. With exciting group-friendly amenities, the Louisiana Northshore welcomes you.

Experience Charming Communities

Stroll Old Mandeville with their Historic Marker Tour! This QR code tour shares the history of 41 historic sites along the Mandeville lakefront. Walk or rent bicycles from Brooks' Bikes/Trikes & Beyond to visit all the sites at your own pace.

On the National Register of Historic Places, the historic St. John district makes up a portion of the walkable, downtown area of Covington. Explore local shops, galleries and H.J. Smith & Sons General Store and Museum. Familyowned and operated since 1876, the museum houses hundreds of items from 1870 through the early 1900s. Groups can visit the general store and museum Monday through Saturday while taking in all that Covington has to offer.

Dine With A Waterfront View

Located on the northern shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Pat’s Rest Awhile boasts an upscale menu, casual atmosphere, and both indoor and outdoor dining. The waterfront restaurant is under the helm of St. Tammany Parish restaurateur extraordinaire, Chef Pat Gallagher, a former Ruth Chris’ executive chef and owner of four other Tammany Taste culinary havens. This new addition to the Mandeville lakefront is just one of the many restaurants that offer beautiful lake views and exquisite sunsets.

Sitting on the beautiful Bayou Bonfouca in Slidell is Palmettos on the Bayou, with a menu featuring classic Louisiana cooking and seasonal specialties. An amazing brunch is offered on both Saturday and Sunday, which can be enjoyed on the large outdoor patio while listening to the jazz musicians perform music that feeds your soul.

Get On The Water

Tour the Honey Island Swamp with Cajun Encounters Tour Company in Slidell. On this boat tour, your group will learn about the rich ecosystem of the swamp and get to see the native animals such as alligators, raccoons, feral hogs and many others. Each boat fits up to 20 passengers and tours are two hours in length. After your group tour, plan to have an on-site seafood boil at the Cajun Pavilion, located steps away from the boat dock.

Cruise along the Tchefuncte River with a pontoon boat tour! Louisiana Tours & Adventures is a licensed barge that seats up to 10 people. Captain Mike provides a brief history of the Tchefuncte River and its surrounding area. Bring your own meals onboard to enjoy while cruising or when you reach the mouth of the river, where breathtaking sunsets can be seen.

welcome your group.

the stay at LouisianaNorthshore.com/Groups.

By Sarah Suydam