Louisiana’s Capital City is located less than 90-minutes from downtown New Orleans. Baton Rouge has plenty to offer from its blossoming arts and entertainment scene to its historical landmarks. It’s well worth the short trip to check out Baton Rouge’s trendy new restaurants, local breweries and upbeat downtown nightlife. The Capital City makes for a charming weekend getaway for New Orleans couples in search of a convenient escape not-so-far from home.

DAY 1

STAY:

HOTEL INDIGO

Spend the night at the vibrant Hotel Indigo, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge. Enjoy the hotel’s on-site bar & bistro or branch out and walk to nearby restaurants and bars. The hotel offers complimentary bicycle rentals available for exploring the numerous nearby live music venues, bars and entertainment in the area.

During your stay, snap a picture in front of the colorful mural painted on the side of the hotel. This impressive work-of-art was a collaboration between two local powerhouse artists: JZumo of Baton Rouge and Bmike Odums of New Orleans. The mural was originally commissioned by OnStar to represent the resiliency of the city and the community’s efforts to rebuild following a devastating flood in 2016. Baton Rouge native, JZumo, has artwork sprinkled throughout the city. Whether it’s on the walls of downtown, local businesses, homes, or LSU locker rooms, his art is sure to impress.

200 Convention Street, Baton Rouge, LA | (225) 343-1515 | www.ihg.com

PLAY:

TOPGOLF

On your way into Baton Rouge, hop off at I-10’s Siegen Lane exit for a round of golf at the brand new Topgolf Baton Rouge. Even if you’re no Tiger Woods – no worries! Golf pro snobs need not apply here. Topgolf has found a way to make the sport fun for the inexperienced and avid golfer alike.

COUPLES’ MASSAGE

Get a couples message at The Massage Emporium. They are within walking distance of most downtown BR establishments, and they even offer mobile services to downtown hotels.

Afterwards, go for a romantic walk hand-in-hand along the Mississippi River levee.

RIVERBOAT CASINO

Hop on the Belle of Baton Rouge riverboat casino in the heart of Downtown BR for a little gambling. Pro tip: they offer free parking in the casino’s garage and – if you’re planning to catch a show – free shuttle service from the garage to the River Center.

CONCERTS & LIVE EVENTS

Attend a concert or show at the Raising Canes River Center. Check their website for upcoming events.

If you visit in the spring, grab a blanket and some snacks and enjoy a free outdoor concert every Friday after 5pm at Downtown Baton Rouge’s Live After Five.

DINE & DRINK:

TSUMANI

Not only does Tsumani serve amazing food, it also dishes out some of the best views in Downtown BR. Had something else in mind for dinner? Not a problem! You can still enjoy the views. Head up to their rooftop to enjoy an open-air terrace, grab a cocktail and watch the sun set over the Mississippi River.

BLEND

Grab a glass of wine (and perhaps dessert) at the wood-clad and romantically dim-lit downtown wine bar, Blend.

BOUDREAUX & THIBODEAUX’S

Cap the night off with some drinks and dancing at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s in Downtown BR. Listen to the local zydeco band playing in the downstairs bar room or head up upstairs to the second bar with a balcony overlooking the lively downtown party scene – great for people watching!

DAY 2

STAY:

L’AUBERGE RESORT

Spend the night at the impressive casino resort and event venue, L’Auberge Casino & Hotel. Between its stunning rooftop pool, restaurants, casino and live concerts, this massive facility has enough to keep you entertained throughout your stay.

777 L’Auberge Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA | (225) 215-7777 | www.lbatonrouge.com

DINE & DRINKS:

RED STICK FARMERS MARKET

In the morning, head over to the Red Stick Farmers Market for some breakfast and make your way through more than 50 booths with seasonal fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, eggs, cheese, wine, breads, sweets and more – all locally sourced products from regional farmers. The market takes place year-round and after 20 years has expanded to 3 times a week in multiple locations, including its flagship site on Fifth and Main Streets every Saturday morning starting at 8am. The restaurants inside Main Street Market at the flagship location serve up some quality dishes – so bring an appetite!

BREWERIES

Head over to Tin Roof Brewing Company for some fresh and exciting beers on tap at this BR staple. After ordering your beers, be sure to grab a couple of tacos from the Rock Paper Taco food truck parked right outside of the taproom. They offer free tours of the brewery every Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 3pm. The taproom is open Tuesday-Friday from 4pm-10pm, Saturday from 12-10pm and Sunday from 12-8pm.

PLAY:

HORSEBACK RIDING

Farr Park Equestrian Center is located only a couple miles away from LSU’s campus. They offer guided trail rides by appointment on select Saturdays and Sundays. BREC provides the horses for this scenic 1-hour horseback ride through their park trails.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS

Show yourself around Louisiana’s Old State Capital, the USS KIDD Veterans Memorial & Museum, or the LSU Museum of Art.

PLANTATIONS

Venture further out to St. Francisville for an evening Mystery Tour of the Myrtles Plantation. Experience for yourself why this landmark has developed a reputation as one of America’s most haunted homes. Full of rich history and fascinating haunts since the late 1700s, the Myrtles Plantation operates today as a full-service B&B and tourist attraction. Open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm.

DAY 3

STAY:

THE STOCKADE BED & BREAKFAST

Located just off the beautiful, tree-lined Highland Road, this charming B&B has a place in history that can be traced back to the Civil War. And, just a fun fact in much more recent history, The Stockade was used as a set on HBO’s hit TV series True Blood.

The grounds and rooms are lovely with original artwork still intact. In the morning, enjoy some delicious homemade breakfast, which is included in your stay. As with most B&Bs, space is very limited so be sure to call well in advance to book your reservation.

8860 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA | (225) 769-7358 | www.thestockade.com

DINE & DRINKS:

OLIVE OR TWIST

For some quality handcrafted cocktails, head over to Olive or Twist. With its stylish atmosphere and extensive selection of spirits, you’re guaranteed to leave satisfied.

SAMMY’S GRILL

A local favorite, Sammy’s Bar & Grill is a casual eatery that serves some of the best seafood around and offers a laid-back dining experience.

PLAY:

PARK LAKES

Enjoy a morning or afternoon walk through the Milford Wampold Memorial Park and the Baton Rouge Beach by the University Lakes Park in the heart of south BR. Explore the 6-mile stretch complete with picturesque views of cypress trees, stately homes and migratory birds. Public restrooms, a fishing dock, an exercise area and parking are all available on-site.

901 Stanford Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | Website

LSU CAMPUS

Visit LSU’s campus and the Mike the Tiger habitat outside the Pete Maravich assembly center. Afterward, take a stroll through the quad before making your way to the Parade Ground and enjoying the view of the Bell Tower from the shade of a stately oak.

Attend a LSU sporting event. A baseball game inside Alex Box Stadium is quite the experience — even if you’re a Tulane fan!

All images by Mary Losavio unless otherwise noted.

Feature image credit: @MAPLOGS.COM