Just last week, I was asked to go on yet another vacation--to Florida. Though I would LOVE to spend another weekend with my feet in the sand, it scares me to make a commitment like that. Times are tough and I know that my wallet will be screaming for a life-jacket if I send it on another trip to the beach. I need to stay home and find fun things to do here. Between Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans, who needs to go out of town to have a little fun? These days, there are ALWAYS things to do in our area that don't involve the hassle of travel. Take a staycation, and you don't have to worry about missed flights, bad hotels or 12-hour car rides.
In an effort to come up with a list of possible places to go, I visited the Louisiana Welcome Center and Visit Baton Rouge--great local establishments that offer brochures, welcome guides, maps and more. Both are located off of River Road in downtown Baton Rouge.
If you're looking for outdoor opportunities, then the State Parks are a GREAT idea. For instance, Lake Fausse Point in St. Martinville is just a short drive away from New Orleans and Baton Rouge--and offers beautiful cabins on a well-stocked lake, canoe rentals, an arboretum, walking trails, bike paths and more. You feel like you are in another world--but you haven't even left Cajun Country. Visit their website here for more information. On your way home, be sure to take the "scenic route" along the Atchafalaya and stop at Whiskey River in Henderson, especially if it's a weekend. I've heard a rumor that Geno Delafosse makes guest appearances on Sunday afternoons a few times a month!
If you are looking for a combination of a good history lesson AND great food, then downtown Baton Rouge has a solution. Check out the awesome Mardi Gras exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum (they offer free admission on certain days!). Take a trip to the top of the capitol and visit the gift shop. And, make sure you get the full tour of the supposedly "haunted" Old State Capitol. For lunch, stop at Poor Boy Lloyd's on the corner of Lafayette and Florida streets. The food is "Slap Ya Mama" good and they have live cajun music several days a week. DEFINITELY worth a visit! There are so many more things that I could list about Baton Rouge--for a great comprehensive guide to 225 things to do in the Red Stick, click here.
Finally, make sure you never underestimate the power of the "tourist." You know how it is--we always try to avoid the tourist traps in New Orleans. But, even if you're from the area, you can still enjoy yourself. When was the last time you rode the street car, just to see the neighborhoods and relax? Or took the kids to the Aquarium? Have you ever visited Blane Kern's Mardi Gras world? They have a new location since Katrina and I've heard it's even better than before...
How about taking a run through Audubon Park? The shopping at Canal Place is unlike anywhere else. And what about Fulton Street? Those restaurants and the walk are very enjoyable! Also, I've heard Plum St. snow-cones are the BEST! And, who can find beignets better than Cafe Du Monde? I could on and on....
A staycation is all about finding fun, creative ways to explore your community and surrounding cities--without breaking the bank. Make sure you turn off the phone and forget the computer--plan it just as you would a real vacation.
And don't forget the most important part--Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!
