3 Ways to Enjoy The Northshore This Fall

Words by Paige Townley

Ready to make the most of the crisp and comfortable autumn weather this season? Then look no further than The Northshore. St. Tammany Parish is an easy escape from practically anywhere: it’s just one hour outside of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Whether you prefer to truly get outdoors in all that nature has to offer, enjoy community at fun fall festivals, or simply watch people pass you by while enjoying a nice meal on an outdoor patio, The Northshore has you covered. 

Get Outside

It’s easy to respond to the call of Mother Nature in The Northshore. Not only does the parish boast 80,000 acres of wildlife preserves, but it also has spectacular destinations like Fountainebleau State Park. The property features nature trails and a beach with views of Lake Pontchartrain, as well as bike paths for cycling. There’s also Northlake Nature Center, a fantastic spot for bird watchers. The Center is home to the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered bird, as well as numerous other species of woodpeckers. Not to be forgotten is Camp Salmen, another nature park featuring interpretive trails, beautiful green space, frontage on Bayou Liberty, and connection to the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile rail-to-trail conversion.

Enjoy Fall Festivals

A party is always on the calendar in The Northshore, and this fall is no exception. Music lovers won’t want to miss the plethora of outdoor concerts, which are being hosted all across The Northshore and includes all sorts of musical events. On September 17 is the annual Slidell Jazz and Blues Festival, a fun one-day event dedicated to all things performing arts. Coming up on October 14 and 15 is the Wooden Boat Festival. Held in the picturesque town of Madisonville on the banks of the Tchefuncte River, the festival celebrates the area’s maritime history and draws a huge variety of handcrafted wooden boats for a fun and festive flotilla. 

Dine Al Fresco

Indulge in the area’s unique culinary offerings while also eating al fresco and taking in the ideal fall landscape as well. Luckily, many eateries within The Northshore have outdoor dining. Tchefuncte’s Restaurant offers an upscale atmosphere and classic Louisiana and American cuisine along with its waterfront outdoor seating. At The Chimes, diners can enjoy a menu of delicious seafood and sandwiches while overlooking Bogue Falaya River. Palmettos on the Bayou is home to another classic outdoor dining option thanks to its decks overlooking Bayou Bonfouca. Another can’t miss outdoor option is Eight60 Wine Whiskey Bites, a waterside bar and eatery in Slidell that, in addition to 60-plus bourbons, wines, specialty cocktails, and gourmet menu, offer up some of the best sunset views in the state.

Ready to make your escape to The Northshore? Plan your visit now at www.visitthenorthshore.com.