5 Reasons to Visit Baton Rouge for a Girls Weekend

Baton Rouge’s Wine on the River

We all need to get away with a gal pal every so often, and sometimes jumping on a flight or going into full-on planning mode chockfull of itineraries and Internet searches defeats the purpose.

Last month I decided to take a last-minute road trip from Houston to Baton Rouge (277 miles), and I was pleasantly surprised at what the city had in store (other than LSU’s Death Valley, of course).

We already knew we’d be spending quality time at L’auberge Casino, but had no idea how much the city had in store for a girls weekend like a perfect spa day at Bumble Lane and much more.

1. The Food
It’s a southern city, so I’m not sure why the food and drink in Baton Rouge surprised me, but I’m not complaining.

Add these to your meal-time adventures on your next Baton Rouge visit:

– Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar: Go for the Bird on a Wire (cocktail made with Wheatley Vodka, Muddled Strawberries, Lemon Mint, Simple Syrup, Orange Juice and a Splash of Soda) or get a cheap and tasty glass of rosé and don’t skimp on the fried oysters. This small and quaint little joint has all the southern hospitality you could ever want and the fun vibe inside or on the patio bar is perfection.

– City Pork: Go here for an amazing lunch and great cocktails. This unassuming little spot pleasantly surprised me – I am still dreaming of the dishes here like the Crispy Gulf Shrimp Salad and then of course a side of something salty like house-cut chips or cheese grits! The calories were well worth the adventure, I promise!

– District Donuts: Go here for the obvious: amazing donuts! It’s a 100%

Andrea and I loving Donuts in Baton Rouge

scratch restaurant specializing in donuts, sandwiches and coffee, and obviously famous for the variety of donut flavors like Cinnamon Role, Maple Bacon and Fluffernutter.

– Bin77: Go for the Lobster Mac & Cheese or Poached Jumbo Shrimp & Grits and enjoy walking around the rest of shops and snacks at Perkins Rowe. Or go for the simple fact they have more than 60 wines by the glass so if you’re indecisive, you’ve got options (but maybe just ask for a recommendation so you don’t spend the whole day debating!).

– French Truck Coffee: Go for the most absolute adorable coffee shop in all of Louisiana and be sure to snap a super cute Instagram photo outside while you’re there!

– The Gregory: Go for the amazing décor (it’s located next to The Watermark Hotel – an old bank) and enjoy a few cocktails while here! If you’re hungry, try the Searsucker Flatbread pizza and pair it with something cold and refreshing.

Hey Baton Rouge, You Look Good

2. The Art (and Street Murals)
If you follow me on Instagram, you already know this is my jam and Baton Rouge did not disappoint. As silly as it sounds, I feel like being able to document a visit to a new city or even a new ballpark with a creative and memorable picture just adds to the trip.

Check out this super helpful map of where to see artwork and street art in Baton Rouge. This “You Look Good” mural was my absolute favorite and it was super easy to take pictures at (not a lot of cars, especially if you go on the weekend).

3. The Southern Hospitality
Though I live in Houston and it’s definitely still southern ‘round these parts (said in my Texas accent), it was such a welcome experience to enjoy great customer service and politeness at nearly every stop on our trip.

We stayed at Hotel Indigo (major bonus for being pet-friendly so Denali could join us, free bikes to rent and more!) in Downtown Baton Rouge, and I’m no stranger to an IHG Hotel, but the service and friendliness we experienced was next level and made the trip all the more enjoyable. We even found an immaculate neighborhood to take photos and all the residents just smiled and waved (even though our car was probably parked in the way the entire time), and I feel like that says a lot about Baton Rouge.

4. Baton Rouge’s Unique Event Calendar
For instance, First Annual Baton Rouge Oyster Fest, taking place June 30, the local (and one of my favorite spots!) Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar, which will celebrate the legacy of oysters as both a coastal asset and culinary delight. The festival will feature well-known musical acts such as the Spin Doctors (reminds me of high school!) and Southern Louisiana food vendors. And the festival wouldn’t be complete without an oyster-sucking contest, an oyster eating contest and an oyster cook-off.

We got to check out Wine on the River during our visit and it was a blast

Baton Rouge lunches for the win

(and not overcrowded like many other wine tastings I’ve been to). Wine On the River is a ticketed ‘Around the World’ wine-tasting event where attendees can sample local, national and international wines all in one place along with amazing food from local restaurants and live music.

5. Add a Day for New Orleans!
Although we didn’t on this visit, I would probably add one more day and visit New Orleans. After all, you’re so close (80 miles), and New Orleans is

Girls Weekend in Baton Rouge

another one of those perfect towns for a girl’s getaway. Plus, having experienced NOLA a few times, I personally can only handle one or two nights, so it’s the perfect addition to this Louisiana road trip – as long as you plan ahead who is driving home because that can be a nightmare (speaking from experience!).

If you’re digging my tan in the photos, that’s thanks to Andrea at FaceForward – not only did she accompany me to Baton Rouge, she tanned me with her organic spray tan goodness in Houston!

Read more about The Blonde Side’s latest travel adventures and where to stay, play and slay.