Get Active on the Northshore

The natural beauty of the Northshore coupled with the cooler crisp air and bright blue skies of Louisiana fall are enough to tempt even the most dedicated couch potato into venturing out of the house. And there is certainly no shortage of outdoor adventures in and around Covington. Whether your interests are botanical or birdwatching, pedaling or paddling, the treasures of the natural world are waiting to be discovered—some only mere steps from downtown Covington's beautiful historic houses and jam-packed cultural festivals.

Looking for a way to discover more of the local delights, or ready to strike off into the wild? Brooks Bike Shop rents everything from cruisers perfect for a casual pub crawl or to more ambitious multi-gear machines to really get the blood pumping. With locations in both Covington and Mandeville, Brooks is sure to set you on the right path no matter what your speed. No need to stick to shore, either: they offer canoe and kayak rentals as well.

Either location of Brooks Bike Shop is also a convenient waypoint for the must-see Tammany Trace, a perfect scenic jaunt for bikers, hikers, and equestrians alike! The 31-mile paved trail built along an old railroad route holds a little something for everyone, from winding miles spotlighting lush preserved woodlands and the mysterious beauty of the swamps to the more densely populated stretch between Mandeville and Covington that offers plenty of opportunities to refresh yourself at one of the area's renowned restaurants or other engaging attractions.

Patrick Brooks, owner of Brooks Bike shop, says he sees lots of cyclists that get into it for the social aspect, riding in groups along the Trace—often with frequent stops at local breweries.  Signing up for a group activity tends to a dose of motivation that makes it easy for even amateurs to get some seriously good outdoor recreation in!

Looking for an event to get you moving? Give double thanks for the glorious weather and the great outdoors when you sign up for the inaugural Tammany Turkey Trot on November 22. This Thanksgiving Day race, which doubles as a food drive for the Northshore Food Bank, will have you gobbling up the miles in either a 5k or 5-mile gauntlet starting at the St. Tammany Courthouse. Whether you're trying to preemptively burn off Turkey Day indulgences or just looking for some family-friendly fun, it's a surefire way to #EarnYourStuffing.