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The Dish
Thinking about visiting but worried about the oil spill?
Attractions open for business and waiting to welcome you
 Despite reports last month that a small amount of tar balls had made their way into the easternmost area of Lake Pontchartrain, physical impact of the oil spill has been minimal on St. Tammany Parish. Attractions, shops and restaurants are open for business throughout the Northshore. You can still commune with giraffes at Global Wildlife Center, tour the pristine Honey Island Swamp or shop til you drop in downtown Covington -- and you can still get a great fried shrimp poboy and a bowl of soulful gumbo. So come on down. These and other memorable Northshore experiences await you.
| Local beers just part of vibrant culinary scene
Tour and taste: Two fine breweries call Northshore home
 The Northshore is home to two producers of fine brew -- Abita Brewery and Heiner Brau. Abita has grown from micro status to one of the nation's most popular craft breweries, responsible for Purple Haze and Turbo Dog. Sample these and other Abita beers as part of the brewery's free tour. Tiny Heiner Brau in downtown Covington also offers free tours with brewmeister Heinrich Orlik (pictured at left). Heiner Brau brews kolsch, rarely found outside Germany, as well as house beers for area chefs like John Besh. Learn more about Abita and Heiner Brau by clicking on Attractions.
| Summer makes a splash at Land-O-Pines
Have old-timey fun at family campground in Covington
 If you're looking for an old-fashioned spot to play in the water, head for Land-O-Pines in Covington. A summer favorite for decades, this family campground offers a water slide, two pools and sandy beach frontage along the shallow Simalusa river. The tree-shaded park offers RV campsites and rental units if you want to overnight but day-use passes are available too. Other activities include mini golf, game room, and visits to the resident goat family. There's a snowball stand and country store on the grounds, too. LOP will be hosting its annual Battle of the Bands event Sept. 5.
| 'Restaurateur of the Year'
Northshore native John Besh honored
 A native of Slidell, on the east side of St. Tammany Parish, chef John Besh has been a familiar face on the Northshore for years. Besh became familiar to a national audience after appearances on NBC’S "Today Show," The Food Network’s "Iron Chef" and "Next Iron Chef" programs and through work as a cultural and culinary ambassador for the state of Louisiana. For his accomplishments, which include operating four noteworthy restaurants in the New Orleans area – including La Provence here on the Northshore – he has been named Restaurateur of the Year by the Louisiana Restaurant Association.
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