This Louisiana Downtown Is Made For Strolling
Located along the mighty Mississippi and home to the world-famous city of New Orleans, the state of Louisiana has earned a reputation as a premier destination for travelers. Thanks to its music, shopping, and dining, all set against a backdrop of Creole and Cajun culture, Louisiana is a popular destination. However, you do not have to limit yourself to New Orleans when you want to have a good time. One of the best places to take a stroll is downtown Covington, where shops, restaurants, and art galleries are all within walking distance, making it the perfect New Orleans experience.
Places to Stay
To put yourself in the heart of historic downtown, you will want to stay at the Lacroix Loft and Landings. This home rental puts you at the heart of all the most popular destinations. Originally constructed in 1899 by Thomas Lacroix, Jr., the home features three units available for short-term rent. These units include spacious dens, stocked bars, and elegantly appointed rooms. It's an ideal place to stay while visiting, as it puts you just a block south of Boston Street, the main thoroughfare.
Drinks and Dining
On Boston Street, you can stop at Marcello's, near the intersection of Boston and Vermont, for a day of wine and Italian dishes. Marcello's serves up classic baked lasagna alongside Sicilian caponata. Diners can enjoy their meal while seated just steps away from racks of wine bottles, the calling card of this destination. Those more in the mood for Spanish cuisine can head north along nearby Vermont Street to reach Valencia. Valencia offers an extensive menu, featuring a variety of dishes ranging from roasted pork belly to juicy burgers and shrimp tacos. Valencia also serves wine and cocktails, including reasonably priced selections for happy hour.
Returning to Boston Street and heading further east, you will find Vazquez Restaurant, Seafood, and Po-Boy. This laid-back spot is the go-to spot for po' boys, Cuban sandwiches, and muffulettas. Family-owned and operated for more than 30 years, this casual dining spot is great when you do not want to dress up but still want some of the best Cajun food in town. If you want to enjoy food in a sports bar environment, head next door to Buster's Place Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Guests can order chargrilled oysters, jumbo wings, and grilled yellowfin tuna while relaxing over a drink and watching the game on one of the many TVs around the bar.
Finally, Columbia Street Tap Room and Grill is one of the essential restaurants to visit in the city. From Buster's, head north on Columbia and walk two blocks. Columbia Street Tap Room serves up burgers and beers to enjoy while listening to live music. The unique saloon interior creates an incredible environment for dining while enjoying BLTs, burgers, Po'Boys, and fresh fish from the Gulf.
Shopping And Art
If you would rather get some shopping done during your day, then Boston Street has plenty to offer. Returning to Marcello's, it is just a five-minute walk east to Columbia Street Mercantile. Visitors will find clothing of all kinds celebrating Louisiana culture, including items inspired by the Louisiana Saints and Mardi Gras. Steps away on North Columbia, you can shop for shoes, clothing, handbags, jewelry, and other accessories at Shoeffle. Two blocks farther north on Lee Lane, you can find Proper & Co. Covington, which features upscale wear, including evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and bridal outfits.
Guests to the area also have plenty of cultural destinations to explore. From Marcello's, on the other side of the intersection with North Vermont Street, is Saladino Gallery. The gallery is home to a diverse collection of contemporary paintings and sculptures. The gallery also hosts or sponsors various events, such as the Covington Three Rivers Art Festival, an annual competition in which 200 artists line the streets with ceramics, photographs, metalwork, and art in other mediums. Continue east along Boston and turn north on Columbia Street, and in minutes you will be at the Marianne Angelie Rodriguez Gallery. This gallery showcases canvas and paper prints by Marianne Rodriguez in an abstract style, and guests are invited not only to view but also to purchase some of the art for their own homes.
Outdoors
Once again returning to Marcello's, you can find a place to stay outdoors by heading east on Boston and then south along the appropriately named Park Drive. This street heads toward the Bogue Falaya River until it arrives at Bogue Falaya Wayside Park. This riverfront park is dotted with oak trees and features numerous picnic areas near the river, as well as play structures where families with children can let them enjoy the outdoors. If you head the opposite way on Park Lane, you'll be going to the Tammany Trace Covington Trailhead, where you can hit the Tammany Trace trail. It passes southeast and then follows Gibson Street east until it meets Bogue Falaya. This trail brings walkers to the historic Old Railroad Track Bridge, which spans the river into eastern Covington. This trail provides an easy way to enjoy time outdoors while still experiencing some of what downtown Covington has to offer.
Nearby Towns
From Covington, you can reach Hammond within a half hour. The city's historic downtown district holds buildings dating back to 1889. Hammond is a great place to walk a few city blocks and see historic structures. One that shouldn't be missed is the Columbia Theatre, called "The Crown Jew of the Northshore," which first opened its doors in 1928.
If you're looking for the full Louisiana experience, head to New Orleans, which is less than an hour away from Covington. The birthplace of jazz, visitors can find an endless stream of jazz bars for live music or even encounter music in the streets. And, of course, the Creole and Cajun cuisine here is famous worldwide.
Strolling In Style
Covington is such a wonderful place because you do not have to walk more than five minutes to find what you want. Whether that means having dinner at Marcello's or walking steps away to the Saladino Gallery, you can walk just minutes between destinations while finding places to eat, enjoy culture, and shop. For your next Louisiana destination, take a stroll through Covington.
