Originally Posted by
jimmie65
We headed to the Northshore in a few days and plan to spend a couple of days on bikes exploring the Tammany Trace and any other bike trails nearby. My wife's not as avid a cyclist as I am, but with the flat terrain 30 miles each day shouldn't be a problem.
We're staying in Mandeville at the Comfort Suites (the fact the trailhead was less than 1/2 mile was why we chose this hotel). Saturday's plan is to head to Covington late morning, with stops at the various breweries (maybe on the way back depending on their hours) along the way and eat lunch in Covington, then back to Mandeville. Depending on my wife, we might ride to the lakefront then.
Sunday we'll ride the other direction to at least LaCombe and maybe to Slidell.
Monday is up in the air - maybe more bikes, maybe just drive into New Orleans.
Any advice on things to do while cycling the Trace? What are the best restaurants accessible by bike?
Also, is there anywhere we can stop and get a map of bike trails in the area? I looked online and the offerings are limited.
Sorry, just seeing this post this morning. Wish I would have seen it earlier in the week. Could have given you loads of information.
Maps are available at the official trailheads. The one right by your hotel should have some. I doubt you got much riding in yesterday with the rain and the Tour de Cure ride taking place.
As far as good restaurants along the trace, my favorites are in Old Mandeville. The Old Rail Brewery is right next to the trace at Girod St. Very bicycle friendly. They make their own craft beer and serve burgers, poboys, seafood and more.
Rusty Pelican is about three bllocks south of the trace on Girod St. Burgers, fried seafood, sandwiches and salads. Only open for lunch on Sunday and Monday. Great atmosphere.
McClains Pizza also on Girod, about two blocks south of Rusty Pelican. Pizza, salads, sandwiches, calzones.
Abita Brew Pub is right along side the trace in Abita Springs. Over-rated in my opinion. Have given them several chances in the past and after very slow and crappy service, I refuse to go there anymore.
Abita Cafe is right near the trace as well in Abita Springs. Breakfast served all day if that's your thing.
Check out the Abita Mystery Museum (aka UCM Museum) in Abita Springs if you have time and want to get out the weather. Only $3 to get in.
Personally, I don't care for the stretch of the trace from Lacombe east towards Slidell. Trees are right next to the asphalt which has been causing the asphalt to crack. Makes for a very bumpy ride for about two miles on the east side of the Lacombe Bridge. Not much off or along the trace between Lacombe and Slidell either.The bridge crossing is very scenic and many people stop to rest there, fill up with water and take a few pictures.
Covington has several local restaurants and the streets in downtown are pretty safe and easy to navigate by bicycle.
Buster's is a favorite. Steaks, seafood and more. They used to do a steak special on Saturdays. Not sure if they still do.
Vazquez's serves some great homestyle cooking. A little bit of everything. Cuban sandwiches here are pretty freaking good.
Google any of the places I've listed and you should be able to find more information about them. If they don't have an official website, there should be a Facebook page for them. Hope you enjoy your stay even though the weather sucks this weekend.