Tour Tammany for a Taste of Summer
See the best St. Tammany Parish has to offer during Tammany Taste of Summer
Words by Paige Townley
Good times are always on the agenda in St. Tammany Parish. Also known as the Louisiana Northshore, St. Tammany Parish is situated less than an hour from Baton Rouge and New Orleans’ French Quarter, but there’s no need to venture out to either for long as the destination offers up its own unique experiences year-round. A highlight this year is the 5th Annual Tammany Taste of Summer, going on August 1 through September 15. During this time, local establishments—from restaurants to retail and more—are turning up the heat on all that can be experienced in St. Tammany. Here are our top picks for an unforgettable tour of St. Tammany this summer.
Make the Most of the Morning
Start your day in St. Tammany Parish the local way: with a swamp tour with Cajun Encounters Tour Company. Mornings are the best opportunity to see the state’s many critters—they prefer the cooler mornings and out on the swamp you will too—and Cajun Encounters’ are known for providing visitors with a truly authentic Louisiana experience, both with its boat and kayak tours of the Honey Island Swamp.
Refresh and relax after an eventful morning with a drive over to Abita Springs for a refreshing pint at Abita Brewery Company. The brewery is the ultimate Louisiana craft beer experience and features unique brews such as Andygator and Purple Haze. The brewery can even be fun for the whole family as it also offers its own Abita Root Beer.
Midday Meal & Shopping
It’s always time to dine in St. Tammany, and for lunch there’s no better spot that Cured. On Columbia. Known as one of the best cafés around, Cured. On Columbia is always showcasing various seasonal ingredients on its menu, which features all sorts of sandwiches, salads, soups, and even pizzas. Enjoy your meal in its most relaxing atmosphere, possibly even on its tranquil garden patio.
Re-energize after lunch with some shopping in historic downtown Covington. The walkable district is home to a plethora of art galleries, antique and home décor shops, boutiques, and other can’t-find-it-anywhere-else destinations. Be sure to stop by the Marianne Angeli Rodriguez Gallery to find a bright, vibrant piece of art to take home.
An Evening to Remember
Checking out all downtown Covington has to offer is sure to work up an appetite, so hop on over to Madisonville for an early dinner at Tchefuncte’s Restaurant. The place to go for upscale waterfront dining, Tchefuncte’s is known for its meticulously planned menu, which features everything from wagyu steaks and gulf snapper to crab cakes and pasta.
Before calling it a night at the Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast in Mandeville, take in the sights of the Mandeville lakefront. Just mere blocks from the Blue Heron, the lakefront is the best spot in town to see the sunset.
Energize the Morning
After a restful night at the Blue Heron, step over to The Book & The Bean for an invigorating cup of locally-roasted Flamjeaux Coffee and muffin to get your morning going right. Before heading out, perhaps even peruse the unique selection of books and pick up one or two to take home. Then the best part: a new day to continue exploring more of all St. Tammany Parish has to offer during Tammany Taste of Summer.
For more information about participating locations and Tammany Taste of Summer, visit TammanyTaste.com.