As I was staying with my friend in Baton Rouge, I knew that she would know what I should do and see in the city, so I didn’t prepare a list of things to do. The first full day in Baton Rouge my friend had me drop her off at work and lent me her car. I spent the morning at The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville which will be discussed in my plantation tour post.

Once I finally found parking near the riverfront I walked toward the USS Kidd Museum. I didn’t go inside the museum, but you can see the ship out on the water. Next to the museum is the nice Riverfront Plaza, with green space, fountains, and obviously the riverfront. I particularly enjoyed the artwork, and took a lot of photos with all the statues posed around the area. Next I made my way over to the beautiful Old State Capitol. Both the outside architecture and the inside stained glass is stunning, and the exhibits are free. Make sure to stop at the front desk to pick up a guide or an audio guide. After seeing the Old State Capitol I wandered over to the current State Capitol and explored the park in front. Considering the day I left Boston for Louisiana there were 18 inches of snow and freezing temperatures for months, I was ecstatic to see blooming flowers and green grass.

I spent the next day in Baton Rouge celebrating St. Patty’s Day, which deserves its own post. We started my last full day in Baton Rouge touring Louisiana State University, where my friend went to school after brunch with her friends. On campus you’ll find Mike the Tiger, both in statue form and a real live tiger.