Rotolo’s Pizzeria In Baton Rouge, LA

The Official Pizza of the New Orleans Saints!

by Karen Gros | July 26, 2010

Pizza is an all-time favorite for adults and children alike.  One of the best pizzerias I've found in Baton Rouge is Rotolo's Pizzeria.  Rotolo's serves up a fresh baked pizza that is unlike any other in the Capitol City!  In fact, the New Orleans Saints have adopted Rotolo's as the official pizza of the Saints, so you know it is good!  If you are visiting Baton Rouge and looking for a good fresh baked pizza, you've found your …

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, LA

A Grand Old Beauty in the South!

by Karen Gros | July 25, 2010

Louisiana's Old State Capitol building is located in downtown Baton Roue on a hill overlooking River Road and the Mississippi River.  The building stands tall and majestic and is still a beautiful building regardless of age.   Louisiana's Old State Capitol is now a National Historic Landmark.

The Old State Capitol was built in the mid 1800's and was designed by James Harrison Dankin, an architect who brought his gothic design to life.  The new …

Louisiana Art & Science Museum in Baton Rouge, LA

LASM Offers Hands-On Activities for Children of All Ages

by Karen Gros | July 19, 2010

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) is located on the levee in downtown Baton Rouge on River Road.  The property was once the old train station and now carries a ton of adventure for kids who love to explore adventures in science.  The museum offers hands-on activities for children that not only gives them a learning experience in a fun environment, it also gives them a quest to learn more about science.

…

Fairview-Riverside State Park Near Baton Rouge, LA

Central Location for Camping Near Baton Rouge and New Orleans, LA

by Karen Gros | July 17, 2010

Are you considering a family camping vacation? Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville, Louisiana has lots to offer! Located between the capitol city of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Fairview-Riverside State Park is less than an hour away from both cities.

Fairview-Riverside State Park is located along the Tchefuncte River and offers excellent freshwater fishing for the sportsman. The front area of the campground is more family oriented with a huge playground …

Concerts at Blue Bayou-Dixie Landin’ in Baton Rouge, LA

Summer Concert Series is Great Way to End the Day!

by Karen Gros | July 12, 2010

Most families like to explore the local theme parks in the area when vacationing.  Theme parks are good places to enjoy some family fun, as there is always something for each member of the family.  Blue Bayou-Dixie Landin' takes the theme park and water park one step farther with the addition of a Summer Concert Series.

The Summer Concert Series draws class acts from different venues of music.  The concerts are set …

Louisiana’s State Capitol Building in Baton Rouge, LA

Tour the Capitol and Huey P. Long's Grave on the Capitol Grounds

by Karen Gros | July 07, 2010

The Louisiana State Capitol building was completed in March of 1932 on 27 acres of land which is now located in downtown Baton Rouge,  The historic building was a dream of Huey P. Long, who was the governor of Louisiana at that time.  Long's vision came to life in a building that stood 34 floors tall in an art-deco style and taking a little over 2 years to complete.  The price was $5 million, which …

LSU Lakes in Baton Rouge, LA

A Great Way to Spend the Day!

by Karen Gros | July 05, 2010

The LSU Lakes in Baton Rouge, LA is a great way to spend the day out in the sun with friends and family.  The LSU Lake connects with the City Park Lake and covers approximately 300 acres.  The lakes were developed back in the 1930's from swampland during a public works project.  Today the lakes are transformed into a wonderful recreational area for the entire family.

The LSU Lake is surrounded by a walking/jogging …

RiverCenter Ice Skating, Baton Rouge, LA

Ice skating is back at the RiverCenter!

by Karen Gros | July 01, 2010

Are the hot summer days getting to you?  Pack up the family and head on down to the RiverCenter in downtown Baton Rouge, LA to cool off ice skating on the river.  The RiverCenter has brought back this event which is usually reserved for the December holidays due to its popularity.  Ice skating will be available from July 2-18, 2010.

Ice skating will begin on Friday night July 2, 2010 at 5:00 pm.  The last session of the …

The 2010 Red Stick International Animation Festival, Baton Rouge, LA

Artists, Computer Teckies and Scientists Unite for Film Animation Festival

by Karen Gros | June 28, 2010

The Red Stick International Animation Festival will be held in downtown Baton Rouge, LA on November 10-13, 2010. The festival brings together the graphic artists with the computer technologists/scientists who make still-life artwork come to life on the big screen.

The Red Stick International Animation Festival is hosted by Louisiana State Universities Laboratory for Creative Arts & Technology (LCAT) within the Center for Computation and Technology (CCT). The festival will take place …

The USS Kidd & Veterans Memorial, Baton Rouge, LA

Walk Through a Real WWII Destroyer

by Karen Gros | June 26, 2010

The USS Kidd is located in downtown Baton Rouge, LA on the mighty Mississippi River.  The Kidd is open for tourists to visit daily and explore the huge destroyer's living quarters and work rooms which are a part of the Louisiana Naval War Memorial. 

The USS Kidd is a WWII Fletcher type destroyer and was the 661st put into operation by the United States Navy.  The USS Kidd was named after RADM Issac C. Kidd, Sr. and …

4th of July Fun and Fireworks, Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge's 2010 4th of July Celebration on the River Guide

by Karen Gros | June 20, 2010

Fourth of July is a great day in celebration of our nation's independence and what better way to top off the day than a fireworks display on the mighty Mississippi River?  The "Fireworks Over the Mississippi" display and other activities will take place in downtown Baton Rouge, LA in the area across the street from the River Center near the battleship, the USS Kidd. 

The fun starts at 9:00 am with the opening of the USS Kidd for tours, …

Audubon Spring Pilgrimage, St. Francisville, LA

An Annual Celebration of Historic Gardens and Homes

by Shannon Lane | March 18, 2010

Each spring the town of St. Francisville, LA celebrates the gardens and history of the area with the annual Audubon Pilgrimage. This genteel town was once the capital of the Republic of West Florida, which lasted for 74 days as its own country. For over forty years, the West Feliciana Parish Historical Society has held this celebration, which honors not only the families who settled the area, but also the naturalist John James …

Louisiana Old State Capitol, Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge's Castle on the Hill

by Shannon Lane | March 14, 2010

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is called by many a “castle on the river,” with its Gothic and Victorian architecture that has received many distinguished awards. This historic statehouse, complete with turrets and stained glass windows, has overlooked the Mississippi River for more than 150 years. The Old State Capitol has survived war, fire, bitter debates, and more than one scandal. The royal façade is fitting for a city and state that former Governor Huey Long …

Port Hudson Historic Site, Jackson, LA

Step Back in Time and Explore a Civil War Battle Site

by Shannon Lane | March 12, 2010

When I was a tween, my mother once brought me to a US Civil War reenactment at Port Hudson State Historic Site. I remember holding my fingers in my ears as the cannons boomed while I sat on a blanket at the edge of a field, feeling as if I had been transported back into another era.

Today, Port Hudson is open daily and holds an annual reenactment complete with camp life, …

Happy’s Irish Pub, Baton Rouge, LA

The best Irish pub in Baton Rouge

by Shannon Lane | March 07, 2010

Happy's is the best Irish pub in Baton Rouge. There are two locations, one on Coursey Boulevard and the cozier original location in downtown at 136 3rd Street. This is a great location to enjoy a drink with friends with its Happy atmosphere.

On some evenings a band might be found performing in the courtyard while patrons enjoy a pint....or two or three. The oversized booths inside provide plenty of seating for …

Main Street Market, Baton Rouge, LA

Farmer's Market in Baton Rouge Offers More Than Produce

by Shannon Lane | March 05, 2010

The business offices in downtown Baton Rouge may be closed on weekends, but each Saturday morning, from 8-12, the Main Street Market at 5th and Main is home to the Red Stick Farmer's Market, a gathering of local farmers and their wares.

I recently had a friend in town for a visit and she wanted to see a bit of Baton Rouge. We parked near the Main Street Market and as we stepped …

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

This Educational Facility Offers More Than Just Class

by Shannon Lane | March 01, 2010

Louisiana State University Agriculture and Mechanical College has been an important part of Baton Rouge and Louisiana's history since 1860. It began as a seminary insitution in Pineville under the direction of Col. William Tecumseh Sherman, who was the first superintendant. It closed in 1861 due to the US Civil War and was opened briefly for 23 days in April, 1863. The institution suffered fire damage in 1865 and reopened in 1869 in Baton Rouge …

Baton Rouge Zoo, Baton Rouge, LA

Affordable Family Attraction with a Wild Side

by Shannon Lane | February 22, 2010

The Baton Rouge Zoo isn't only one of the best places for a family outing in the area, but it is also one of the most affordable zoos in the United States. It first opened its doors on Easter Sunday in 1970 and has since grown through the years. I remember going to the zoo when I was a child and it is still a favorite afternoon attraction for my tween and teen.

The …

The Shadetree Inn, St. Francisville, LA

A hilltop hideway for romantics in historic St. Francisville

by Shannon Lane | January 25, 2010

Where is the most romantic inn near Baton Rouge? I get this question from locals and visitors alike. Couples looking for a local romantic escape flock to The Shadetree Inn, located just north of Baton Rouge in St. Francisville, LA. Appearances can be deceiving and when visitors drive up the hill at the corner of Royal St. and St. Ferdinand, they may just think they are at the wrong address, but behind the rustic …

Blue Bayou Water Park, Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge’s Biggest Family Attraction

by Shannon Lane | January 20, 2010

Where do families go when the sun comes out? Blue Bayou Water Park is the Baton Rouge area’s biggest family attraction. Residents and visitors cool off at this Louisiana-themed amusement and water park. In the afternoons at this facility, the rides start rolling at Dixie Landing, also located on this 80 acre attraction just off of Interstate 10.

This facility opened as Blue Bayou when I was in high school. I frequented this …

Travel Guide to Baton Rouge

Why You Should Visit Baton Rouge

by Shannon Lane | January 19, 2010

Baton Rouge, French for "red stick," was once the meeting place for Native Americans at a red-colored stick that marked this special area. Today, the Greater Baton Rouge Area is the meeting ground for politicians, tailgaters, and families from all over the world. This is the city in Louisiana where decisions are made and visitors come to play.

Baton Rouge is a destination of political history and southern hospitality served with a side of …