Doe's Eat Place

If absorbing nature sounds like a great idea to you, then you can take it all in at BREC's Cohn Memorial Arboretum. The facility is used for the preservation and study of plants from other areas, but having them all together only adds to Baton Rouge's beauty. In addition to the enticing foliage, there are fruit orchards, a butterfly garden, paved walkways and a bamboo collection that inhabit this outdoor environment. Choose between self-guided or guided tours. If you prefer the guided tour, the number of participants is limited to 14 and arrangements must be made ahead of time. Admission to the area is free, but no picnics or pets are allowed.

If you're taking the kids out for a while and you don't want to pay outrageous admission prices, head for Independence Park. The area features lots of great amenities like playground rides, picnic tables, a soccer field and baseball diamond, walking trails, and a tennis center. It is one of the city's busiest parks not only because of the impressive features but also because of its central location. Other added attractions include a shuffle board area, and an area for skateboarding. There's something for everyone in the family at this park.

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.