Explore The Northshore: Outdoor Adventures & Culinary Delights in St. Tammany Parish
You'll work up an appetite playing all day in the Northshore’s outdoors.
Welcome to the Northshore, where breathtaking nature and superb culinary traditions collide providing the perfect setup for adventure. Nestled north of Lake Pontchartrain and New Orleans, the Northshore is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Here are a few ideas for starting your day with adventure and ending it with a full belly.
Stand-Up Paddleboard for Your Lunch
Ready to hit the water? A popular stand-up paddleboarding excursion starts at Columbia Street Landing in Covington Paddle north from the Columbia Street Landing alongon the Bogue Falaya River just past the Highway 190 bridge. To earn your beer, paddle back to the Chimes Covington Restaurant. Just leave the paddleboards on the dock and walk up the boardwalk to the restaurant. Try the Barney, a beer mix of Abita Purple Haze and Andygator, and follow it up with some icy oysters on the half shell, warm gumbo, fried alligator, red beans and rice, New Orleans BBQ shrimp, or other Louisiana specialties.
Other paddling trips meet in Madisonville on Water Street by the local gourmet Abita Roasting Company coffee shop and paddle south to the mouth of the Tchefuncte River at Lake Pontchartrain and the 1837 Lighthouse. Refuel at Tchefuncte's overlooking the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville.
Fishing Charters & Waterfront Dining in St. Tammany
More than a dozen fishing charters call St. Tammany home, most based in Slidell. Some charters motor out to fish off the Causeway Bridge, a 24-mile-long span over Lake Pontchartrain while others offer access to well-known fishing hot spots like the Rigolets, the Biloxi Marsh, Lake Borgne, the Chandeleur Islands and the Mississippi Sound. Head out with Category 5 Outdoors lure designer and captain Kenny Kreeger of Lake Pontchartrain Charters or Dudley Vandenborre — charter captain and creator of the famous Deadly Dudley lures.
After landing trophy trout or redfish, dock your boat at Palmettos on the Bayou for scenic waterfront dining. Treat yourself to some chargrilled oysters and a Cajun Bloody Mary while enjoying views of Bayou Bonfouca from their outdoor deck. Nearby you’ll find Nathan’s Restaurant in Slidell, known for its fresh seafood and Creole classics. Both spots are perfect for refueling after a day on the water.
And if you are starting to feel waterlogged, try out exploring the area via bike.
Bikes & Brews: A Historic Ride Through Covington
Prefer land-based adventures? Swap the fishing rod for a bike and explore Northshore’s scenic routes.
Option 1: Rent bikes from Brooks' Bike Shop in Covington. Bike to discover Covington's historic St. John district to shop at H.J. Smith and Sons. You'll also find unique art pieces at the multiple art galleries and shopping continues at the multiple boutique shops. Swing by the Bogue Falaya Park then bike six miles to Abita Springs where delicious Louisiana brews can be tasted at Abita Brewing Co. Bonus: Stop by the Abita Mystery House to view some of the strangest collections in Louisiana.
Option 2: Snack or have lunch at the Abita Brew Pub and try the Abita line of craft beers. They have seasonal brews such as the Strawberry Lager, in addition to Abita Amber, Andygator, Restoration Pale Ale and Turbodog (and more) on tap, locally brewed at the Abita Brewery down the road. For lunch, start with the Andygator Crawfish Cakes or Brewer’s BBQ Crab Claws Sautéed in Abita Amber and Rosemary BBQ sauce. Then choose from any of the 10 specialty burgers or grab a bite of traditional Louisiana with a seafood po' boy.
Plan Your Daytrip to The Northshore
Whether you’re paddling scenic rivers, biking historic routes, or savoring authentic Louisiana flavors, there’s something for everyone. Visit The Northshore for more information for things to do on your adventure throughout St. Tammany.
