Biking through Historic Downtown Covington

Adventures By Bike or On Foot, On the Northshore

One of the charms of historic downtown Covington is its walkability. Exploring the district on foot, dipping in and out of distinctive local establishments, is a charming way to escape the daily grind for a morning, an evening, or an entire day. From window-shopping at the district’s variety of fine stores, to choosing your next great summer read at an independent bookshop, to sipping superior coffee at local favorite St John’s Coffee House, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy, out and about and on foot, on the Northshore.

Be sure to stop at H. J. Smith and Sons General Store and Museum, which has been family owned since 1876. The museum section of H.J. Smith & Sons preserves an array of rare and fascinating antique items that recall the early history of the Florida parishes, and is free to visit, although if you want to shop the quality merchandise in the fully operational hardware store section, you’ll have to pay. Book lovers lose themselves amongst the shelves of Covington’s two independent bookshops, Ox Lot Books and Dane Books and Gifts. The shelves at Ox Lot Books are stocked with works representing every genre imaginable—from children’s literature and YA fiction, to memoirs, biographies, and the latest fiction and nonfiction bestsellers. Alongside works of classic literature, Christian titles, and books by local authors, Dane Books sells gifts made by local artisans, and serves specialty teas and coffees, too. 

For some afternoon respite, stop in at St John’s Coffee House. Nestled on East Boston Street in a building that dates from the turn of last century, St. John’s offers an encyclopedic selection of coffee and related drinks. Relax in the air conditioning and enjoy a classic café au lait, an iced coffee, or an invigorating affogato.

Whether you simply want to get in some exercise while on vacation or derive the maximum enjoyment from a particularly beautiful day, the Tammany Trace hike and bike trail is a terrific way to explore the natural beauty of the parish. Bring your own wheels, or bikes are available for rent from the Brooks Bike Shop in downtown Covington, which is located right alongside the Covington Trailhead. From there the thirty-one-mile Trace—a rails-to-trails conversion that follows the site of the former Illinois Central Railroad, connects Covington to the towns of Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell.

 Mattina Bella is located just a couple of blocks away from the Covington trailhead of the Tammany Trace. This beloved neighborhood restaurant lives up to its name (which means “beautiful morning’ in Italian) by serving unforgettable breakfasts. Selections include traditional fare such as Eggs Sardou, bacon, and waffles. For a uniquely Louisianian twist on a classic, try the blue crab Benedict, created especially for Mattina Bella by legendary food critic Tom Fitzmorris. Come lunchtime, Mattina Bella serves beautifully executed Italian classics such as Eggplant Parmigiana and a host of pasta dishes. Owned and operated by Debbie and Vincent Riccobono, the restaurant exudes an atmosphere of relaxation, where guests are encouraged to linger, enjoying every aspect of the meal.

As you pass through Abita Springs, make a pit stop at the Abita Brew Pub which serves Abita craft beers, plus salads, sandwiches, burgers, pastas. They also offer a selection of Abita’s famous sodas, a sweet delight for kids and the young at heart alike.

CafeTomas is just a stone’s throw from the Tammany Trace trailhead in Mandeville. With locations in Uptown New Orleans and Kenner as well as on the Northshore, CafeTomas serves a wide variety of Latin delicacies. The extensive menu here offers fresh arepas, spicy burritos, fried plantains, and tacos as well as Cuban coffee and a delicious vitamin boost in the form of a smoothie or house-made orange and carrot juice blend.

That’s just the appetizer. More outdoor adventures await, on foot, by bike, or by canoe, or kayak on the Northshore. Go to Visitthenorthshore.com/things-to-do/outdoors to learn more.