By Allison Vencil
Cross the Causeway from New Orleans and Mandeville greets you with oak-lined streets and the open water of Lake Pontchartrain. I have spent years on the Northshore, where the Tammany Trace runs past my favorite lakefront haunts and the Dew Drop Jazz Hall still hosts music the old-fashioned way.
My weekends move between Old Mandeville's porches and the pine woods of Fontainebleau State Park. Let me share the places I turn to when I want a good time close to home.
Key Takeaways
- Live music: Historic jazz at the Dew Drop and vineyard concerts nearby
- Lakefront: Sunset views and seafood along the Mandeville shoreline
- Tammany Trace: Miles of paved trail through Old Mandeville and Abita Springs
- Craft beer: Fresh pours at the Abita Brewing Company
Catch Live Music Across the Northshore
Music runs deep on the Northshore, and Mandeville sits at the heart of it. Among the entertainment spots near Mandeville that I recommend first, live venues carry a history that reaches back more than a century.
Venues Where the Music Plays
- Dew Drop Jazz Hall: Rustic 1895 hall billed as the oldest unaltered jazz venue
- Pontchartrain Vineyards: Jazz'n the Vines concert series among the grapevines
- Mandeville Trailhead: Open-air concerts on the community green
- The Barley Oak: Beer hall with live acts facing the lake
Each venue keeps its own rhythm, from brass bands to acoustic sets under the stars. A short drive links them all, so a music-filled evening comes together with ease.
Spend the Day on the Lakefront
The Mandeville lakefront stretches for miles along Lake Pontchartrain, lined with live oaks and a seawall promenade. I walk the path most mornings and settle in for seafood as the sun drops over the water.
Lakeside Stops I Love
- Rips on the Lake: Longtime seafood house perched over the shoreline
- Mandeville Fishing Pier: Open deck for casting lines and catching breezes
- Lakefront promenade: Shaded walkway beneath century-old oaks
- Fontainebleau State Park: Sandy beach and sailing at the lake's edge
The pier draws anglers at dawn and couples at dusk, each after a different kind of calm. Fresh Gulf shrimp and a lake breeze make an easy end to any day.
Explore the Tammany Trace and Local Parks
The Tammany Trace follows an old railroad line for more than twenty miles across St. Tammany Parish. I bike its shaded stretch from the Mandeville Trailhead toward Abita Springs whenever the weather turns mild.
Trails and Green Space to Roam
- Tammany Trace: Paved rail-trail linking Mandeville, Abita Springs, and Covington
- Abita Springs Trailhead: Pavilion and playground at the trail's midpoint
- Bogue Falaya Park: Riverside lawns and swimming spots in nearby Covington
- Big Branch Marsh: Boardwalks through the wetlands east of town
The Trace welcomes cyclists, joggers, and skaters along one flat and friendly route. Spanish moss hangs low over the path, which keeps the summer sun at bay.
Sample Craft Brews in Abita Springs
A few miles up the Trace, Abita Springs gave its name to one of Louisiana's best-known breweries. I like to pair a taproom visit with a stop at the town's oddball roadside museum.
Abita Stops Worth the Ride
- Abita Brewing Company: Taproom and tours at the flagship brewery
- Abita Mystery House: Folk-art museum packed with roadside curiosities
- Abita Springs Pavilion: Historic bandstand at the town's namesake spring
- Louisiana Bicycle Festival: Yearly gathering of vintage rides in the village
Cold beer and quirky art make Abita Springs a favorite half-day trip for me. The village sits right off the Trace, so a bike ride pairs neatly with the tour.
Plan Family Outings and Weekend Markets
The Northshore keeps plenty of options for families who want an active weekend. I round out my recommendations with markets, wildlife, and river towns a short drive from Mandeville.
Outings the Whole Family Enjoys
- Mandeville Trailhead Market: Saturday vendors, produce, and crafts on the green
- Insta-Gator Ranch: Working alligator farm and hatchery in Covington
- Global Wildlife Center: Safari wagon rides through open pastures in Folsom
- Maritime Museum: Wooden-boat exhibits along the Tchefuncte in Madisonville
Each outing gives kids room to move and grown-ups a reason to linger. Farm visits and river museums turn an ordinary Saturday into a small adventure.
FAQs
What is the best spot for a first-timer?
The Mandeville lakefront gives newcomers oaks, water views, and seafood in one easy stop. A stroll along the seawall shows off the town's laid-back charm right away.
Where can I hear live jazz nearby?
The Dew Drop Jazz Hall in Old Mandeville hosts seasonal shows in a hall dating to 1895. Pontchartrain Vineyards adds outdoor concerts through its Jazz'n the Vines series.
Is there plenty to do without a boat?
Absolutely, the Tammany Trace and Fontainebleau State Park keep landlubbers busy for hours. Abita Springs and its brewery round out a full day on wheels.
Contact Allison Vencil Today
The Northshore blends small-town porches, lake breezes, and easy access to New Orleans across the Causeway. My name is Allison Vencil, and I know how Old Mandeville, Abita Springs, and the lakefront each carry their own character.
Reach out to me, Allison Vencil, when you want a guide to the streets and neighborhoods behind these Northshore outings. I will help you find a Mandeville address that puts your favorite entertainment within an easy drive.
Reach out to me, Allison Vencil, when you want a guide to the streets and neighborhoods behind these Northshore outings. I will help you find a Mandeville address that puts your favorite entertainment within an easy drive.
