Folsom Archives - Tamanend LA

A New Way of Looking at Things

Tamanend LA — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 22:05:10 +0000

With the new year upon us, we have the opportunity to enjoy new experiences on the Northshore. The only resolution to keep is to take advantage of them! Here are a few 2023 delights I hope to partake in:

One – A New Play

We are so fortunate to have several venues to see performances of the latest musicals, historic comedies and memorable dramas. I am a huge fan of playwright Neil Simon, so a must-see performance is Laughter on the 23^rd Floor at 30 by Ninety Theatre in Mandeville. Inspired by Simon’s youthful experience as a staff writer on Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows, this ensemble comedy has plenty of comic gags and hijinks as the harried writing staff frantically scrambles to top each other to garner the attention of the star, Max Prince. Performances run on weekends beginning January 21 through February 5. For tickets, click here.

Get your bloom on at the Winter Camellia Festival, January 26-29.

Two – A New Festival

There are plenty of music festivals all over St. Tammany Parish throughout the year, and I will surely attend quite a few of those. I also want to experience some of the amazing events that feature everything from chili cook-offs to art to blooms. An upcoming weekend marked in my calendar is the Winter Camellia Festival, held January 26-29, at Mizell’s Camellia Hill Nursery in Folsom. You can enjoy the beautiful camellia gardens, along with free refreshments, children’s activities and more. For details, click here.

Three – A New Place (or More)

Over the last few years, I have traveled to the well-known and lesser-known towns in the parish. This year, I want to take a deeper dive into the history and hidden treasures of all the extraordinary places on the Northshore. From Bush’s beginnings to Madisonville’s magical ambiance, our slice of heaven in Southeast Louisiana holds much to discover.

This year is going to be spectacular on the Northshore. The more new experiences, the better!

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Happy for the Holidays

Tamanend LA — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 22:40:19 +0000

Bright lights abound on the Northshore this holiday season.

The holiday season on the Northshore never ceases to amaze me. Whether you want to see bright lights, hear joyous sounds or taste all those delectable seasonal favorites, your senses will be pleased. Here is a list of 12 activities to enjoy in December (listed in alphabetical order to avoid any Bah Humbugs).

A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular

You are sure to get into the holiday spirit with this showcase of singing and dancing. Performances on weekends through December 11 at 30 by Ninety Theatre.

Christmas at the Southern Hotel

Marvel at the spectacular décor of the Covington hotel’s lobby and grounds. Now through January 1.

Christmas High Tea

Indulge in a special tea party, with holiday sandwiches, treats and of course, tea! English Tea Room in Covington, now through January 7.

Christmas Holiday Lights

Front Street in Slidell is transformed with thousands of sparkling lights. Now through January 1 at dusk.

Christmas in the Country

Enjoy the sights of yesteryear and shop local on historic Lee Lane in Downtown Covington. Every Saturday through December 24.

Covington’s 12 Days of Christmas Lighted Displays

One of the most spectacular sights of the season. Now through January 6, beginning at dusk, in various historic district locations.

Folsom Horse and Wagon Christmas Parade

Take a break from the holiday hustle-and-bustle as you enjoy a wonderful parade, country-style. December 10 in Downtown Folsom, 1 p.m.

Get Wrapped Up in Mandeville

Get those last-minute gifts while supporting local businesses as you shop in this charming town. Monday – Saturday until December 31.

Holiday of Lights

Koop Drive on Tammany Trace is taken over on December 9 and 10, 6 – 8:30 p.m., for family fun, including rides, games, food and more.

Miracle on 34^th Street

Experience this classic of the magic in believing, performed by the Playmakers, Inc. Community Theater in Covington. Weekend performances, now through December 18.

Nutcracker Twist

The twist on this time-honored tradition makes for great fun, performed on weekends at the Slidell Little Theatre. Now through December 18.

Winterland at the Shops

Get in some last-minute shopping at 1200 West in Mandeville, and capture a photo in front of the 40-foot, lighted willow tree. Daily at dusk, now through December 31.

While this list covers 12 activities, St. Tammany Parish offers too many to include here. For a complete list, visit here.

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Parade Around Town

Tamanend LA — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 23:17:59 +0000

There will be plenty of these to be had during Mardi Gras in St. Tammany Parish.

New Orleans may be the first thing to come to mind in everything that is Mardi Gras. However, the Crescent City does not have a hold on all the fun. St. Tammany Parish knows how to celebrate the season in perfect fashion. After all, the public schools take an entire week off to enjoy the festivities. The following are three places to partake in Mardi Gras fun without crossing Lake Pontchartrain.

Parade Around Covington

In the bustling town of Covington, you get two for the price of one (both free, so really doesn’t matter). Beginning at 10 am in downtown, you will see floats, horseback riders, vintage cars and more at the Lion’s Club Parade. Following right behind is another parade, presented by the Mystic Krewe of Covington. This krewe was founded by the Knights of Columbus and is one of the oldest krewes in the parish. When you have had enough parading around, there is more fun to be had at the Covington Trailhead. You will enjoy live music, food, crafts and games.

Parade Around Lacombe

If you are itching for more parade action, you can travel down I-12 just a bit to Lacombe. You will find the Krewe of Chahta’s festivities beginning at 1 p.m. Chahta is apparently named by those who attended Chahta-Ima High School over 30 years ago (it since burned down and rebuilt to what is now an elementary school). I’ve been told to expect the unexpected here, so that just upped the ante for me heading over there.

Parade Around Folsom

The charming town of Folsom is where you will find the final parade stop in St. Tammany. If you are still searching for that perfect string of beads, here is your chance. With a lineup that includes vintage tractors and horse-drawn wagons, I feel this parade may provide the most old-fashioned, hometown feel. It’s also probably your last chance at free beads on Fat Tuesday!

No matter how you plan to spend Mardi Gras, you can parade around the parish as if you own the place. Or, at least you can do so with some beads around your neck!

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No Blues in This Folsom

Tamanend LA — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 00:48:39 +0000

I have been traveling to many wonderful towns during my venturing out to St. Tammany Parish. It was time to embark on yet another never-before-seen town, and my finger landed on the map at Folsom. I must admit, when I first heard that St. Tammany Parish had a town called Folsom, all I could think of was that song by Johnny Cash. How delighted I was that this Folsom was nothing like that!

I had the opportunity to visit two exciting places this day. Located in the northwest corner of the parish, Folsom has several equestrian farms, and plenty of options to ride horseback. I came upon Sunflower Farm and Ranch, a perfect setting to enjoy a morning ride. Fortunately, I had a tame horse, so the ride was downright relaxing.

Now which one am I riding?

With the proclaimed title of “horse country,” perhaps that’s why one of the area’s largest fundraisers is all about these beautiful animals. The Harvest Cup Polo Classic, now in its 22nd year, benefits the charitable causes of the Junior League of Greater Covington. The event is coming up on Sunday, October 21, so I may be making a return trip!

When they say you’ll get up close and personal with the animals, that is no exaggeration!

Another great must-see in Folsom is the Global Wildlife Center, a 900-acre, free-roaming safari park. While you are in a covered-wagon vehicle, I was a little intimidated at first getting so close to all the animals. I saw camels, zebras, deer, llamas and giraffes. One of the camels nuzzled my head, which was a bit startling. Who would have thought such a huge safari park would be in a small town in Louisiana? If you are anywhere in the area, make sure you plan a few hours here.

The town (or village as the locals refer to it), is noted as St. Tammany’s best-kept secret. Once the word gets out about Folsom, it won’t be a secret much longer. Like all the places in St. Tammany Parish, Folsom has so many cool things to see and do. And, you won’t feel blue at all while you’re here!

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