This time last year, we were gearing up for some amazing fall festivals. As with spring and summer, autumn is definitely different for the 2020 season. One of the many things I love about St. Tammany living is you never lack for outdoor activities. Social distancing is somewhat built-in! Here are three cool options to enjoy as the weather cools:

Leisure in Lacombe

The first time I tried to paddleboard may likely be my last. While I knew my balance was a little off due to less exercise during coronavirus, I had no idea just how much it was! That’s my story and I am sticking to it. Let’s just say I am more of a kayak girl. Thank goodness you can do either at Bayou Adventure. As I have said before, it is the best place to rent a kayak, paddleboard or to join a tour. You really do have a different perspective on the water. Even though the weather is cooling down, be sure to pack your insect repellant and lots of sunscreen!

A Meal in Mandeville

Dining out these days often means dining outside. One of the Northshore’s favorite restaurants, The Lakehouse, continues to provide a superb culinary experience. Even with the recent storms, flooding and the on-going pandemic, The Lakehouse does not seem to miss a beat. We recently enjoyed a romantic meal of pan-seared scallops and seafood gnocchi while overlooking a moonlit Lake Pontchartrain. Of course, no matter how full I was from the meal, I had to have the cinnamon roll beignets. Perfection. Be sure to make reservations!

St. Tammany Parish boasts several farmer markets, including La Farmer’s Market in Covington.

Covington Cravings

St. Tammany Parish is known for its farmer’s markets, and the one in Covington is among the best. Two times per week, you can come out for all you crave in homemade foods, flowers and a variety of crafts. It is always a treat to see what fresh goods are being served up. On my recent trip, I saw a menu board with rabbit meat (I passed, as Thumper came to mind). The market is held on Columbia Street on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

These three activities are just a sampling of the Northshore’s outdoor options. With autumn now underway, it is a great time to be outside!

We all know the coronavirus has taken its toll on so many things this year. Being able to socially distance is more important than ever, so I have three park recommendations to enjoy the great outdoors in St. Tammany Parish.

Park #1 – Fontainebleau State Park

This photo of the Fontainebleau Pier is so beautiful, it almost looks like a painting!

If you are looking for amazing sights while getting in some exercise, Fontainebleau is the place to be. The park is named after a recreation area near Paris beloved by the founder of Mandeville. Located along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, the 2,800-acre Fontainebleau offers plenty of activities for the entire family. We enjoyed a five-mile hike, which ended up taking a bit longer than usual due to our frequent stops to enjoy the sights and sounds of birds, flora and a few critters. The interpretive signs helped expand our nature knowledge. We ended the day watching the sun set over the pier. While we didn’t indulge, there are cabins and campsites to stay overnight. I have heard the stars are fabulous!

Park #2 – Fairview-Riverside State Park

Last weekend we were in search of the perfect picnic spot, and we instantly thought of Fairview-Riverside. Situated in Madisonville, the park features the beautiful Otis House (closed temporarily due to covid), fishing, hiking and of course, just the right spot for picnics. There are plenty of tables, however we decided to do it the old-fashioned way and spread out a blanket. Was the temperature above 90 degrees that day? Yes. Was enjoying phone-free time with our teenagers fishing (we released the one baby fish caught) worth it? Definitely.

Park #3 – Camp Salmen Nature Park

Now if you really want to call yourself a nature lover, spend a few hours at Camp Salmen in Slidell. With over three miles of trails to explore, the park boasts an incredible array of indigenous flowers, plants and trees. And yes, you will see animals, including some slithery creatures! This place is true Louisiana, ranging from flatwoods to swampland.

All three parks offer enjoyment for the entire family. You may even learn more than you desired, such as the variety of toads in Louisiana. I do love nature, but frogs not so much!

With the hot days of summer winding down, now is the perfect time to experience some really cool things without leaving the Parish. Receiving recommendations from locals all over St. Tammany, here are my suggestions for three memorable sights that basically scream Louisiana.

Site Sight #1 – Cabin Fever

Right on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain, beyond the city lights of New Orleans, you can become one with nature at Fontainebleau State Park. Spread over 2,800 acres, this nature lover’s paradise features recreation of all sorts. Whether you want to hike, bike, kayak, birdwatch or just laze on the sandy beach, this park has it all and more. For around $150 per night, you and your family can extend that fun with a stay in a fully furnished cabin. Much to my delight, these cabins are actually quite cozy and well-kept. Hanging out on the porch at night telling ghost stories just added to the thought of what was in those woods. Remember to bring your own S’mores’ ingredients!

Site Sight #2 – Louisiana’s Version of Ripley’s Believe It or Not

When describing the Abita Mystery House, quirky does not seem adequate. It is truly a case of you have to see it to believe it. Located in Abita Springs, this part museum, part weirdness, part art and part junk is in my book for top state tacky attraction. Besides all this, you will see a dogigator (no misspelling here; that’s what they call it) and miniature recreations of Louisiana points of history. Just stop here and see this place, then hop over to Abita Brew Pub to discuss with your cohorts what you just experienced. Trust me, everyone will have a different answer.

Site Sight #3 – Swamp Things

I didn’t say, “We need a bigger boat.” I said “We need a smaller gator.”

My last recommendation for cool things to do is go on a swamp tour. If you would have told me I would one, go on a tour and two, enjoy it, I would have said you were right about the first part. I took this tour on a dare, as I am not a fan of alligators or any reptile for that matter. There were plenty of the creatures and quite a few sights I would rather forget, however I did see a lot of beautiful birds. So why am I recommending this? Like me, you can say you did it once. Shout out to the Honey Island Swamp Tour guides for keeping me calm.

St. Tammany Parish has a plethora of outstanding recreation, restaurants, museums and architecture. Add in these three unique sights, and you can say, “I have now just about seen it all.”

Over the last several posts, I have recommended a variety of activities to enjoy in New Orleans. However, there is so much to do up on the Northshore that you may seldom venture to The Crescent City. Wednesday, or Hump Day as it is often referred, can seem like a day where nothing much happens. In St. Tammany Parish, you have lots of ways to make this weekday a great one.

The Wednesday Brew Krewe is a great group for new friends and more exercise.

Brew Krewe for You

Abita Brewery offers a fantastic running club (I call it a club as it has a $30 membership fee to receive free perks) every Wednesday at 6 p.m. Members meet up at the Brew Pub, and then they head out on Tammany Trace for a 5k loop. The finish line ends up where it started, so naturally you need to take advantage of the free pint offered. This fun-run club continues to grow in popularity, so it’s likely some of your friends are in it.

Silent Films No More

If you appreciate filmmaking or want to learn more about it, the St. Tammany Art Association and the Pontchartrain Film Festival hold Film Talks every Wednesday in July at the Art Association Gallery in downtown Covington, 7 p.m. The talks are free to the public, and each week a noted film professor will discuss everything film. Here’s your chance to understand all that goes into making a movie.

Time to “Wine” Down

If you’re looking to be a bit crafty during the week, then head over to Wine Down Wednesday at Hammer & Stain in Covington, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. For only $25, you can make a creative gift ideal for a wedding, housewarming or yourself. What’s really cool is they have several options from which to choose, so you can attend the class repeatedly and end up with unique items. Be sure to bring your wine to sip on while you create!

In St. Tammany Parish, you can make your Wednesday the highlight of the week!

I heard from several people that if you really want to experience Louisiana’s Northshore, Madisonville had to be on your list. I decided to find out what all the hub-bub was about, so the last time I was in the area, I headed out for an adventure.

Madisonville was originally named Coquille.

The drive was worth the time. Madisonville, originally called Coquille (I believe due to the shoreline shells), is named after President James Madison. I learned that it is the oldest permanent settlement in St. Tammany Parish. I also learned that the town is more than just charming; it is historic. The streets are lined with beautifully restored homes. The downtown has antique shops and eclectic stores that make for a fantastic way to laze away the day.

The Tchefuncte River Lighthouse is a main attraction in Madisonville.

Madisonville boasts an incredible waterfront along the Tchefuncte River. One of the landmarks is the Tchefuncte Lighthouse, and while I saw it during the day, I heard it is the perfect place for watching the sunset over Lake Pontchartrain.

A really cool place is the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. The museum presents a journey through Louisiana’s maritime history. I now feel much more educated about early boatbuilding, the coastal towns and how the Northshore advanced through the years with the Causeway construction. I recommend a few hours spent here when you are in the area.

So, with all this activity, I had worked up quite an appetite. Like all the Northshore towns, Madisonville’s restaurant options are simply amazing. I was craving seafood, of course, so according to one of the locals, that meant Morton’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar. After an order of chargrilled oysters and the platter of oysters, shrimp and catfish, I was in heaven. I shouldn’t have, but I ate a few bites of the bread pudding dessert. Delicious.

It was time to head back to New Orleans, but I know a return trip is a must to see more of Madisonville’s sights. I want to experience the breathtaking sunset behind the Tchefuncte Lighthouse, and I want to try out more restaurants. The town of Madisonville is definitely worthy of a president’s name!

New Orleans is a fantastic, exciting city. For me, it makes for a wonderful, sightseeing vacation, yet I never envisioned living there. On all my trips to the Crescent City over the last 20 years, I had yet to discover what lies north beyond Lake Pontchartrain. I knew there had to be something on the other side, but I had no idea how special that something would be. So, one day I jumped in the car and headed off to explore.

I traveled along the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge, a 24-mile span that boasts being the longest bridge over water in the world. What I discovered on the north side is St. Tammany Parish, also referred to as the Louisiana Northshore. While it is under 30 minutes from New Orleans, it might as well be a world away. Of course there are similarities in the sense of culture, architecture and great food. However, St. Tammany Parish offers a welcoming calmness. The area originally grew as a weekend retreat and suburbs, and St. Tammany Parish is now home to charming small cities, incredible recreation, fabulous restaurants and beautiful homes.

I think that bench under the canopy of trees facing Lake Pontchartrain is calling my name.

I first came upon Mandeville, a picturesque place along the lake. Here, you can enjoy an entire day without leaving the shore! Spend the morning out on the lake, enjoy a picnic at your choice of several lakefront locations, and then enjoy dinner at one of Mandeville’s many spectacular restaurants. I met friends at Rip’s on the Lake, a fantastic dining option with wonderful food and an amazing setting for sunsets! Mandeville is also home to Fontainebleau State Park, a 2,800-acre park with cabins, campsites, playground, hike-and-bike trails, fishing and so much more.

Enjoying the sunset at Rip’s on the Lake.

If Mandeville is any indication of life in Southeast Louisiana, I now can see retreating there more often. On the Northshore, that is!

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