The Velvet Cactus

It seems that finding and reading a real book these days is getting to be more and more difficult. If you prefer to turn actual pages made out of paper in bound book instead of reading it on a computer, then you need to visit Cottonwood Books. Not only do they specialize in real books, they specialize in really rare ones! If you are searching for that one missing Nancy Drew volume to complete your collection and are in search of that elusive first edition, Cottonwood is your tome haven. They also do special orders and have a friendly, helpful staff.

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.

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 Varsity Theatre is a familiar place for several well-known performers. As a matter of fact, a total of 55 Grammy winners have graced its stage since 1991. The Varsity strives to constantly deliver the best in live music entertainment for Baton Rouge. Genre doesn't matter, as some of the biggest names in country and pop music have lit up the entertainment venue's marquee. But that's not to say that you won't hear some of the scene's best up-and-coming acts; you can tell all of your friends that you heard them at the Varsity before they were famous.