Sponsored Content from the Louisiana Office of Tourism
Baton Rouge
Like the rest of the Bayou State, the dining options around Baton Rouge run the gamut. From old-timey po’ boy joints like Poor Boy Lloyd’s to comforting Southern classics like Chicken Shack and Eliza Restaurant & Bar, there’s something to suit every taste. In addition to the tried-and-true Louisiana flavors, restaurants with an international bent, like Zorba’s Greek Bistro, have flourished. With freshly baked pita and dishes that make the most of the Gulf ’s bounty (such as the Shrimp Santorini, a lively bowl of Gulf shrimp, feta, tomatoes and roasted vegetables), it’s easy to see why the restaurant has been so popular
for about 20 years.
Similarly, the Louisianan guys who started Chow Yum Phat knew what flavors the locals
loved and were able to use them in inspired takes on Vietnamese and South Asian foods. Fluffy steamed buns, satisfying ramens and the prize-winning Salt N Peppa Wings are all worthy additions to any foodie’s to-do list.
Must-Dos in Baton Rouge
● Visit Mike the Tiger at his state-of-the-art enclosure on LSU’s main campus
● Take a drive down Louisiana River Road Byway to fill up on the area’s rich history
● See how Bayou State settlers lived at the LSU Rural Life Museum
● Catch a set at Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room Heritage Museum
Baton Rouge is anchored on its west end by the Mississippi River, and this district boasts a good bit of historical activities, from the USS Kidd Veterans Museum (a restored WWII destroyer) to Louisiana’s awe-inspiring Old State Capitol (where the legislature met from 1850 to 1932), along with the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel and shopping along nearby North Third Street.
Another riverside gem is the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. This treasure trove features an eclectic collection that spans from prehistory (including a meteorite discovered in 1576 that’s estimated to be a billion years older than Earth) to an ancient Egypt exhibit (complete with a well-preserved mummy). The museum also houses a state-of-the-art planetarium that features a variety of shows for all ages covering science and nature topics, along with special programing for kids. Galleries showcasing Louisiana modern and contemporary art round out the space.
Government Street
In a city experiencing dramatic growth, Government Street might be the most exciting. Over the past decade, dining and entertainment options along the bustling corridor have exploded, with coffee shops like French Truck and multiuse spaces like the Electric Depot (which includes restaurants, shops and fun activities).
Local radio host Jay Ducote’s Gov’t Taco joined the Government Street scene in 2020 and offers a slate of cleverly named tacos (“Steak of the Union” and “Clucks and Balances” among them) along with shareable side dishes.
Louisiana Northshore
Louisiana’s Northshore, which stretches from Slidell in the east to Madisonville in the west, with the bustling communities of Covington and Mandeville between, is packed with fun for the whole family. The area was developed as a vacation spot for New Orleanians trying to escape the summer heat but has established an inviting culture all its own.
The small communities along Louisiana’s Northshore are full of memorable meals. In Abita Springs, visitors have some exciting ways to start their day. The Maple Street Bakery is known for its slate of fresh breads, pastries and a charming outdoor seating area to enjoy the morning’s find.
For those looking for a heartier start to the day, the centrally located Abita Springs Cafe will hit the spot. Housed in an 1881 building that was originally constructed to be a butcher shop, some of the cafe’s specialties include Cajun Praline Chicken & Waffles, omelets and sweet potato beignets topped with a butter pecan icing. For an extra treat, try a Mimosa Flight.
Last year, beloved local chef Pat Gallagher opened Pat’s Rest Awhile on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Mandeville. The restaurant and oyster bar offers a commanding view of the lake and gives guests a relaxing spot to enjoy dishes ranging from New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp and Seafood Gumbo to grilled rib eye steaks and fried seafood platters.
In nearby Slidell, Phil’s Marina Cafe has been delighting locals for more than 30 years. With water views and a storied menu, the cafe is perhaps best known for its crab dip—which features lump Louisiana crabmeat and is served with fried bowtie pasta—and the Mahi Marliene (a mahi mahi fillet served over spinach and topped with a seafood stuffing).
Must-Dos on the Northshore
● Try a flight of beers at Chafunkta Brewing Company in Mandeville
● Hold a baby alligator at the Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery in Covington
● Buzz around Slidell’s Honey Island Swamp and see the area’s ecosystem firsthand
● Walk the raised boardwalks at the Northlake Nature Center in Mandeville spotting birds
Tammany Trace
The arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad in the late 1800s kickstarted the economic engine of the Northshore. Since the 1990s, the former railroad corridor has been transformed into a 31-mile biking and hiking path that meanders from Covington to Slidell, passing through Abita Springs, Mandeville and Lacombe along the way. From the vantage of the Trace and its 31 restored bridges, travelers will see local wildlife, parks and bayous.
Attractions
Natural beauty was one of the early draws to the Northshore, and it’s still easy to see why. Get an up close view paddling down the Bogue Falaya River with Canoe & Trail Adventures. Families can paddle at their own pace or have a guided tour with a Louisiana Master Naturalist. For more outdoor adventures, visit Fontainebleau State Park. In addition to a kid-friendly beachfront on Lake Pontchartrain, the park offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, camping and glamping (glamorous camping).
Downtown Covington
For visitors looking for a walkable small-town vibe but not wanting to make any sacrifices, Covington has a lot to offer. Folks will find a lot to love in Covington, situated within a short drive of the Northshore attractions. Locals’ favorites like Copper Rooster Antiques & Gifts and The French Mix by Jennifer DiCerbo offer an eclectic assortment of home goods and knickknacks, and a short walk will find Hoodoo Ice Cream, Cured on Columbia (a coffee shop with small bites) and vintage vinyl at Retro Music Co.
