Mandeville and Covington

Less than an hour north of New Orleans and an hour east of Baton Rouge, Mandeville is your gateway to the Northshore, welcoming visitors with historic charm, lush scenery, and a healthy serving of bon temps. Book a room at one of several picturesque bed and breakfasts in Old Mandeville and treat yourself to a unique shopping experience (and perhaps a trinket or two) on Girod Street, home to eye-catching shops such as Cameo Boutique, Pappion Artistry, and Das Schulerhaus. Brooks Bike Shop's rental bikes are a great way to get around the city as well as explore the natural beauty surrounding Mandeville, from the lakefront oaks to Fontainebleau State Park.

If all that retail therapy and fresh air has worked up a proper appetite, Mandeville's dynamic dining scene has you covered. Craving fresh-caught Louisiana seafood served up lakeside? The Lakehouse is waiting. How about in-house craft beer paired with a new take on decadent Southern cooking? Pull up a chair at the Old Rail Brewing Company. Dine with a Northshore icon at Pat Gallagher’s 527. And with the Tammany Taste of Summer running through the month of August, you can sample multi-course menus from local favorites with prix fixe deals.

Just a quick drive (or a pedal, if you're riding along the Tammany Trace) north is the parish seat, Covington. Take advantage of the free parking in the city's historical downtown area and strike out on foot to explore the vibrant scene of galleries, live music, artisanal goods, seasonal festivals—and of course, food and drink like no other. Enjoy Gulf Coast culinary traditions interpreted with fine dining flair at the renowned Oxlot 9 or savor contemporary Southern comfort food in the renovated historic train depot that houses LOLA.

Don't miss your chance to take your Taste of Summer to another level with special events such as a craft cocktail tasting class at the stately Southern Hotel, or a meet and greet with local celebrity Chef Kevin Belton. True foodies will be sure to snag tickets to the wine dinner at Annadele’s on August 3, where guests can indulge in courses by Annadele’s master of French and Creole cuisine, Chef Ronald Bonnette, paired with wines selected by Nick Dischler of Wines Unlimited to perfectly complement each dish. All this takes place in the breathtaking setting of Annadele’s Plantation, guaranteeing a dining experience like no other.

More information about the wine dinner and other events is available at TammanyTaste.com, where you can also find menus for participating Tammany Taste of Summer restaurants in Mandeville, Covington, and other Northshore communities.