Slidell, Louisiana, lies on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, half an hour from New Orleans. Slidell has become a haven for those who like to be near New Orleans, but would rather not stay in the city. Slidell offers travelers plenty to do, ranging from exercise in pleasant parks to culture and festivals.
Slidell is home to several parks, including Heritage Park near the old railroad depot. Heritage Park annually hosts special events, including the Bayou Jam series, which features local musicians in an open-air concert series, where park-goers are invited to settle in with a picnic and blanket. Slidell's other parks, including John Slidell Park, Possum Park and Veterans Park, offer year-round places to jog, walk, have a picnic or hold a party.
Olde Towne is the historic core of Slidell, offering antiques shops, museums, restaurants and a glimpse into the city's past. For a completely different shopping experience, try North Shore Square, a mall with around 100 stores and restaurants. Stores range from anchors such as Sears and J.C. Penney to independents like Bonnie Sue's Cupcakes and Perfume Emporium. You'll also find children's activities and events, such as pumpkin painting in October, at the mall.
The annual Arts Evening is a November art festival in Olde Towne. Artists display their work for people to buy, and entertainers and food vendors provide additional atmosphere. You can also explore the Slidell Cultural Center, the local art gallery. It holds seasonal events, including a children's art contest and a mixed-media juried contest. Or take in a play at Slidell's Little Theatre, an amateur theater that started in 1963 and puts on six productions a year.
Several attractions are within half an hour of Slidell. You can visit Fort Pike State Historic Site, a 19th-century masonry fort east of Slidell on Interstate 90. Or you can arrange a swamp tour with one of several local companies. According to the the Nature Conservancy, you can also visit the White Kitchen Preserve, where a boardwalk system lets you explore the swamp and see wild birds, including bald eagles.
