When you think of Baton Rouge, football and food with a French flair might come to mind. Louisiana’s capital city is not only home to famous architecture and cultural institutions, but also Louisiana State University (go Tigers!).
Luckily, during a three-day stay you can get a taste of it all with visits to Antebellum landmarks, art museums and parks. And wherever you go, you’ll be offered the chance to sample local delicacies, such as crawfish étouffée and the ubiquitous poboy, featuring French bread classically stuffed with shrimp, crab or roast beef (but variations are many — and surprising).
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Spend the Day Downtown
Downtown Baton Rouge is home to many of the city’s most notable historic sites. Before you start checking them off your list, browse for your breakfast at The Red Stick Farmers Market, where local farmers, producers and other makers sell fresh food, such as the pastries on offer from Our Daily Bread.
Next, walk or cycle along the Mississippi River on the Levee bike path. From there, head over to the grand, castle-like Old State Capitol Building, where exhibits bring history to life.
Be sure to learn about Louisiana’s “Lionhearted Ladies,” who championed the right to vote, as well as the ghosts who are said to haunt the place, including the Civil War-era spirit Sarah Morgan.
Next, make your way to Spanish Town, famous for its annual Mardi Gras parade. Head to Capitol Grocery (aka Spanish Town Market), where locals rave about the variety of poboys (among them: the Flamingo Chicken Cheesesteak and Blackened Shrimp).
Then take a leisurely stroll through the historic neighborhood, admiring its 19th-century homes and pop into the Capitol Park Museum to learn more about the area’s history.
End your evening with dinner at The Gregory at the Watermark Hotel, known for its twists on classic Southern dishes and stunning decor. Take note of the murals lining the walls, created by the “doyenne of Louisiana sculpture” (and restaurant namesake) Angela Gregory. Cap off the night with drinks and live music at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s
Saturday: Explore Baton Rouge’s Great Outdoors
Begin the day with breakfast at Garden District Coffee, which roasts all of its beans in house. Then stroll through the Garden District, known for its live oak trees and historic Queen Anne-style homes, before dropping into the Baton Rouge Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of contemporary art.
After that, fill up on a soul-food-themed sandwich, such as the Belmont (pot roast, turkey, gravy and ham), at Zeeland Street restaurant before walking through City-Brooks Community Park (BREC), one of the largest greenspaces in Baton Rouge. Tee off at the nine-hole golf course if you like, or, alternatively, take in the action at the fishing lake.
If kids are in your party, pop over to the Knock Knock Children’s Museum, where your little ones can climb around a multi-story indoor jungle gym designed by architect Spencer Luckey.
Then make the two-mile journey to the LSU campus and see the caged, on-campus habitat for the university’s live mascot, Mike the Tiger.
Start the evening with dinner in Baton Rouge’s Mid City at Cafe Américain, where you’ll be served some of the best Cajun and Creole seafood in all of Louisiana (think coconut shrimp and fried catfish).
Just down the road is Hayride Scandal, a red-velvet, speakeasy-style bar that bills itself as “the perfect place to lose your prohibitions.” Feeling adventurous? Try a cheekily named signature cocktail like the Sharpie Mustache and Antonio Bananaderas
Sunday: Visit the Museums
Start your day off right with a legendary biscuit (the Barnyard with egg, cheese, bacon and tomato jam is a favorite) or bonut (biscuit donut) at Batch 13 Biscuits & Bowls.
After a hearty breakfast, take in the sights along the Mississippi, walking aboard the famous USS KIDD Veterans Museum. The veteran battleship-turned-museum features naval history exhibits, ship models and memorials.
Next, hop on over to the Shaw Center of the Arts. The museum showcases works ranging from 17th-century portraits to contemporary pieces.
Next up is lunch at Tsunami Baton Rouge, where you can enjoy sushi paired with stunning river views, before visiting the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. There you’ll have the chance to see a real Egyptian mummy and a massive solar system (Saturn’s rings are 15 feet wide).
Finally, make your way to the Pentagon Barracks which was won and lost by the French, Spanish and British during its time in use and is considered the birthplace of that flash-in-the-pan nation, the Republic of West Florida. You can’t go inside, but it’s a great spot for snapping photos before walking through the Capitol Gardens next door.
For dinner, eat at one of Baton Rouge’s best restaurants, Cocha, which plates up dishes like an Orange Pomegranate Glazed Grilled Quail made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Then end your evening at the beloved Squeaky Pete’s. The honky-tonk features country music and a massive dance floor made for two-stepping.
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