Slidell, LA

For the very best in fine dining you could drive to New Orleans or you can stay right in town and visit La Provence, owned and operated by world renowned chef, John Besh, Chef Besh is a regular judge and guest chef on national TV shows such as Bravo’s Top Chef and on the Food Network. La Provence offers everything from Grilled Octopus Salad to Whole Cooked Mississippi Rabbit.

For more casual fare that has also gained national attention, you have to eat at LA Pines Restaurant. Guy Fieri of Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives featured this local favorite and for good reason. Located under the city's famous water tower, this eatery has authentic Cajun and southern-style cooking that you will revisit time and again.

The Big Outdoors Charters is among numerous charter boats that can take you to one of the most diverse marsh ecosystems in South Louisiana. Based in Hopedale, you can leave Slidell in the morning and be back home in time to enjoy fresh seafood caught that day for dinner. The marsh estuary south of Slidell offers a unique combination of saltwater marshes and fresh water estuaries that create a natural breeding ground for millions of saltwater and fresh water fish.

Honey Island Swamp tour is exceptional because it is one of the least-altered river swamps in the country and is close to original condition. You can take a personalized, narrated nature tour through this pristine wilderness. People come from around the world to take advantage of this 70,000 acres of it is a permanently-protected wildlife area. Honey Island is featured on a regular basis on the History Channel’s Swamp People and this tour allows you to view Louisiana alligators in their natural habitat from the safety of the Island tour boats.

The Northshore Mall is the perfect one-stop shopping locations with anchor stores such as Sears, Dillard's, and JC Penney. Other favorite stores include Burlington Coat Factory, Aeropostale, Forever 21, Rue 21, Lane Bryant, Victoria's Secret, the Limited, and Kirklands.

If you are new to the area or if you want just the right thing to send to friends who have never been to south Louisiana, the Bayou Country General Store is the place to go. Bayou Country is all things Louisiana and other neat stuff! They make the best Pralines and offer a unique selection of local art, gifts, and hard-to-find treasures. For something a little slower and different, Slidell's Historic Antique District is a great place to spend a lazy weekend or weekday.