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!

When I first discovered St. Tammany Parish after venturing outside the New Orleans area, the first place I happened upon was Mandeville. Having loved what I experienced, it was time to visit this beautiful place again.

Start the Day Off Right

Louisiana is known for its delicious food, and what better way to start off the day than with a delicious Cajun-and-Creole-inspired menu! When I Googled breakfast joints, one immediately got my attention. Liz’s Where Y’at Diner lived up to its unique name. While there were so many fantastic options, including a whole section on eggs Benedict varieties, I opted for shrimp and grits. Go ahead and add the crabmeat; you will be happy you did.

Relax a Few with a Brew

With all the fantastic brewing companies in St. Tammany Parish, Chafunkta Brewing Company was a repeat mention. I had to go there, if nothing else than for learning about the name. In less than a minute, I overheard someone talking about the Tchefuncte River. Aha! The pronunciation is the same, and of course, adding the word “funk” makes it even cooler. I drank one of their signature brews, the Voo Ka Ray (as in Vieux Carre, the original name of NOLA’s French Quarter) an IPA with little bitterness. Chafunkta has a tap room with tastings in several sizes, so you could easily spend a few more relaxing hours there.

More Food for Thought

With an awesome sign like this, you know there is some good eats inside!

After a few stomach growls, it was time to find my lunch place. I was craving seafood, and I recalled awhile back hearing about Rusty Pelican. The name itself called for at least a look-see. The restaurant is cozy and casual, perfectly suited for the lunch crowd. While everything sounded delicious on the menu, I ordered the fried artichoke hearts with an incredible ranch dip (can you really go wrong with anything fried with a dip?) and a bowl of gumbo. Did I mention the gumbo came with half a shrimp po-boy? Don’t judge me; I really love seafood and I was hungry. And yes, I was completely satisfied on both counts.

These three food-and-drink spots are the top places I recommend in Mandeville. Next month, I will focus on the activities I did to work off these calories!

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!