Locals have probably driven by it a hundred times and not known it was there, yet the Patio Lounge has been in business for over 50 years and has changed very little in that time. Truly the "Cheers" of Baton Rouge and is the perfect place to bump elbows with locals and as the Patio's patriarch (now in his 90s) would say, "Knock a couple times and tell a few lies." Self-described "adult daycare."

Recently relocated to its (excuse the pun) posh location in Willow Grove, Posh Boutique is celebrating 10 years of unique and upscale fashion. The personal shopping guides are like spending an afternoon with your new best friend...the one with the style everyone wishes they had and the keen eye to find pieces that bring out the most fabulous you.

Designed to captivate the senses with French-inspired decor and influences, guests here will enjoy a hearty Southern meal and a hand crafted beverage. What began as a mom and pop sandwich shop has become a local staple with a sense of community and camaraderie. Don't miss the original sandwiches still on the menu that started it all!

As the only space observatory in Baton Rouge, this attraction offers free admission and a unique opportunity for some a new perspective. If the stars are aligned, you might happen upon a community bonfire or catch a glimpse of the asteroid called Baton Rouge. Your weekend evenings will never be the same.

Right in the middle of the Louisiana State University campus a tiger is prowling. Students can sleep safely, however, as this fearsome creature is the school's own mascot, Mike the Tiger. Following a tradition started in 1936 by Mike Chambers, for whom the tiger is named, Louisiana State is now housing its sixth tiger who they still trot out to bellow a fearsome roar at the school's football home games. Guests with concerns about animal welfare can see Mike in good confidence. The school has managed to keep all of its tigers alive nearly twice as long as wild tigers, meaning families and visitors can enjoy this eclectic attraction as much as the attraction itself.

Dress like a local when you shop at Perlis. This local brand has been in business for over 70 years, providing the men, women, and kids of Louisiana with Southern style. Looking for a seersucker suit? Perlis has you covered. Their signature items feature a crawfish logo - a uniquely Louisiana addition to what would otherwise be a plain polo or t-shirt. They also offer seasonal items like Mardi Gras themed clothing. 

Be transported onto an abandoned pirate ship without ever leaving dry land. The Cove features over 700 imported bottles of beer, a pre-prohibition cocktail bar and a selection of absinthe, gin and wine. If ye dare matey, try the "Death in the Afternoon," their signature absinthe & champagne cocktail. It takes inspiration from sailors used to combat scurvy and later perfected by Ernest Hemingway.

If there is one thing south Louisiana is known for it is the food and Roux 61 delivers everything this cuisine is about: flair, flavor and family. Restaurant owners and brothers Brian and Jason Lees have perfected the recipes at Roux 61 from their family kitchen and brings with it everything a Louisiana restaurant should have. Save room for the Alligator Cheesecake - yes, you heard me right.

Drawing on his Cajun-French and Mexican ancestry, owner Jim Urdiales offers Baton Rouge regulars and visitors a wonderful dining experience. The innovative menu blends the best of both culinary heritages to craft dishes like the scallop con mole verde, the shrimp and portobello quesadilla, and Cancun combo with a shrimp and crab enchilada, a crawfish and spinach enchilada, and a crawfish taco. The ambiance is relaxed and inviting and ideal for a relaxed evening with friends or a dinner for two over bottles of fine wine or carafes of their signature margaritas. Save room for dessert, as the Cafe Patrón, a chocolate and tequila pudding is a favorite.

Exposed brick walls, plenty of natural light and several cozy corners to settle into only add to the charm of this local gem. The finest quality all-natural ingredients are used to craft delectable pastries like the Bananas Foster croissant, sweet berry gazpacho, prosciutto and provolone croissant, and plum tart. Their innovative coffee creations are sure to brighten up your day; try specials like the Matterhorn mocha or the Old World Toffee cappuccino. Enjoy a post-breakfast stroll down the Mississippi waterfront, the Florida Street riverfront entrance is a two-minute walk from the cafe.

Housed in an iconic pink building, Fleur de Lis Pizza is instantly recognizable. The popular family-friendly eatery remains much the same as when it first opened, a truly nostalgic haunt for the town's locals. Don't be put off by the humble interiors, the pizzas are exceptional, attested to by the long lines out the door at any given hour. Bestsellers include the green olive pizza, Italian sausage pizza and the anchovy pizza. Wash it all down with a classic Bloody Mary or a beer served in one of their famously-tiny glasses. Be sure to bring enough cash, as they don't accept cards.

Sharpen your sommelier skills by sampling a variety of wines from around the world. Pair your favorite glass of Napa Chardonnay or New Zealand Pinot Gris with gourmet tapas like seared New Orleans-style crab cake and braised Mississippi rabbit confit tamales. If wine is not your raison d'etre, choose from Bin 77's cocktail list, which combines fresh ingredients with high quality liquors to create drinks that are truly delicious. All of these delights can be savored from one of the chairs out on the open-air patio, where both wine and conversation will flow throughout the evening. 

Atomic Pop Shop resembles a vinyl record museum rather than a music shop. Its racks are replete with the latest audio recordings as well as vintage vinyl records. It also sells old music posters, electronic gadgets and collector's items from different decades, reel tapes, cassettes and long play (LP) records. Besides, one can sell equipment to this store including old radios, amplifiers, sound mixers and speakers. It frequently hosts events such as music shows, sales and exhibitions; check their website for the detailed schedule.

BREC Extreme Park is one of the best community parks for the whole family. Sprawling over 52.2 acres (21.12 hectares), it offers a range of recreational activities and is ideal for hosting private parties and picnics. Challenge yourself on the Rock Climbing Tower, or rent a bike on the BMX track. Unwind with a walk along the trails and fishing pond, or engage in a game of tennis, volleyball or skating.

The past comes alive in this Creole plantation home built in 1791, a rare survivor of the original vernacular architecture influenced by the early settlers from France and the West Indies. Take a tour through the historic house to better understand the lives of the early Creole settlers. Or explore the grounds, which feature a restored open-hearth kitchen, overseer's house, quarter house, carriage house, a crop garden of typical crops from the era, and a Pigeonnier that houses live pigeons. The historic site is also available for rental, and offers seasonal day camps for the kids. Not to mention the seasonal events where the house is decked out in real period decor.

Peregrin's Home Decor & Custom Florals is a beautifully appointed shop that is easy to get lost in for an entire afternoon.

Mount Hope is located in an area that was known as the Dutch Highlands and spanned over 1200 acres in the 1700s. The owner, Joseph Sharp, built the first public cotton gin in Louisiana. Today this area is also resting place for Confederate soldiers.

If you're looking for a quick gift for a loved one or something unique for your home this is the perfect little shop around the corner. They have a vast variety of goods such as hand-made greeting cards, bath soaps, and jewelry. Many of the items come from local artists and businesses so whatever you bring home will be one-of-a-kind.