Spring-Summer 2024 Visitor Guide

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    Covington, LA

    Founded in 1813 and now the parish (county) seat of St. Tammany, Covington is a charming town with terrific restaurants and shopping. Stroll the streets of Covington’s historic downtown district to discover galleries, boutiques, antiques shops, restaurants, and nightlife. HJ Smith & Son General Store and Museum offers a glimpse back into time, and right next door at the St. Tammany Art Association, you'll see contemporary art in the Miriam Barranger Gallery and for sale in the members' galleries. The historic and newly restored boutique Southern Hotel, Blue Willow B&B, and the Camellia House B&B are all within walking distance of the historic district.

    Man painting at an outdoor table set up at Three Rivers Art Festival in Covington, LA

    The historic downtown offers free parking throughout. Enjoy family-friendly free outdoor concerts, street fairs and annual festivals such as the Three Rivers Arts Festival, held every fall. 

    You won't want to miss the wonderful Covington Farmers Market or A Taste of Covington, an annual five-day food and wine experience that sells out every April, so plan early. Art Walks, Mardi Gras parades, Chef Soiree, and Concerts on the Landing are just a few highlights of the year-round fun in Covington. 

    You can rent bicycles for the Tammany Trace bike path in the heart of town or drive a few miles to see live alligators at the Insta-Gator Ranch, touted in Travel & Leisure Magazine as the Best Place to See Baby Animals (Gators).

    Above video credit to John Carambat with The Well Video Productions.

     

    • Main Street Stroll: Covington, Louisiana

      View VisitSouth.com's Main Street Street Stroll video highlighting Covington's restaurants, craft brewery, art scene, and shopping.

    • Bogue Falaya Wayside Park & Pavilion

      Visit Bogue Falaya Wayside Park & Pavilion for a picnic, playground, even water sports. Head on down to the dock of to The Chimes to rent a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak from Canoe & Trail Adventures.

    • Covington Farmers Market

      Nosh your way through the Covington Farmers Market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays and frequented by chefs and foodies. Look for fresh farm eggs from “The Egg Ladies,” kombucha and bitters from “Kombucha Girl,” and regional specialties like stuffed artichokes, fig cookies and Delta tamales. Local farmers set out heirloom tomatoes, gorgeous greens and Louisiana citrus at this popular Farmers Market.

    • Tammany Trace

      The 31-mile-long Tammany Trace, Louisiana's first and only Rails to Trails Conservancy hike/bike path, begins in Covington and ribbons through quaint towns and lovely green spaces. Bring your own bike, or rent one in downtown Covington, and pedal at your own pace through the scenic Northshore.

    • Insta-Gator Ranch

      The fun and surprising Insta-Gator Ranch was declared the Best Place to See Baby Animals (Gators) by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Here's your chance to learn all about the prehistoric reptiles, see them up close and, if you're brave enough, even touch one or hatch an egg in your hand.

    • H.J. Smith Sons General Store & Museum

      H.J. Smith's Sons General Store has been in continuous operation since the late 19th century. Now selling hardware and a crazy variety of items -- need a gator claw back scratcher? a camouflage hat? a Viking stove? -- the Smith family has preserved the original general store as a free museum.