Louisiana is comprised of Parishes, not counties, and Tangipahoa Parish dates back to 1869 in the Reconstruction era. The name Tangipahoa comes from a Native American tribe that lived in the area. Hammond is the biggest city, followed by Ponchatoula. Ponchatoula is host to the World Famous Strawberry Festival held every year in April (and will be the weekend after the wedding). Ponchatoula's second claim to fame is the numerous antique stores in town. And if you've ever watched Swamp People you will know about Kleiberts Alligator Farm, also in Ponchatoula.

There are numerous Swamp tours, kayaking, and boating tours you can arrange, because there is plenty of water and swampland to be found! You can always go fishing - almost anywhere.

In Hammond, Covington, and Mandeville there are breweries and in nearby St Tammany Parish is the Tammany Trace bike trail. Bike rentals are available.

The home of Abita Brewery is nearby, in Abita Springs, LA. Baton Rouge is about an hour drive and New Orleans is about the same (in a different direction).