As we close out this year of a global pandemic, economic constraints and overall increased stresses, it is easy to focus on the negatives over the past 12 months. While it may be challenging to think of the positives, it makes it easier when you think about our favorite place, St. Tammany Parish. Here are just eight examples:

Beautiful holiday lights shine brightly throughout St. Tammany Parish. Photo courtesy of Joanie Johnston of LouisianaNorthshore.com.

1. The Residents – The people who live in St. Tammany Parish seem to share one common trait, a true sense of community. The Golden Rule definitely is evident here.
2. Healthcare Heroes – Physicians, nurses, technicians, administrators and other staff members all wore invisible capes this year. True superheroes!
3. First Responders – Thank you, thank you, thank you to these unstoppable folks! We vote for a First Responders Year in 2021, instead of the typical day or week.
4. Essential Businesses – Grocery stores, pharmacies and all other essential businesses kept us stocked and safe for our WFH and virtual schooling.
5. St. Tammany Parish School System – We applaud all schools, including private and charter, too. We give the public school system a special shout-out here due to its geographic area, population served and logistics expertise.
6. Our Business Community – Local businesses and other organizations continually pulled together for the greater good of the parish (as they always seem to do).
7. The Visitor’s Bureau – Louisiana Northshore had the challenging task of promoting our parish in the midst of a statewide shutdown. Might we say they did so in a fantastic manner, and continually kept us apprised of everything current on the Northshore.
8. Holiday Festivities – The show must go on, and while we had some adjustments and reconfigurations, we had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spirit of the season.

While this list could be longer, suffice it to say we experienced many positives this year on the Northshore. Cheers to 2021!

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!

While I typically write about all the really cool things to do on the Northshore and surrounding places, it seems appropriate this month with the Coronavirus pandemic to write about the really cool residents of our Parish. The people of this amazing area of Louisiana always seem to show that lovin’ feeling when it comes to taking care of each other.

Our Schools

While our parents had to learn “new math,” we have all had to adapt to a new way of learning. Teachers, administrators, staff, parents and students have all experienced an adjustment period. The St. Tammany Parish Public Schools have done an incredible job of providing online resources for parents and children, along with access to their Cares Helpline to address mental health issues. Also, the weekday hot lunches and “grab and go” boxes with 10 days’ supply of food have been a lifeline to many students.

Our Frontline Workers

Thank you to Ochsner Health and all frontline workers in St. Tammany Parish.

Calling them Healthcare Heroes even seems a bit inadequate. Doctors, nurses, technicians, EMTs and paramedics are indeed on the frontline. Add in the amazing St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the individual town police departments, fire departments and 911 operators, and it creates an incomparable team of professionals going way beyond. I love that Parish residents are helping with donations to the Ochsner Employee Assistance Fund. This fund provides assistance for employees directly impacted by COVID-19 with financial grants. The support shown for all frontline workers by businesses, groups and organizations has been wonderful, with meal, supply and financial donations.

Our Community

I have come to realize St. Tammany Parish is all about community. For example, the Tourist and Convention Commission is keeping us updated on the who, what, where and when of area business operations. Northshore Food Bank has more than doubled the distribution of food. The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce set up a Facebook page, St. Tammany Eats, as our go-to source for restaurant menus, specials and delivery options.

As I have said time and again in this blog series, the Northshore is truly remarkable. Yes, it has all the ingredients for the “perfect” place to live. It also has some of the most generous, friendliest people, as we have witnessed even more so over the last month. On the Northshore is off the charts when it comes to community!

We all know New Orleans is known for many things, one of which is the options available for happy hour. However, there really is no need to leave St. Tammany Parish, as we have plenty of places to enjoy a beverage or two. Below are three recommendations, no matter what type of libation you desire.

Get Crafty

Come for a cool cocktail, stay for a hot meal.

When you want something a little out of the ordinary, a great place to satisfy that thirst is Lola. Created by Chefs Keith and Nealy Frentz, this Covington restaurant and bar is in an old train depot (the kitchen is in an actual caboose). With this distinct setting, you know you are in for some innovative craft cocktails. I am a fan of the French 75, and the delectable version here named Provence 75 incorporates real lavender. My friend enjoyed the creatively named Cane Touch This, a grapefruit-meets-gin cocktail with a lingering impression. The atmosphere, coupled with the enticing menu perusal, will likely have you asking if a table is available.

More Wine, You Ask

If you are leaning more toward an intimate, relaxed setting to enjoy a glass of wine, the St. Ann Wine Bar in Mandeville fits the bill. Comfy chairs in a variety of sitting configurations allow for real conversations, whether there are two or 10 in your group. With the vast selection of high-end wines by the glass or bottle (Caymus, anyone?), this may just be your most challenging decision of the day. Be sure to try the Crabmeat Queso, and ask for extra wonton chips to sop every bit. During the summer, happy-hour apps are half-priced!

99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall

The obvious choice for my favorite beer joint is naturally our local gem, Abita Brew Pub! Every flavor of beer you can possibly imagine is created by this local brewery. Located just off the Abita Springs Trailhead for Tammany Trace, the pub boasts incredible burgers that are perfect to wash down with your favorite brew. It can get pretty lively here during the typical happy hour timeframe, so come later if you prefer a quieter setting.

These three recommendations are just a small sampling of cool Northshore options. Now it’s time to get happy!