Covington (Louisiana)

Covington is a city in the Florida Parishes of Louisiana. The seat of St. Tammany Parish, it's about an hour's drive north of New Orleans. == Get in == Driving from New Orleans, take I-10 west to Causeway Boulevard in Metairie; then take Causeway north, keep going across the lake, then follow Highway 190 and the signs straight to Covington. From elsewhere, from I-12 to either Highway 21 or Highway 190 and go north, and you'll be in the heart of Covington. == Get around == Mostly by car; the small old town section is pleasant for walking. == See == The old town section on and around Columbia Street. The south end of Columbia has "Columbia Street Landing", a park at the riverfront. 1 H J Smith & Sons General Store, 308 N Columbia St, ☏ +1 985-892-0460. Old style general store not only has an interesting variety of goods for sale, they also have a large room housing a free museum. == Do == == Buy == 1 Acquistapace Supermarket, 125 E 21st Ave, ☏ +1 985-893-0593. Great local supermarket, Deli Counter, Butcher Shop and Largest Wine Selection on the Northshore. 2 Inwood Gardens, 1640 Collins Blvd, ☏ +1 985-892-0717. 9-5. Nursery and Garden Gift Shop. Great selection of plants and gifts for the gardener. Ask for Norman or Desiree. == Eat == 1 Bear's, 128 West 21st Ave. New Orleans style po-boy sandwiches. 2 The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland Street, ☏ +1 985-898-3988. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. English teas and lunch. 3 El Portal, 1200 US-190 Bus, ☏ +1 985-867-5367. Mexican Favorites. 4 Del Porto Ristorante, 501 E Boston St, ☏ +1 985-875-1006. Upscale Italian Restaurant. 5 St. John's Coffee House, 535 E. Boston St (at the corner of Columbia Street), ☏ +1 985-888-1270. == Drink == 1 Columbia St. Tap Room, 434 N. Columbia St, ☏ +1 985-898-0899. Great Food, Live Music, Large Beer Selection. == Sleep == 1 Best Western Northpark Inn, 625 N. Highway 190, ☏ +1 985-892-2681, toll-free: +1-877-766-6700. 2 Blue Willow Bed and Breakfast, 505 E. Rutland St., Covington, ☏ +1 985-892-0011, info@bluewillowbandb.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. $125-250. == Connect == Telephone area code is 985. == Go next == Covington is a good base for exploring the Lake Pontchartrain North Shore area, including Madisonville, Mandeville, and Abita Springs. New Orleans is an hour south across the Causeway. Baton Rouge is about 80 minutes drive west on I-12.