July 2011. Treats along the Trace: What better incentive to pedal that extra mile than a snoball bribe?

Living only a mile away, I’ve been biking and walking the Tammany Trace for nearly twenty years. It started as an inexpensive way to keep my younger son and daughter entertained, and get in a little exercise as well. A 31-mile asphalt trail and wildlife conservation corridor, the Trace links parks, greenways, wetlands and pedestrian bridges through Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville and Slidell. And you can travel the Trace with a tasty treat or icy beverage nearby all along the way.

Covington Trailhead

Once a bustling railroad town, the City of Covington pays tribute to its century old heritage with the recently opened Covington Trailhead. Shop the Wednesday morning Farmers Market for fresh seasonal produce, a variety of cheeses, bakery goods or homemade salsa, and take a break under the shady blue canopies. Across from the Parish Courthouse, the award winning chefs and owners of LOLA restaurant prepare home-made bread, soups, desserts and fresh lemonade inside their vintage caboose kitchen. Just a block down, cool off with a brew, burger and full menu of pub fare at the Covington Tap Room, which boasts beers from around the world. Pedal down North New Hampshire Street and stop for lunch or weekend breakfasts and dinners at the Toad Hollow Café known for their organic menu. It’s my go-to place for primo tuna salad, chicken salad sandwiches with mango, or hibiscus-mint herbal teas. For a real treat, do a morning ride and stop in for their weekend breakfast/brunch with the popular pecan smoked trout with eggs.

Just two blocks away, enjoy a picnic at Bogue Falaya Park while the kids play on a generous playground. On Saturday the Covington Farmers Market features local produce, chef demonstrations and book signings. Check out Houston Anthony’s booth for farm fresh produce at bargain prices. And who can resist Rick Webb’s jellies? This vibrant octogenarian still makes his own jam and jelly from his twenty-acre farm.

Moving east toward Abita Springs, hop off the Trace and cross Boston Street to the service road at the new Chimes Restaurant. With scenic views of the Bogue Falaya River, enjoy a lunch or dinner inside or outside with wide screen HD televisions. And oyster fans will love the thirty-five cent raw oyster special everyday from 4 pm–7 pm. The Chimes serves sixty different beers from twenty different countries, as well as local brews like Abita Beer or the Covington Brewhouse labels.

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