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Discover Baton Rouge: A Fun Destination for Adult Road Trippers

Discover Baton Rouge: A Fun Destination for Adult Road Trippers

The city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Located 80 miles northwest of New Orleans, Baton Rouge offers visitors a unique taste of Louisiana culture and history. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a memorable road trip stop, this city has got you covered.

From visiting the Capitol Park Museum to enjoying delicious Cajun cuisine and beer at local restaurants and breweries, gambling at L’Auberge Casino, and enjoying a comfortable stay, Baton Rouge won’t disappoint. Buckle up and get ready for a memorable trip to the capital city of Louisiana!

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Capitol Park Museum – Immerse Yourself in Louisiana’s Past

Begin your journey in Baton Rouge by visiting the Capitol Park Museum, which showcases Louisiana’s unique heritage through interactive exhibits and galleries. You’ll get a glimpse of the state’s history, from its prehistoric times to the present day, including its pop culture, agriculture, state musicians, cajun cultures, and contributions to the nation.

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Pay special attention to Living with Hurricanes: Katrina & Beyond, an eye-opening look at one of the country’s most horrific disasters.

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Explore the Louisiana Capitol Building – The Tallest in the US

Are you a travel enthusiast, eager to complete your list of visited state capitols? Look no further than Louisiana’s Capitol in Baton Rouge! This stunning 34-story limestone skyscraper, rising 450 feet above the Mississippi River, boasts unique art-deco elements that set it apart from other state capitols.

The manicured grounds only enhance the already beautiful setting. As the tallest capitol building in the country, the Louisiana State Capitol is a must-see attraction.

Take a free guided tour and learn about the state’s fascinating history, architecture, and politics. Don’t miss the panoramic view of Baton Rouge from the observation deck on the 27th floor. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Make sure to check this one off your bucket list!

FAQ: The Capitol building is open daily 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though closed for New Year’s, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

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Don’t Miss the Louisiana Old State Capitol

Discover the Old Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge – a stunning Gothic castle that boasts breathtaking stained-glass windows, impressive historical exhibits, and a coveted National Historic Landmark status. Its iconic Spiral Staircase, made of cast iron and with 32 steps, is a sight to behold.

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You won’t want to miss the magnificent stained-glass dome – the most photographed feature of the Capitol – which boasts a whopping 2,054 glass panes. Best of all, admission is free to this treasure.

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Little Village Restaurant – Indulge in Authentic Italian Cuisine

After a day of sightseeing, treat your taste buds to some mouthwatering Italian food at the Little Village Restaurant. This family-owned eatery has been serving authentic Italian dishes since 1985 and has become a local favorite.

Everything on Little Village’s menu is made from fresh, scratch ingredients including homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza. Start your meal off right with our mouthwatering Village Bread dipped in zesty red sauce. For dinner, consider the decadent Shrimp and Lobster Cream pasta, the perfect choice for an unforgettable Italian meal. I nearly licked the plate clean.

Pair it with a glass of wine for the ultimate dining experience.

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Rally Cap Brewing – Sip on Craft Beer and Play Some Games

If you’re a beer lover, you won’t want to miss Rally Cap Brewing. This fun and casual brewery offers a variety of craft beers brewed on-site (16 on tap), along with board games, cornhole, and live music. The bar also has a rotating selection of food trucks that serve delicious bites to pair with your beer.

From IPAs to stouts, there’s a beer for every palate. My favorite is the Failed T-Shirt Company, an oatmeal stout. Rally Cap’s taproom is open daily and you can take a brewery tour Wednesday through Friday at 5 PM and Saturdays at 1.

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Gambling at L’Auberge Casino and Hotel – Try Your Luck at the Table

End your evening with some gambling fun at L’Auberge Casino and Hotel. This luxurious gaming resort features over 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, Barstool Sportsbook, a poker room, and a high-limit area. They offer 74,000 square feet of gambling space, if you can imagine.

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You can also enjoy live entertainment, cocktails, and fine dining at one of the resort’s restaurants. If you are looking for a high-end meal, 18 Steak will suit your fancy. For a more casual bite, try Red Lotus Asian Kitchen or Bon Temps Market.

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If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at blackjack, craps, Asian gaming, or roulette, or take a shot at a life-changing jackpot on the slots. You may also want to check out the entertainment as the casino hosts great concerts, comedians, and shows. On the schedule for 2023 are Don Felder, Craig Ferguson, and Dana Carvey, to name a few.

L’Auberge Casino is open 24/7, so you can play whenever the mood strikes.

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Staying at Hilton – Relax and Recharge in Comfort

A great choice for overnighting is the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, offering 291 rooms and a gorgeous pool deck overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. The conveniently located hotel also offers complimentary airport shuttles and an onsite restaurant and bar in downtown Baton Rouge. 

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A Phenomenal Day Trip

The Houmas House Plantation is the best thing/attraction/historical venue I’ve seen in the state of Louisiana. It’s well worth the 30 minute drive from Baton Rouge to get there. This grand antebellum estate (a sugarcane plantation of the 1800s) is jaw-dropping.

From the impeccable gardens to the sculptures and antiques, this is one house tour you won’t ever forget.

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Houmas House is the jewel of the River Road, offering lodging, pristine gardens and grounds, and a variety of restaurants. For me, the gardens, fountains, and artwork were like therapy for my soul. This is a treasure that I’d visit again and again.

Fun Fact: Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte, The Green Book, The Bachelor, and Wheel of Fortune have filmed at the Houmas House.

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Other Points of Interest in Baton Rouge

Explore the beauty and culture of Downtown Baton Rouge! Take in the stunning architecture, dine at fabulous restaurants, and admire the art and churches. Make sure to visit the eight art galleries, five concert venues, and eleven public green-spaces.

During spring and fall, don’t miss the free Live After Five concerts at City Hall Plaza from 5 PM to 8 PM. Join the local community for a fun-filled evening of music, parks, water attractions, and outdoor activities.

And for the little ones, make a splash at the Repentance Park splash pad. Get ready for a memorable time in Baton Rouge!

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Explore the city in style with a delicious Spanky’s Daiquiri in a to-go cup. Must-try flavors include Pineapple Painkiller and Bushwhackers. Keep an eye out for stunning street art and murals as you stroll through the lively downtown area.

You can’t come to Baton Rouge without seeing the home of the LSU Tigers (winner of the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship) and Louisiana’s flagship university. Take a walking tour of Louisiana State University’s campus (LSU), see a game, or even say hello to Mike the Tiger, the official mascot and moniker of the LSU Tigers (live and costumed) since 1936.

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Shoppers will love the Town Center at Cedar Lodge, with stores like Bath Junkie, J. Jill, Don Juan Cigar Company, and Massey’s Professional Outfitters. If you’ve never been to a Bath Junkie store before, it is great fun. You can design your own fragrance for your bath and body products. 

Looking for a fun and free activity? Take a stroll along the riverfront by the Riverfront Plaza and USS Kidd (WWII-era destroyer) War Museum. You can tour the museum 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM daily. Admission tickets cost $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for children.

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Note: There is limited free parking on River Road directly in front of the museum.

Day or night, enjoy the gorgeous view of the stately Horace Wilkinson Bridge over the Mississippi River as your backdrop. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening in Baton Rouge.

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Baton Rouge: A Southern City To Check Out

Baton Rouge may not be as well-known as New Orleans, but it has plenty to offer visitors who are looking for a taste of Louisiana’s unique culture and history. From exploring the excellent museums and strolling along the famed waterfront overlooking the Horace Wilkinson Bridge, Baton Rouge is a destination that delivers.

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