Slidell, perched on the eastern edge of St. Tammany Parish, is certainly fertile ground for Louisiana culture to flourish. This cheerful little city is proud to share its history, art, music, and food with everyone, whether you're visiting for the first time or have always called the Camellia City home. After all, it's just good manners.
If you're tired of the bustle of the Interstate, feel free to work your way in from the outskirts of Slidell, soaking in the unique and enchanting landscape of Honey Island Swamp as local tour companies guide you through some of its mysteries. Or become part of the time honored Cajun tradition of living off the land (well, water) when you charter one of the area's expert fishing services out of the nearby marinas. Bayou Haven B&B offers a stunning view of the wetlands from its wraparound porch, while its interior evokes the charm and comfort of a mid-1800s bayou plantation home with modern amenities.
But despite being surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine swampland and the vast Lake Pontchartrain, this city is no backwater. Just down the road from its Northshore neighbors Covington and Mandeville and only about thirty minutes from New Orleans, Slidell has a vibrant local culture that seems to look both backwards and forwards, even while celebrating the present moment. Olde Towne Slidell is simultaneously an antique lover's paradise and home to cutting-edge contemporary galleries such as I.D.eel metalworks and 1808 MARTketplace artist’s co-op. It is also where you'll find the sweet nostalgia and killer banana splits of Old Town Slidell Soda Shop as well as regular free concerts in Heritage Park—not bad for ten square blocks.
Saturdays, the Camellia City Farmers Market is bursting with fresh produce and the local farmers and artists that help the community thrive and prosper. Of you're more ready for the “table” side of the equation than “farm”, Slidell's restauranteurs are happy to do the cooking for you! Special August prix fixe menus brought to you by the Tammany Taste of Summer let you test your brunch game at Restaurant Cote with Cajun Cordon Blue Fresh Mozzarella and Alligator Sausage, or grab dinner at Zea whose expansive entree selection encompasses all manner of seafood and Southern fare suitable for any taste. The new darling in Olde Towne, the Wine Garden, is offering a decadent 3-course lunch served with a glass of house wine.
Take advantage of these specially priced menus and other culinary deals and events when you visit the Northshore during the Tammany Taste of Summer. There's plenty to go around, so don't forget to share your experience with #TammanyTaste!
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