Spring-Summer 2024 Visitor Guide

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The seawall on Lake Pontchartrain
Old Mandeville Lakefront

Mandeville, Louisiana Itinerary

The charming Southern town is draped across the Northern shores of Lake Pontchartrain and is the first St. Tammany Parish town you encounter as you cross the Causeway (the world's longest bridge over water) from New Orleans. The walkable and bikeable streets are sprinkled with boutique stores, family-run restaurants, and picturesque scenery. 

Breakfast at Liz’s Where Y’at Diner

Liz’s is one of the most popular spots on the Northshore, both for its food and the spunky Liz Munson. Great pancakes, several varieties of eggs Benedict, fried green tomatoes, shrimp remoulade, biscuits with debris (roast beef bits and gravy). 

Rent Bikes at Brooks’ Bikes/Trikes & More for a ride around Old Mandeville.Biking the Mandeville Lakefront

Brooks Bike shop has three locations near the Tammany Trace, the 31-mile bike path that winds through St. Tammany Parish. Renting a bicycle or three-wheel is the perfect way to get around the charming Old Mandeville area. The Tammany Trace is the first rails-to-trails conversion in Louisiana and was inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2017. It begins in Covington and connects five Northshore communities through old-growth pines, over rivers, and through green space. 

Ride along the seawall walking path along Lake Pontchartrain.

The giant oaks along Mandeville’s Lakeshore Drive are iconic for this lovely town situated on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain at the foot of the Causeway bridge. You’ll pass beautiful historic homes, many on the National Register of Historic Places and restaurants with a water view.

Shopping in MandevilleExplore shops along Girod Street.

You’ll find ladies clothing, antiques, art, and gifts galore in the quaint shops along Girod Street.

Lunch at any number of restaurants in Old Mandeville

La Lou (right in the middle of shopping on Girod St.), is one of the most popular eateries.

 

Visit The Jean Baptiste Lang Creole House Museum and Gift Shop

If you like history, you’ll love this stop. See how the wealthy New Orleanians summered in Mandeville at this example of Creole architecture lovingly restored by the Old Mandeville Historic Association. Pick up a map of the historic homes on Lakeshore Drive here.Charlotte at the Candy Bank in Mandeville

Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Candy Bank

Sweet nostalgia is served up here along with every type of candy you can imagine, nectar sodas, ice cream, and home-made fudge. 

Family walking on beach at Fontainebleau State ParkVisit Fontainebleau State Park

Located on the former grounds of Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville’s sugar plantation, Fontainebleau is 2,800 acres with camping, hiking trails, a sandy beach, and very popular over-the-water cabins. See sugar mill ruins and alley of ancient oaks, as well as try to spot the over 400 species of birds that live in and around Fontainebleau. 

 

Sarah and Stephen Blue Heron

 

Watch the sunset from The Barley Oak 

The Barley Oak is a biergarten with an expansive outdoor area and balcony overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. It’s a great spot to enjoy a cold beer and the sunset over Lake Pontchartrain. 

Dinner at Pat's Rest Awhile

This casual dinner spot with breathtaking views of Lake Pontchartrain is the latest new dining experience from restaurateur Pat Gallagher. Housed in a collection of historic buildings, the restaurant complex includes an oyster bar, menu starring fresh Gulf seafood, and plenty of outdoor dining on decks and the patio below.

Overnight at the Blue Heron B&B

This private B&B in a historic home is located in the heart of Old Mandeville on Girod Street. It has separate entrances for each of its two rooms, beautiful gardens, a patio, and private guest porches. Blueheronmandevillela.com 510 Girod St, Mandeville

 

Digest these fun sample itineraries as you plan your next ultimate road trip to St. Tammany Parish.

Looking for the top ten things to do on the Northshore? It's hard to choose, but this will get you started.

Get back to mother nature with amenity-filled cabins, waterside RV and tent campsites, and more retreats.