The fall season in St. Tammany Parish brings us crisp, cool days to enjoy getting out and about. Here are some of my recommendations on activities and events to partake in over the fall time.

Live Music

Jazz’n the Vines at Wild Bush Farm and Vineyard has three great opportunities to listen to some fantastic music, whether you favor pop, country, soul or somewhere in-between. On November 2, The Walrus takes the stage with a tribute song list of The Beatles. Two weeks later on November 16, Pine Leaf Boys bring their Louisiana soul to the stage. The Krickets, a female trio with folk and country sounds, wrap up the month on November 23. For each performance, gates open at 5 p.m., and the live music plays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Different food trucks will be on-hand, and the wine will be flowing! Tickets are $12. For more information and tickets, click here.

Live Theatre

We love our community theatres on the Northshore! Three upcoming performances are of special note. In October, 30 by Ninety Theatre in Mandeville presents my favorite Agatha Christie play, Murder on the Orient Express. Show dates are the weekends of October 18 and 27. In December, two holiday-themed shows will be all aglitter at two venues, running on select dates from December 6 to 15. At 30 by Ninety, the entire family will enjoy a Very, Merry Christmas Spectacular. Added bonus: milk and cookies will be served at each performance! At Playmakers Theater in Covington, The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular will bring out the spirit of the season for the entire audience. For more details and ticket information at 30 by Ninety, click here. For tickets to Playmakers, click here.

Live Fun

Three annual events always bring family friendly fun. On Sunday, October 27, the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany hosts Boo Bash at its new location on Florida Street, 1 – 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Be sure to wear your Halloween costume for a chance to win prizes. To purchase tickets, click here. On November 2, the Sixth Annual Gator Tail 5k Trail Run takes place at the Tamanend campus of Northshore Technical Community College. Sign up here. To wrap up the family fun, the Tammany Turkey Trot is on Thursday, November 28, in Downtown Covington. You have the choice of three races: five-k, five-mile and one-mile fun run. To sign up, click here.

There are always so many choices for activities, entertainment and overall fun in our parish. For a full list of events, visit https://www.visitthenorthshore.com.

Summer is hot up on the Northshore, and it is also hot, hot, hot with fun. Here are just a few fun-filled things to do over the next few months.

Put on Your Red, White and Blue

The Northshore has many celebrations of America’s independence on Thursday, July 4. Madisonville presents an “Old-Fashioned 4th of July” on the banks of the Tchefuncte River. The fun begins at 10 a.m. with cornhole and horseshoe tournaments, watermelon eating contest, pie bake-off, kids’ games, food, music, and of course, fireworks. More details here. Not to be outdone, Abita Springs is hosting a Fourth of July celebration at the Trailhead Park. The festival features military appreciations, live music, fireworks, food and more, from 2 p.m. to the fireworks finale at 9 p.m. For details, click here. As for the eastern part of the parish, Olde Towne Slidell has its celebration with food, games, eating contests, kids’ activities and live bands at three locations. Festivities begin at noon, and fireworks will cap off the evening. For more details, click here.

Turn Your Fingers Blue

It is officially get-your-fingers-blue season, as it is time for blueberry picking! At Bachman Blueberries, the young and young-at-heart can pick their own to enjoy in your favorite recipes. The farm supplies the buckets and bags for convenience. Be sure you lather up with sunscreen and stay hydrated with plenty of water. And, definitely be sure to indulge in the blueberry lemonade and muffins during your visit. For more information, click here.

Get Back to Red (Beans)

It’s back for the fifteenth year, and it is going to be so tasty! The Red Beans ‘n’ Rice Cookoff is set for two dates, July 29 for West St. Tammany and August 5 for East St. Tammany. This yummy event marks the official rollout of United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s fundraising campaign. The West event is at the Greater Covington Center; the East event will be held at the Slidell Auditorium. Both events run 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for all the red beans and rice you can eat, with funds raised to support suicide prevention, mental health services and other United Way programs in St. Tammany Parish. For tickets, click here.

Summer is the time to enjoy great family fun, and the Northshore has you covered in red, white and blue!

I absolutely love a parade. I appreciate how one event can arouse all five senses of sight, sound, taste, smell and touch. While New Orleans is the most famous city for Mardi Gras parades and events, the Northshore adds a special flair to its productions. From Madisonville to Covington, and from Bush to Slidell, you have the opportunity to delight in 20 parades over the Mardi Gras season. I have a few standouts to recommend.

Going for the Gusto

The The Town of Abita Springs knows how to have a unique party. The Krewe of Push Mow parade, set for Saturday, February 11 at noon, features colorful floats and marching bands. However, the main attraction is the amount of splendidly decorated lawn mowers throughout the parade. Afterward, live music and Abita Beer will be enjoyed at the Party in the Park. (UPDATE 2.9.23–the parade has been moved to Sunday, February 12, 1 p.m. due to expected inclement weather on Saturday)

Going for the Gold (and Green and Purple)

On Mardi Gras, February 21, the fun starts early on the Northshore in Covington. One of the largest parades, with over 450 participants, features 24 magnificent floats, bands, walkers, artists and more. The fun continues with Tammany Gras at the Covington Trailhead with live music, games, activities and food. The parade begins at 10 a.m., so grab a coffee and get there early for a great viewing spot.

Going to the Dogs

The weekend after Fat Tuesday offers us two parades celebrating our four-legged friends. The Krewe du Pooch parade along the Mandeville lakefront takes place Saturday, February 25 at noon. The next day, the Krewe of Mardi Paws strolls through downtown Covington, beginning at 2 p.m. Both parades support animal humane non-profits. Be on the lookout for plenty of owners and dogs dressed alike!

No matter which parade (or parades for that matter) you partake in, you are sure to experience all five senses. Just be sure to also use your common sense to know when you have had enough (beads, of course).

While the temperatures are rising, so are the events in St. Tammany Parish! Check out these fantastic options in July on the Northshore.

Annual Event #1 – Kokomo Stroll

On Saturday, July 9, downtown Covington transforms into a tropical paradise! This outdoor event is celebrating its fifth year, with live music, shopping, beach-themed activities, food and of course, cocktails. For only $45, you can purchase a Kokomo Stroll cup for sipping those delicious summery drinks while you walk around. Be sure to take advantage of this special opportunity to pull out your favorite Hawaiian shirt, flip flops, Bermuda shorts and hula skirt. Proceeds benefit the Covington Business Association. For tickets, click here.

Annual Event #2 – Celebrate St. Tammany

The inaugural event was so successful and enjoyable, it was a given there would be a second annual Celebrate St. Tammany. On Saturday, July 16, you are invited to Pelican Park to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month to learn about all the wonderful benefits of St. Tammany’s recreation. The festival features live entertainment, including local bands “Rockin’ Dopsie” and “Lost in the Sixties,” food trucks, a variety of vendors and lots of children’s activities. The fun begins at 3 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is free; parking is $5. More details here.

Annual Event #3 – St. Tammany Red Beans ‘n’ Rice Cookoff

In its thirteenth year, this cookoff for West St. Tammany (East’s event is August 1) on Monday, July 25, is one of our favorite events of the summer. Each year the Red Beans ‘n’ Rice Cookoff marks the official rollout of United Way’s fundraising campaign in St. Tammany Parish. This year’s event is at the Greater Covington Center, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., and tickets are $10. The funds raised support suicide prevention, mental health services and other United Way programs in St. Tammany Parish. For tickets, click here.

St. Tammany Parish is a place full of fun events to enjoy, all year long. Up on the Northshore, annual events are a monthly occurrence!

Bush is a quaint town in St. Tammany Parish, just 20 miles north of Tamanend. I wrote about the fantastic Wild Bush Farm and Vineyard in last month’s post. The town is worth mentioning again, as it has a variety of activities and events to enjoy in May.

Bushelful #1 – Around the Town

We love anything crawfish on the Northshore, and that includes the Crawfishman Triathlon. This year’s race is set for Sunday, May 22, 7:30 a.m. With a course running along scenic country roads, the Crawfishman Triathlon features 1,000-meter and 400-meter swim options. The bike course is an in-and-back 18 miles, and participants will finish with a jaunty four-mike run. Whether you participate, cheer someone on or simply want to enjoy the community spirit, you will have a fun outing. To register for the race, click here.

Bushelful #2 – Down for Blueberry Picking

While the season doesn’t kick off until late May, get ready to have those lovely blue-stained fingers and endless deliciousness. One of my favorite places to pick those beautiful baby blues is Bachman Blueberries. The farm supplies buckets and bags; be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen. While you wait for the opening day announcement, take a look at these recipes with blueberries as the star ingredient here.

Bushelful #3 – Up in the Air

Okay, this third bushelful is not in Bush, however it is just 13 miles north in Bogalusa. During the weekend of May 19-22, things will be up in the air at the Bogalusa Balloon Festival, with hot-air balloon shows throughout the weekend. The event includes live music on Saturday, and both weekend days offer a true fest with crafts, food and carnival for the entire family.

St. Tammany Parish has so many cool towns to explore. Bush (and Bogalusa) are both a bushelful of fun, and that is with a capital B!

The holidays in St. Tammany Parish are simply magical. Now more than ever, we are all ready to truly experience the season. There is a plethora of opportunities to do so, and here are a few events to enjoy:

Holiday Happiness #1 – Santa Claus

Saturday, December 11, is a fun-packed day in the parish. Bring out your kids (two-10 years old) to Pelican Park in Mandeville for a Breakfast with Santa event, 9-11 a.m. Each child will be served breakfast, meet Santa and create holiday crafts. Santa will then make his way to Folsom.

The Folsom Horse and Wagon Christmas Parade is back this year, and the organizers are rustling up a good time. You will surely enjoy the parade of wagons, tractors and more. Of course, Santa will be the special parade marshal! The parade begins at 1 p.m.

Holiday Happiness #2 – Free Movie Nights

It’s time to go back to the movies! The parish has quite a few opportunities to do so, and even better, we have two that are free. On Friday, December 17, head to the Mandeville Trailhead at 5 p.m. for a holiday movie suitable for the entire family. The next evening, you have another chance to catch a flick at Slidell’s Bayou Christmas at 6 p.m. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, visit louisiananorthshore.com.

Holiday Happiness #3 – The Music

Two free orchestra events take place on Sunday, December 19. The Christ Episcopal Church in Covington welcomes the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Brass Ensemble for its annual holiday performance, Christmas Brass Spectacular, at 5:00 p.m.

Then at 7 p.m., you can enjoy a concert in Slidell, with the Northshore Community Orchestra. The concert takes place at Slidell Municipal Auditorium. The Northshore Community Orchestra is the only symphony orchestra in St. Tammany Parish in which both youths and adults can make learning and performing music a lifelong endeavor.

No matter how you celebrate this wonderful time of the year, St. Tammany Parish is ready to make it special!

As I reported in last month’s post, my most recent visit to Mandeville resulted in starting out with a big breakfast. You would think that meal would suffice my energy needs for the day, however I had to take advantage of the outrageously delicious food this town offers. But first, some calorie burning!

Stop #1 – A Nature Lover’s Paradise

I cannot believe I have missed this incredible place until now. Right across the street from Fontainebleau State Park is Northlake Nature Center. The park covers 400 acres, with miles of nature trails. Having just walked at Fontainebleau, I opted for the short Eagle Trail. Even though it was less than a mile, I saw osprey, ducks and plenty of other wildlife. The Center offers activities for all ages. It is worth a stop on your itinerary!

Stop #2 – Street Shopping

If there is one street to hit for unique boutiques and shops, it is Girod Street. I still don’t know how to pronounce the street name, however I do know how to spend a couple of hours browsing and buying here. The street is simply lovely for a stroll as you move from one shop to another. Be sure to check out Cameo, Tallulah’s Vintage Market and Das Schulerhaus Gift Gallery. I admit I parted with a “few” dollars on the afternoon I visited.

Stop #3 – Just One More Bite

After being one with nature and shopping, I somehow started to feel hunger pangs (more likely desire pangs). While I ate like a piggie earlier in the day, the thought of scrumptious, fresh seafood kept entering my thoughts. Enter the thought of Mandeville Seafood Market, and enter is what I did. I was craving shrimp, however why stop at that when an entire platter of catfish, shrimp, oysters and crab are offered? Needless to say, I perhaps overate.

My day came to an end in Mandeville, yet I know I will be back soon. How can one stay away too long from such a charmed place?