Trailhead events, public art and culinary creations are all part of a Northshore getaway

Trailhead events, public art and culinary creations are all part of a Northshore getaway

Trailhead events, public art and culinary creations are all part of a Northshore getaway

The Northshore is a welcoming destination on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain that has become a favorite getaway spot for couples. Here, they find the perfect combination of relaxation and activity and some refreshing ways to combine interests along the way, with some surprising extras that add to the fun. The Northshore is just 40 minutes north of New Orleans, an hour east of Baton Rouge and an hour west of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with easy access via Interstate 12. 

Once here, visitors find easy access to an impressive collection of activities, from taking in the arts to taking on the trail, or as it’s known here, the trace. The Tammany Trace is a Hall of Fame Rails-to-Trails path that connects the communities of The Northshore. The 31-miles of the trace include scenic bayou overlooks and stretches of piney woods and moss-draped oaks. Rentals are available from Brooks' Bikes/Trikes & Beyond (128 Girod Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-789-5037) and a bike trip along the trace offers riders not only a chance to enjoy the outdoors, but also to take in some community culture at area trailheads, where they get a true introduction to these Northshore towns. 

Arts along the trail

Art and the outdoors are a surprising pair and a perfect combination on the Tammany Trace. History, music and visual arts, along with culinary events, are all a part of life visitors are invited to enjoy here. Covington's Tammany Trace trailhead (419 North New Hampshire Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985- 892-1873) features a bandstand and amphitheater and is the site of free concerts, arts and crafts markets, festivals and a lunchtime farmers market on Wednesdays. Its visitor center features a walk-through photo exhibit, interactive kiosks, short films and rotating art exhibits. The Mandeville Trailhead and Cultural Interpretive Center (675 Lafitte Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-624-3147) is adjacent to the path at the site of the former railroad depot. There is a museum onsite and the Community Market is held on Saturdays, where makers and farmers come together to sell their wares. In Abita Springs, the Trailhead and Museum (22049 Main Street, Abita Springs, Louisiana 70420; 985-871-5327) is on the town square, at the heart of the community. The one-room museum celebrates Abita Springs’ history and culture. The trailhead park includes a plaza with a renovated, two-story 1884 pavilion, under which rests a statue of Princess Abita, commemorating the "healing waters" the town is known for. On Sundays, an Art and Farmers Market features live music along with produce, hand-made sauces, baked goods, boudin and more. The trailhead is also home to one of many murals that celebrate the culture and personality of the communities across The Northshore.

There is plenty of art to appreciate off the trail, too. The Abita Mystery House (22275 Highway 36, Abita Springs, Louisiana 70420; 985-892-2624) is a roadside attraction like no other. This one-time gas station is now filled with the works of owner and artist John Preble. His folk art collection includes scenes of Southern life, unique creatures and inventions made from found objects. Old Towne Slidell is a popular neighborhood that invites visitors to enjoy more than a dozen murals throughout its downtown streetscape. While there, the variety of specialty stores provide many reasons to stay and explore. Downtown Covington is known for its collection of eclectic shops and fine art galleries. The colorful abstract paintings at Marianne Angeli Rodriguez Gallery (323 North Columbia Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-238-0842) have gained her national acclaim. 

Culinary arts

The impressive list of restaurants on The Northshore is filled with locations and menus that sure to have many experiences for couples to agree on. Here are some that are known for elevating their cuisine to an art form. 

David and Torre Solazzo are three-time James Beard Award nominees and proprietors of Del Porto Ristorante (501 East Boston Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-875-1006). This popular date night location offers a seasonal, farm-inspired menu. The Solazzos opened The Greyhound (705 East Boston Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-400-5828), a European gastropub influenced by Italian and German cuisine, along with an impressive selection of craft beers, wines, signature cocktails and unique beverages. The upscale Dakota Restaurant (310 East Boston Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-892-3712) serves contemporary Louisiana cuisine and an award-winning selection of wines. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients to create signature dishes and Louisiana favorites with a contemporary twist. 

There are also locations where the surroundings add yet more artistic beauty. The Gloriette (428 East Boston Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-202-8090) combines local and French-inspired cuisine with genuine Southern hospitality. Here, the atmosphere is enhanced by custom murals from international artist Grahame Menage. At Tchefuncte's (407 St. Tammany Street, Madisonville, Louisiana 70447; 985-323-4800), the classic Louisiana and American cuisine is artfully prepared and presented. The riverfront setting, especially at sunset, is arguably one of best views in the region.

Drinks for everyone

No matter what you have a thirst for, you’ll find satisfying refreshment on The Northshore. Can’t decide between coffee and cocktails? No worries. Haven Coffee and Cocktails (534 North New Hampshire Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-875-9390) is not only a coffee roastery and espresso bar serving its own Northshore Specialty Coffee, but also serves up craft cocktails. Through its large system of taps for draft drinks, Haven serves pre-batched lattes, cocktails, tonics and concentrates. They also have a breakfast, lunch and dinner food menu and host weekly music events.

If you weren’t expecting a truly British experience on The Northshore, here’s a pleasant surprise. The English Tea Room & Eatery (734 Rutland Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-898-3988) serves a taste of Britain, from its cottage setting to its classic menu. There are breakfast, lunch and brunch offerings complemented by a collection of more than 200 premium teas from around the world. Freshly baked, house-made scones are favorites, as are classic meals of Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage and Scotch Eggs.

Beer lovers won’t want to miss the Abita Brew Pub (72011 Holly Street, Abita Springs, Louisiana 70420; 985-892-5837), the original home of Abita Beer, now one of America's leading craft breweries. This is a fun spot for a meal, also. Just down the road, Abita Brewing Company (21084 Highway 36, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-893-3143) offers guided and self-guided tours, along with a taproom. Of course, there is a tasty option for wine drinkers, too. At Wild Bush Farm & Vineyard (81250 Old Military Road, Highway 1082, Bush, Louisiana 70431; 985-892-9742) visitors can sample wines handmade from estate grapes at the winery, as well as world-class wines from select vineyards along the West Coast in the Tasting Room, open Thursday through Sunday. The winery also hosts wine dinners and a popular Jazz’n the Vines concert series in spring and fall.

Do it yourself: Lagniappe for art and outdoors 

For a bit of Northshore lagniappe, add these do-it-yourself experiences to any visit:

Kayak via kiosk? Yes, please. Visitors can easily book a kayak, single and tandem available, from a new rental kiosk inside Fontainebleau State Park (62883 Highway 1089, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-624-4443). Explore the park’s waters at your leisure with self-serve paddling rental (24380 Ronald Reagan Highway, Lacombe, Louisiana 70445). Kiosks are provided by Bayou Adventure (504-754-5300). 

For a fun outing where you can each explore your own artistic talent, a visit to Lola's Art Experience (2637 Florida Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-778-2020) is in order. Individuals, couples and small groups can drop in for a make-and-take art session. Patrons choose from glass, canvas, ceramics and more and embark on their creative journey.

Where to stay

The Northshore has a host of well-known hotel chains offering familiar amenities along with excellent service. For a unique lodging experience, many choose from the list of charming bed & breakfasts, guest houses and vacation rentals with personality and amenities to meet any need. There are also distinctive independent hotels, like the Abita Springs Hotel (22088 Ann O'Brien Lane, Abita Springs, Louisiana 70420; 985-951-4200), which combines boutique amenities and guesthouse hospitality, and the grand Southern Hotel (428 East Boston Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-400-5657), a stately property, originally opened in 1907, that exudes charm and splendor.''

Photo Credit: Kevin Garrett