Extended Weekend Getaways 
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.
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is not the longest bridge in the world, but it does hold the Guinness World Record for “longest bridge over water (continuous)”. It is quite a sight to behold, looking out over the water on both sides of your vehicle when crossing. It connects New Orleans to the Northshore with this 24-mile twin bridge between the south and north shores.
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 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.
Living Like Locals
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 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 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 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.
Dining and Wining
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. This popular date night location offers a seasonal, farm-inspired menu. The Solazzos opened The Greyhound, 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 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 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 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.
No matter what you and your sweetheart 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 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. Beer lovers won’t want to miss the Abita Brew Pub, 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 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 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 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. If planning to visit the historic district in celebration of USA250, Camellia House Bed & Breakfast is located close by on US Highway 331. The road is appropriately known as the “getaway highway.” More than 100 years old, it is beautifully decorated and very well maintained. There are also distinctive independent hotels, like the Abita Springs Hotel which combines boutique amenities and guesthouse hospitality, and the grand Southern Hotel a stately property, originally opened in 1907, that exudes charm and splendor.
Before you go, visit https://www.visitthenorthshore.com for more information.
