On one of my recent trips to the New Orleans area, I decided to take some time to visit Slidell. The city is northeast of New Orleans, easily accessible in 30 minutes via Interstate 10. Slidell is known as the Camellia City, which when I did some research as to why, it was a bit unclear. Needless to say, I did see some lovely camellias during my visit!
Slidell is known as the Camellia City.
Slidell is an absolutely charming town, and my travel time was well worth it. I had heard about the historic antique district, so that was my first stop. As a collector of vintage tea cups, I was thrilled to be able to browse several shops, all within walking distance. I must admit my favorite one was Antiques and Art on First, a lovely store with plenty of tea cups, among other antiques.
I love this sign at Southside Cafe.
Now it was time for lunch. Slidell is revered for its fantastic seafood, and a restaurant that was recommended several times was Southside Cafe. I was craving a traditional Louisiana Po Boy, and I was not disappointed. I also indulged in some gumbo and fried oysters (please do not judge, I was really hungry). Suffice it to say I felt like a stuffed crawfish by the time I finished.
Before I headed back to the Crescent City, I wanted to stop by the Slidell Little Theatre, a community performing arts center that features local talent, both on stage and behind the scenes. While there was not a performance at the time, I am sure I will be back in a couple of weeks. The Addams Family, a musical based on one of my favorite television shows as a child, is coming to the theatre beginning April 27.
There is much to do in this wonderful city. Tammany Trace runs to Slidell, so you have an automatic exercise place with beautiful scenery. The city also has amazing shopping, outdoor recreation and entertainment venues. Slidell truly is a place you can slide into comfortably!