Baton Rouge, Louisiana, echoes Greenville’s charm
In South Carolina, if the buzz isn’t about Charleston, it’s likely about Greenville. Down in Louisiana, that same energy belongs to Baton Rouge. Of course, Louisiana State University keeps the town hopping, but what makes it familiar is its warm welcome, a spirit of hospitality that recalls Greenville’s own friendly ethos. If you’re planning a long weekend in Louisiana’s capital, choose your own adventure from these places that bring to mind some favorite spots in Greenville. They’re sure to maximize your Baton Rouge trip from beginning to end.
The Charms of Baton Rouge
If you like Vintage Market Greenville, go to
The Pink Elephant Antiques
This Mid-City antique mall is filled with treasures from decades past, including cocktail glasses, refrigerator glass, ceramics, and vintage accessories. It’s also beautifully decorated; check out the elephant motif in the bathroom.
2648 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA
If you like Rock House Antiques, go to
Circa 1857
Circa is packed with fine English and French country antiques, architectural salvage, groupings of fine art, tableware, and unique light fixtures. They will even package and ship anywhere in the United States.
If you like llyn strong Fine Art Jewelry, go to
The Mimosa Shoppe
Original designs inspired by nature—reptiles, trees, birds, flowers—make this a memorable stop on the edge of the Garden District for locally made gifts. Many pieces come in brass, silver, or gold.
541 S. Eugene St.
If you like M. Judson Booksellers, go to
Red Stick Reads
Who doesn’t love an independent bookstore? Pick up titles about the South, Louisiana, and Baton Rouge, along with book-themed gifts and local goods. The name is a wink to the English translation of Baton Rouge.
3829 Government St.
If you like Greenville County Museum of Art, go to
Louisiana Art and Science Museum
Rotating exhibitions complement the nation’s largest collection of sculptures and drawings by Croatian artist Ivan Meštrović. LASM sits along the Mississippi River in a restored 1925 train station. It’s also adjacent to the Old State Capitol, known as “the castle on the hill.”
100 S. River Rd.,
If you like Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, go to
Tony’s Seafood Market & Deli
Tony’s is a treasure trove of Louisiana’s aquaculture. From shellfish to alligator, frog legs to catfish, there’s something for every locavore to ogle, including a hot lunch buffet and fun folks behind the counter.
5215 Plank Rd.
If you like Block House, try
The Chimes
This institution, just steps from the LSU campus, serves up heaping plates of game-day favorites like craveable oysters, gumbo, stuffed shrimp, fried seafood platters, and other Creole specialties. The rooftop bar is a great place for group dining.
3357 Highland Rd.
If you like Clare’s Creamery, go to
LSU AgCenter Dairy Store
Made on campus with milk from cows cared for by LSU’s Agriculture Department, this ice cream is legendary. A three-ounce scoop costs just two dollars, and the golden vanilla flavor with blueberry flecks remains a longtime campus favorite, fittingly called Tiger Bite.
118 S. Campus Dr.
If you like Soby’s New South Cuisine, go to
Eliza
Date-night cuisine utilizing local ingredients makes an evening at Eliza a delicious occasion. Look for Southern favorites including buttermilk-battered Louisiana catfish, lump crab cakes, and fried green tomatoes, all paired with a great beverage program.
7970 Jefferson Hwy.
If you like Coral, go to
Mansurs on the Boulevard
Chef-driven Creole seafood dishes in a great location always deliver. Ask a Baton Rouge local for a favorite dinner spot and nine times out of ten, they’ll recommend Mansurs.
5720 Corporate Blvd. A,
If you like Pettigru Place, go to
The Stockade Bed & Breakfast
Named for a Civil War-era stockage that once occupied the grounds, this hacienda-style estate offers five well-appointed rooms. Spend time enjoying its lush grounds, which are certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat.
8860 Highland Rd.
