Living Large by the Lake--Mandeville

Louisiana has more to offer than the party-girl city of New Orleans. Mandeville nestles on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain. A 24-mile-long bridge (Lake Pontchartrain Causeway) draws visitors from the bustling Big Easy to this take-it-easy city on the North Shore.

Wandering the sidewalks along the shores of Pontchartrain is a must. Lakeshore Drive, lined with beautiful, stately homes, also features a gazebo that often serves as a backdrop for bridal photos. Car washes and lemonade stands complete the summertime picture. Walking alongside the lake makes for a perfect 30-minute stroll.

Following their noses, many morning wanderers turn into Java Grotto and then take their coffee and pastries outside. People sit on benches and read the paper, while gentle breezes cool their lattes and invigorate the sultry air.

Every Saturday morning, visitors make the pilgrimage to the Mandeville Trailhead Community Market, located along the Tammany Trace. Forty to fifty vendors sell their wares here, which include produce, homemade salsas, soaps, wearables, and pottery. Shoppers often browse to the beat of live music, and children play in the fountain that's shaped like Lake Pontchartrain. More shopping takes place at Stone and Paper Art Center, where hand-thrown pottery (pieces start at $10) makes a great memento.

Just one block from Lake Pontchartrain, MarVilla Guest House welcomes all weary travelers. The 1870s coral-colored house features three guest rooms with modern amenities. Visitors love to sit on the screened porch and listen to chirping crickets after a light rain. Another popular lodging option is the Courtyard by Marriott in nearby Covington.

It doesn't hurt that The Original Broken Egg Café resides next door to MarVilla. One of the best menu items has to be the Garden Delight omelet ($7.45). It includes fresh spinach, fresh sliced mushrooms, and diced tomatoes, all topped with Swiss cheese.

A special treat awaits guests who plan an elegant dinner at Alex Patout's Restaurant on Lakeshore Drive. Fried Oysters Brochette ($6.95) leads to Chicken & Andouille Gumbo ($3.95) and Crabmeat Imperial ($19.95). A taste of crème brûlée ($5) puts the final sweet touch on a visit to this charming waterside town.