Jay's Bar-B-Q

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.

Guide the family through a history-packed trip at the Magnolia Mound Plantation. This attraction is also filled with so much drama and adventure that the kids won't even realize that they are in the process of learning about Baton Rouge's rich history. The structure traces the cultural contribution of the French Creoles and how their language, history and even cooking has become a vital part of the flavor of Baton Rouge in more ways than one. Also, there is a historic museum store and parlor that feature educational items for sale like books, jewelry, and other unique gifts.

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.

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.