Baton Rouge is more than just the capital of Louisiana and the home of LSU. The city is full of places to see and people to meet. Whether you are visiting or live in the area, here are some must-try things to scratch off your Baton Rouge bucket list.
The Old State Capitol Museum
Where: 100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge
This national historic landmark shows off Louisiana’s rich and unique history with exhibits throughout the building. Guests can walk around on their own accord or join a guided tour. Beyond history, many visitors come just to see the architecture, especially the intricate stained-glass windows that paint the rooms with color. The museum reopens on Jan. 21.
The Texas Club
Where: 456 N Donmoor Ave, Baton Rouge
The Texas Club is full of life with music, entertainment and history. For over 40 years, the venue has brought country music legends like George Strait and Hank William Jr. to Baton Rouge. The walls are decked out with posters from each and every performance that has happened there, showing off how impressive the place really is. Whether it is for live music, drinks or to meet new people, the Texas Club is a must.
Elsie’s Plate & Pie
Where: 3145 Government St, Baton Rouge
The closest thing to a home-cooked meal can be found at Elsie’s Plate & Pie. The restaurant is named in memory of Proprietor and Chef Paul Chauvin Dupré’s grandmother Elsie Marie Campeau Rupe, known for her warmth and cooking. Pie was a major food group at Elsie’s table and can be ordered at the restaurant today. Customers can choose from an array of sweet and savory pies, along with other menu items like sandwiches and dips.
BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Where: 10503 N Oak Hills Parkway, Baton Rouge
Dedicated to conservation, education, recreation and tourism, the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center allows people to connect with nature and learn about the environment around them. The 103-acre facility is home to multiple trails, plentiful wildlife and an indoor facility that houses live animal exhibits and educational exhibits.
West Baton Rouge Museum
Where: 845 N Jefferson Ave, Port Allen
Cross the bridge and make your way to Port Allen to find the West Baton Rouge Museum. Located on a six-acre campus, the museum offers seasonal exhibits, events, French programs/tours, art workshops and more. According to their website, they are the only museum to “trace the bittersweet history of sugar in Louisiana from the colonial period to the present day.”
Not only does the museum focus on history, but it highlights local artists as well. The exhibit “Haitian Art: The Jacques Bartoli Collection” will be up until Jan. 26.
Sammy’s Grill
Where: 8635 Highland Road, Baton Rouge
Spring means crawfish. When the time comes around, Sammy’s has some of the best crawfish in Baton Rouge. If you are not scared of spice and can take on three to five pounds, this is the place to go. There are many places to get crawfish in Baton Rouge, but nothing compares to Sammy’s. If you are not a crawfish person or if you have a shellfish allergy, do not fret. The grill has a big menu with items like po’boys and alligator bites.
