Baton Rouge Travel Guide
Along the banks of the Mississippi River lies the capital of the state of Louisiana. Home to a bustling port, Baton Rouge is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Discovered by the French in 1699, the town was named after the cypress poles reddened with blood that demarcated the hunting grounds of the Native Indian tribes that once lived there. Literally translated as "red stick," the vibrant history of Baton Rouge lives on in its museums, plantations, architecture and of course, its Mardi Gras parades. But Baton Rouge is not only for the culturally inclined. It's a great family vacation spot, too.
Sights
Start your tour of Baton Rouge in the plantations in and around the city. Check out the Mount Hope Plantation where Gone with the Wind was filmed and the Magnolia Mound Plantation with its 18th century French Creole design. The Oakley Plantation at Audubon State Historic Site, The Myrtles and The Rosedown Plantation are also worth visiting. If you fancy museums, check out the Louisiana State Museum, the African American Museum and the Louisiana Art and Science Museum. Your little ones will surely marvel at the extensive doll collection at the Enchanted Mansion Doll Museum. And kids, young and old, will definitely look forward to the water slides at the Blue Bayou Water Park and the theme park attractions at Dixie Landin'. If you're looking for another family friendly activity, check out the 1,800 animal species at the Baton Rouge Zoo. Or, if live music, endless buffets and riverboat gambling are more up your alley, head to the Casino Riverboats at River Road near the State Capitol building.
Dining
There are a great number of food selections to choose from all over Baton Rouge. There are fantastic restaurants around the Garden District near the Louisiana State University. There are also amazing delights at Essen Avenue and Perkins Road. Perkins Rowe at the corner of Perkins Road and Bluebonnet Boulevard has shops and restaurants. The Main Street Market offers sandwiches, sushi and vegetarian fare. If you're in the mood for a frosty brew, go to the pub at Highland Road which serves the widest beer selections in the entire Capitol City area.
Shopping
The Mall at Cortana offers mid-range shopping and the Mall of Lousiana which holds The Boulevard and more upscale shopping offers a wide array of choices for locals and tourists. The newer Perkins Rowe is also another thriving shopping scene. Local artisans also sell their wares at the Main Street Market.
Where to Go in Baton Rouge
