Melanie Newkome Jones

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.

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.

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.