Since the late 19th century, when affluent New Orleanians were flocking to ‘l’autre côte du lac’ (‘the other side of the lake’), for fresh air, spring water, and a resort lifestyle, St. Tammany has been where New Orleans comes to play and get away. Today, the Northshore is a thriving bundle of historic communities, each with its own personality, set amid green spaces and wildlife preserves.
Far from shrinking in the shadow of New Orleans, St Tammany Parish has emerged as a foodie destination all its own. The parish’s location on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain means there’s a steady supply of fresh local seafood, ready to be paired with local produce and transformed into a culinary masterpiece by one of its many top-notch chefs. And with two vineyards and three craft breweries (including the largest in the Southeast, Abita) there are plenty of reasons to lift a glass.
If you’re looking for a cultural experience, go no further. St. Tammany Parish is home to a vibrant arts scene, including major cultural events like the Covington Three Rivers Festival. Many visual artists have made the area home, lured by the natural beauty and ever-growing gallery scene. The Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall and Abita Springs Opry, both venerable music venues, keep Louisiana music traditions alive, and theatre groups like Cutting Edge and 30 by Ninety produce several mainstage productions each season.
Outdoor adventurers will love the Northshore’s wildlife preserves. The Northshore is full of hiking and biking trails (including the 31-mile Tammany Trace, a recent inductee in the Rail to Trail Hall of Fame), bayous and streams to explore, hunting and fishing spots… even stand up paddleboarding and flyboarding. Find out more at louisiananorthshore.com.
