Day 1: Arrival and Unwinding
The moment our tires hit the Baton Rouge pavement, the excitement was tangible. An eight-hour journey behind us, we were ready to immerse ourselves in the Southern charm of Louisiana’s capital. We arrived at our historic AirBnB for a quick refresh and to unload our bags. Our AirBnB was just as described and the photos showed. There were beautiful plants that set the vibe in every room.
Our first stop, Overpass Merchant, did not disappoint. The artisanal cocktails, infused with local flavors, set the tone for the evening, and the fresh grouper sandwiches were nothing short of delightful. This cute little establishment had plants everywhere which won me over from thee start. The day ended early, giving into the exhaustion from the journey, promising ourselves an eventful Day 2.
Day 2: Baton Rouge In-Depth
Our second day began at the historic old State Capitol of Louisiana. The unique Gothic and Victorian architecture was both haunting and charming, setting the pace for the day.
Next, we hopped onto a bus that provided us with an intimate view of the city. We got to see the new Louisiana State Capitol.
A quick hop across the river later, we found ourselves at the Best Little Po’boy House in Ft. Allen, a true hidden gem offering the quintessential Po’boy experience.
Day 3: Day Trip to New Orleans
With a quick pit stop at the renowned Cafe Du Monde for some exquisite beignets, we kicked off our third day with a day trip to New Orleans.
Jackson Square and the beautiful cathedral marked the first of our sightseeing spots, the atmosphere vibrant and full of energy.
A trolley ride from the Red Line to the Green Line later, a slight hiccup – our trolley broke down! Undeterred, we hailed an Uber and made our way back to Bourbon Street.
Lunch and cocktails at the legendary Pat O’Brians was an experience in itself, followed by a visit to
Tropical Isle for their signature Hand Grenade cocktail. A lively stroll down Bourbon Street, with street performers adding to the ambience and several intriguing shops catching our attention, was an experience to remember. We concluded our trip just in time to escape a looming rainstorm.
Day 4: Nature and Casino Fun
Our final day in Baton Rouge began at the LSU Botanic Gardens. The variety of plant species and the tranquility provided a refreshing start to the day. Then we headed to see Mike, the LSU Mascot.
Post a quick visit home for a shower, we headed to the L’Auberge Casino. Lunch at Bon Temps Market was delightful, setting the stage for some thrilling slot machine time, where we put our promotional bucks to use.
The evening came to a close back at the house with a delicious dinner, to-go daiquiris from New Orleans Original Daiquiris (in Baton Rouge), and a fun card game.
The next morning, we bid goodbye to this charming city, taking with us memories and experiences to last a lifetime.
This four-day itinerary is an example of how Baton Rouge and its neighboring city New Orleans can offer a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all kinds.
-S&E
Discovering Heritage and Artistry: A Tour of Louisiana's Old State Capitol | The Empty Nesters’ Travels
Wednesday 2nd of August 2023
[…] This journey through Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is more than a simple tour; it’s an intimate encounter with the soul of Louisiana. As you step back into the present, you carry with you a deeper understanding and appreciation of the state’s vibrant past and the people, events, and principles that continue to shape Louisiana’s narrative. You can see the rest of our trip to Louisiana here! […]