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Fontainebleau State Park

10 Ways To Be Romantic in
St. Tammany Parish

Fantasizing about a romantic or 'just because' weekend getaway, date night, honeymoon, or anniversary with your special someone? Your dream destination is on Louisiana Northshore, St. Tammany Parish conveniently located just 40 minutes north of New Orleans' French Quarter.

Take a break from life's hectic everyday pace and spend a weekend together in a state of serenity.
St. Tammany Parish has the stuff romance is made of. A glittering jewel of a lake. Lazy bayous. Ancient, moss-draped oaks. Charming accommodations. Outstanding meals in stunning settings.

Canoe & Trail Adventures Couple

1. Sunset Paddle

Embrace your romance on the Louisiana bayous with a guided sunset kayak or canoe tour from local outfitter Canoe and Trail Adventures. Or, plan for a more private evening by renting your kayaks and taking a self-guided exploration. Pack your cooler full of your favorite beverages, snacks, and sweet treats to enjoy once you find the perfect spot to stop and gaze into each other's eyes. If kayaking isn't your thing, no worries: float down the river with Bogue Chitto Tubing Center or Louisiana River Adventures

Chafunkta couple

2. Sip the Day Away

A cocktail is a great addition to a day with your darling. Enjoy a tasting flight on the outdoor patio at The Abita Brewing Company, the largest craft brewery in the Southeast. Or, head over to Chafunkta Brewing Company for a beer flight and pint before exploring the Tammany Trace, a scenic walking/biking trail. If the two of you are hungry, grab lunch and flight, too, at Spoke & Barrel Eatery in Old Mandeville. If you and yours prefer vino, Wild Bush Farm & Vineyard in Bush is ideal for frolicking through the vines on a sunny weekend afternoon.

Kevin Garrett Tammany Trace

3. Together on the Tammany Trace

The 31-mile Tammany Trace connects five unique towns of St. Tammany Parish. Along the trail, enjoy spectacular vistas and picturesque bridges that are perfect for the backdrop of your next couple's photo. Stop at each town's Trailhead to explore local eateries and nearby attractions together, too. If you and yours are in need of a bike, rent them from Bayou Adventure in Lacombe or one of three Brooks' Bike Shop locations (Covington, Mandeville and Slidell).

Sailing at sunset

4. Swoon while Sailing

Get cozy together and relax during a sunset sail with Delaune Sailing Charters. Make the outing into the perfect date with light snacks and wine from The Anchor in Madisonville. If your partner hasn't already taken your breath away, catching the sunset on Lake Pontchartrain will. If you would rather keep your feet on dry land, check out the other most romantic Instagrammable spots in St. Tammany Parish and capture more memories with your sweetie. Be sure to #LANorthshore to share your fun day with us.

Main course dinner at the Lakehouse in Mandeville

5. Dinner for Two

Dinner with a breathtaking view is the perfect start to date night. The Tammany Taste culinary scene has a wide array of options to satisfy your loved one's taste buds. In Slidell, Palmettos on the Bayou is nestled in the oaks on beautiful Bayou Bonfouca, with romantic twinkle lights adorning expansive and lush decks. Pat's Rest A While in Mandeville showcases waterfront views that are almost as breathtaking as your date. Along the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville, you'll find an intimate dinner for two at Tchefuncte's Restaurant. Dine in Covington at any of the outstanding restaurants  throughout the walkable district, like Del Porto Ristorante, Tavi, Valencia, Marcello's Restaurant & Wine Bar, The Dakota, or The Gloriette, inside Southern Hotel, and book a stay there, too. 

Sara and Stephen Blue Heron

6. Romantic Stays

Book yourselves a peaceful weekend stay at an adorable bed-and-breakfast or a boutique hotel to get away from it all. With private entrances, outdoor porches, and essential oil diffusers for each room, the Blue Heron B&B in Mandeville is a guaranteed romantic destination. Book a night (or two) at the boutique Abita Springs Hotel, with five private suites, lush gardens and an artesian fountain in the heart of Abita Springs. Get away from the hustle and bustle by taking a couple's retreat to Little River Bluffs Nature Preserve and Retreat in Folsom. While there, take time to explore the walking trails, kayak, bike or go fishing together without leaving the property.

Chelsea couple sitting on bench at Mandeville Lakefront

7. Picnic in the Park

Pack a picnic and soak up the rays on the sandy beach or pier at Fontainebleau State Park. Turn the day trip into a weekend state park getaway by renting one of Fontainbleau's cabins or "rough it" at a Tentrr glamping site. Over in Madisonville, stroll the Riverside Boardwalk through the swamps at Fairview-Riverside State Park while holding hands with your sweetheart. Pack your beach chairs and favorite snacks for a day at Slidell's Northshore Beach or pick up dinner from a local restaurant and catch the spectacular, painted sky sunset at the Mandeville Lakefront.

Couple Trail Riding at Splendor Farms

8. Saddle Up

Splendor Farms B&B and Trail Riding Facility in Bush is a romantic country escape where you can spend the day riding around the farm trails and cooling off in the pond with your new friends. Make the day into a romantic stay by booking a night in one of the deluxe suites, which includes horseback riding, the petting zoo and fishing. Whether you decide to spend an afternoon at the farm or the whole night, you'll enjoy being in the company of the one you love.

Couple at Hammer & Stain

9. Creative Couples

Work together on your wall art at Painting with a Twist in Mandeville. Or, satisfy your favorite crafter with fun projects at Hammer & Stain DIY Workshop in Covington, where you choose from a selection of projects that incorporate custom signs, shelves, corn hole boards, stains, and paints. Dance your way around each other in the kitchen at the adult cooking classes at Culinary Kids in Mandeville or create your own artful antipasti board at Bella Cucina on Covington's charming Lee Lane. Turn up the heat together in Slidell at a glass blowing workshop hosted by Swamp Girl Glass Blowing.

Kevin Garrett The Shack

10. Love and Live Entertainment

Lose yourself in the moment swaying to the sounds of live music, wrapped in the arms of your honey, or jam out while shopping together at the Farmers Markets in Abita Springs, Covington, Folsom, and Slidell. Snuggle up and get comfy in the audience during a theatrical performance at 30 by Ninety Theatre in Mandeville, or Playmakers, Inc. Community Theater in Covington. In Slidell, Cutting Edge Theater has entertaining performances the two of you will fall in love with, as you ignite your love with each other.

 

Plan to celebrate year-round at culinary and cultural festivities on Louisiana Northshore.

Stay in comfort with deals as sweet as King Cake for your upcoming getaway, staycation, or reunited family visit.

Fun for free? Absolutely! You and your family and friends will love experiencing these great activities.