New Orleans Northshore
New Orleans Northshore
Less than an hour north of New Orleans, St. Tammany Parish is a verdant wonderland with 32,000 hectares of wilderness preserve and many opportunities for memorable outdoor experiences.
You can rent a kayak for a trip down Bayou Cane through a beautiful, primeval landscape or a paddleboard for a day on the lake at Fontainebleau State Park. Or, explore the Northshore by bicycle on the Tammany Trace, a scenic path that winds 49 kilometres through picturesque towns and wooded glens. Tour the pristine Honey Island Swamp and see birds, boar and alligators. Visit Insta-Gator Ranch to hold a baby gator or Global Wildlife Center to stroke a giraffe’s neck.
Worked up an appetite? You’ll find spicy boiled seafood crawfish, crabs, and shrimp on the Northshore. We also have New Orleans-style ‘po-boy’ sandwiches, stuffed with golden fried shrimp or oysters, as well as Louisiana gumbo and specialties like shrimp Creole. Thirsty? Visit lively Abita Brewery for its popular tour and tasting of beers.
Northshore B&Bs are memorable; choose a cottage in the woods, a lovely getaway steps from the lakefront or a chic room in the historic district. Other options include the boutique Southern Hotel, chain properties, and cabins built on stilts over the waters of Lake Pontchartrain.
Suggested Accommodation
The Southern HotelModerateFrom £150 per room per night
In the quaint town of Covington, Louisiana, located just across Lake Pontchatrain from New Orleans, the Southern Hotel’s vaunted history of hospitality began in 1907. Established as a physical and spiritual retreat where visitors would re-energize amidst the area’s cool breezes, piney woods and mineral springs, the hotel has been hosting guests for over 50 years.
The hotel has 40 luxurious guest rooms and seven lavish suites, with each containing its own unique charm. Room amenities include a flat screen TV as well as complimentary internet access. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, fitness centre, restaurant, bar and spa.
Holiday Inn & Suites Slidell ModerateFrom £89 per room per night
The Slidell Holiday Inn & Suites is situated close to the area’s best attractions, including the great Fremaux Shopping Centre, Mississippi’s Gulf Coast beaches, Gulf Coast Casinos, New Orleans’ French Quarter and Bourbon Street.
Each of the hotel’s rooms has free wireless internet access, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, mini fridge, tea and coffee maker and flat-screen TV. You will also benefit from a 24 hour fitness centre, indoor pool, outdoor whirlpool, and cocktail lounge. Kids under 18 stay free when sharing existing bedding.
Hilton Garden Inn Covington/MandevilleModerateFrom £90 per room per night
Situated in the suburban business district of Covington, the Hilton Garden Inn Covington/Mandeville is well situated for easy access to local corporations, nearby sports fields and shopping centres.
Generously proportioned guest rooms and suites feature a number of amenities including complimentary high-speed Internet access, secure in-room printing, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, iron and ironing board, LCD HD televisions, hair dryer and laundry services. The hotel also offers an outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool and fitness centre.
