Folsom

When you hear the phrase "south Louisiana," rolling hills and pine forests may not be the first things that come to mind. But Folsom, located in the northernmost part of St. Tammany Parish, will change that assumption. Driving through the town, whose main strip is Highway 25, you'll find small-town shops and a slower pace than its neighboring cities to the south, Covington and Mandeville. Outside of town you'll find numerous expansive and impressive horse ranches, both along the highway and also down winding roads leading into the forested hills.

Folsom was founded at the turn of the century by the Fendlason brothers, a family whose descendants still live in the area. One of the brothers, George Fendlason, named the town for the wife of President Grover Cleveland, Frances Folsom.

Folsom is prime biking country. A popular ride is the Abita Springs to Folsom Loop, which takes cyclists from the city that bears the same name as one of Louisiana's most prominent breweries through the countryside leading to Folsom.