San Francisco Plantation
Why? The official tourist website lists "101 Things to
do" when you holiday in Baton Rouge, from swamp tours to visiting a
doll museum. Apart from the many attractions, most travel to Baton
Rouge simply to sample the charm of the old south, which this
growing Louisiana city alongside "Old Man River" (the Mississippi)
still exudes in full measure. Foodies travel to Baton Rouge for the
unbeatable Cajun, Creole, French and Mexican cuisine which is
served up at more than 900 restaurants.
When? Pack light for a holiday in Baton Rouge, but perhaps
include a waterproof, because the climate is warm and wet all year
round. The best time to travel to Baton Rouge is early spring,
between February and April, when it is warm with lower humidity
than is experienced during the rest of the year.
Who for? Whatever your interests, a Baton Rouge holiday will
pique them. Sporty types will enjoy the many facilities, especially
golf; night-birds can enjoy the river boat casinos and many hot
clubs; sight-seers can explore old southern mansions and museums;
families find thrills at the amusement park; and so on. Everyone
will enjoy a holiday in Baton Rouge.
More Info: Our comprehensive Baton Rouge travel guide
provides all the information required to plan a holiday in Baton
Rouge with detailed entries updated regularly.
Overview
Situated about 75 miles (121km) northwest of New Orleans along
Louisiana's winding 'Great River Road', Baton Rouge, the state
capital, is in the middle of plantation country. Surrounded by
sugar cane fields and grand plantation homes, haunted southern
mansions and beautiful gardens along the banks of the mighty
Mississippi, the city is filled with historic buildings and a
vibrant nightlife.
Baton Rouge was named by French explorer D'Iberville about 300
years ago when he found a red stick on a bluff overlooking the
Mississippi. Today the one-time swampland settlement is the fifth
largest port city in America, known for its riverboat casinos where
high-stakes gambling, stage shows and Cajun cuisine reign supreme.
The city has an academic side too, being home to Louisiana State
University and Southern University, the largest historically
African-American university in the nation. There are museums
aplenty, art galleries, a planetarium and active theatre and ballet
companies to complete the scene in this dynamic and diverse city.
Incidentally, Baton Rouge also has the tallest Capitol building in
the United States: an art deco building dating from 1932 standing
34 storeys high.
