Covington

Clocking in at an hour east of Baton Rouge, the Northshore outpost of Covington offers a haven of small town charm to those looking for a quick weekend getaway.

Take advantage of Covington’s free downtown parking and stroll on your own tour of the adorable shops and attractions, and don’t skip the Saturday and Wednesday Covington Farmers’ Market. Those who favor bikes shouldn’t miss the chance to take in the scenery on the Tammany Trace Bike Trail, comprised of thirty-one miles of paved trails connecting Slidell, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Lacombe, and Covington. Rent a bike from Brooks’ Bike Shop (there are locations in Covington and Mandeville) if you didn’t pack your own.

Any bike ride in August deserves a cool reward at the end, and Tammany Taste of Summer in Covington offers a plethora of fun ways to beat (or forget all about) the late summer heat. Take up the noble paddle and put your preferred seaworthy vessel to good use in the Bogue Falaya, with the help of Canoe and Trail Adventures Tours & Rentals or Bayou Paddle Company.

Finding a cool event in August won’t be difficult. The Exchange Club of West St. Tammany hosts an Ultimate Tailgate Party on August 24, where the drinks and live music will be flowing, along with an impressive assortment of competitive barbecue items at the Covington Trailhead. A chilled flute of bubbly paired with delicious modern Italian noshes are quite the combo to usher in a summer evening, so don’t miss Del Porto Ristorante’s Bubbles & Bites Bubbly Wine Fest on August 29.

Del Porto, just blocks from the majestic Bogue Falaya River, serves up simple and fresh takes on contemporary Italian food. Their August prix fixe menu features several customer favorites, such as Spaghetti Pomodoro and Tiramisu, says Del Porto Chef Torre Solazzo. “Tammany Taste of Summer offers the locals a chance to experience our restaurant for the first time, or even in a different way,” said Solazzo. “We appreciate the support from the Northshore community.” 

Just across the Bogue Falaya from Del Porto, as the crow flies, sits Annadele’s Plantation & Restaurant, a historic bed and breakfast with a fantastic restaurant within. Chef Ronald Bonnette offers flavorful escapes on a classic New Orleans culinary backdrop. We’re told not to skip the mouth-watering soups (even in the heat of summer), nor the to-die-for pâte mousse.

Co-owner Patricia St. Angelo says the restaurant often gets visitors who make the trip across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, and their wine dinners attract guests from hours away. That’s no surprise, considering the level of thematic involvement present in August’s interactive wine dinner. The Elvis Experience, featuring impersonator Jayson Alfano, is comprised of four courses fit for The King. “One of Elvis’s favorite things to eat was a peanut butter banana sandwich,” said St. Angelo, “so Chef Ronnie added a peanut butter banana mousse-filled crepe with candied bacon for the fourth course.”

From Bella Cucina Cooking School’s open house Saurdays to weekend farmers’ markets, and from Meribo’s locally-sourced pizza ingredients to the 450-strong wine collection at Dakota Restaurant, Covington won’t leave guests wanting for anything, especially in the culinary realm. Tammany Taste of Summer’s delicious deals go on every day in August, so don’t miss the chance to try one of everything!

Enter here to win a two-night getaway to the Louisiana Northshore during Tammany Taste of Summer.