The 7 Towns You Need To Visit Near New Orleans In 2017

Spend a day walking around downtown Covington and popping in and out of the local boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores. Restaurants are dotted along these businesses so you’ll be able to grab a bite in between window shopping.

Known as "Louisiana’s Bayou Country", you’ll be immersed in history, wildlife, and good food while you’re in Houma. Spend some time touring the Southdown Plantation and then head over to the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge and explore the nature trails.

Quiet and friendly, Slidell is full of restaurants, wildlife, and shopping that could easily take up an afternoon. If you have the time, check out a swamp tour for a wild adventure through the area’s bayous and swamps. You’ll learn about the history of the swamps, the importance of preserving these ecosystems, and maybe even spot a gator or two.

If you like Antiques, Denham Springs is for you. The Denham Springs Antique Village is located in downtown Denham Springs and is home to over 25 antique stores. You’ll find handmade jewelry, affordable antiques, hard-to-find collectibles, furniture, art, and so much more.

This charming little river town is filled with historic homes and beautiful scenery. You won’t want to miss the upcoming Wooden Boat Festival, an annual event on the Tchefuncte River. It takes place on October 14-15, and it’s filled with local food vendors, a beer garden, live music, activities for the kids and more. Come out and see all these spectacular boats on the river, it’s a great time for the whole family.

This beautiful town will charm you with its small town feel, historic backrgound, and natural landscaping. Take a tour of the Abita Brewery, walk down the Tammany Trace, or catch the Farmers Market to pick up some locally grown produce (every Sunday, 12pm-4pm at the Trailhead Park)

A visit to Thibodaux isn’t complete without stopping by Laurel Valley. Tour the old sugar cane plantation grounds and view the slave quarters, stop by the store and pick up some locally made goods, and maybe feed some of the animals that roam around the property. End the day with a delicious meal at Fremin’s Restaurant for an elegant meal you won’t soon forget.