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Summer time is the perfect time to travel. We’ve worked with our partners to create an insider’s guide to explore hot spots for a weekend getaway or an adventure close to home. Discover some of the experiences and places our partners offer below. Now hit the road! Safe travels from 225.
WEEKEND GETAWAYS
Si Señor Taqueria
HAMMOND EATS
Take a foodie road trip to Hammond and experience four restaurants that are worth the drive.
One Thirteen was originally a mid- century modern building designed by famous architect, John Desmond. The space has been newly renovated to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.
See more at onethirteenrestaurant.com
La Carreta is the perfect place to wind down with friends and sample internationally inspired Mexican cuisine and margaritas.
See more at carretarestaurant.com
Si Señor Taqueria is a vibrant restaurant known for its attentive service, festive ambiance and of course, flavorful dishes.
See more at sisenortaqueria.com
Salty Joe’s BBQ offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience with exceptional barbecue, handcrafted cocktails, draft beers and live music!
See more at saltyjoesbbq.com
HOUMAS HOUSE
Allow some time to fully explore Houmas House and its gardens. The estate gives visitors a look at life on a sugarcane plantation in the 1800s.
Insider’s Tip: Ask the restaurant for off-the-menu specials. Check out the Turtle Bar, which is always open. And see if you can find the gardens’ secret paths.
See more at houmashouse.com
LAKE CHARLES
Often referred to as the juxtaposition of outdoor adventures and luxurious gaming with lazy rivers, golf courses and spas, Lake Charles is a destination for every traveler.
What’s to love: Enjoy a charming downtown area showcasing the local color of eclectic art and music.
Hot spots: Crying Eagle Brewing & The Bistro, Rikenjak’s, Paul’s Rib Shack and Luna Bar & Grill are staples for flavorful creations and live music. Check out the brand-new Fire & Oak restaurant!
See more at visitlakecharles.org
NEW ORLEANS
From the historic architecture and the sounds of live music to the one-of-a-kind, can’t-stop-craving-it cuisine, there’s truly no place on earth like New Orleans.
Must do: Check out the number of new swoon-worthy hotels that have opened, from the hip overhaul of the Hotel St. Vincent to the luxe riverfront accommodations of the upcoming Four Seasons.
Insider’s Tip: Stay in style in the heart of the action. Check out some of the city’s hottest attractions, like the National WWII Museum, and then stay in the lap of luxury just steps away at the Higgins Hotel. Make sure to swing by Rosie’s on the Roof for light bites and cocktails overlooking the city skyline.
See more at neworleans.com
RIVER PARISHES
A strip of land 30 miles along the Mississippi River, the River Parishes is recognized for its unique history and distinct culture fused from Creole and Cajun heritage.
What’s to love: Explore the area through authentic tours, eat local delicacies, and experience thrilling bayou adventures to encounter the creatures that live in harmony with the locals.
Insider’s Tip: Try delicious bites at eateries along the Andouille Trail or travel down the 1811 Slave Revolt Trail honoring America’s First Freedom March.
See more at lariverparishes.com
VISIT NATCHEZ
As one of the oldest cities in Mississippi, Natchez is a premier cultural destination with rich history, old-town charm and a lot of fun.
What’s to love: Enjoy unique shopping, tasty culinary experiences, exciting nightlife, and countless outdoor experiences.
Hot Spots: The Little Easy Café and Smoot’s Grocery on High Street are the newest additions to the Natchez culinary scene and will be your go-to for live music and dancing.
See more at visitnatchez.org
WEST FELICIANA
A short jaunt from Baton Rouge, West Feliciana is often referred to as a naturalists’ paradise. Visitors can embrace the outdoors by birding, hiking, canoeing or cycling.
What’s to love: West Feliciana is known as John Audubon’s artistic inspiration. Visit the Audubon State Historic Site Oakley House, and browse journals and paintings by John Audubon.
Must do: Make time to stroll through the Rosedown Plantation Gardens. For the outdoors lover, escape to the mysterious and mystical land of Tunica Hills.
See more at explorewestfeliciana.com
WEST MONROE
Head northwest of Baton Rouge to visit Monroe-West Monroe, located on the banks of the Ouachita River and Bayou Desiard.
Must do: Kayak through the beautiful Black Bayou Lake NWR, then stroll through the gardens of the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens.
Hot spots: Grab a bite at local favorites’ Parish Restaurant or Jac’s Craft Smokehouse.
See more at monroe-westmonroe.org
CLOSER TO HOME
BLUE ZOO
It’s more than a zoo. Baton Rouge just opened a hands-on-aquarium this spring.
What’s to love: See and interact with a variety of marine animals, including sharks, sea horses, jellyfish, octopus, and clownfish.
Must do: Touch and feed stingrays. Don’t forget to get up close and personal with the birds and reptiles.
See more at https://bluezoo.us
LSU RURAL LIFE MUSEUM
LSU Rural Life Museum allows visitors to step into Louisiana’s past. Tour 32 historic outbuildings spread over 25 acres in Baton Rouge.
Must do: See the largest collection of material cultures of Louisiana during the 18th and 19th centuries. Don’t forget to ask about interpretive events, special events and lectures throughout the year.
See more at lsu.edu/rurallife
RENAISSANCE HOTEL & TALLULAH CRAFTED FOOD & WINE BAR
Located in the heart of Baton Rouge, the Renaissance Hotel allows visitors easy access to premier shopping, the medical district and LSU.
Must do: Sit back and experience a seamlessly blend of Southern hospitality and upscale décor. Sip a glass of wine at the Tallulah Wine Bar or chow down on the crafted burger.
See more at renhotels.com/batonrouge
WATERMARK HOTEL
The perfect escape is closer to home than you think. Enjoy luxurious accommodations in downtown Baton Rouge at the Watermark Hotel.
Must do: Try the exquisite cuisine at The Gregory and local delights at Milford’s on Third.
Insider’s tip: While visiting the hotel, ask Mr. Bill—aka the Mayor of Third Street—for behind-the-scenes tours and little-known fun facts about historic surroundings.
See more at watermarkbr.com
IF YOU PREFER TO FLY
FLY BTR
If prefer to fly, fly local out of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. It is close and convenient offering speedy parking and breezy check-ins. Check out the nonstops and short hops to wherever in the world you want to go.
Must do: Sign up for the It’s about Time newsletter to get the inside scoop on must-see- can’t miss weekend destination.
See more at flybtr.com
