Hannah Q Smokehouse

Everybody likes Mike, especially since he's the official mascot for Louisiana State University. Hundreds of fans and nature lovers alike flock to see Mike in his natural habitat at the LSU Tiger Cage; visiting Mike has become one of the city's favorite attractions. Originally, Mike's habitat was a mere 2,000 square feet and very limited for an animal (and mascot) of his stature. His home has now been expanded to include an impressive 15,000 square feet and he now resides in what is considered to be an amazing recreation of a tiger's natural habitat. Also, the lair features plenty of oak trees and an Italianate tower that echoes the architecture of the LSU campus.

The Swine Palace is one of the newest venues on Baton Rouge's ever-growing entertainment and cultural scene. Fitted with state-of-the-art lighting and an incredible sound system that's complemented by some impressive acoustics, you'll enjoy the many varieties of stage productions all the more thanks to the technically stunning aspects of the building. What's on the stage is equally impressive, as everything from Shakespeare to Neil Simon plays are staged, as well as classical recitals and ballet programs. The variety of performances presented are all part of the Swine Palace's ever-deepening tradition of excellence.

If the two of you can't quite agree on the cuisine of choice for your date, opt for both Italian with a French twist at Fleur de Lis Pizza . A local favorite for over twenty years, enjoy hand-made pizza with a wide choice of toppings in a casual, retro-style atmosphere. The sodas and beers are so cold, you won't need a glass, and if you think you'd like to have half of your pizza later at home with your date, the friendly staff will half-bake your Roman pizza pie so you can keep it in your freezer and warm it up later.

Louisiana's Old State Capitol has a long and winding history that is nothing short of dramatic. The fortress-like structure stood strong and impressive until it was gutted by fire in the Civil War. After recovering and returning to its original purpose, the building fell into disrepair in the early 1930s following the installation of a newer, less-storied building as the state's capitol. A concerned group of citizens worked hard to rebuild it and the old capitol now houses a wide variety of interactive exhibits that tell the state's sometimes controversial but never uninteresting story. The Old State Capitol is a must-see attraction for history buffs visiting Baton Rouge.