Empress Nails

There's always something fun happening at the Baton Rouge River Center. What better way to keep cool than to hit the ice at the center's expansive ice skating rink. This fun activity is available on selected days of the month during the summer. Also, big-name attractions are featured frequently, like the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, various musical acts, and even specialized event shows like the bi-annual bridal fair.

Are you a history buff and a collector? Hidden treasures await you at Little Wars, a unique store that specializes in science fiction and fantasy items. Also, you'll find lots of military and Civil War memorabilia that will be a must for your collection. Miniatures, books, and lots of other one-of-a-kind items are all waiting for you to discover at Little Wars.

The Afton Villa Gardens stand as proof that there can be beauty among the ruins. These breathtaking gardens rest on the terraced ruins of the palatial home built by Susan Barrow in 1849. These are 250-acres of trees, plants and flowers that line a winding walking trail. Take a stroll along this gorgeous path that always proves to be a calming, restorative exercise no matter what the season. And speaking of seasons, when spring brings the flowering and budding of these plants and trees, it also brings throngs of nature lovers to see the indescribable outdoor beauty unfold right before their eyes.

The Louisiana State Museum is just as good at preserving the area's culture as it is celebrating it. See various thematic exhibits on the diverse aspects of Louisiana's colorful history, industry and culture. See artifacts from the original Louisiana Purchase, a Civil War Submarine and an amazing 48-foot wooden shrimp crawler. See a captivating exhibit on the history and traditions of Mardi Gras as well as the various cultural influences that made the food here so spicy!