Great Escapes: Our Guide to Baton Rouge, LA

One thing we love about Baton Rouge is how much pride the city has in its history. The food, the music, and the people are all a reflection of the rich cultures that make this city so special.

Photo by @brbluesfest

Why go?

• The rich Creole and Cajun cultures here make for an unforgettable food experience. We suggest booking a food tour for any fellow food nerds.
• A music lover’s paradise. The annual Baton Rouge Blues Festival helps to keep the swamp blues music scene alive and well. The genre is native to the city and is a great way to get to know the city from a new perspective.
• You don’t have to stress about planning, these travel guides will help you pick the best of the best spots in town:
  
  • Baton Rouge Cheat Sheet
  • One Great Weekend in Baton Rouge
  • 15 Best Things to do in Baton Rouge

Phot by @batonrougezoo

Act like a local

• Food: Bayou Cafe. The BBQ chicken at this family-owned restaurant is a must-try.
• Drink: Bengal Tap Room. Great for beer lovers, you can’t go wrong with any of their tap options.
• Outdoors: Baton Rouge Zoo. Newly-renovated and just 15 minutes from the heart of downtown, this is a great family-friendly excursion.
• Learn: Louisiana Art and Science Museum. From interactive art and science exhibits to educational workshops, this museum – built in a historic railroad depot – is a wealth of information to those of all ages.
• Listen: If you like live music, you’ll love Mid City Ballroom. This renovated church now hosts live music performances and the world’s only Komet Amp showroom.

Photo by @watermarkbr

Where to stay:

• Vrbo: Going with a group? This charming stay offers four bedrooms + a full kitchen. (~$300/night)*
• Airbnb: Perfect for a couple’s trip, this guest suite is centrally located and equipped with a kitchenette. (~$72/night)
• Splurge hotel: Advertised for you to “Revel in the luxury” of this hotel, The Watermark is definitely a splurge. But hey, it’s vacation. (~$200/night)