10 Things To Do In Mid-City Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana is a gorgeous city with a rich history and a population that gives new meaning to the term southern hospitality. The capital city has something to offer everyone. Whether you are a shopper, science buff, foodie, an adventurer, or an adrenaline junkie, you are covered.
1. Spanish Town Market
Grocery Store, Spanish
Price: Budget
Opening Hours: 7am – 9pm (Mon – Fri), 8am – 9pm (Sat), 8am – 4pm (Sun)
Watch Out For: Smokin’ chicken sandwich
2. Dearman’s
Dearman’s
This 1950s style burger and malt joint has a long history in Baton Rouge, beginning as the local pharmacy in the 1960s. Dearman’s is located in the prestigious Bocage Village Shopping Center and has continued to serve the same classics for years. Don’t expect a Marilyn Monroe lookalike to roll up on skates to take your order; this is a casual place with a great atmosphere and even better burgers. For the best experience, sit at the lunch counter, order a double cheeseburger dressed (add bacon), a small fry (the larges are big enough for a table of 4), and a chocolate malt, and have a great conversation with the very friendly staff as your meal is prepared right in front of you.
Price: Mid-range
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sat), 11am – 6pm (Sun)
Watch Out For: Root beer float
Dearman’s, 7633 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA, USA, +1 225 924 1391
3. Fleur de Lis Cocktail Lounge
Fleur de Lis Cocktail Lounge
A French name with an Italian masterpiece, the cultural tornado of South Louisiana is perfectly summed up by this iconic pizzeria. A small, pink building on the corner, with a gravel parking lot, Fleur de Lis was originally established as a watering hole on the outskirts of a small town. What began in 1946 with a small pizza, served as an appetizer, grew into the best pizzeria in the capital city. Take your pick of their Famous Roman Pizza Pies. Family-owned and -operated since the beginning, this place just feels like coming home.
Price: Budget
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Tue – Sat)
Watch Out For: The Around the World
Fleur de Lis Pizza, 5655 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA, USA, +1 225
5. LSU Campus
LSU Campus
A tour of the beautiful LSU campus is a great way to spend an evening. Take a drive through campus on Highland Road where you will see the splendid clock tower and Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Next, head over to the iconic football stadium, Death Valley, and visit the team’s magnificent mascot, Mike the Tiger; finally, take a drive around the beautiful LSU lakes. Park your car wherever feels right and enjoy a picturesque South Louisiana sunset.
Watch Out For: The many great restaurants in the area
6. Perkins Rowe
Perkins Rowe
This upscale shopping center has everything you need for a great day out on the town. Perkins Rowe has a variety of shopping options, including J. Crew, BCBG, Frock Candy, Urban Outfitters, and more. There is also a multitude of dining options, including Kona Grill, Texas de Brazil, Lava Cantina, CPK, and others. If you enjoy a good book and a cup of coffee, there is a Barnes & Noble with a Starbucks inside. No matter what you enjoy, there is something for everyone at Perkins Rowe.
Price: Upscale
Watch Out For: Rock n’ Rowe Thursdays 6pm – 9pm
Perkins Rowe, 10202 Perkins Rowe, Baton Rouge, LA, USA, +1 225 767 2000
7. Blue Bayou/Dixie Landin’
Amusement Park, Park
Blue Bayou/Dixie Landin’
Located off I-10, on the outskirts of the city, sits the only amusement park around Baton Rouge. In 1989, Blue Bayou Water Park opened at the corner of Perkins and Highland Road, providing relief to the locals from the Louisiana summer heat. For ten years, the water park operated alone. In 1999, Fun Fair Park closed its doors, having stood on Florida Boulevard since 1963. The old park moved across town to join the water park, creating Blue Bayou/Dixie Landin’. Today, the massive complex is a year-round attraction; however, the water park is only open during the summer months. All of the great rides and classic amusement park eats are available.
Price: Mid-Range
Watch Out For: Concerts
Blue Bayou/Dixie Landin’, 18142 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA, USA, +1 225 753 3333
Botanic Gardens at Independence Park
Independence Park was originally purchased from the Goodwood Plantation by the parish in 1931 in order to build an airport. In 1976, the old airport was converted into a park; in 1991, the Botanic Gardens were established at Independence Park in Mid-City, Baton Rouge. Located within the grounds, the Baton Rouge Garden Center plays host to all of the local gardening clubs and shows. The series of gardens is continuously expanding as more funds become available.
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 7am – sundown
Botanic Garden at Independence Park, 7950 Independence Boulevard, Baton Rouge, La, USA, +1 225 928 2270
8. Highland Observatory
Highland Observatory
The Highland Observatory offers a variety of events to help educate the public on the universe which exists outside of our pale blue dot. Visit this fantastic observatory, and allow the friendly volunteers to assist you in all of your astronomer needs; they are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about enlightening people on the related fields. They will help visitors operate the telescope and answer any questions; many also serve as guest-speakers for other events.
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 10am – 2pm (Mon – Thu), 5pm – 10pm (Fri), 9am – 2pm & 6pm – 10pm (Sat)
Watch Out For: Aliens!
Highland Observatory, 13800 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA, USA, +1 225 272 9200
9. Tony's Seafood
Market, Seafood
Price: Mid-Range
Opening Hours: 8am – 7:30pm (Mon – Thu), 8am – 8pm (Fri – Sat), 8am – 7pm (Sun)
Watch Out For: Everything…this place is one of a kind.
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