Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Red Stick Spice Co.; things to do

Red Stick Spice Co.  

660 Jefferson Hwy., (225) 930-9967. 

This heavenly-smelling shop sells all the spices used in local cooking--including blends—as well as for many other styles of cooking.  Flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars from California and loose teas are also stocked.  Cooking demonstrations enhance a visit to Red Stick Spice Co. and leave you inspired to try making the featured items at home.  When I visited, the demo was for a quick and tasty black drum fish sautéed in local pecan oil and butter, plus a delicious bread pudding that was almost as good as my Mom’s.  It was here that I learned about Red Bean Monday—referring to a past time when women put on beans in the morning so they could have their hands free all day to do laundry.  A great idea any day!   

interior of Red Stick Spice Co. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

spice packets at Red Stick Spice Co. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

vinegars and olive oils at Red Stick Spice Co. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

demo of spiced black drum fish at Red Stick Spice Co. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

sample of finished black drum fish at Red Stick Spice Co.
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

bread pudding at Red Stick Spice Co. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Things to do in nearby Lake Charles.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

 
images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Old State Capitol + Louisiana State Capitol + Capitol Park Museum; things to do

Old State Capitol  

100 North Blvd., (225) 342-0500.  

This exquisite castellated building tells the story of Baton Rouge's colorful political history.  It is filled with grand spaces and interesting architectural features--the piece de resistance being a majestic 1880 iron spiral staircase in the center.  The historic building’s very own ghost, Sarah Morgan, who speaks in the well-done “Ghost of the Castle” film, which provides a brief history of the building.  Here you’ll learn about the long legacy of assassinated governor Huey Long, and you’ll also have the opportunity to see the desk used by every governor and to stand at a podium where you can see actual speeches on teleprompters.

exterior of Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

iron spiral staircase at Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

stained-glass dome at Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Louisiana State Capitol  

900 N. Third Street, (225) 342-7317.  Daily 8am-4:30pm.  

At 34 stories and 450-feet high, this is the tallest state capitol in the United States.  Its 27th floor observation deck provides a panoramic bird’s eye view of Baton Rouge, the Mississippi River, and the Exxon mobile refinery—the largest in the U.S.  Governor Huey P. Long, who was assassinated inside, made it happen during the 1930s.  He is now buried on the grounds under his statue, which faces this working capitol.  Inside, you can also view the ornate Senate and House Chambers.

exterior of Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

view of Huey P. Long statue from top of Louisiana State Capitol
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

interior of Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Capitol Park Museum  

660 N. Fourth Street, (225) 342-5428.  Tu-Sat 9am-5pm.  $6, seniors $5, under 13 free.  

This Louisiana State Museum highlights the state’s colorful history and lively culture.  You can step aboard a two-story shrimp boat, see a full-size bright yellow cotton gin, and view an authentic voodoo altar, and a walk through the Dance Hall treats your ears to the sounds of Louisiana’s musicians. 

shrimp boat at Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

cotton gin at Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

display at Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

 

Things to do in nearby Lake Charles.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

 
images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers