WELCOME TO ABITA SPRINGS
In the 19th century, the little town of Abita Springs was a popular destination for its reputedly healing waters drawn from deep, deep artesian wells. Today’s visitors also are coming for the water, but now it’s in the form of Abita Beer, still made from those pristine springs and appreciated by craft beer enthusiasts nationwide. Abita’s also known for its relaxed, quirky personality and as a great place formusic and fun, funky festivals.
The historic little town is a great place to breathe deep and go with the flow. Eclectic, artsy and full of positive energy, Abita Springs is home to the Abita Mystery House, a roadside attraction-like maze of odd collections, Southern humor and memorabilia. Check the schedule for the Abita Springs Opry fall and spring series of Louisiana roots music including old-time Country, Bluegrass, traditional Southern Gospel music, Cajun, and Zydeco. Show up for the tours and tastings at Abita Brewing Company, and learn more about how its popular line of craft beers, including TurboDog and Andygator, is made. (Check abita.com for tour times.)
Abita Springs is a great access point for the Tammany Trace bike trail, a Rails-to-Trails paved path cutting through the heart of town. Originally a corridor for the Illinois Central Railroad, the scenic trail starts in Covington, comes through Abita Springs, on to Mandeville and Lacombe, and ends in Slidell. Visitors come from around the South for the Louisiana Bicycle Festival, held adjacent to the Trace, and featuring art bikes, vintage bikes, a cruise through town and a bicycle swap meet.
Other popular events in Abita Springs are the Whole-town Garage Sale, the Water Festival, the Busker Festival, and the raucous Krewe of Push Mow Mardi Gras parade with thought-provoking themes like “What’s That Smell?”
