Slidell, LA

1. Visit restaurants and antique stores on Olde Towne Slidell Main Street

Just about everywhere you go in the US you will find that the original Main Street of the town is the key to unlocking the history of the town. Slidell is no different and Olde Towne Slidell Main Street, filled with historic homes, unique boutiques and restaurants, antique stores and bars, lies at the heart of the town.

A few of the highlights of the Main Street include Carey Street Park which hosts small community events and offers visitors a relaxing outdoor place to visit. Other regular events include outdoor Farm to Table dinners and a popular 4-day event called “A Taste of Olde Town, which showcases food and wine.

Address: Olde Towne Slidell Main Street, Slidell, LA 70458

2. Visit the children’s playground in Camp Salmen Nature Park

The Camp Salmen Nature Park in Slidell has undergone many reincarnations since it was originally home to a trading post in the early 1800’s.

Today visitors come to the 130-acre Camp Salmen Nature Park to enjoy walking and hiking along a variety of trails which lead you through a habitat which supports a rich collection of natural plants, animals and birds.

You can still see the original old trading post (which is undergoing renovations) and there are plans to open a small museum on the site to celebrate its history. One of the highlights of the park is the “Boundless Playground” which offers an exceptional children’s playground suitable for all children including those with special needs.

Address: Camp Salmen Nature Park, 35122 Parish Parkway, Slidell, LA 70460, Phone: 985-867-9490

3. Hike the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile tarred trail

Back in the early day in Louisiana, the railway brought life to St. Tammany Parish. Today, a portion of the original Illinois Central Railroad Corridor has been converted into a wonderful recreational facility as part of the Rails to Trails initiative.

The Tammany Trace is a 31-mile tarred trail which crisscrosses St. Tammany, including urban, suburban and rural areas. The trail is suitable for walking, cycling, roller-blades, horse-back riding and is fully accessible to wheelchair users and buggies.

The trace also links various wildlife areas and wetlands as well as protecting historic landmarks. Along the way you will come across no fewer than 31 bridges which offer excellent views of the bayous, rivers and streams.

Address: Tammany Trace Trailhead, 2289 Hwy.190, Slidell, LA 70460, Phone: 985-781-1229

4. See a performance at the Slidell Little Theatre

The Slidell Little Theatre was founded by local volunteers in 1963 and has been entertaining the Slidell community and visitors every since.

Locally famous for producing a wonderful variety of theatrical productions and concerts, the Little Theater is a true community project which depends on volunteers offering their services to choreograph performances, build stage sets and design costumes. Today the SLT has its own state-of-the-art home in Nellie Drive, where it presents numerous shows and charity events each year. Residents, including children, are encouraged to audition and to take part in bringing the performing arts to the St. Tammany community.

Address: Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985-643-0556

5. Dine with a view of the water at Palmettos on the Bayou

Set on the edge of Bayou Bonfouca, close to the historic Roberts Landing, Palmettos on the Bayou is an obvious choice for visitors wishing to experience the essence of the Louisiana Bayou.

The restaurant boasts a wonderful outdoor deck where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of this very special waterfront eatery. Look forward to feasting on Louisiana specialties like char-grilled oysters, crab cakes, summer corn and crab salad, freshly caught local fish, seafood and steaks. Palmettos is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays, when you can enjoy live music to enhance your Cajun dining experience.

Address: Palmettos on the Bayou, 1901 Bayou Lane, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985 643 0050

6. Taste local specialties at Gallagher’s on Front Street

Owner Pat Gallagher of Gallagher’s on Front Street is by no means new to the restaurant business – he opened his first restaurant in Folsom in 1978 and has gone from strength to strength. With over forty years of experience in the restaurant and catering trade, diners can look forward to enjoying wonderful food at any of Pat’s restaurants. The Front Street location is upscale and the food and service receives rave reviews.

At Gallagher’s on Front Street, you can look forward to feasting on delicious local specialties like Louisiana Style Crab Cakes, Seafood Gumbo, a selection of perfectly cooked steaks and wonderful freshly-caught local fish and seafood.

Address: Gallagher’s on Front Street, 2306 Front St, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985-326-8350

7. Order a pizza at The Original Italian Pie

The Original Italian Pie restaurant franchise started when the first location opened in New Orleans in 1992. Originally dedicated to serving the best gourmet pizzas in town, the franchise soon branched out and started serving other Italian favorites.

When you visit tThe Original Italian Pie you can look forward to choosing Italian favorites from an extensive menu which kicks off with a delicious-sounding list of soups and salads. After this comes a selection of baked sandwiches before you even get to their famous gourmet pizzas.

If you are not in the mood for pizza you can choose other Italian classics like Lasagna (three versions), ravioli and several other pasta choices. There are also a variety of wrapped and backed Mediterranean flatbreads.

Address: The Original Italian Pie, 1319 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985-661-0240

8. Learn about local history at the FREE Slidell Museum

The city of Slidell can trace its roots back to the early 1700’s, when a group of around 300 settlers arrived on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans.

A visit to the Slidell Museum will reveal a treasure-trove of information about the early days of New Orleans and Slidell, and how the arrival of the Northeastern Railroad in the 1880’s was responsible for the later development of the city.

The museum has been established in what was once the historic Slidell Town Hall and visitors are welcome to browse the exhibits at their own pace. Entry is free and the museum is open from noon to 4pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 10am to 2pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: 2020 First Street, Old Town Slidell, LA 70460, 985 646 4360

9. Explore the Honey Island Swamp

The pristine Honey Island Swamp covers almost 70,000 acres on the northeastern edge of the St. Tammany Parish. Here it beckons nature lovers to come and experience nature at her best.

A large section of the swamp falls within the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area, which is home to several varied habitats. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of wildlife as they make their way through the swamp on a guided eco-tour; these include gators, turtles, many water birds and other migratory visitors. If you venture into the dryer northern parts of the park you may see black bears, feral pigs and even cougars.

Address: Honey Island Swamp, 41490 Crawford Landing Rd, Slidell, LA 70461

10. Kayak in Pearl River Wildlife Management Area

Located 5 miles east of Slidell, the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area encompasses a variety of pristine wilderness areas where many species of wildlife are managed. The southern area includes a large section of the Honey Island Swamp which can be explored by boat or kayak, while the northern area is home to a substantial hardwood forest, home to bears, cougars, deer and much more.

Hunting is allowed during the official hunting season. Many visitors enjoy hiking, birding, kayaking and canoeing and recreational fishing is also allowed. There is a campsite at Crawford Landing and several boat launches can be found on the banks of the Pearl River.

Address: Slidell, LA 70461, 985 543 4777