Covington, Louisiana
Dining, shopping and outdoor fun
Story by Colette Boehm Photos by Colette Boehm & Kevin Garrett
The marketing folks in Louisiana’s St. Tammany Parish call the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain “Louisiana’s Easy Escape.” They are not wrong. For anybody looking for an easy drive on Interstate 10 ending in an immersion in Louisiana culture and small-town charm, this is the place to relax, explore and enjoy.
For those who like to spend time in New Orleans, it’s an easy drive, just 40 minutes across the lake, to add a visit to Covington and the surrounding communities. The heart of the north shore community, Covington is a spot worth a visit for those looking for a relaxing getaway with a variety of things to do.
The Southern Hotel is an outstanding lodging option with a personality and a staff that exude Southern charm. Originally opened in 1907, the stately property, after being closed to guests for decades, was purchased by a local preservationist, renovated and reopened in 2014. Today its luxurious lobby and courtyard are considered the living room of Covington. The guest rooms are comfortable and beautifully appointed.
Covington is a charming town known for its plentiful shopping and dining. The historic downtown features eclectic shops and fine art galleries. There’s the St. Tammany Art Association, which hosts three galleries in its historic Art House, displaying members’ works. Other artists display their works at their own galleries, including the vibrant works at Marianne Angeli Rodriguez Gallery and the arresting monochrome pieces at Abby Sembera Art. Copper Rooster Antiques & Gifts offers antique finds, and perhaps the most famous store in town, H.J. Smith & Sons General Store and Museum, which has been family-owned and operated since 1876.
For outdoor fun, the 31-mile Tammany Trace is a favorite for both serious cyclists and those who just want to get out on the trail for a couple hours. This Hall of Fame Rails-to-Trails route connects Northshore communities and allows visitors to travel from downtown Covington through the nearby towns of Abita Springs, Mandeville and Lacombe before ending in Slidell.
The trace’s trailheads serve as community gathering places and host weekly farmers markets, concerts and other festivities throughout the year. The bike path gives users easy access from town centers to stretches of trail that feel a world away. Bike rentals are available from a local shop that also offers guided tours of the area.
In nearby Mandeville, the popular Fontainebleau State Park has trails, lakefront beaches and historic sites to explore. There are also self-serve kayak rental kiosks in the park. Mandeville has a beautiful lakefront park with towering oaks, sidewalks, benches and picnic areas, all with panoramic Lake Pontchartrain views.
Dining is a special treat here, as Covington has quite a list of fine dining options. The husband-and-wife team at Del Porto Ristorante are three-time James Beard Award nominees who serve a seasonal, farm-inspired menu at the upscale hot spot. They also own The Greyhound, a European gastropub influenced by Italian and German cuisine, along with an impressive selection of craft beers, wines, signature cocktails and unique beverages.
The Dakota Restaurant serves contemporary Louisiana cuisine and an award-winning selection of wines. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients to create signature dishes and Louisiana favorites with a contemporary twist.
There are also locations where the surroundings add to the experience. The Gloriette is one of those. It’s located in The Southern Hotel and combines local and French-inspired cuisine with genuine Southern hospitality. Here, the atmosphere is enhanced by custom murals from international artist Grahame Menage.
Covington has spots for specialty beverages, too. Haven Coffee and Cocktails serves its own Northshore Specialty Coffee alongside craft cocktails. It also offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and hosts weekly live music.
At Abita Roasting Company, finds include house-roasted coffee, specialty drinks along with fresh-baked pastries and brunch plates. Surprisingly, there’s also a British experience to be had here. The English Tea Room & Eatery serves a taste of Britain, in a cottage setting. There are breakfast, lunch and brunch offerings complemented by a collection of more than 200 premium teas from around the world. Freshly baked, house-made scones are favorites.
While eating your way through a visit to Covington can be easy to do, the combination of great dining and activities like shopping, cycling and exploring surrounding towns is what makes it a perfect getaw
