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).

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.

With a recent free Sunday, I immediately thought of heading down to one of my favorite towns on the Northshore. I always enjoy my time in Abita Springs, from the Abita Brew Pub to the Tammany Trace Trailhead. Here are three unique stops to enjoy!

Springs Stop #1 – So Much to See

I picked a fantastic day, as the weather was glorious to walk around the Abita Springs Art and Farmers Market. I scored a jar (or three) of delicious blueberry jam, along with purple cauliflower and locally made honey. As for the handmade soaps, I truly cleaned up! The market takes place every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the trailhead.

Springs Stop #2 – So Much to Eat and Drink

I had worked up quite an appetite walking around the market, so it was time to refresh and relax at Abita Brew Pub. I basically qualify as a frequent flier at this restaurant, as I eat here every time I visit the town. I started with the fried artichoke hearts with ranch, then it was onto the “Andygator” crab-and-crawfish cake with remoulade. Naturally, I had to indulge with a nice, cold beer. With a name the same as my childhood dog, Barney, it was the perfect choice. Thank goodness I did not have a cholesterol screening the next day!

Springs Stop #3 – So Much Weirdness

In all my previous stops, I had yet to visit this wacky place. Wacky as it is, I do think they should add ‘Fun” in the Abita Springs Mystery House name. With hordes of nonsense displays, oddities and salvaged items, this place should be on your see-it-to-believe-it list. While one visit will likely be enough, it is definitely memorable! Trust me, it is worth the stop on your itinerary. The house is open daily, and the price of admission is only $5.

If you want an enjoyable, quirky day on the Northshore, Abita Springs is a great choice to spring to before summer ends!

April offers up some fantastic options for outdoor fun on the Northshore. With activities and events too numerous to list, here are three sure to please on Saturday, April 16.

Duck, Duck, Go

I have yet to attend the Quack-a-Fayala Rubber Duck Race, so this is the year! The Covington Rotary presents the 8th annual event at 8 a.m. at Bogue Falaya Wayside Park. Little rubber ducks will be dropped in and raced down the Bogue Falaya River. Each duck is a $20 donation, with proceeds benefiting a variety of local non-profit organizations. A $1,000 grand prize will be awarded for the fastest duck. Prizes will also be awarded for the top 10 ducks. Even better, you are not required to be present to win, so you can sleep in if you so choose! Purchase tickets here.

Egg-travagant Fun

After the duck race, bring your little ones out for a rolling good time at the Covington Trailhead. “Egg Rollin’ at the Trailhead” takes place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children and their parents are invited to bring their creatively designed, hardboiled eggs for a speed race. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest eggs. The event is free, and it will also include crafts and a petting zoo.

A Little Night Music

I have been excited to learn more about Wild Bush Vineyards, formerly Pontchartrain Vineyards. New owners Neil and Monica are in the process of replanting the vineyard while creating an ecosystem experience. I will be able to view the progress at the upcoming Jazz’n the Vines on the 16th, 6:30 – 9 p.m. New Orleans’ own Flow Tribe brings their high-energy funk, soul and all-around happening vibe to the vineyard. Be sure to bring a picnic, a blanket and chairs for a night of music enjoyment.

These three activities are just another reason why St. Tammany Parish is chock full of things to do for families of all sizes and ages. On the Northshore, April is showered with fun!

Yes, fall is just around the corner, and it is a welcoming thought! St. Tammany Parish always has lots going on, and the beginning of autumn is no exception. Here are three music-themed events for September.

Music Fest – Pearl River

Okay, it is actually called the Honey Island Swamp Fest. On September 10 and 11, the town of Pearl River is taken over for a two-day festival of fun. Monster truck shows and rides; mechanical bull and mini-bike races; car exhibit; arts and crafts area; and of course, a complete line-up of live music. Admission is $15; children 10 and under are free. For details, check out the event’s Facebook page.

Musical – Mandeville

If you have yet to see this amazing musical, you still have the chance. One of our favorite theatres, 30 by Ninety Theatre, is performing “Rent” on weekends, now through September 19. The story, set in New York City’s East Village, is about love, finding your voice and living life to its fullest. Once you see the performance, you will totally understand why 525,600 minutes are so important. For tickets and details, click here.

Music Festival – Abita Springs

I know where I want to be on Sunday, September 19. It becomes even more likely with these two words, busker and free. The 10th Annual Abita Springs Busker Festival is a free event featuring six French Quarter bands at the Abita Springs Trailhead. In addition to the music, there will be lots of food vendors and lots of fun. All you have to do is bring your lawn chair and get there early! So, what is a busker, you may ask? A busker is a street performer who works for tips; however, none are allowed during this festival!

With fall officially beginning September 22, just think of all the activities still ahead for us to fall for!

You have read here before how much I like to visit Slidell. It is such a cool town, and I sometimes feel it does not get the respect it deserves. I decided to slide into the Camellia City for a day of fun.

Stop One – Hot (and Cold) Food

It was Saturday, so of course I had to start my day off with a hearty breakfast. Which means, I HAD to start at Big Easy Diner. While the diner has an extensive menu of breakfast options, my go-to is a hamburger and onion rings. This place lets you order lunch items for breakfast! Now satiated, it was time to slide over to the Camellia City Farmers Market for more food. I picked up a ton of goodies, so thank goodness I had my cooler with me, along with some very early Christmas gifts (if I don’t decide to keep for myself). The market is open every Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Get there early for the best pickings (pun intended).

Stop Two – Cool Stuff to Warm the Heart

Just about every time I visit Slidell, I stop in at Lulu’s Almost New, a used furniture and accessories store. What makes Lulu’s so unique is the inspiration ideas they offer on what would typically be thought of as junk. The store is truly an example of one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure. I left with a yellow bookcase, that with some new paint and baskets, will be a great storage and display piece in my guest bedroom.

Stop Three – A Heated Exchange

I had made plans to walk Tammany Trace with a friend who calls Slidell home. Forgetting at the time of making the date it was the dead of summer, I made my way to the trailhead off Highway 190. Suffice it to say the 2.5-mile roundtrip from Slidell to Camp Salmen Nature Park was enough in August. Tammany Trace is the perfect place to spend time with a friend to catch up and get in your exercise. We didn’t actually get into a heated exchange; however, we might have had we gone further as she wanted. I was overheated and my lunch-for-breakfast had worn off.

These three stops just scratch the surface of the fun to be had in Slidell. The good news is that there are 51 other Saturdays in the year!