October has seen the opening of several new local businesses on Lee Drive, Highland Road and Ben Hur Road, all just minutes away from campus. If you’re staying in town over fall break, get out the house and try a new restaurant, take a class or check out a new shop. 

The Blue Mermaid Boutique

Location: 4350 Highland Road
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Price: $$-$$$

Styles at this boho chic boutique, opened earlier this month, range from apparel for a classy night out to a casual fall afternoon. Though the lowest ticketed clothing item is about $20, the sequined, velvet and embellished details on the clothing make the price well worth it. The boutique also offers an array of purple and gold clothing for football season. See more of the shop’s inventory on its Instagram, @shopbluemermaid.

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries and Shakes

Location: 320 Lee Drive

Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily

Price: $-$$

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries and Shakes opened its Lee Drive location at the end of August, but its new lower-priced menu rolled out Oct. 10. The menu features more deals for customers, like a quarter pound burger with fries for $10. Coupled with the special Oktoberfest burger the eatery is promoting, you’re going to want to treat yourself to lunch or dinner here over break. Follow MOOYAH’s Baton Rouge Facebook page for more information on daily deals and ongoing promotions. 

Rotolo’s Craft and Crust

Location: 411 Ben Hur Road

Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday through Saturday

Price: $

Rotolo’s Pizzeria is known around town for its pies, but its newest location is a simpler concept. With a slice bar where you pay by weight and 36 local brews, two wines and two cocktails on tap, the space offers far more than regular Italian food. Rotolo’s Craft and Crust may be the new place to stop by for a late-night bite.

Outdoor Vinyasa Yoga

Location: BREC Extreme Sports, 7122 Perkins Road

Hours: 7 p.m. every Thursday

Price: $

Continuing until the end of November, BREC yoga instructor Rachel Hunter is teaching a weekly outdoor yoga class for the public to enjoy. The price is $12 per class or $40 for a full month of classes. The one-hour beginner class focuses on breathing techniques to release tension and build strength. The yoga class has a Facebook account for more information.