Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
30
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN COVINGTON: A
STEP BACK IN TIME
BOUNDARIES:
E. Rutland St., Lee Lane, E. Lockwood St., N. Vermont St.
PARKING:
Free on the street, but check signs for time limits.
DISTANCE:
1.38 miles
PUBLIC TRANSIT:
None
St. Tammany Parish, on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, is home to a thriving col-
lection of communities, from Abita Springs to Madisonville to Slidell. The city of Coving-
ton is among them, boasting such attractions as riverside parks, horse farms, and a historic
downtown district.
Founded as the town of Wharton in 1813 but later renamed after Gen. Leonard Covington,
a War of 1812 hero, the so-called Three Rivers community lies at the fork of the Bogue
Falaya, Tchefuncte, and Abita Rivers. The downtown area thrived for decades but fell vic-
tim to the oil bust of 1986, forcing many businesses to shut down. In 1987, the city applied
to and was accepted into the National Main Street Program, a downtown-revitalization ini-
tiative that started Covington's comeback in 1992.
The downtown district combines historic landmarks such as the Southern Hotel and H. J.
Smith & Son General Store and Museum with modern and hip destinations such as Winos
and Tacos, St. John's Coffeehouse, and the Green Room. Unique to the city is its grid lay-
out, featuring squares-within-squares, or ox lots, that are accessible through alleyways and
are now used for public parking.
The area also boasts a performing-arts center, a microbrewery, and several bed-and-break-
fasts, all just steps away from the Bogue Falaya River and Bogue Falaya Park. Numerous
art galleries also dot the streets, and every year, the Three River Arts Festival enhances the
area's reputation as an arts and art lovers' Mecca.
•
Begin on Lee Lane and East Gibson Street. Facing Lee Lane, turn left and
walk two blocks to East Rutland Street. Lee Lane is a quaint two-block
stretch of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. These include Ballin's, a high-
end clothing store; Walker House Collectibles, housed in a classic Southern
cottage; and Bella Cucina, which sells pestos, oils, spices, and other Italian in-
gredients.
