Fun, Louisiana Style

While you may not want to leave the grounds of Annadele’s, there’s plenty to do in the Covington area. A wealth of shopping, dining and artistry is just around the corner.

Here’s a quick list of some of our area’s attractions:   

Pontchartrain Vineyards produces distinctive regional wines to complement Louisiana cuisine. Guests are welcome to visit the tasting room/visitors center and vineyards, located 15 minutes from downtown Covington. 81250 Old Military Rd., Bush, LA (985) 892-9742.

Heiner Brau Brewery offers free microbrewery tours every Saturday, except on major holiday weekends. The 30-minute tours begin at 10:00, 10:45 and 11:30 AM. The tours include a guided walk through the brewery and presentations on beer types, the art and science of brewing, packaging and distribution of beer. Tours are fun and educational for the entire family. There is no age limit for the tour since the brewery does not sell beer on the premises. Complimentary tasting samples are available to visitors who are at least 21 years old with ID. 226 East Lockwood St., (985) 893-2884.

Brunner Gallery features artwork in a variety of media, including paintings, ceramics, sculpture and photography. Receptions open to the public are held at the beginning of each new exhibition. 215 N. Columbia Street, (985) 893-0444.

Playmakers, Inc., a community theater company founded in 1955, performs at least four productions a year. 19106 Playmakers Road, (985) 893-1671.

At Fancy Faces, ceramic Mardi Gras masks and other decorative objects are designed on site. Group tours may include a decorate-your-own mask workshop. 73128 Highway 1077, (985) 893-2652

H. J. Smith's Son General Store and Museum, family-owned and operated since 1876, houses hundreds of items from the past, including a 20-foot long cypress dugout boat, cast iron casket, old farming tools, a 1920s gas pump, a hand-operated wooden washing machine and more. 308 N. Columbia Street, (985) 892-0460.

Metal Orchids & Wildlife is a fine arts gallery dedicated to original wildlife art by both internationally renowned and emerging artists. Located in the historic downtown area of Covington. 222 N. Columbia St., (985) 898-0010

St. Tammany Art Association Art House features rotating juried exhibits and highlights the work of member artists. 129 North New Hampshire St., (985) 892-8650.

Insta-Gator Ranch, home to more than 2,000 alligators, offers guided tours where visitors can see alligators in a climate-controlled environment and learn about the Louisiana alligator industry. 23440 Lowe Davis Rd., (985) 892-3669.