As part of Visit The Northshore’s Visitor Services team—and as a lifelong advocate for accessibility alongside my daughter PJ—I continue to roll through St. Tammany Parish, sharing resources and adventures in Mandeville. With sidewalks that welcome us and parking that supports us, here’s what we’ve discovered…
Accessible Gatherings in Mandeville
The author and her daughter at St. Ann Wine Bar
Fall and winter always remind us how much changes—and how much stays the same.
Last year brought milestone reunions—her 20th at Mandeville High and my 50th. Her class gathered at St. Ann Wine Bar, where we appreciated ADA accessibility and parking. My reunion at Pat's Rest Awhile highlighted another advantage—plentiful wheelchair accessibility downstairs, plus an elevator that leads to a second floor with outdoor seating and bar accommodations overlooking Lake Pontchartrain.
Handicap parking along Lakeshore Drive was a bit more of a challenge on site, as our van has an eight-foot ramp extension requirement, so we had to search for a clearly marked van site along Lakeshore Drive. Thankfully, Pat's has a large, open lot behind the building. But if you're not at Pat's, you'll find spaces near the gazebo.
A reminder to all: disability parking guidelines are set by the Department of Motor Vehicles, and license plates or hang tags are required. Please respect the striped loading zones—they allow families like ours to safely load and unload. Do not park in these spaces. Slow down, observe, and think.
Pat's Rest Awhile, a restaurant and historic site
This year, as cooler weather rolls back in, PJ and I continue finding joy in the traditions we cherish while celebrating new opportunities that make Mandeville more welcoming for all. We count our blessings daily for friends who remain curious, supportive, and embracing of PJ’s journey, and for accessible spaces that let us rediscover our hometown through fresh eyes. We’re also thankful for the flexibility and wellness of our home and community-based care team.
Historic Sites You Can Explore
The Candy Bank/St. Tammany Bank Building
Mandeville itself has a rich story to tell, and one of the best ways to experience it is through the city’s interactive, fully accessible self-guided Historic Marker Tour, powered by QR codes. Forty-one sites are included, and you can pick up the guide card at the Mandeville Trailhead or Visit The Northshore's Visitor Center. You can also take a virtual tour.
Nature on Wheels at Fontainebleau
PJ uses Fontainebleau State Park's Action Trackchair.
Nature always calls us, and Fontainebleau State Park is one of our favorite “happy places.” ADA accommodations are plentiful, and the park even offers a free all-terrain wheelchair (“Action Track Chair”) so PJ can explore trails we couldn’t access with a manual chair.
Reserving a chair is simple at lastateparks.com/all-terrain-chair or by calling 1-888-677-3668. We’re also looking forward to fishing off the pier together in the future.
Inclusive Play for Everyone
Fontainebleau State Park playground
In November, we celebrated the grand opening of Fontainebleau’s All-Inclusive Playground, a 7,300-square-foot space designed with safety surfaces, accessible ramps, a wheelchair glider, a roller slide, and inclusive swing seats. This playground truly welcomes all kids, young and old alike. Many thanks to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser for his compassion for Louisiana’s developmental disabilities community—Fontainebleau will soon feature a specially equipped cabin as well. Local parks like Sunset Point provide fresh air and respite, while paved trails along Mandeville's Lakeshore Drive are always a delight.
Celebrating Community, Mardi Gras Style
Mardi Gras parade at Covington Walmart Supercenter (STPFD12 photo)
As Mardi Gras season rolls in, check parade routes and accessible parking. VisitTheNorthshore.com lists all local parades, and the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs offers information on accessible celebrations across Louisiana. Our favorite is the Walmart-sponsored inclusive parade, where bands and community groups ensure everyone has a chance to gather throws and dance in the aisles.
As our advocacy and inclusivity efforts grow, we are grateful for the “village” that supports this life journey. Together, let’s ROLL ON.
Resources
This story is part of Rolling the Northshore, our series on accessibility by Christy Paulsell—caregiver, advocate and member of the Visit The Northshore team. She joins with her daughter PJ to share personal stories and resources for accessible adventures throughout St. Tammany Parish.
Click for more Accessible Experiences.