Things To Do
Wearin' of the Green Parade
One thing Louisiana knows how to do really well? Parades! Baton Rouge is home to the "Wearin' of the Green" St. Patrick's Day Parade, and this year the parade happens to fall on the day of our wedding! The parade rolls at noon, so if you're feeling the Irish spirit, take the opportunity to drink green beer and catch some beads before our ceremony.
Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant
No question, if you ask Mendy and Chard where to get the best seafood in town, they will tell you to go to Louisiana Lagniappe. The word "lagniappe" means "a little something extra," and when you taste the food here you'll agree that they named their restaurant appropriately! If you go, you'll definitely want to order a seafood dish, the fish is not to be missed.
Juban's Restaurant & Bar
Juban's is a beautiful spot for elevated Creole cooking! Located in the heart of Baton Rouge on Perkins Road, it features a skylit atrium bar and a genteel dining room. They are known for their famous "Hallelujah Crab" dish. (For a bit of trivia, this is the spot where Dan and Alaina first met her sister Mallory's boyfriend, Scott!) You can head to Juban's for their Jubilee Jazz Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm, although it may be a bit challenging to access on Saturday due to the St. Patrick's Day parade route.
The Little Village - Downtown
For an upscale Italian restaurant in the Downtown area where our room blocks are located, look no further than The Little Village. This stylish spot for traditional Italian dishes has a menu full of delicious offerings, but nothing beats their signature homemade bread! Repeatedly voted the "Best Bread in Baton Rouge," the "Village Bread" is a true treat. Alaina's mom Mendy and grandmother Susan will happily order just the bread and a glass of wine and call it a night!
Tsunami Sushi Baton Rouge
For views of the Mississippi while you dine, nothing beats Tsunami Sushi. The restaurant sits atop the Shaw Center for the Arts and looks out over the Mississippi River. The sushi is great, but the sleek vibes and the breeze from the river are even better!
Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar
Oysters are in season during months that include "r," so oysters will be in full swing in March during our wedding weekend! Jolie Pearl is a casual oyster bar located downtown and has a delicious selection of oysters, everything from raw to chargrilled.
The Chimes
The Chimes is a favorite Baton Rouge institution. Close to the LSU School of Music, Alaina had many meals (i.e., cheese fries) here while in college. Swing by to sample some beers up on the roof!
Louisiana State University
"Where stately oaks and broad magnolias shade inspiring halls..." In addition to being Alaina's alma mater, LSU's campus is gorgeous and historic. You can even go meet LSU's mascot, Mike the Tiger!
Louisiana's Old State Capitol
Baton Rouge is the political center of Louisiana and a historic one at that. For a taste of that history, look no further than the Old State Capitol and its Museum of Political History, which blends state-of-the-art exhibits with the historic building’s signature Gothic architecture. This is a short walk from all the hotels where we have reserved room blocks.
USS KIDD Veterans Museum
Nicknamed the “Pirate of the Pacific,” the Kidd is a Fletcher-class destroyer that now serves as a memorial honoring the men and women of the U.S. armed forces. The Kidd is open 7 days a week, from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm.
Tin Roof Brewing Company
Located roughly a mile from downtown Baton Rouge, Tin Roof Brewing Co. has a taproom where you can try beers of all types. The brewery always has some of its flagship beers on hand, such as Bayou Bengal Lager and Juke Joint IPA, and it rotates in seasonal and experimental brews, as well. Do Dan, the king of new brews, proud and try a pint of something you've never had!
LSU Lakes Exercising/ Training
If you're interested in spending some time outside during your visit to BR, look no further than the LSU lakes for a scenic run or walk.
DIY Disco Cocktails and Crafts
If you want to get your "craft" on while sipping on a cocktail and relaxing, DIY Disco is the quirky spot of your dreams. Just pick the craft you want to make and you'll receive a step-by-step photo tutorial so that you can craft at your own pace! If this activity interests you, plan to spend 1-3 hours creating your masterpiece.
Mid City Beer Garden
Fun fact about Mid City Beer Garden: this is the place where Dan was first introduced to Alaina's oldest sister, Mallory. She grilled him intensely on that day (as a sister is supposed to do), but the vibe is actually very relaxed with a lovely courtyard.
The Brakes Bar
If you're a fan of hidden, hole-in-the-wall microbars with creative craft cocktails, the Brakes Bar is a must-see spot in Baton Rouge for you. Behind the cyclist-themed restaurant Spoke and Hub, Brakes Bar is one of BR's best kept secrets. Who doesn't love a carefully curated cocktail served up in an antique tea cup?
The Radio Bar
If you're looking for a bar that is young, but not necessarily swamped with college freshman, Radio Bar might fit the bill. It's a cool neighborhood bar with an industrial vibe and a great cocktail menu.