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Make Insta-worthy memories with your pup on Louisiana's Northshore.

10 Things to Do with your Dog in St. Tammany Parish

Traveling to a destination with accommodations and activities for your four-legged friend is a must on the vacation checklist. The Northshore has it all - dining options, outdoor recreation and cozy, canine-friendly digs. Pack the pooch's favorite squeak toy and get ready for an adventure.  

Dogs Eating Snoball Instagram: @mkjabbia
Instagram @mkjabbia

1. Grab a Cold Scoop

On a hot Louisiana summer day, a scoop of your favorite frozen delight is just the way to cool you and your dog down.  Louisiana's known for the delicious twist of shaved ice with an assortment of flavored syrups and ice cream stuffings, called snoballs. Order a sugar free flavor for your dog and top yours with all the fixings to satisfy the ultimate sweet tooth. The sugar-free, peanut butter dog biscuit flavored snoball is a must order at Pelican's SnoBalls in Mandeville or Slidell. If you are cruising around town, swing through Moo Moo's Frozen Custard in Mandeville to request the doggie delight for a sweet ride. 

 

 

BindiandBaylor Instagram - dog
Instagram @bindiandbaylor

2. Sit, Sip, & Sniff

A fun day out around the town is sure to work up an appetite, so fuel up at one of St. Tammany’s local dives. If you’re in Mandeville strolling the lakefront, stop for a waterfront view and your choice of local draft beer at The Barley Oak. Meander down to enjoy live music and a doggie burger (or hot dog) at the Beach House Bar & Grill. If you’re treasure hunting at the Sunday Abita Market, walk up the block to the Abita Brew Pub  Abita Springs Café or cruise on over to Abita Brewery and kick back on the patio. A scrumptious meal is a must after a play date at the Camellia City Bark Park and Bruiser’s Hot Dog Place has a gourmet hot dog for everyone’s taste. Arrive by car or boat to The Chimes in Covington and enjoy Louisiana regional specialties on the bi-level, hangout porch. The Blind Tiger locations in Covington and Slidell showcase a porch that's made for beer for you and belly rubs for the pooch.

carolinedineencarlson Instagram - dog
Instagram @carolinedineencarlson

3. Take a Hike

With St. Tammany’s outdoor lifestyle, it’s no surprise that our State Parks are put to great use by pets and their owners. Whether you’re popping up a tent for the weekend or taking a day trip hike, Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville and Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville are sure to provide the inimitable setting. Our Northlake Nature Center's trail is a gem that leads you along Bayou Castine for a close-up Louisiana bayou and birdwatching adventure.

Pelican Bark Dog Park

3. Go off Leash

You and your pup will love the new friends you make at our local dog parks. Our dog parks offer fenced-in, off-leash play areas with pools, water stations, sand and grass play areas. Best yet, there are benches for you to sit and relax. With locations in our community recreation parks in Mandeville at Pelican Bark Park and Slidell at Camellia City Bark Park, they're an ideal spot for both the kids and dog to release some energy. The Pretty Acres Dog Park in Covington is conveniently located for a play pit stop.

Squared Canoe and Trail Adventures by Olivia Tati
Instagram @theoliviatati

5. Play along the Waterfront

Walk, run, ride or catch a frisbee along the Mandeville lakefront. This 1.5 - mile trek is an immaculate setting, offering a paved path along the shoreline with multiple-step entrances to access the water for a dip or fetch of a stick. Lakeshore drive begins with a perfectly set sandy-beach area to soak up some rays while the pups cool down with a splash in Lake Pontchartrain. The middle of the stretch is an open grass area ideal for pups to chase their favorite ball. Get on the water in Covington and bring your pup paddle boarding or canoeing with Canoe and Trail Adventures along the Bogue Falaya River. 

Cafe du Bone - dog
Photograph: Cafe du Bone

6. Shop your Tail Off

Who can deny a freshly baked treat, because we know we sure can’t! Cafe du Bone Dog Bakery & Boutique in Slidell is your dog's sweet tooth stop. Your dog will beg for their homemade, all natural beg-nets, flavored treats, and celebration cakes. Adventure Pets has a 20-year tradition on the Northshore of free treats for your pups when you shop with them. Now with two locations in Mandeville and Covington, its easier than ever to fulfill your furry friends' needs. Or, bring your dog into Zorro’s Boarding and Grooming for a complete doggie makeover. Let your pup pick out their new, designer apparel before hopping into the self-scrub tub, finish their new do with a savory treat to make for a perfect day. 

Sally the dog at the Mandeville Trailhead Market
 

7. Browse the Farmers Market

Weekends in our towns consist of local farmers' markets with artists, designers, farmers and food from all over the Parish. There’s a booth for everyone to look at, including your pets. With pet-friendly soaps, apparel, and artwork for any ultimate dog house, it’s no wonder your dog’s assistance in choosing the perfect accessories is needed. Starting on Saturday mornings, the Mandeville Trailhead Community Market, Slidell's Camellia City Farmers Market and Covington Farmers Market provide an fun start to your day on the Northshore, browsing with your pup. On Sundays--and a little later start to the day--there's the Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market and Giddy Up Folsom  Market, held just outside the quaint coffee shop in the heart of Folsom. 

Chafunkta Brewing Company Dogs

8. Support Northshore Humane Society

It’s a dream come true when you can attend an event with your pup while raising awareness and funds for other pets. The Northshore Humane Society makes this possible by hosting numerous annual events. The Northshore Humane Society brings their adoptable pups to numerous community events throughout the year. The holidays are speckled with sightings of Santa, as he makes a special appearance just for the dogs with Santa Paws at their "Home for the Holidays" Christmas adoption event. Or join the brew crew with your pup at Chafunkta Brewing Co. on Sundays for their Pups and Pints BeauxGeaux (buy one, get one). Bring your dog and your second pint is free! Ten percent of ALL sales--with or without your dog--goes to the Northshore Humane Society. 

Mardi Paws Parade - dog
George Long Photography 

9. Parade with the Pups

Mardi Gras parade season kicks off and ends with the dogs! Dress up and join the parade or spectate as they march along, either way, you and your dog will be sure to enjoy. The dog's annual debut begins with the Krewe de Paws of Olde Slidell, marching along to dog-loving nonprofit organizations. Ending the Carnival festivities is the Mystical Krewe of Mardi Paws in Covington. Beads, chew toys, and dog bones are thrown to patrons and pups gathered along the miles-long routes. 
NOTE: Carnival 2021 parades may be canceled due to Covid-19 considerations. Be sure to check our calendar of events and Krewe' s Facebook pages for current information.

Splendor Farms B&B - dog
Photograph: Splendor Farms Bed & Breakfast

10. Stay a While

A family vacation is not the same without your trusty companion, as they are an essential member of the family too. Whether you prefer to stay in a cozy B&B like Splendor Farms, About Trace B&B or you'd rather book an amenity-filled hotel, the Northshore’s diverse towns have an unparalleled spot for you and your four-legged family to stay. It's no question that with a full list of places to experience with your pup, there are endless memories to be made. New in 2020, your pups are welcome at the cabins at Fontainebleau State Park.

Check out the Northshore's Calendar of Events for more dog-friendly adventures