Affectionately known as “Hammond, America” by locals, Hammond, Louisiana is home to over 20,000 residents in Tangipahoa parish.

Southeastern Louisiana University is in the heart of Hammond, but it is not your typical college town. This charming and diverse city is large enough to have fun but small enough to be comfortable, offering a wide variety of restaurants, shops and experiences  without the worry of large crowds.

Everything you need for a fun and rejuvenating weekend can be found in one place: Hammond’s downtown district. Nationally recognized with a Great American Street Award in 2022, downtown Hammond has proven to be rich in southern hospitality and abundant with activities for all ages. Here’s what to do during your visit to downtown Hammond.

With three charming and atmospheric cafés in the area, café-hopping is a great way to explore the city. Luma Coffee Roasters is the sole destination for professional-grade drip coffee. The largest and newest cafe in the area, Luma features a chic and spacious interior, complete with a lofted seating area perfect for gatherings. When you are hungry, enjoy a signature sweet or savory crepe at Courtyard Cafe. Courtyard lives up to its name with a scenic outdoor patio complimented by lush greenery. If you are looking to get some work done in peace, PJ’s Coffee is the perfect cozy haven for productivity. 

The downtown brunch scene is simply too good to pass up. Son of a Biscuit offers a hearty brunch menu with colorful dishes such as chicken and red velvet waffles, not to mention $5 mimosas. For classic American breakfast and Latin-inspired dishes, head to the family-owned Yellow Bird Cafe. If you are in the mood to dress up and drink fancy cocktails, One Thirteen Restaurant is the right place for an elevated experience. Brunch at One Thirteen is only offered on weekends, so make sure to book your reservation well in advance.

You can “grab a beer” in just about any city, but Hammond takes you on a tasting journey unlike any other. Gnarly Barley Brewing offers a diverse and flavorful lineup of homebrewed craft beers. The local brewery extends a warm welcome with free public tours, live music and its Gnar Bar taproom for onsite consumption. For wine lovers, Red White & Brew features an impressive inventory of over 1000 Boutique Wines, over 1000 Craft Beers, quality spirits and premium cigars.

When it comes to dining downtown, you will always have options. For starters, downtown’s Mexican restaurants are both budget friendly and delicious. Stop by Tacos & Beer on Tuesdays for $1 street tacos or enjoy $3 margaritas at La Carreta’s daily happy hour. Lee’s Diner is a classic American Drive-In with vintage flare and incredible food. If you love a good Philly, order their Balboa sandwich. For seafood, steak or sushi, visit Cate Street Seafood Station. This restaurant has been a local hotspot for almost 20 years and serves an unforgettable catfish po’ boy. If your family simply cannot decide on where to eat, head to Streetside Market. Streetside’s global cuisine offers a dish for almost every craving, with five culinary stations to choose from inside the restaurant. Lastly, for a fine dining experience, Jacmel Inn serves up contemporary Louisiana cuisine, while Cena offers locally-inspired Italian fare.

After dinner, head to Eddie’s Famous Frozen Custard for nostalgic and delicious ice cream and snowcones. Eddie’s prepares a new signature custard flavor each day of the month, so you will never get bored. You can also treat yourself to a TikTok-famous dessert at BATTER bakery. Opened by TikTok baker Abi Caswell, BATTER is downtown Hammond’s latest hotspot for freshly-baked cookies, cupcakes and more. 

The Hammond Farmers and Artisans Market is the best way to shop like a true local. Every Saturday morning, the market comes to life with the aroma of freshly baked goods, soul-soothing gumbo and homemade tamales. Whether you are a foodie, a lover of handmade decor or simply looking to get an authentic feel of Hammond’s community, the Farmers and Artisans Market allows you to indulge in both quality goods and southern hospitality. 

When your feet need a rest from exploring, grab a picnic blanket and head to Cate Square Park. Located in the heart of downtown Hammond, this 2-acre park features an enclosed playground area, a charming gazebo and lots of open space for relaxation. If you visit on a Friday evening, you might even stumble upon Picnic in the Park, a live music event hosted regularly by the Downtown Development District.

The Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center is perfect for children up to age 10 and their families. From a music factory to a dino dig, this interactive playground is filled with over 20 exhibits designed to enhance imagination, problem-solving and motor skills. If you have little ones, why not let them take the lead for a few hours and enjoy a fun-filled adventure?

If you are ready to laugh, unwind and unleash your inner artist (or lack thereof), take a class at Painting with a Twist. The “twist” is you get to bring your favorite beverage along with all the snacks your heart desires. Sip on your favorite wine as you follow along to a lively, guided painting session. Best part is: no artistic skills are needed! 

Hammond’s favorite Irish pub now hosts Karaoke Night every Friday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Arrive at Brady’s before 9 p.m., so you can enjoy a classic American dinner before the restaurant transforms into a dancefloor. Then, get ready to sing along to “Callin’ Baton Rouge” with the local college crowd. When you need a break from belting out your favorite songs, you can unwind on the restaurant’s spacious outdoor patio. 

For an enchanting getaway combining both history and luxury, reserve your stay at the Historic Michabelle Inn. This Colonial Revival style home has been beautifully preserved, featuring eight uniquely decorated rooms, with a deluxe breakfast for two provided with each room. Just a 4-minute drive from downtown Hammond, Michabelle Inn is perfectly positioned for you to explore the city.