Curbside Burgers

The Independence Park Theatre strives for the freedom of self expression, and judging from the very packed list of events, they seem to be reaching that goal quite often. Concerts, plays, musicals, dance recitals, pageants, lectures, graduations, seminars, workshops and conferences have all taken place at this all-purpose entertainment venue since it opened its doors in 2001. Also, within its walls is where the Louisiana Art and Artists' Guild makes its home, and there, the tradition of self expression continues as you will find several exhibits throughout the year.

Get a taste of what life was like in Louisiana before the industrial revolution when you visit the Rural Life Museum and Windrush Gardens. The museum's credo is to commemorate and preserve history and educate future generations about not only the advances that have occurred up to this point, but the ones we will likely encounter in the future. Through various classes, field trips, and special exhibits, the museum offers several opportunities to dig deeper into various aspects of everything that came before.

Baton Rouge's Burden Center is a visually compelling sight, and if you're a garden and nature lover, it might just be a sneak peak at what heaven must be like! This amazing 440-acre is a tract that is used for a wide array of projects that test various crops and plants as they grow in Louisiana's climate. There are also several beautiful gardens of roses, flowers and vegetables that have walking paths and and various rest areas where you can sit in the great outdoors and reflect on this buffet of visual beauty.

The USS Kidd and Veteran's Memorial is a standing tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during two eras of our nation's military conflicts. See the actual aircraft that soared through the skies of Southeast Asia as well as actual items used during the attack on the beaches of Normandy. The names of the fallen Americans are etched on to a granite wall, and they will forever be remembered as our heroes who tirelessly fought and never gave up. This "Pirate of the Pacific" is located in downtown Baton Rouge, and is a constant reminder of the outstanding bravery of our unparalleled service men and women.