Perfect Squares

Baton Rouge celebrates nature's wild kingdom at Brec's Baton Rouge Zoo. The Realm of the Tiger is the latest spotlight feature at the zoo, as it dramatically illustrates how the tiger lives in its natural environment as well as how it uses its natural instincts to find food and to remain one of the jungle's most respected residents. Also, see the zoo's latest addition, the baby baboon and enjoy the colors of the dusky shades of sunlight on the very popular Twilight Tour. All that plus the summer zoo camp for kids all go to make Brec's Baton Rouge Zoo the #1 family attraction in the city.

Louisiana's Old Governor's Mansion has, in a sense, gotten a second chance. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is a breathtakingly beautiful structure that also serves as the headquarters for the Foundation for Historical Louisiana. The home has a dramatic history all its own. The structure was built in 1929 by Huey P. Long and served as the governor's residence until 1963 when a new structure was built. The house museum now houses rare artifacts, documents, and other relics of Louisiana's history and features regular tours headed by highly knowledgeable guides. The venue is also available for private parties, family gatherings and weddings.

Want to have a great evening but don't feel like hanging out with the college crowd? Why not trade up for a classy evening of drinks and fun at Churchill's Bar? A favorite nightlife hangout for the professional, white-collar crowd either after work or on the weekends, Churchill's takes great pride in not only providing the best service from an impressively stocked bar, but also creating a classically decorated environment with glass and marble fixtures that make you feel like you're the most important person in the establishment.

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.