The Play List: Things to do for empty nesters in Baton Rouge

Antiques District in Denham Springs

The Denham Springs antiques district is the ultimate antiquing experience. Located along North Range Avenue, this collection of shops showcases antique clothing, books, furniture, textiles and more. Touted as the “most affordable antique shopping in the south,” the so-called “Art Avenue” coalition hosts two festivals a year—one in the spring and one in the fall. Though shopping here is enjoyable at any time, festival time is exciting with live music and more. denhamspringsantiquedistrict.net

Baton Rouge Audubon Society

Interested in the abundance of avian life around the city? Check out birding field trips by the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, held on the first Saturday of every month at Bluebonnet Swamp. These low-key expeditions are led by local experts who will help even the most novice bird-watchers identify plenty of interesting species. 10503 North Oak Hills Pkwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70810. braudubon.org

Cajun Clickers

Are you a computer fanatic? Or are you a technophobe? No matter which side of the spectrum you lean toward, the Cajun Clickers Computer Club can help. Cajun Clickers is dedicated to promoting computer literacy. They meet once a month, and they also host regular workshops, lectures and ask-the-expert events. One-on-one help is also available. 10120 Red Oak Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70815. (225) 273-7113. clickers.org

Cajun Dancing at Boutin’s

Geaux Cajun at Boutin’s on Bluebonnet Boulevard. Grab a group of friends and head over almost any night of the week for live, traditional Cajun music and a giant dance floor with lots of room for you and your friends to jitterbug the night away. Have drinks overlooking the bayou on their covered pier, where you can even feed turtles that passé by, have a drink and laissez les bons temps rouler. 8322 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70884. (225) 819-9862. boutins.com

Cajun Village

The Cajun Village offers a realistic step back into Louisiana’s roots with a comprehensive restored Acadian Village, now home to coffee, candle and wine shops and even an alligator pond. Stay overnight in a Cajun Cottage and you can wake up slowly, sitting on your cabin’s front porch swing to watch the sunrise before enjoying some café au lait and beignets. Located at the intersection of <strong>La. Hwy. 22 and La. Hwy. 70 near the I-10 Donaldsonville/Sorrento exit. cajunvillageshops.com

Circa 1857

Do a little shopping at Circa for an artisan experience. The main building, Circa 1857, has a massive collection of antique furniture, housewares, even jewelry and clothing, while the surrounding shops offer art and unique trinkets you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Take a break from your consumer therapy to enjoy a creative and delicious lunch at Yvette Marie’s, situated within the store. Live music often is playing. 1857 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. (225) 387-8667. circa1857.com

Community Gardens

Get involved with the community garden movement in Baton Rouge. The Garden Alliance is an umbrella organization that links independent neighborhood gardens from around the city. Whether you want to help solve urban food deserts or just want to grow your own veggies, the volunteer coordinator for the alliance can point you in the right direction. Email [email protected] for more information.

The Cottage Plantation B&B

The Cottage Plantation in St. Francisville is one of the only antebellum plantation complexes still standing. The main house is a series of buildings constructed from 1795 to 1859, connected to the primary structure. Spend the night to give yourselves time to explore all the sections: the milk house, school, slave quarters, carriage barn and so many more combine to give you one of the most complete pictures of plantation life available. 10528 Cottage Ln., St. Francisville, LA 70775. (225) 635-3674. cottageplantation.com

Foundation for Historical Louisiana

If you’re interested in the Red Stick’s heritage, the Foundation for Historical Louisiana can provide you with every opportunity imaginable. Headquartered in the Old Governor’s Mansion, the group offers walking tours, art exhibits, lectures and a patriotic ceremony at historic Magnolia Cemetery to honor the 1862 Battle of Baton Rouge. Highly anticipated each year is their dramatic living history event “Magnolia Memories,” held in Magnolia Cemetery between Florida Boulevard and Main. 502 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. (225) 387-2464. fhl.org

Hemingbough

Hemingbough offers refuge for those who really need to unplug and get off the grid for a while. Constructed to serve as a place where individuals can shake off their worries and simply enjoy being alive, it also makes an ideal day trip out of Baton Rouge or a secluded weekend getaway for couples. The grounds are sprinkled with beautiful architectural details and natural elements that soothe the mind and ease the senses. 10101 Louisiana 965, St. Francisville, LA 70775. (225) 635-6617. hemingbough.com

Hill Memorial Library at LSU

Interested in the history of our state and region? Let your curiosity run wild at LSU’s special collections library, home to the nation’s leading collection of letters and other memorabilia from the Lower Mississippi Valley. You’ll have to sign in and be escorted here and there because of the delicate nature of some of the library’s treasures, but they are worth it. (225) 578-6544. lib.lsu.edu

Hilltop Arboretum

The LSU Hilltop Arboretum (pictured on page 51) offers sanctuary in the middle of the city. These 14 acres were purchased as a retreat for the Smith family in 1929. In recognition of the property owner’s love of nature, the grounds have been cultivated into a literal wonderland of tree canopies, bamboo groves and wildflower fields. Hilltop offers the perfect location for an impromptu stroll or pre-planned picnic lunch. 11855 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810. (225) 767-6916. hilltop.lsu.edu

Hooper Road Trail System

Ready to hit the trails? Strap on your hiking boots, pack up your mountain bikes and take the challenge thrown down by more than five miles of bluff trails on the Hooper Road Trail System. It’s a great way to get out to nature and reconnect as a couple, while putting your courage to the test. bramba.org

Houmas House

Explore one of the most photogenic plantations in the state: Houmas House, which has been featured in classic films and television series alike. Tours will take you through 16 decadently decorated rooms filled with opulent antiques. Afterward, take a stroll through the expansive gardens, then enjoy a fine dining experience at Latil’s Landing, the plantation’s award-winning restaurant. 40136 Louisiana 942, Darrow, LA 70525. (225) 473-9380. houmashouse.com

Jazz Masters

One of the great successes of a union between the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and the River City Jazz Coalition has been the River City Jazz Masters Series. The series of performances brings supremely talented musicians to the Manship Theatre, with a new concert each month. Many of these acts wouldn’t make it to the Capital City without a collaboration like this one. acgbr.com

L’Auberge Casino

Enjoy Baton Rouge’s newest casino and all the experiences it offers. From four-star restaurants to live music and every kind of gaming known to humanity, you can do it all at L’Auberge. Amp up the enjoyment by booking a stay in the luxurious hotel, and don’t forget to take a dip in the rooftop pool. Want to maximize your stay? There’s an app for that. 777 L’Auberge Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70820. (225) 215-7777. lbatonrouge.com

Louisiana Mud Painting

This relatively unknown art gallery showcases the nearly lost technique of mining colors and pigments from the earth. Artist Henry Neubig uses this approach to capture the very essence of southern Louisiana, using a vibrant palette crafted from our state’s soil to render land- and bayou-scapes, floral paintings and more. If you can get a group of 15 or more to visit with you, call ahead and schedule a free demonstration of this unusual painting style. 16950 Strain Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70816. (225) 275-5126. mudpainting.com

Louisiana State Archives

Visit the Louisiana State Archives for a tangible journey back through time. Search out your family’s genealogical history using the immense collections of state government records, or peruse an extensive collection of World War I posters or WPA art. Whatever your passion, the archives almost certainly has the history behind it. 3851 Essen Ln., Baton Rouge, LA 70809. (225) 922-1000. sos.la.gov

The LSU AgCenter Dairy Store

Take a break from your typical grocery shopping and head over to the state’s flagship university, home to an Agricultural Center, creamery and dairy store to beat all others. Enjoy a milkshake while you buy milk, cheese and even steaks. <strong>Located at the corner of South Stadium Drive and Tower Drive on the LSU campus. (225) 578-4392.

LSU Union Theater

Nestled in the corner of LSU’s Student Union is the theater, offering a wide selection of plays, performances and other theatrical presentations at a reasonable price throughout the year. Shows range from Beauty and the Beast and Hello, Dolly! to Beatles revival groups and movement troupes. Whatever your pleasure, the Union Theater makes it easily attainable. (225) 578-5141. unionweb.lsu.edu

The Madonna Chapel

Reputedly the smallest church in the world, this chapel was built by a poor farmer after he prayed for his son’s recovery. When the son regained his health, the farmer kept his promise, building this tiny chapel to honor Mary. Although it’s just 8 square feet in size, Mass is held here once a year on Aug. 15—the Feast of the Assumption—but visitors are welcome anytime. Just check the mailbox for the visitors’ key. Located on La. Hwy. 405/River Road, nine miles south of La. Hwy. 1, Bayou Goula, LA. 4.5 miles north of the Nottoway Plantation. louisiana101.com

Mid City Tour

Mid City Baton Rouge is a thriving area filled with independently owned businesses catering to every personality. Spend a day exploring the shops lining Government Street, where you can find everything from antiques and stained glass to restaurants, retro clothing and housewares. Even if you drive through this area every day, you haven’t yet discovered everything there is to find. midcitymerchants.org

N – The Art Space

Created as a place for artists to make art and for creative endeavors and initiatives to take shape, N serves as a window into the artistic soul of Baton Rouge. You can support the local art community through donations and/or the purchase of individual artwork. Visit the website for upcoming shows and events, or email [email protected] to set up a time for private viewing. 7809 Jefferson Hwy, Buildings G, B and C, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. (225) 324-8936. ntheartspace.net

Nottoway Plantation

Another plantation that’s worth a road trip is Nottoway. Situated near the levee in White Castle, this is the quintessential image that comes to mind when you think of the Old South. At 54,000 square feet, it is the largest antebellum home in the south. 31025 Louisiana 1, White Castle, LA 70788. (225) 545-2730. nottoway.com

Old Governor’s Mansion

Often referred to as Louisiana’s White House, this lovingly preserved and restored building is a pleasure to tour. Steeped in the state’s political past, it does have several parallels to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, even down to the same wallpaper in certain areas. Call for an appointment and tour the mansion, learning about the governors who lived there, from Huey Long to Robert Kennon. 502 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. (225) 387-2464. oldgovernorsmansion.org

Pentagon Barracks

Stop by the Pentagon Barracks near the State Capitol in Baton Rouge for a quick visit to one of the most historic sites in the city. Briefly famous as the location of the birth of a new state—the fleeting Republic of West Florida—the site offers a museum of small exhibits, now nestled next to government offices, giving a glimpse into the area’s tumultuous circumstances before and during the Civil War. Located on North River Road at State Capitol Drive.

Perkins Rowe

The closest thing to a town square Baton Rouge has to offer, Perkins Rowe has a little bit of everything. You can literally spend an entire day here, wandering through Barnes & Noble, catching a matinee at the theater and the enjoying a fro-yo at the Red Mango on a bench by the fountains, then window shopping at Sur La Table and ending the night with wine at Bin 77. 10202 Perkins Rowe, Baton Rouge, LA 70810. (225) 767-2000. perkinsroweshops.com

Plaquemine Locks

Only about 40 minutes away from Baton Rouge, located down Highway 1, you’ll find the historic Plaquemine Locks, which, when they were originally erected in 1909, had a lift of more than 51 feet—the world’s highest freshwater lock lift at the time. After 52 years of service, the locks were closed, having been replaced by more capable modernized lock mechanisms, but the original structures and a small museum remain. 57730 Main St., Plaquemine, LA 70764. (225) 687-7158. crt.state.la.us

Poor Boy Lloyd’s

Chances are you haven’t been to this Baton Rouge institution in a while. A downtown mainstay, Poor Boy Lloyd’s has one of the best roast beef poboys in town among other classic Southern “blue plate” dishes. But they don’t stop at excellent food and great service. Drop by on Friday nights for live music featuring some of Louisiana’s best southern rock and soul performers. <strong>201 Florida St., Baton Rouge, LA 70801. (225) 387-2271. poorboylloyds.com

Port Hudson State Historic Site

You don’t have to be a Civil War buff to get caught up in the drama of this historic site. The siege of Port Hudson started on May 23, 1863, and represented one of the most aggressive attacks by Union soldiers up until that point. The grounds here include the battlefield and museum plus a six-mile-long hiking trail. 236 Hwy 61, Jackson, LA 70748. (888) 677-3400. crt.state.la.us

Red Door Interiors

With the kids out of the house and a new stage of life approaching, it might not be a bad idea to rethink your home décor. Red Door Interiors makes that process painless and even fun. Even if you’re not ready for a complete overhaul, browsing their eclectic and stylish offerings is sure to get your creative juices flowing. 5210 Corporate Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70808. (225) 201-9333. reddoorinteriorsinc.com

Red Dragon Listening Room

Love to support live music and the artists who make it? Red Dragon Listening Room provides an offbeat, not-for-profit venue for discovering new artists and helping them as they tour the country. $20 gets you the seat of your choice, but if you’re feeling particularly philanthropic, kick in an extra $10 for VIP treatment. All money goes directly to the featured musician. Not only is the listening room a fantastic opportunity to discover new music, it also provides the prospect of meeting other music-savvy folks from the Capital City area. 2401 Florida St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. (225) 939-7783. facebook.com/RedDragonListeningRoom

Red Stick Farmers Market

The Red Stick Farmers Market emphasizes the importance of connecting the consumer directly with the farmer, making the act of eating locally a more personal experience. As you wander through the aisles of freshly picked produce, consider the pleasant challenge of planning your meals around what’s in season. Open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to noon. Located at 5th Street and Main Street in downtown Baton Rouge. redstickfarmersmarket.org

Red Stick Spice Company

Take your senses on an exotic journey around the world at the Red Stick Spice Company. This family-owned business offers fresh spices, custom-made rubs and blends, and tested recipes that use special seasoning to bring out the most flavor possible from your ingredients. Have questions? Check with the owner, Anne, for advice, suggestions and more. <strong>7970 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70809. (225) 930-9967. redstickspice.com

Republic of West Florida Historical Museum

Nestled deep in the Florida Parishes is one of the state’s hidden treasures: the Republic of West Florida Historical Museum. Less than an hour’s drive northeast of the Capital City, this treasure of Civil War and military artifacts is heavy on the history, with antique cars, planes and carriages, antebellum furnishings, ship models, and a diorama on the Battle of Jackson. But it’s also home to Louisiana’s only “publicly accessible and playing” theatre pipe organ. $2 for adults and 50 cents for children. Open Saturdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sundays 1:30-4:30 p.m. 3406 College St., Jackson, LA 70748. jacksonlamuseum.com

River Road African American Museum

Located in the historic center of Donaldsonville is a small but powerful museum serving as a testament to the contributions of African Americans who once lived and worked on the plantations along the Mississippi River. Exhibits are compelling reminders of where we’ve come from and where we’re going. Tours are available. 406 Charles St., Donaldsonville, LA 70346. (225) 474-5553. africanamericanmuseum.org

The Royal Standard

Gearing up for a dinner party or just prepping for tailgating time? Hurry over to the Royal Standard, where the two of you can get all the festive gear you need for a good time together. 2877 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge LA 70808. (225) 344-2311. theroyalstandard.com

Satterfield’s

Satterfield’s Riverwalk is legendary. Enjoy four-star cuisine, made with the freshest ingredients and homegrown vegetables, while looking out over False River. Just a short drive from Baton Rouge, it’s definitely a date-night destination that goes beyond good food. 108 E Main St. New Roads, LA 70760. (225) 638-5027. satterfields.com

The State Capitol

Rediscover the political center of our state when you visit the State Capitol and its grounds. If you bring a picnic, you can make it a full day. Take your time and explore the grand architecture orchestrated by the colorful Huey Long, making sure to stop and ponder the bullet marks where he met his demise. Ride the elevator up to the 27th floor and take in the outstanding city views from the Observation Deck, then wander back down for a stroll through the grounds. 900 N. 3rd St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. (225) 342-7317. crt.state.la.us/tourism/capitol

Superior Grill

From 6:30 to 10 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, Superior Grill serves up more than just their famous margaritas; they showcase live music from excellent local acts like the Anteeks or the Chris LeBlanc Band. All activities take place in the Rio Room, the patio area next to the traditional dining room, so you can order food and drinks while you enjoy the festive atmosphere and some of your favorite tunes. 5435 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806. (225) 927-2022. batonrouge.superiorgrill.com

Tailgating at LSU

Relive the glory days and take a walk through campus at its liveliest: during the buildup to a home football game. Chances are you know someone who’s tailgating, but don’t worry if you don’t. You’ll make friends before you know it. <strong>For a complete schedule and more game day information visit lsusports.net.

Taylor Clark Gallery

This locally owned business is a combination art gallery, top-notch framing service and restoration shop, specializing in Audubon prints. The gallery hosts paintings from dozens of artists, most of whom are connected to Louisiana either directly or indirectly. Check their Facebook page at facebook.com/TCGallery for new exhibits or special lectures by guest artists. 2623 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806. (225) 383-4929. taylorclark.com

Theatre Baton Rouge

Established in 1946 as the Baton Rouge Little Theater, Theatre Baton Rouge is one of the oldest community theatres in the country, offering more than 150 theatrical performances, workshops and events each year. Their eclectic season ranges from Clare Booth Luce’s The Women to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5. Season tickets are very reasonable, making the Theatre an excellent opportunity to keep some culture in your lives. 7155 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806. (225) 924-6496. brlt.org

USS Kidd

You probably drive by the USS Kidd on a regular basis, but it’s easy to forget that it’s not just an exhibit; it’s a piece of history. Take the tour, stopping to honor the fallen Americans lost in World War II, then marvel at the fact that this ship was once in active combat. 305 S River Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. (225) 342-1942. usskidd.com

West Baton Rouge Museum

The West Baton Rouge Museum in Port Allen offers a glimpse into some of the earliest French-Creole architecture, as well as plantation cabins, a 1904 sugar mill model, and rotating exhibits such as the interactive Treasure Hunt. This program explores the tools and methods used throughout the ages in the pursuit of buried or hidden treasures. 45 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen, LA 70767. (225) 336-2422. westbatonrougemuseum.com

Want more things to do? Check out the lists below.

• Things to do for empty nesters in Cajun Country
• Things to do for empty nesters in New Orleans
• Things to do for singles in Baton Rouge
• Things to do for singles in Cajun Country
• Things to do for singles in New Orleans
• Things to do for families in Baton Rouge
• Things to do for families in Cajun Country
• Things to do for families in New Orleans