Also known as the UCM Museum, the Abita Mystery House is one place where you can always expect the unexpected. From Darrel the Digigator (a sculpture of a half dog-half alligator) to old arcade games, it is a treasure trove of weird and wonderful stuff. It is also certain to be a fun trip for kids, where they can explore mini-dioramas depicting festive parades, plantations, and much more. The collection keeps increasing, and every season brings forth more unique and amazing items. While you are in town, do drop in to see this quirky and cool museum.
From hosting historic exhibits to featuring works of the local artists, Abita Springs Trailhead Museum, a charming little museum that must not be missed. This local museum is a wonderful space that celebrates the history and culture of the resort town. The museum is attached to an outdoor performance stage where annual events such as Abita Springs Busker Festival and Abita Springs Water Festival are hosted. The museum is free admission.
Abita Creek Flatwood Preserve is home to over 30 rare plants, and some of the species are found only in the state of Louisiana. This conservation site features unique habitats such as fascinating carnivorous plants, wetlands, and towering pine forests. These lands are open to the public, where visitors can explore the savanna and enjoy the Broadwalk. The preserve is a wonderful place to witness Louisiana’s flora and fauna.
Situated along the banks of the beautiful Bogue Falaya River, this serene park is a scenic spot that makes for a wonderfully refreshing outing in Covington. Bogue Falaya Park affords some lovely views of the adjacent river, and is a great place to visit with the family to enjoy a leisurely picnic. There is a large playground complete with wooden toys and swings that the little ones are sure to love. This beautiful park also plays host to the occasional concert, and the pavilion can be hired for private events.
Located in downtown Covington and at the start of the Tammany Trace, there is a lot to explore at the Covington Trailhead. The structure of this trailhead pays homage to the design of the old railroad stations that are still present in countryside towns. Its complex comprises numerous attractions like the visitor center which also doubles up as a museum, a movie theater, a huge clock tower, water fountains, a covered marketplace and a bandstand. The weekly Covington Farmers Market held on Wednesdays is one of the regular features of the trailhead that attracts not just the locals but also tourists. Walk in here before you embark for the 31-mile (50-kilometer) trail.
Spread across 1,786 acres (782.7686 hectares) of land, Bogue Chitto Park is known for its scenic lush green beauty. This park features picturesque walking trails that are a delightful treat for hikers and bikers. It also makes for an ideal place to spend a relaxing day surrounded by nature. You can boat, fish and kayak in the river within the park, or camp in its verdant hardwood forest. Away from the hustle-and-bustle of urban life, this park is a must-visit family attraction in Covington.
Bay St. Louis is a charming seaside city in the state of Mississippi. This wonderful coastal city on the Gulf Coast of Mexico is known to offer a fabulous beach that attracts visitors from all over the country. The glorious white-sandy beach can offer gorgeous vistas and shallow waters. Spend a lovely day picnicking or swimming on the beach with family and pets on leash.
One of the best ways to enjoy the mystique and transcendent quietude of Lake Pontchartrain is to walk along the pathways at the Mandeville Lakefront. A stretch of green along the Lakeshore Drive, the Mandeville Lakefront is a popular place to take a stroll, play with the kids, have a family picnic, or just sit and enjoy compelling view of the lake. The park is open from sunrise to 2a every day. See the website to know more.
The simple design of the Dew Drop Jazz Hall, which was built in 1895, belies its historical significance. The hall, which is located in a secluded corner of rural Mandeville, was built as a charitable act by a group of African-American residents who wanted to raise funds for the community. Back then, its halls were filled with lively jazz performances by several legendary artists of the time, many of whom came in from New Orleans. Even today, the hall continues to entertain the people of Mandeville, promising not only a delightful musical atmosphere but also a quintessential Southern experience.