Don’t Let Winter Get You Down: Attend These Covington and Slidell Events

Even in a subtropical climate such as ours, overcast skies, milder weather and shorter days can dampen spirits in winter. You may be tempted to huddle indoors until spring arrives, but if you do, you're missing out on a lot of fun. Winter is actually a great time to be outdoors in Coastal Louisiana, and even indoors there's plenty to do. Here are some winter events you don't want to miss.

Northshore

Mardi Gras

Of course Mardi Gras rules in this part of Louisiana during this time of year. If you're looking for a slightly calmer version of Mardi Gras than found in New Orleans, look no further than the Northshore, which includes Slidell and Covington. Family-friendly parades occurred throughout January, and will continue until Mardi Gras on Feb. 9. The emphasis is on the quirky, with everything from pooch parades, to "push-mow" parades, with homemade floats featuring lawn equipment. 

If you're thinking you'd like to avoid the crowds, try out the following two parades:

• Krewe of Covington Lions Club, Covington, Feb. 9 (Mardi Gras) at 10 a.m.
• Mystic Krewe of Covington, Covington, Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m. 

Covington

Covington Farmer's Market
Saturdays 8 a.m. - noon (Covington Police Station side lawn), 
and Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Covington Trailhead) 

Get out in the sunshine and shop for fresh produce from local farms. You can also find meats, plants, homemade bath products and prepared foods. Market day also features live music. What's for lunch? It varies, from authentic Louisiana gumbo, to pho (noodle soup), and pulled pork with au gratin potatoes. Finish the meal with a slice of chocolate cake with raspberry topping. Come on out, rain or shine, meet new friends and support local growers.

English Tea Room and Downton Abbey Dinner
Friday, Feb. 26
English Tea Room

What could be better to warm the body and brace the spirit in winter than a nice hot cup of tea? The English Tea Room menu has, as you'd expect, an English flare, while the choice of teas is extensive and varied. Enjoy the dulcet tones of the classical harp while you sip tea at noon on Fridays. Or, partake in the Downton Abbey Dinner (costumes encouraged but not required) on Feb. 26 from 7-9 p.m., or the Star Trek dinner (costumes, if worn, should be out of this world) on March 18 from 7-9 p.m.

Slidell

Salad Days Exhibition
Monday-Friday through Feb. 26, noon-4 p.m.
Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall

“Salad days” refers to a person's youthful years, prior to gaining experience. This exhibition title refers to the age of the artists — 5 to 19 — but not their abilities. See drawings, paintings, mixed media and 3D pieces. You will be impressed with the talent of these upcoming artists. 

There’s plenty to do in both Slidell and Covington for the remainder of winter, so get out of your apartment and take advantage of these events and more!