Eat,shop and explore your way through the Capital Region
SCAN HERE TO SEE HER STORY
KATTY DEVELOPED DEBILITATING BACK PAIN WHICH DID NOT RESPOND TO CONSERVATIVE THERAPY. DR OBERLANDER DIAGNOSED HER WITH A BAD SACROILIAC JOINT, WHICH IS A COMMON BUT OFTEN OVERLOOKED CAUSE OF SEVERE BACK PAIN. HE USED THE SI BONE SYSTEM TO FIX HER SACROILIAC JOINT — A 15 MINUTE OUTPATIENT PROCEDURE.
Whether it’s in the woods or the carpool line, getting your back-BACK (and neck!) - is the goal. Dr. Eric K. Oberlander is an award-winning spine specialist who has developed one of the largest practices in the country.
As one of the few board certified neurosurgeons in Louisiana who has fellowship training in minimally invasive and complex spine surgery, his services are in high demand. Join the 8,000 patients that see Team Oberlander per year.
Call (225) 768-2023 to schedule your appointment.
Eric Oberlander, MD
Board Certified Neurosurgeon DrOberlander.com
A Great Hearts education inspires students to reach their fullest potential by providing a rich, classical education within a community that values both academic excellence and personal growth. Our school is a place where students are challenged to think deeply, act virtuously, and feel truly supported every step of the way.
SENSORY BUNNY
Zachary Community Park
April 4 | 6-8 p.m.
EGG HUNT AFTER DARK
Highland Road Community Park
April 4 | 5-9 p.m.
COMITE CLASSIC
Comite River Conservation Area
April 5 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
WEBB CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT
Webb Memorial Golf Course
April 5 + 6 | 8 a.m.
ZIPPITY ZOO FEST
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
April 5 + 6 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
ART FEST
Baringer Art Center
April 5 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
ZOO + ME MORNING
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
April 12 | 9:30-11:30 a.m.
EGGSTRAVAGANZA
Independence Community Park
April 12 | 1-4 p.m.
FRENCHTOWN CONSERVATION AREA RIBBON CUTTING
Frenchtown Conservation Area
April 25 | 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
4-BALL CHALLENGE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Beaver Creek Golf Course
April 26 | 8 a.m.
YOUNG PICASSO’S
Milton J. Womack Park
April 26 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
SUMMER KICK-OFF
Extreme Sports Park at Perkins Road
Community Park
April 26 | noon-3 p.m.
SHOP SOME FUN summer sunnies and so much more at Perkins Rowe, the site of this month's cover, shot by 225 Staff Photographer Collin Richie. Local artist Cora Barhorst modeled some 2-2-5 balloons from Party Time and shades by Krewe, whose boutique-on-wheels parks inside the mixed-use development. Collecting the artwork of local creatives like Barhorst is also one of the items on our 2025 list of 225 things to do in the Capital Region. Turn to page 22 for our complete guide to how to eat, shop and explore your way across town.
I WAS SEEING RED. Metallic, 3-foot-tall red balloons spelling out 2-2-5, more specifically. They were all that was visible in my car’s rearview mirror.
I’d just left Party Time and was on my way to a photo shoot at Perkins Rowe. 225 Digital Editor Olivia Deffes and I were meeting up with local artist and Krewe Baton Rouge Store Manager Cora Barhorst to playfully show off some stylish sunglasses and the balloons.
But first: I pulled over in a panic, trying to figure out how to weigh down the balloons so I could see while I was driving.
It totally brought back memories of the last time the 225 team attempted a shoot with balloons—which happened to be for the 2018 version of this month’s cover story about 225 things to do in the Capital Region. Back then, we crammed a dozen balloons into a former staff writer’s teeny VW Beetle, driving with the windows down so they’d all fit. En route, some of them popped. And on the way back, a couple floated away, as drivers angrily honked at us on I-10. It was chaos. But we also laughed so hard that day that tears ran down our faces.
As our team compiled a brand-new, 2025 version of 225 things to do in the Capital Region, a lot of other memories flooded back to me, too.
Things like: meeting up with friends for
a session at The 13th Gate Escape, where attempting to solve the mysteries of the Tomb of Anubis became an instant bonding experience. Crafting a necklace of pretzels while sipping on chocolate oatmeal stouts at Zapp’s International Beerfest. Listening to the whispers of the beechmagnolia forest at BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. Screaming along to My Chemical Romance hits during Emo Night at Chelsea’s Live. Bringing every out-of-town visitor to see the views at the top of the Louisiana State Capitol. Watching film screenings at the Manship Theatre. And so, so many more.
Take the 225-things-to-do challenge as you read this issue. Get out a pen. Check off the places you’ve been. Circle the ones you hope to venture to. Scrawl a heart next to your faves. Scribble in the ones we missed—because it should be said, we have way more than 225 things to do in the Capital Region.
When I was charting my own progress, I counted any item where I’d been to at least one of the places mentioned. Still, when I was done, I was surprised and a little disappointed to find that I’d only experienced about 60% of the list.
But the more I thought about it, I realized: Maybe that’s a good thing. Think of all the things I’ll get to experience for the first time.
A few on my to-do list: See one of Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra’s new Concerts in the Cosmos shows at the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium. Check out a solar viewing at the Highland Road Park Observatory. Order a matcha latte from House Brew. Attend a new-to-me festival like the Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival. Brew a bag of locally roasted coffee beans. Invest in an original painting by a local artist. Sample a cardamom croissant from cottage baker Maru Bread Co. And maybe, just maybe, work on my hand-eye coordination with a game of pickleball.
After all, isn’t the fun of a list like this the knowledge that there’s still so much left to explore?
When this issue prints, I’m getting out my pen, too. Check, check, check. Heart.
Jennifer Tormo Alvarez 225 Editor-In-Chief
225 things to do, by the numbers
2008
The year our first 225 things to do cover package was published 4
Number of times we’ve produced this list, first reimagined at the 10year mark in 2018. About five years ago, we also produced a pandemicfriendly, virtual version. It was published as a digital edition in 2020.
540+
Approximate number of specific places, businesses and activities mentioned within the items on the new list
More than just a milestone—it’s a reflection of the trust and care that have defined every delivery since 1968. From preparing for arrival day to welcoming home your bundle of joy, we offer support at every step of your journey. Thanks to our incredible team, world class physicians and state-of-the-art facility, you and your baby receive compassionate care before, during, and after delivery.
Publisher: Julio Melara
Editor-In-Chief: Jennifer Tormo Alvarez
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Features Writer: Maggie Heyn Richardson
Digital Editor: Olivia Deffes
Multimedia Editor: Oscar Tickle
Staff Photographer: Collin Richie
Contributing Writers: Mark Clements, Madison Cooper, Jillian Elliott, Gracelyn Farrar, Tracey Koch, Avery White
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Jessica Dison and Ryan Williamson met through the local running group.
About our story on locals who have found new friends, or even romance, through Varsity Sports’ Baton Rouge Run Group:
“I enjoyed the article. Long before V.S. was established in 2000, there was a tight running community, comprised mostly of those who competed locally in Club South Runners’ races. … Numerous couples who met through local running groups, or the associated social activities surrounding running, are still together—including me and my husband, John Broussard. We met in 1989 at a Club South race and will be celebrating our 28th anniversary on May 31 this year.” —Kathleen Callaghan, via email
“@briansuberbielle and I met running with @varsitysportsla, too! And lifelong friendships have developed from the group!” —@gailsuberbielle, via Instagram
Comments and analytics are from Feb. 1-28, 2025. They have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
Last chance to vote
Hurry! Voting for this year’s Best of 225 Awards closes April 8.
The Capital Region’s original reader’s choice poll, Best of 225 has spotlighted the city’s most beloved restaurants, bars, people and businesses for two decades.
Your votes will determine who takes the 2025 awards in categories like Best Local Brunch, Best Frozen Desserts and Best Cottage Bakery.
Want to see your faves crowned the winners in our July issue? Show them love at 225batonrouge.com/ bestof225
VOTE HERE!
Baton Rouge is home to a rare refracting telescope— great for catching celestial views this spring
ON CLEAR NIGHTS, the rings of Saturn pop and the moon’s craters spring to life as Baton Rouge astronomy enthusiasts peer through one of the country’s few remaining Alvan Clark & Sons refracting telescopes.
Located in the LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy’s iconic Landolt Astronomical Observatory—itself one of the university’s best-kept secrets—the 1939 Clark is a rare antique whose history and capabilities are on full display once a month during free stargazing gatherings.
For decades, the Clark was used by LSU physicists for astronomical research before being superseded by more sophisticated instruments. Still, it’s the main attraction at monthly so-called Star Parties.
Such gatherings aren’t new. The department held public nights at the observatory from 1939 until the 1990s. They stopped after the dome and telescope fell into disrepair, but resumed in 2005 after a department-led restoration.
Nowadays, about 180 to 200 space fans, eager to spot heavenly bodies, attend each month. They take turns peering through not just the massive Clark, but other portable telescopes situated around the dome’s breathtaking open-air balcony, too.
“A lot of people never really get a chance to look through a big telescope,” says Colin Turley, LSU physics instructor and Star Party coordinator. “And some of these sights, like Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings, are sights that never get old.”
Weather permitting, Turley often holds Star Parties during the quarter moon phase when the
casts shadows on its illuminated surface, brightening topographical features.
“The shadows make the craters pop to life,” Turley explains.
Attendees climb three flights of stairs to the observatory, taking in its simple grandeur and rudimentary operations. Before they arrive, Turley and graduate assistant Eric Borowski play analog astronomers, cranking open the dome to reveal the night sky, and setting the telescopes to the right coordinates for optimum viewing.
Over the ensuing 90 minutes, they explain what to look for while cautioning eager newbies to resist the temptation to grab the scopes while gazing, inadvertently shifting them out of position.
The mighty Clark’s research applications might have faded, but it remains one of the best instruments anywhere for seeing the moon and planets, thanks to its massive size and focal ratio, according to Turley.
And he says its popularity doesn’t surprise him. Simple wonders never go out of style.
“The sky is there for everyone,” Turley says. “We like to remind people there’s amazing stuff to see up there.” lsu.edu/physics
The LSU Landolt Astronomical Observatory hosts two more Star Parties this semester, weather permitting. Find it at 202 Nicholson Hall. Find updates on Instagram at @lao.lsu
APRIL 12 at 8:30 p.m.
Catch views of the full moon, Jupiter and Mars
MAY 3 at 9 p.m.
Catch views of the first quarter moon and Mars
Anew Bachelor of Arts degree program at LSU will enhance not only the university’s reputation, but the knowledge, expertise and career opportunities of its students. It’s the Honors TRACTS (Traditions in Critical Thought and Scholarship) BA, an innovative curriculum of LSU’s Ogden Honors College.
The TRACTS BA has been carefully designed to complement any major at LSU by strengthening students’ understanding of historical, political, and cultural ideas with a focus on leadership development. Core courses encourage interdisciplinary thinking, scientific inquiry, and ethical reasoning.
“This new degree program puts us in the vanguard of the nation’s honors colleges by making us a degree-granting institution,” said Ogden Honors College Dean Jonathan Earle. “Honors TRACTS is designed to attract top-tier students from Louisiana and around the nation and ensure that they not only excel in academic and professional pursuits after graduation, but will be better equipped to create positive change in leadership positions on a state, national and even global level.”
Ogden Honors College Associate Dean Drew Lamonica Arms, an Honors College graduate and Rhodes Scholar who was instrumental in designing Honors TRACTS, explained that the new curriculum is rooted in interdisciplinary learning, critical and creative thinking, effective communication, and researchbased inquiry. “The advantages of such
a degree to, say, a Biological Sciences or Business major—majors that are highly technical—are tremendous,” said Lamonica Arms. “Future leaders in any field will work with an array of like- and different-minded collaborators, and Honors TRACTS students will know where the ideas that influence them come from,” thanks to small seminars led by expert faculty. “The knowledge and skills employers and professional schools are looking for—effective communication and collaboration, problem identifying and solving, adaptability, an understanding of global issues—are at the heart of Honors TRACTS,” she said.
The TRACTS program provides exposure to the humanities, including art, literature, philosophy and foreign language classes, in addition to courses such as “Science for Citizens” and “Technology and Society,” ensuring that students achieve a wellrounded education and better cultural awareness. By encouraging internships, research experiences and study abroad programs, TRACTS will also prepare students for work in international and multicultural settings.
“We plan to be extremely selective with this first cohort of majors and start small
with about 100 students in the program,” Earle said. He added that he expects many honors students will choose to double major with other, more traditional discipline-specific degrees, partly because so many students come to the Honors College with a lot of advance d credit. “Honors TRACTS will help even the best students distinguish themselves and demonstrate abilities beyond a particular field of study,” he said. Earle also expressed his intentions to work closely with Louisiana employers as well as graduate and professional programs to connect graduates with competitive job placements and advanced degree opportunities.
According to Lamonica Arms, the TRACTS BA is one of the few honorsspecific degrees at a research-focused, flagship university and is sure to help shape the leaders of tomorrow.
“This is an incredible pathway that will help students demonstrate social capital, engage with their communities, and take advantage of amazing opportunities like study abroad, research, and internships for their particular career paths,” said Lamonica Arms.
For more details, visit lsu. edu/honors.
Compiled by Gracelyn Farrar
FIND AUTHENTIC RAMEN, trendy Asian desserts and arcade games all under one roof at a new multi-experience destination in the former Copeland’s New Orleans building. Boru Ramen and Sweet Society have relocated from Electric Depot in Mid City to 4957 Essen Lane, where
they’ll be sharing the space with a 21-machine claw arcade, Tiger Clawzzz. The three-in-one operation, created by the Wong family, features games, a selfserve boba bar and refreshed menus, along with some of Boru’s and Sweet Society’s classic dishes. Find them on Instagram
The Capital City will host Louisiana’s first professional pickleball tournament this month, April 4-6. The Professional Pickleball Association’s inaugural PPA Tour Challenger Series Powered by JOOLA will be held at the Stacks Pickleball sports complex on the Celtic Studios campus. The event is expected to bring in around $800,000 in revenue. ppachallenger.com
Chicky Sandos officially opened its second brick-and-mortar in February near Woman’s Hospital. Its latest spot comes just about eight months after the former food truck debuted its first permanent location on Jefferson Highway. The new Airline Highway eatery is a standalone restaurant with its own parking lot, a drive-thru and a patio where patrons can enjoy Nashville-style tenders, sandwiches and loaded fries. chickysandos.com
French Truck Coffee founder and owner Geoffrey Meeker plans to open two new locations in Louisiana this year and two to three coffee shops in 2026. The strategy includes new digs in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, the Northshore and west of New Orleans. The brand also launched a fresh version of the French Truck Coffee app, which includes a loyalty program, in January and rolled out K-Cups at local grocery stores in 2024. frenchtruckcoffee.com
LAST YEAR WAS a landmark one for Aleah Finnegan.
She was one of the standout performers for LSU Gymnastics all season long and capped the Tigers’ dominant 2024 NCAA showing with a 9.95 on the balance beam, securing the first national championship in program history.
“Going into 2024, we all came together as a group and we decided that we were going to do whatever it takes to be able to make it to the top,” Finnegan tells 225. “So to be able to be there in that moment, and represent our alumni for all of the generations of teams that have tried to make that a goal for the longest time, was such a dream come true for us.”
The memories didn’t stop there.
Just a few months later, Finnegan traveled to France to represent the Philippines in the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming part of the first Filipina gymnastics team to compete in the games in more than six decades.
“I’ve wanted to go to the Olympics since I was 5 years old,” Finnegan says. “People would always ask me, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ People would say a doctor or astronaut. I wanted to be an Olympian. … Being in the village and in the arena itself, competing and watching the people wave their Philippine flags—it was an incredible moment.”
Finnegan and her family have been closely knitted to the Filipino national team for years. Her mother was born and raised in the Philippines and her older sister, Hannah, competed for the team at the 2011 Southeast Asian Games.
That helped pave the way for Finnegan to represent the country at the 2021 Southeast Asian Games and the 2023 Asian Championships before earning her spot on the Olympic roster for 2024.
“To be able to compete for the Philippines is such an honor in itself,” Aleah says. “And being able to represent my mom and our family and just all the sacrifices that they’ve made is incredible.”
The star senior is hoping she and the Tigers can continue to build on their successes this spring.
At press time, LSU was ranked No. 2 in the country ahead of the SEC Championship and NCAA Championships, slated for the end of March and early April, respectively.
Finnegan says that with a strong freshman class and a number of returning upperclassmen, the Tigers have their eyes set on another deep run at the NCAA Championships.
“Overall this year, we’ve done an incredible job of really just not letting anything faze us,” Finnegan says. “We’ve been very straightforward with every competition and very locked in on what our mission is. … We know essentially what it takes. We’re really motivated to see what the rest (of the season) has for us.” lsusports.net/ sports/gm
How a new facility at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital provides a restful home base for families in need
BY LAURA FURR MERICAS // PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE
THIS MONTH, April 4–5, more than 30,000 people will gather for music, barbecue and a good time at the 15th annual Hogs for the Cause Festival in New Orleans.
And at Hogs House here in Baton Rouge, families facing some of their most difficult days are reaping the benefits of the revelry.
Located on the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital campus, the Hogs for the Cause Family Support Home, more commonly known as Hogs House, opened last February to offer free lodging to those with loved ones receiving pediatric medical treatment.
It was made possible by a $2.25 million pledge from Hogs for the Cause, a Crescent City organization that launched a similar Hogs for the Cause Family
Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans (now Manning Family Children’s) in 2018.
Its annual festival and programming throughout the year have helped the nonprofit give more than $2.7 million in direct grants to families battling pediatric cancer and another $9 million to hospitals around the country.
Hogs House at OLOL Children’s was able to serve nearly 250 families from around the state and throughout the Gulf Coast in its first year, with more than half coming back for repeated stays.
Dr. Shaun Kemmerly, chief medical officer of OLOL Children’s, says the welcoming respite has translated to better care for the hospital’s young patients.
“It’s really special to have a place where families can just take a minute and walk away from the
Birthday cards
As 225 celebrates its 20th anniversary year, we’ll also be spotlighting other organizations and businesses celebrating milestones in 2025.
•
bedside, especially if their child is critically ill and in the hospital for several days. ... It’s so important for our care team because the parent, or the family member, is a critical component of the care team,” she says. “It’s important to have them refreshed and strong.”
With 12 private rooms, a guest kitchen, a backyard, a laundry room, a communal lounge and a dedicated staff, the space provides a comfortable setting for patients’ caregivers. The interiors are cheerily decorated, in contrast to tight, sterile hospital quarters with a foldout bed. Rooms can accommodate three, with a queen-sized bed and a twin bed, allowing some to travel with siblings or grandparents for additional support.
Caregivers can walk over from the hospital for a quick shower or nap, and Kemmerly says the house sees many family members tagteam throughout the day so someone can always be at the bedside with the child in the hospital, while also making time for rest during
what’s often a taxing process.
And one year in, Kemmerly says Hogs House has revealed an unnoticed need for families in the region. With only a handful of children’s hospitals in Louisiana, families from hours away will often drive into Baton Rouge for appointments and surgeries, Kemmerly explains.
Doctors’ days can begin as early as 7 a.m., requiring patients to arrive around 5:30 a.m. Until now, this meant many families were booking hotel rooms or driving through the early morning hours— making a long day even longer for sick children and their caregivers.
Now, families can come to Hogs House a day early and get a full night’s rest. On the flip side, rather than fighting 5 p.m. traffic after a day of appointments, families can grab a bite to eat, sleep the night at Hogs House and head home the next morning.
“It’s just really allowed us to offer convenience and peace of mind to so many families,” Kemmerly says. Amelia Green and her 2-year-old
son Maverick drive four hours from north Louisiana to Baton Rouge about once a month for pediatric care. They’ve stayed in Hogs House about a dozen times in its first year.
Maverick was born with campomelic dysplasia, a rare condition that affects bone and cartilage development and can lead to respiratory difficulties and heart defects. He spent 53 days in the NICU after he was born, and Green still remembers cramming into the hospital room with her husband, Casey, while being separated from her now 13-year-old stepson, Caleb, for the entire stay.
Today, Maverick requires monthly visits with neurologists and other specialists, sometimes with back-to-back appointments. Depending on how he’s breathing that day, Green says she never knows if he’ll need to stay at the hospital overnight. And due to his condition, Maverick is unable to sit in his car seat for long stretches of time, making a “turnaround visit” impossible.
Hogs House’s first year 3,920+
Nights of free lodging provided by Hogs House 60%
Approximate occupancy rate 3-4
Average number of nights stayed at Hogs House 244
Families served
Families who came back for repeated stays
The accessibility of Hogs House means Casey or Maverick’s grandmother—Maverick’s “favorite person”—can comfortably accompany him and his mom on trips to Baton Rouge. And there’s no longer a concern about being separated
You don’t have to worry about having to afford someplace to stay.”
The kind-hearted staff and bright pig-centric artwork are perks, too. Maverick loves to take a picture with Rosie, the house’s pink pig statue, at each visit, Green says.
Kemmerly says Hogs House’s major goal now is simply to reach more families like the Greens. In its first year, the house had about a 60% occupancy rate. Kemmerly wants to push that to 100% and continue to spread the word about its services for families.
“That’s pretty good for our first year, but we want to do even more,” she says.
from Caleb for an extended period, as there’s room for him, too.
The biggest win for Green? That Hogs House is free.
“You want the best care for your kid,” she says. “It takes the burden off of being able to afford his care.
The Greens will continue using Hogs House at least once a month for the foreseeable future. Maverick will have regular checkups for the rest of his life.
His parents want to provide their son with the very best care they can—and a few more cute pig pics, too. fmolhs.org
You’re free to live your life out loud! Because you’ve got the compassion of the cross, the security of the shield, and the comfort of Blue behind you.
Collecting the artwork of local creatives like
is also one of our 225 things to do.
It’s back: We’ve revamped our viral list of 225 things to do, with new and classic ways to eat, shop and explore your way through the Capital Region. Here’s our guide to local food, fun and entertainment this season—and for many years to come.
Taste what a difference FRESH PASTA makes at Overpass Merchant or Nino’s.
3. Settle into epic burgers from Curbside and Burgersmith, and don’t forget Chow Yum, now serving midweek burger specials with bold global flavors.
4. Indulge in a batch of nextlevel French fries, currently at their peak in Baton Rouge at spots like Brasserie Byronz and Bin 77.
5. Savor the talents of low-andslow pitmasters at Offset Smoker BBQ, City Pork and Hannah Q Smokehouse.
6. Veg out with plant-based menus at MJ’s Café, Golden Vegan, BLDG 5 and The Plantry Café.
7
Resist the temptation to order from a chain, opting for local PIZZA TITANS like Red Zeppelin Pizza, Rocca Pizzeria, Reginelli’s Pizzeria and more.
8. Engineer a DIY bowl at Okki Tokki, Southfin Southern Poké, Playa Bowls and homegrown Mexican chain Izzo’s Illegal Burrito.
9. Enjoy open-air dining at SoLou, Spoke & Hub, Leola’s Café & Coffee House and St. Francisville’s Basel’s Market.
no one will mind. Your local checklist includes RAMEN at Boru, GUMBO at Dempsey’s and PHO from Little Saigon.
Bone-in or finger form, FRIED CHICKEN is timeless here. Sink your teeth into the miracles happening at Chicken Shack, Blue Store Chicken and the original location of global chain Raising Cane’s.
Take comfort in homey, SOULFUL PLATE LUNCHES at Ethel’s Snack Shack and Zeeland Street.
12. Dive into the manifold flavors of an AUTHENTIC BANH MI from Bao Vietnamese Kitchen, Dang’s Vietnamese Restaurant, Tiger Pho Vietnamese Kitchen and many more.
13. Raw, broiled or fried, enjoy the many forms of fresh Gulf bivalves at Phil’s Oyster Bar, Mansurs on the Boulevard and Acme Oyster House.
14. Vary your crawfish allotment with hypnotically flavored Viet-Cajun style at Chow Yum.
15. Indulge in impossibly crisp-tender fried Gulf seafood from local fry houses and seafood restaurants. Mike Anderson’s, Parrain's Seafood Restaurant and Downtown Seafood & Grill do not disappoint.
Bring furry friends to PETFRIENDLY PATIOS at Mid City Beer Garden, Blue Corn Tequila & Tacos, Gail’s Fine Ice Cream and others.
Coffee Call
Sprinkle yourself in telltale powdered sugar with BEIGNETS from Coffee Call, Rue Beignet, Beignet Baton Rouge or The Vintage.
17. Cool down with deftly prepared raw seafood dishes, from omakase sushi at Umami Japanese Bistro to hamachi crudo at Supper Club.
18. Ward off vampires with garlicky shawarma, arguably Baton Rouge’s favorite lunch. The target-rich environment includes dozens of options, like favorites Albasha Restaurant, Arzi’s Café and Serop’s Café.
19. Chart a course through local taquerias and street taco eateries, starting with Barracuda Taco Stand and Birria & Barbacoa de Chivo Los Compadres.
20. Save stylishly with happy hour deals at watering holes like Superior Grill, Pelican to Mars and Ivar’s Sports Bar and Grill.
28. Hit up local vendors at Tiger Stadium, like Tre’s Street Kitchen, Leroy’s LipSmack’n Lemonade and KOK Wings & Things.
29. Chuckle at the irreverent Zippy’s marquee, whose rotating wise cracks are as potent as the eatery’s margs.
30. Dive into plate lunches, barbecue, meat pies and even boiled seafood at convenience stores like Chip’s to Go Market, Country Corner, Save More Market and American Market. Gas station eats prove no corner of local life escapes flavor-ific food.
31. Delight your inner kid with HOT DOGS smothered in turbocharged toppings at Frankie’s Dawg House or the Oni pop-up.
Keep on trucking with MOBILE CONCEPTS Elisa’s Cuban Coffee & Kitchen, Aztecas taco truck and Caribbean Express. 31
23. Watch the big game at The Bengal Tap Room, WalkOn’s Sports Bistreaux or The Bulldog.
24. Enjoy a spontaneous culinary adventure with pop-ups like Mlem Mlem boutique Asian bakery and Sushi Iku.
25. Discover world cuisine at numerous global spots. Try Peruvian ceviche at Brasas Peru, followed by Japanese taiyaki at Sweet Society.
26. Fried seafood or roast beef? Dig into a po-boy from popular drive-thru PoBoy Express, Rocco’s New Orleans Style Po-Boys & Café and the creative JED’s Local.
at Mid City purveyors Cannatella Grocery or Anthony’s Italian Deli.
Frankie’s Dawg House
32. Celebrate Americana at iconic diners like Louie’s Café, Frank’s Restaurant and Dearman’s Diner.
33. Balance your patronage of new spots with a romp through institutions that shaped the dining scene, like Jay’s Bar-B-Q, Pastime Restaurant and El Rio Grande.
34. Refine your knife skills and baking know-how with classes at Red Stick Spice Co., Party Time or Louisiana Culinary Institute.
35. Master cocktail craftery through private or group courses at The Tipsy Librarian, or via a Cooking & Cocktails class at Oxbow Rum Distillery.
36. Cook your way through homegrown recipes from the River Road Recipes series or cookbooks by Food Network frequenter Jay Ducote and Louisiana legend John Folse.
37. Taste the many-layered magnificence of an authentic doberge cake at Gambino’s Bakery or The Ambrosia Bakery. Solve the impossible choice of chocolate or lemon with a half-and-half.
Stalk COTTAGE BAKERS such as Maru Bread Co., Mid City Bakery and Yaya’s Blooms and Dough on Instagram to order goodies or attend pop-ups.
39. Catch the drip from a cone at the LSU Dairy Store, Sweet Society, La Divina Italian Café or Gail’s Fine Ice Cream, each cementing Baton Rouge’s ice cream bona fides.
40. Hit up The Meltdown Snoballs, 1808 and Cool Tiger Ice Snoballs for creative spins on Louisiana’s signature frozen treat. Snoball snobbery is alive and well in the Capital Region, with high octane and traditional interpretations everywhere.
Popaletas Michoacán
Dive into hundreds of king cake types and flavors made by neighborhood supermarkets, and boutique bakers like St. Bruno Bread Co., Eloise Market and Cakery and Honey Bee Baking Co. The options have us in circles—or maybe ovals.
42. Lower the temp with authentic MEXICAN PALETAS at Popaletas Michoacán, home to 27 flavors of the regional popsicle, including guava, tamarind and strawberry kiwi.
43. Discover the rapturous quality of popcorn ribboned with caramel, chocolate, candy and cookies at Posh Pop, a kid-run LSU Athletics vendor now with a brick-and-mortar store.
44. Savor homemade crêpes stuffed to oblivion with chocolate, cream, fruit, caramel, Nutella or the viral Dubai chocolate with kunafa pistachio cream at the over-the-top dessert-erie Bonjour.
45. Witness the flawless flakiness of scratch-made pastry at Elsie’s Plate & Pie, home to sweet and savory renditions, and whole pies in rotating flavors.
46. Level up your mornings with fresh cinnamon rolls from Simple Joe Café and the city’s ever growing swath of cottage bakers.
47. Grab a dozen from BR’s bounty of doughnut shops, including Mary Lee Donuts, Fleur de Lis Donuts, Lucky Morning Donuts, Sambath Donuts & Thai Food, Thee Heavenly Donut and many others.
48. Spoil yourself with cookies from local bakeries Caroline’s Cookies and CounterspaceBR. Soft and oversized, they’re accessorized like mini princesses.
49. Experience the sci-fi sensation of freeze-dried candy made by Puf Sweet, found at independent supermarkets and specialty stores.
50. Hold personal office hours at one of Baton Rouge’s many coffee klatches, from stalwart Highland Coffees to inventive Rêve Coffee Lab.
51. Broaden your love for florals with espresso drinks and teas flavored with lavender, rose and violet syrups at Magpie Café, Light House Coffee and Coffee Joy.
52. Grab a bubble tea at Boba ParTea, BesTeas Sip & Bite or Teatery Tea & Tapioca. Sweetened milk tea mingled with tapioca pearls equals a party in your mouth.
53. Raise a pinkie, fasten your fascinator and book afternoon tea at Gourmet Girls, The Banten House Tea Room and—for vegan fans—The Plantry Café.
Go green with an antioxidant-packed MATCHA LATTE. Hot and cold interpretations take many forms at House Brew, Brew Ha-Ha and Sucré.
Eat your way through all of the 225. Day trip across the rest of the nineparish Capital Region. Here’s a handful of popular spots to check off.
Library Wine & Provisions Gonzales
D’s Soul Food Café | Plaquemine
67. The Iron Horse Café Jackson
Bonta del Forno Ristorante Denham Springs
Duke’s Seafood & Steakhouse Denham Springs
55. Cosmo or lemon drop? Chocolate or espresso? You know where we’re going with this. Sip from large martini menus at Duvic’s, or sample martini flights from neighbor Zee Zee’s Kitchen + Cocktails.
56. Break out a fly fit for a night out at eclectic establishments like Mother’s Lounge, The Station Sports Bar & Grill and The Lost Cove.
57. Enjoy al fresco dinner or drinks on the roof at Tsunami, Luna Cocina, The Chimes - Highland, The Main Lobby and Firehaus. Yes, Baton Rouge loves to be high.
58. Louisiana’s drinking penchant doesn’t have to get you soused. Discover zeroproof menus for trendy teetotalers across town. The global eatery Cocha takes this seriously.
59. Soak up suds at breweries Rally Cap Brewing Co., Istrouma Brewing at Sugar Farms, Cypress Coast Brewing Co., Agile Brewing, Le Chien Brewing Company and Gilla Brewing Company—evidence of the Capital Region’s committed craft beer scene.
60. Attend a distillery tasting and sample small-batch spirits at Noël Family Distillery, Galvez Rum, Sugarfield Spirits Co., Laissez Versez and Oxbow Rum Distillery.
61. Up your grape game with wine dinners at Ruffino’s and BLDG 5, and wine tastings at curated shops like Martin Wine & Spirits and Bin Q Liquor.
62. Say “cheers” in semi-secret speakeasies like The Brakes Bar, Proud Mary’s in St. Francisville and The Tunnel, a drinkery with a storied history beneath the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center.
63. Boost your body with a restorative smoothie from Dr. FeelGood (a favorite of LSU basketball icon Seimone Augustus) and pressed juice from The Big Squeezy.
72. Ma Mama’s Kitchen New Roads
73. Morel’s Restaurant New Roads
74. St. Helena Farmers Market Fridays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Greensburg
ROUGE
75. Cou-Yon’s Port Allen
76. Big River Pizza Co. St. Francisville
77. Restaurant 1796 St. Francisville
78
87 with fly picks from shops like Sneaker Politics, Lavish Life Sneakers and Private Stock Sneakers & Apparel.
79. Get dressed for the great outdoors with gear from The Backpacker, Bowie Outfitters and Massey’s Professional Outfitters.
80. Take a trip to Varsity Sports to get race-ready. Lace up running shoes from top brands like Hoka, On and Brooks Running.
81. Get your kicks personalized by sneaker artists like Duncan’s Custom Kicks and Boot Up Customs.
82. Get the party started with balloons, streamers, favors, parade throws and other shindig goodies from Party Time, Parties Start Here and The Ultimate Party Store.
83. Need thank-you notes, custom invites or just want to level up the paper products on your desk? Stock up on stationery from local shops like Paper ‘N’ Things or makers like Blackbird Letterpress.
86
Stay shady by picking up tinted lenses from SUNGLASSES SHOPS like Krewe, Smarter Eyewear, Optical Shoppe and TRIO Eyecare.
84 Become the hostess with the mostest by shopping TABLEWARE and serving essentials from Gourmet Girls and The Queen Bee.
85 Fido deserves a shopping spree, too. Take your fur babies to PET SUPPLY STORES like Parish Pets and Neighborhood Pet Market for printed bandanas, embellished leashes, squeaky toys and other treats.
Adopt, don’t shop! Give a furry friend a new home by visiting the current residents at Capital Area Animal Welfare Society, Cat Haven and Companion Animal Alliance.
88. Worm your way to your next read through shelves of hardcover and paperback options at Red Stick Reads and Cavalier House Books.
89. Tune up your turntable with new and used vinyl from record stores. Crate-dig at The Exchange, Capital City Records and more.
90. Frame your memories or assemble that gallery wall with the help of custom services from Frameworks Gallery, Acadian Frame & Art or Lagniappe Frame and Gift Shoppe.
91. Embrace your inner van Gogh or Bob Ross by picking up some art supplies at Mo’s Art Supply and Framing. Browse a selection of pencils, paint tubes, brushes, canvases and more.
92. Get wrapped up in rolls of patterned paper, gift bags and card selections at boutiques like The Keeping Room and The Royal Standard.
93. Make a list and check it twice with early holiday shopping booths curated by the Junior League of Baton Rouge’s annual Hollydays market.
94. Glimpse 10,000 high-fashion artifacts from the likes of Chanel, Givenchy and more at the LSU Textile & Costume Museum
Just made some extra room in the toy box or need a fun gift for a kiddo’s party? Pony up for the selections at Victoria’s Toy Station and The Modern Munchkin Co.
Gift wrapping from The Keeping Room
Shop goodies made by Louisiana creators and makers at STORES like Supply and Fleurty Girl.
96. Rep the Boot with Louisiana-themed tees from Sweet Baton Rouge; Hey, Penelope; Tim’s Garage; and more.
97. See what local makers are up to at the recurring Local Pop-Up or Baton Rouge Arts Market. And don’t miss Hot Art Cool Nights in May or White Light Night in November.
98. Find all things whimsical and weird at the Obscure Art Market held regularly at Brickyard South. Vendors display taxidermy and surreal art.
99. Dedicate a wall to a one-of-a-kind original by artists like Cora Barhorst, Chase Mullen or Kim Meadowlark.
100. Rep the Tigers and Jags with game-day looks from AnnLian, Anthony Lawrence Collection, Rodéo Boutique and more.
101. Stuff the kids’ closets with tiny tees and pint-sized pairs of shoes from stores like Tangerine, Olly-Olly, Oh Pair, Ethan’s Closet Children’s Boutique & Little Feet, and Lulu & Bean.
104. No need to travel to Rodeo Drive when
105. Add a little shine to your wardrobe with the latest viral drops from local brand Queen of Sparkles.
106. Suit up for that wedding or work event with a custom ’fit from Martinez Custom Clothier, Brown & Brown Clothiers, Bates & Thigpen or Pearce Bespoke.
107. Guys can score suit jackets, button-ups, polos and accessories from menswear stockists like Carriages Fine Clothier, Perlis Clothing and McLavy Ltd. Or, browse the online shops of Jack Duncan and Second Line Shirts.
108. Let’s go to the mall! Take a lap or two around the Mall of Louisiana to window shop the latest looks from brands like H&M, Zara and Nordstrom Rack.
109. Celebrate Towne Center at Cedar Lodge’s 20th year of business. The mixed-use development is home to boutiques like Hemline and August, plus national brands such as Gap, Athleta and Ulta Beauty.
95. Don’t leave a Capital Region museum without a souvenir. Take a lap around museum gift stores stocked with art prints, ceramics and keepsakes. you can snag designer brands Boutique, EDIT by LBP, Lukka Boutique or Chatta Box.
A guide to the Capital Region’s treasure troves for pre-owned goods
Love finding secondhand gems, but hate pawing through the racks at Goodwill? Good news: Curated consignment, thrift and vintage shops are on the rise in the Capital Region. Let these boutiques do the digging for you. Here’s a handful for your next sustainable shopping spree.
Shop House
729 S. Acadian Thruway
Though this home store sells brand-new decor staples like blankets, pillows and rugs, it also houses a selection of high-end furniture and decor on consignment.
Rouge House
1750 Brightside Drive, Suite E
Get red-y to browse a selection of secondhand clothing, jewelry and art
Silibi Vintage
7809 Jefferson Highway, Building C
This private, by-appointment showroom is curated with luxury and designer items from Gucci and Chanel to Louis Vuitton and Moschino, all authenticated and dated by stylish owner Emily Underhill.
Good Choices Co.
3115 Government St.
Forget fast fashion—make some sustainable purchases at this new Mid City shop bursting with quality garments, shoes, accessories and homewares.
Remember That’s Vintage
7865 Jefferson Highway, Suite C
Killer vintage tees, sports collectibles and other fashion finds from the past are packed inside this Jefferson Highway shop.
Time Warp
3001 Government St.
During its 25 years of business, this vintage boutique has become the must-stop shop for those hunting for decades-old dresses, denim, coats and other stylish pieces.
Online shops and pop-ups
They may not have storefronts, but the Red Stick has plenty of vintage vendors. Shop Mid City Racks, Thrift Don’t Waste or Social Graces Vintage, which curates goodies like matchbooks, glassware and decor and also provides luxury styling for weddings.
117. Take a stroll through the palm tree-shaded Perkins Rowe. Pop into trendy chains like Anthropologie, or peek inside local shops like Frock Candy and Sweet Baton Rouge.
118. Day trip to historic St. Francisville for a little retail therapy. Stop in at Sage Hill, Cotton Exchange, Deyo Supply Company, Barlow and more.
Support the Capital Region’s BLACK-OWNED online and brick-and-mortar boutiques. Find everything from eveningwear to trendy accessories from H Kyle Boutique, Love My Reality, London’s Fashion Boutique, Rhythm Boutique and Unique Chic Boutique.
120. Get in on the charm jewelry trend with pendants from Designs by Grace Jewelry Co., Whimsy Gems Handcrafted, LuLu Designs and more.
121. Pick a chain, and seal it with a zap! Try permanent jewelry services from Forever Lillies, EverGlow Permanent Jewelry and Get Signatured.
122. Craving carats? Get your fill of fine jewerly—gold, silver, diamonds, pearls and timepieces—from Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Elgin’s Fine Jewelry or Anton’s Fine Jewelry.
123. Discover old knick-knacks and tchotchkes at antiques destinations like Pink Elephant Antiques, Denham Springs Antique Village, Circa 1857 and West Feliciana Antique Mall.
124. Search through secondhand racks at thrift shops for gems and retro realness. Check out donated goods at The Purple Cow, Joseph’s Storehouse, Momo’s Market and others.
125. Track down estate sales to hunt for discounted clothes, home decor, kitchenwares, collectibles and other preloved items. Subscribe to sale updates from EstateSales.net.
126. Give your old garments a little stitch fix from Capital Region tailors like El Bengal Tailor, Golden Needle Tailor Shop and Tiger Tailoring.
127. Rock tees, totes, stickers and more merch from local restaurants and cafes like Elsie’s Plate & Pie, Barracuda Taco Stand, City Roots Coffee Bar, Caroline’s Cookies and Overpass Merchant.
128. Cart through the aisles at local independent grocers. Stock up on pantry staples from spots like Oak Point Fresh Market, Calandro’s Supermarket, Alexander’s Markets and more.
129. Go on a world tour via international markets like Asian Supermarket, El Tio Supermarket and Sahara African Market.
130. Spice up your life by browsing the specialty seasoning blends at Red Stick Spice Co.
131. Pump up your protein intake by grabbing steaks, sausages and other cuts from meat shops like Iverstine Butcher and Chris’s Specialty Foods.
132. Sail to a local shop for the freshest shellfish offerings for a backyard boil or fried meal. Check out the catches of the day at Tony’s Seafood, J&G Seafood Market and Geaux Fish Market.
Get interiors inspo by touring the houses from The Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge’s PARADE OF HOMES on April 26-27 and May 3-4.
134. Get your caffeine fix with bags of locally roasted coffee from House Brew, Highland Coffees, Light House Coffee, Brew Ha-Ha and more. Need a mug? Check out potters like TreeHouse Pottery, or decorate your own at BellyFire Studios.
135. Meet local farmers at the Red Stick Farmers Market. Sort through a slew of fresh fruits and veggies, artisan breads, milks, cheeses, plants and more.
136. Get a trim or a whole new look from barbershops like The Parker Barber, Cutrone’s Barber Shop, The Shoppe, Barber of Seville, and O’Neil’s Barber and Beauty Salon.
137. Treat yo’self to some R&R at local spas. From facials to soothing massages, find all the little luxuries at The Retreat, Le Roche Bleu and The Emporium Signature Spa.
138. Try out nail trends like chrome Hailey Bieber-inspired sets or intricate art with a mani-pedi from Sweetheart Nails, Vera Nails & Spa, ZaZa Nail Boutique, Tim’s Nails and more.
139. Mix up your own signature scent from pop-up perfumeries like Bayou Aroma or Unapologetic Healing Studio.
140. Which colors suit you best? Find out with local color analysts like Lydia Matthews and House of Colour’s Emily Pourciau.
141. Upgrade your jewelry stacks with Southern-inspired pieces from Mimosa Handcrafted. Inside the Baton Rouge brand’s brick-and-mortar, find cuffs modeled after the Old State Capitol’s architecture and pendants in the shape of Pelican State critters.
142. Don’t wait for a special occasion to nab a bouquet. Get an arrangement any time from a local florist like Fresh N Fancy Floral Designs, Forage Floral Design and The Floral Cottage.
143. Grow your garden with new plant babies from Louisiana Nursery, Clegg’s Nursery, The Plant Barn, Baton Rouge Succulent Co., Red Onion, Tribe Market and Plantérature.
144. Make your home happier by filling it with trendy dopamine decor, taking cues from designers like Rachel Cannon Limited, Tiek Byday and more.
145. Reorganize your home with tips from a professional organizer like Chaos Organizing or Sara Landry West with South Coast Organizers.
146. Borrow interiors inspo for a statement wall from BR-themed wallpaper at restaurants like MJ’s Café, SoLou and Jubans.
Upgrade spaghetti night with FRESHLY MADE PASTAS from Cannatella Grocery or Randazzo’s Italian Market. Or, source die-cut shapes like fleur de lis and crawfish from Louisiana-born Dagostino Handmade Pasta.
148. Turn your bad hair day around with quirky-yet-trendy claw clips, headbands and scrunchies from Time Warp, Wanderlust by Abby, Bella Bella Boutique and more.
149. Revamp your beauty routine with brands like Luksus Cosmetics, Lev by VeRochel, Louisiana Sunshine Soap Company and plant-based homecare line Tavia Botanicals.
150. Grow your sports memorabilia collection at Cards and Culture, with mint-condition cards, jerseys, figurines and other merch.
GAME NIGHT with essentials from The Rogue Games, Little Wars, Gamers Paradise LLC and Louisiana’s Double Play.
Wine, wax and wick at The Bougie Bar’s candle-making classes. Don’t want to DIY? Sniff out a bespoke fragrance from The Heritage House Candle Co., Daisy Bee Candles or DMJ Home Fragrance.
BY MADISON COOPER
153. Get an aerial view of Louisiana on a ride with the REALLY HOT AIR BALLOON TEAM
154. Learn the art of mountain climbing—without having to break a sweat outdoors—at UpTown Climbing. With a 90-foot boulder wall and 60-plus rope stations, it claims to be Louisiana’s largest gym of its kind.
155. Make your way through BREC Parks. Try extreme sports at Perkins Road Community Park’s skate park and BMX track, score face time with critters at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, paddle the Blueways, or take a guided horse ride at Farr Park Equestrian Center.
156
159. Embrace the national bar-onwheels phenomenon through Pedal Pub Baton Rouge. Have a few drinks, break out in song and see the sights on a ride through downtown.
Bring your competitive spirit to the courts at Stacks Pickleball, Electric Pickle or a BREC facility. Plus, Stacks hosts the state’s first-ever professional PICKLEBALL tournament April 4-6.
161. Enjoy the scenery as you ride down cycling paths like the Downtown Greenway, the Mississippi River Levee Trail or BREC Greenways.
162. Tee up at high-tech driving ranges like Topgolf or GolfSuites. Book a tee time with BREC Golf or at one of the many courses around town.
Spend a leisurely day on the water casting FISHING lines at the Waddill Wildlife Refuge or at a BREC park.
157. Wake up early for a hunting day trip. The Sherburne Wildlife Management Area, located about an hour from the Red Stick, is home to small game, turkey, migratory birds and deer.
158. Wake up and smell the roses at LSU Hilltop Arboretum, Burden Museum & Gardens or the Independence Botanical Gardens.
163. Reach for the sky with a solar viewing at the Highland Road Park Observatory. Or, head downtown to the Louisiana Art & Science Museum for a celestial show at the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium— or even its new Concerts in the Cosmos series with Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra.
164. Burn rubber at the State Capitol Raceway. Or, cruise into a car show. Follow a Facebook group like the Baton Rouge Area Cruise Ins & Car Shows for intel on local car events
165. Try crafting classes at BellyFire Studios, Create Studios, Painting with a Twist and more.
166. Go underwater with diving lessons at Seven Seas Dive Shop.
167. Lace up your roller skates or blades, and roll around at Skate Galaxy.
169. Live on the wild side with ANIMAL EXPERIENCES at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, Blue Zoo or Magnolia Wilds.
170. Take a selfie from the tallest capitol building in the United States. Ride the Louisiana State Capitol’s elevator to the 27th floor, where the observation deck is open daily, 8 a.m.4:30 p.m.
168
When the temps get brutal, bring your towels and swimsuits to a public pool, water park or SPLASH PAD. There are more than 10 in the Capital Region.
171. Try your luck or see a live show at local casinos like L’Auberge Casino Hotel or The Queen Baton Rouge.
172. Solve mysteries at The 13th Gate Escape, or brace yourself for the fall reopening of one of the nation’s top-ranked haunted attractions.
Kick up your
and burn some cals with a BIKING GROUP like Downtown East Social Ride, or book a glow-in-the-dark journey with Geaux Ride.
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See what the mahjong hype is about. The tile game developed in China is enjoying a resurgence in popularity in the U.S. Book a lesson with MAHJONG ROUGE, or join a meetup at the West Feliciana Parish Library.
175. Try your hand at axe throwing at Skål Axe Throwing, LA Threaux and Gotham Archery Baton Rouge.
176. Embrace your inner kid and competitive spirit while enjoying adult beverages at BR.cade. Or, try your hand at one of the 21 machines at Louisiana’s first claw arcade, the new Tiger Clawzzz
177. You “might as well jump” at trampoline parks. Hop from Sky Zone in Baton Rouge to Urban Air Adventure Park in Denham Springs to Airborne Extreme in Denham Springs or Gonzales.
178. Bowl, play laser tag or try VR experiences at attractions like Main Event or Surge Entertainment.
179. Explore indoor play spaces for kids. They can ride pirate ships at Operation Imagination, wander a giant palace at Bunnie Bounce Grove, bounce on inflatables at Jump-N-Jive and run banks and markets at LITTLE TOWN ZACHARY
Visit MIKE THE TIGER’S HABITAT via the live camera stream at mikethetiger.com. Or, go in person— and take a self-guided tour around LSU’s campus while you’re at it.
See show-stopping performances from the HUMAN JUKEBOX or the Golden Band from Tigerland.
182. Bundle up in your warmest attire to see Baton Rouge Zydeco compete in a hockey game.
183. Teach little ones how to shop for groceries and care for pets at the Knock Knock Children’s Museum’s 18 learning zones.
185. Trace your family tree with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s genealogy department.
186. Help stock one of Baton Rouge's community fridges, or take what you need.
Issue Date: FEB 2025 Ad proof #1
188. See for yourself why the sunsets at Scott’s Bluff at Southern University are the stuff of local legend.
189. There’s a reason why Baton Rouge is commonly cited as one of the country’s best places for college football. Show your school spirit and tailgate for LSU and Southern.
Gimme Gimme Disco, Emo Night and Club Brat—these are just a few of the recent themed nights CHELSEA’S LIVE has hosted. Croon your fave songs from icons like Lana Del Rey, ABBA and Charli XCX.
191. Laugh ’til you cry with a show at The Silly Rabbit Comedy Club or Boomerang Comedy Theater.
• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.
187. Sound off on local issues at a Metropolitan Council meeting. Find the next one at brla.gov
• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.
184. Bring the kids to an Easter egg hunt at the LSU Rural Life Museum or Louisiana’s Old State Capitol.
• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.
192. Laugh out loud with comedy groups like The Family Dinner Comedy Troupe, Butterr improv team, Fish Tahco and NO SHOW Comedy.
193. See a movie screening or a show at the Price LeBlanc PACE Center, Gonzales’ new 25,000-square-foot performing arts complex.
194. Watch the stunning moves of dancers in performing arts shows orchestrated by Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, Of Moving Colors and other groups.
195. Live out your Dancing with the Stars fantasy and learn to tango, two-step or salsa with dance classes at Ric Seeling Dance Studio or TC Dance International.
196. Listen to live music from Louisiana artists and touring acts at Phil Brady’s Bar & Grill, the Varsity Theatre, Mid City Ballroom, Red Dragon Listening Room, Chelsea’s Live or Teddy’s Juke Joint.
197. Rock out at seasonal concert series like Rock N Rowe, River City Jazz Masters, Live After Five, Downtown Live Zachary, Scotland Saturdays and Sunday in the Park.
199. Put your fandom knowledge to the test at trivia nights. Follow Let’s Get Quizzical Trivia Nights or Suspense Games on Facebook to see which bar they’re hitting up next.
200. Live out the nostalgia of old movies with Baton Rouge Gallery’s seasonal Movies & Music on the Lawn events, where local musicians create soundtracks for silent films.
Immerse yourself in CULTURAL CINEMA at the Baton Rouge Irish Film Festival or the Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival.
202. See a show at Manship Theatre, which hosts everything from concerts to indie film screenings.
203. Support the arts and watch a production from theater groups like 225 Theatre Collective,
Take a walk through Baton Rouge’s BLACK HISTORY TRAIL, with stops like Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, Teddy’s Juke Joint, Southern University and the Lincoln Theater. Fill up on bites from Black-
Book a STAYCATION at a local hotel like Hotel Toussaint in St. Francisville or the new Origin Hotel in downtown Baton Rouge.
207. Get a taste for Big Apple theater with a traveling Broadway in Baton Rouge show at the River Center Theatre for Performing Arts.
208. Soak in the sounds of Opera Louisiane’s regional and international performers or the state’s oldest professional orchestra, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra
209. Spend a day at a local museum. Check these off as you go: LSU Museum of Art, West Baton Rouge Museum, LSU Rural Life Museum, Capitol Park Museum, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, USS Kidd Veterans Museum or the Baton Rouge African American Museum.
Meet your reading goal, add to your endless “TBR” list or just get back into reading at your LOCAL LIBRARY branch
Put on your headphones for a local PODCAST like The Punch Bowl Diaries or the Eat the Boot Podcast.
211. Thrift a book from the annual Friends of the LSU Libraries’ Book Bazaar, which falls on April 10-12 this year. Or, visit the East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s Recycled Reads facility (open the last Saturday of the month) or Local Pop-Up’s recurring Book Swaps.
212. Plan to tear up next Carnival season’s routes by joining a parade dance troupe like The Flamingeauxs, the Baton Rouge BeignYAYS or Golden Guys.
• MPAC
• MLK Fest
• Louisiana Marathon
• Surreal Salon Soiree
• Baton Rouge Blues Festival
• The Flower Fest
• Baton Rouge Fiber Arts & Market Festival
• Fireworks on the Mississippi
• BROC, Rock & Wine
• (Neighbor) Hood Fest
Engage in local festivals and events. Here is a handful of gatherings to keep your eyes peeled for— plus many more. Note: Check with the organizations for the most up-to-date schedules.
• Federales Festival
• Perkins Rowe Arts Festival
• Lebanese Festival
• Fifolet Halloween Festival
• Louisiana Bourbon Fest
• Greater Baton Rouge State Fair
• Mardi Gras parades
• Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival
• 225 Day
• Rock The Country
• Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival
• Gonzales Jambalaya Festival
• Hot Art Cool Nights
• Fête Rouge
• Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival
• Crawfête
• Wearin’ of the Green St. Patrick’s Day Parade
• Zapp’s International Beerfest
• Juneteenth festivals and celebrations
• Dino Day
• Baton Rouge Pride Fest
• A Taste of the Deep South Festival
• Farm Fête
• Brew at the Zoo
• Louisiana Book Festival
• Cap City Beer Fest
• St. Francisville Food & Wine Festival
• White Light Night
• Festival of Lights
• Holiday displays at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo, Baton Rouge General, Burden Museum & Gardens and more
• Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade
• Listening Room Film Festival
Be a part of the conversation. We have way more than 225 things to do in the Capital Region! Tell us what your 225th thing to do is. Follow us on social media, or shoot us a note at editor@225batonrouge.com
A local lawyer is updating his menswear brand with the help of his bold other half
BY OLIVIA DEFFES
HUNTER ODOM’S FAVORITE shirt just happens to be a hand-me-down from his father. A little worn out from attending multiple events, it now proudly hangs in his home office.
Odom says he was drawn to the shirt because of its little secret. The old formal button-up looks totally normal under a jacket. But, once that outer layer gets shed, a playful pattern is revealed on the back panel.
“Once you get loose a little bit and you want to have a little bit of fun, you can take off your jacket and it transforms the shirt,” Odom says. “You’re just ready to party with it. … I had this one shirt, and I was like, ‘This is too good to not share.’”
It inspired his own brand, Second Line Shirts, which encourages wearers to “outstand” in their second lines. Just like that original inherited top, Odom’s shirts have funky sleeves and backs with a pristine white fabric front perfect for formal events followed by a party.
“Everybody says it’s kind of like a mullet,” Odom laughs. “Normal on the front, party in the back.”
Odom donned other Second Line Shirts designs during his wedding weekend.
Odom recently took one of his original designs, the “Party All The Time” pattern, and created a full-bleed version with the help of his wife, Jaime Glas Odom. (Yes, the Queen of Sparkles.) The result: a lightweight, bold shortsleeved button-up primed for spring festivals and summer shindigs. This special Second Line Shirt design launched on Queen of Sparkles’ website, and many sparkle-loving female shoppers rejoiced over the playfully patterned menswear.
“It was wildly successful,” Odom says. “(Jaime) has a pretty standout-ish style. The idea is really to try to find where our two styles kind of match and maybe do something with that. This shirt was that collaboration. It’s a
little bit more subtle, but there are definitely some rhinestones on the shirt. That’s the Queen of Sparkles touch. But the pattern is definitely one of the O.G. Second Line designs.”
Odom says he’s playing with signature markers for Queen of Sparkles’ future Second Line Shirt releases, such as front plackets and chest pockets with black trim.
More full-patterned shirts with “summertailored” fabrics could be on the way. And Odom teases that Queen of Sparkles fans should watch out for additional complementary men’s clothing from the brand, which he’d help out with, of course.
Odom credits his wife as an integral part of making his debut into the fashion world.
Odom’s original Party All The Time tux and suit shirts can be shopped on the Second Line Shirts website.
In fact, he divulged his shirt company dreams on one of their first dates. At the time, Jaime had her flame-resistant line, HauteWork, and encouraged Odom to turn his brand into a reality. In 2018, he finally launched the Second Line Shirts online shop, which carries T-shirts and tuxedo and suit shirts.
Over the years, his brand brought a hidden surprise to many formal menswear outfits for weddings, Mardi Gras balls and more. Odom helped grooms to create custom Second Line Shirts with sourced fabrics or original designs. And, he even wore Second Line Shirts during his own nuptials and during his bachelor trip. But this isn’t his full-time gig.
“I’m a lawyer by day,” he says. “And still to this day, I’ve never had any court case that is nearly as stressful as having a groom try on his custom-made shirt in front of his bride.”
These days, Odom houses his inventory at the Queen of Sparkles warehouse and headquarters off of Perkins Road and does most of the other work for his clothing biz from his laptop. Though the newest Second Line Shirt lives on the Queen of Sparkles site, he still has his original webpage up and running with the same mullet-like shirts he started with.
“I do think the potential is there, for sure,” he says. “This new revamp really helped me realize there is a space here for these short-sleeve shirts. Guys want to wear something that’s fun. And when they see their wives dressing up in sequins, maybe they don’t necessarily want to be all sequins—but have a little occasional touch of it here and there.”
Odom might not be diving into a designer career, but he hopes to continue to grow the idea that all started with that secondhand tuxedo shirt. It might even be a little sparklier than he originally had in mind. secondlineshirts.com and queenofsparkles.com
A new Mid City boutique boasts a curated collection of sustainable fashions
By Olivia Deffes // Photos by Avery White
IMAGINE A SECONDHAND, sustainable shop where every item is a gem and minimal hunting is required.
That’s the exact vibe Haley Miller was going for when putting together the first storefront for her thrifty business, Good Choices Co. Open since February on Government Street in the former home of The Hope Shop, the racks hold dresses, shirts, jackets, pants and accessories.
Thrift Don’t Waste and Mid City Racks. Think: vintage graphic tees, denim and polos.
“My inventory changes over almost every week, 50 to 100 new items,” Miller says. “So it’s like a brand-new store every week.”
Miller loads the hangers with vintage pieces and gently used newer items she scores on her hunts through thrift stores and estate sales.
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Customers can follow bubblegum pink flooring to different displays around the store. It’s organized by item with a few racks suited to the current season. Along with Miller’s picks, there’s also a rack of secondhand items for men from other local vendors like
She says she first fell in love with thrifting by dumpster diving with her dad. That then evolved into a love for thrift store shopping in high school, which turned into a side gig because she couldn’t say no to a good find. Eventually, her closet got too stuffed with goodies, so she turned to social media to
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Carefully
share the wealth. Good Choices Co. launched in 2020 under its former name, 225 Thrift.
“If you can imagine, most of the stuff was in my house for just years,” Miller says. “I love thrifting. That’s my favorite part of it. I love shopping—the thrill of the hunt.”
Before finding the Government Street storefront, Miller hosted pop-ups and fill-a-bag sales. She wanted to be in Mid City and
access to curated, sustainable fashion,” Miller says. “Because a lot of people don’t like digging in the thrift stores, which I can totally understand. This takes a long time and a lot of effort. So I always wanted to provide a more accessible way to shop.”
Ultimately, her goal is to offer an easy, sustainable shopping option for locals.
“The power of our choices usually affects the most
Raising happy, confident kids is no small task, but the right guidance can make all the difference. In 225’s Positive Parenting section, we explore expert-backed strategies, local resources and practical tips to help parents navigate every stage of childhood. Topics include a roundtable discussion with local leaders, how play shapes adolescent development, ask-the-expert articles, children’s
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Toni Morgan, Principal at Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet (FLAIM)
Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet (FLAIM) is a PreK3 through 5th grade international, national, and state award-winning elementary school. As an “A” rated magnet school within the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, FLAIM is tuition free.
FLAIM is an academic school with the theme of immersion. As Baton Rouge’s only dedicated public immersion school, our unique program combines academic excellence with foreign language immersion in French, Mandarin, or Spanish.
We are Expanding Minds Through World Languages!
Foreign language immersion is a teaching method in which the teacher teaches the foreign language and the academic subjects at the same time. Students do not attend a foreign language class. Instead, the language is used as a tool to teach the content subjects. This successful way of learning a foreign language in an authentic, meaningful way mimics the way a child learned their native language.
A parent described FLAIM’s culture as “what I love most is how a respect and a curiosity of many different cultures is constant … how it’s simply just normal at FLAIM.”
FLAIM is supported by an extremely active PTO and Language Clubs. French, Mandarin, and Spanish Clubs offer after school cultural events for students and families. PTO sponsors many school events to build a warm inviting environment for students to grow and succeed.
Students spend 60-70% of their day in their immersion language. In addition to content classes, students go to art, music, PE, and library. Our Student Council meets with the administration to share the student voice.
With so many great things happening at FLAIM, let’s hear from FLAIM’s 2024-2025 Student of the Year, Ruth.
Ruth is a fifth grade Mandarin student.
“Being in the Mandarin Immersion program at FLAIM has taught me how to speak, write, and read in the Mandarin language. It has also helped me explore different cultures and different regions of China. In the future, this will benefit me by opening doors to a lot of job opportunities.”
Scan here to apply
BY JEFFREY MARX
MEET THE ROUNDTABLE PARTICIPANTS
JONATHAN BROUK
President, Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital
KATIE JENKINS
Owner , Grace Therapy Center
ADONICA
PELICHET DUGGAN
CEO, Baton Rouge Alliance for Students
DR. LEANNE REDMAN
(not pictured)
Professor - Maternal & Infant
Nutrition, Pennington Biomedical Research Center
MARY STEIN
Assistant Library Director: Programs, Outreach, & Collections East Baton Rouge Parish Library
KELLI BOZEMAN
Moderator
RAISING CHILDREN in today’s fastpaced world comes with a unique set of challenges. From navigating mental health concerns to managing screen time and balancing academic pressures, parents are constantly adapting to support their children’s well-being. In 225's Parenting Roundtable section, Greater Baton Rouge leaders share their expertise, experiences
and practical advice to help parents tackle these modern-day hurdles. Whether it’s fostering open conversations about mental health, setting healthy technology boundaries or guiding children through the demands of school and extracurriculars, our panelists provide valuable insights that resonate with parents from all walks of life. Their
perspectives offer not only solutions but also reassurance—you’re not alone in this journey.
Parenting may not come with a manual, but with wisdom from local experts and community leaders, we hope to provide the guidance and encouragement every parent needs. Dive in and discover strategies to help your family thrive.
We see the effects of social media and technology in both our primary care clinics— we have about 70 pediatricians across Baton Rouge—and in our pediatric emergency department. Every day, we care for kids in some kind of acute mental health crisis. This includes anxiety, depression,
Ithink one of the biggest issues we’re seeing is addiction to social media. Kids today are losing the ability to focus, except when it comes to video games or some kind of online experience. Their attention spans, focus, and behavior are all
I’d say one of the biggest challenges is access to resources, and knowing how to find them. There are so many nonprofits and organizations out there that can help, but connecting families with those services is a huge challenge. A lot of parents just don’t
Ihave to go back to technology and social media. The research is honestly terrifying. The average teen is spending nine hours a day on a screen and getting about 237 notifications daily—that’s one
and even thoughts of harming themselves or suicide. It’s a real epidemic. And when we ask them what’s going on, often it involves their experience online, whether it’s bullying, body shaming, or something else. It’s a huge factor in kids’ mental health today.
- Jonathan Brouk
being affected. And honestly, it’s not just young kids, it’s teenagers and even young adults entering the workforce. We’re seeing employees who can’t function without a phone in their hand. It’s a real problem.
- Mary Stein
know where to turn when they need help supporting their child. And that’s not just a problem here; I think it’s something communities everywhere are struggling with.
- Adonica Pelichet Duggan
every four minutes. Just think about that! This is an epidemic. And COVID-19 didn’t help, it only made things worse. Now we’re seeing even more kids struggling.
- Katie Jenkins
Screens are everywhere—it’s how we work, learn, and stay connected—so finding the right balance between education, entertainment, and social interaction can be tough. It’s not easy to
unplug when devices are always within reach, and technology is designed to keep us engaged. Helping kids develop healthy boundaries and mindful habits is a daily challenge for parents.
Dr. Leanne Redman
Same-day, Next-day Appointments
Extended Weekday and Weekend Hours
Video Visits Until Midnight
Online Scheduling
The best in pediatrics, it’s that simple.
Books are a great way for kids to experience risks in a safe way. When they read, they step into different perspectives, encounter challenges, and see how things play out—sometimes for the
better, sometimes not. As To Kill a Mockingbird says, they get to “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.” That builds empathy and resilience in ways that direct experience sometimes can’t.
Make time for each other and truly be present. Prioritizing physical activity, spending time outdoors, and encouraging in-person connections with friends and family also makes a huge difference. For us, dinner is sacred. Every night, we sit
When we name what we’re experiencing, it helps young people do the same. As someone who is at the stage of life where I’m launching kids out of the nest, I know how challenging it is to feel like you’ve prepared them for success. Talking
Ithink supporting our kids' mental health means being real with them and talking through tough times and allowing them to take risks. We have to step back and avoid helicopter parenting. Research
One thing parents often underestimate is the importance of taking care of themselves first. As parents, we juggle so much, but we have to
around the table for at least 30 minutes, talking about our day. It’s a small thing, but keeping those lines of communication open creates a strong support system for the whole family.
through those feelings—both ours and theirs— creates an open line of communication. It helps them express their challenges, and it lets us navigate those transitions together.
shows we’re raising teens, young adults, even people my age, who are too anxious to take risks because they were never allowed to. But learning how to take risks—healthy risks—is a key part of growing up.
model healthy coping behaviors. If we don’t, how can we expect our kids to handle stress in a healthy way? They learn from what we do, not just what we say.
I’d start by saying that we know the issue of young people having devices in schools is something the state has taken a hard look at. Educators will tell you that limiting access to phones in schools has been a good thing. If you have
teenagers, you’ve probably heard how difficult the adjustment has been, but I think it’s really important. Parents are already struggling with how to navigate screen time at home—figuring out how much is too much.
- Adonica Pelichet Duggan
Modeling behavior is key. Whether I’m scrolling, watching a cat video, or doing actual work, my kids can’t tell the difference. We have to remember that, behaviorally, screen time is a reinforcer. So when parents tell me, “When I take the
iPad away, the behavior gets so much worse,” my response is, "Yeah, in the short term, it will." You’re removing something that is automatically reinforcing, and there’s a kind of detox period. But setting those limits is necessary in the long run.
- Katie Jenkins
We use screen time apps to help set healthy boundaries—blocking apps during meals, bedtime, or homework hours so there’s a clear structure in place. But it’s tricky because screens aren’t just for fun; they’re also where kids do schoolwork and
unwind. The key is to create a plan that works for your family. The American Academy of Pediatrics has great resources, including a Family Media Plan, that can help parents set expectations and build healthy habits around technology.
Dr. Leanne Redman
Setting boundaries is so important. It’s really easy to let things turn into a free-for-all when the kids are screaming, the dog is barking, and everything is chaotic. In today’s culture, some amount
of screen time is almost inevitable. I’ll admit, I’ve had [YouTube] babysit my kids while I make dinner. But having those boundaries in place makes a big difference.
- Jonathan Brouk
Family time is so important, and we forget that. We have to work, of course, but things like having dinner or breakfast together at the same time matter. In the U.S., we tend to eat on the go or
while we’re online. Putting the phones down at the dinner table is key, and it’s something adults have to model. And honestly, that’s hard for us too.
- Mary Stein
Literacy rates in this state, and across the country, are a huge issue. Ensuring that kids are reading and doing math at grade level is a major challenge. I remember a time before standardized testing, when we didn’t have a way to measure whether kids were learning the right skills at
The ease of access to assistive technologies is a real challenge for young people today. It’s so easy to pull up tools like ChatGPT or other programs to write a term paper. Asking a child to do the hard work—sit down with that blank paper and figure it out—is tough. Additionally, one thing we hear a lot from parents is that kids are
Students are reading AR books just to earn points, not for enjoyment. So they skim as fast as they can, take the test, and move on. They’re not reading critically, they’re reading superficially. They’re not becoming readers, they’re
Social media has made success feel very public. We mostly see posts about achievements— straight A’s, scholarships, athletic wins, homecoming crowns—butnot the struggles. That can make kids feel like failure isn’t an option, which
each grade level. Back then, we had kids graduating high school who could read and were at the top of their class in rural areas. While I understand the importance of testing, I also believe that educators need the freedom to teach in ways that connect with their students.
- Adonica Pelichet Duggan
being taught in ways that are different from how they were taught. For example, math instruction is very different now from the way we learned to add or multiply. This can make it hard for parents to connect with their kids when they don’t understand these new methods, especially when the approach doesn’t make sense to them.
- Jonathan Brouk
becoming testers. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for bribing kids to read. AR does that because they get the points. But I’d rather they read something they want to read and become voracious readers. I want them to experience different kinds of books.
- Mary Stein
is a lot of pressure. As parents, we can help by celebrating effort over perfection. Encourage kids to do their best, but also remind them that success isn’t measured in likes. Every child’s journey is different, and self-worth isn’t tied to a highlight reel.
Dr. Leanne Redman
We need to make learning feel positive. It’s okay to not know something, and it’sokay to struggle. If we can reinforce that idea and make it feel like a good thing, kids will develop a
love for reading, they’ll want to read. The authors today are doing an amazing job of capturing the interests of kids, and that’s so important.
- Katie Jenkins
Anyone who is working to support kids’ mental and behavioral health deserves a big high five. One in five young people is dealing with some kind of mental or behavioral health issue, and less than half of them get the support they need. It’s been incredible to see the community step up and invest
At the library, we’re doing free programs every week with family-friendly activities. But not every family can make it to the library, so we meet them where they are—online. We offer the same types of programs virtually, with fun and engaging games. These programs are designed to grow STEM thinking and, of course, STEAM—
If we continue to focus on locating resources close to the people who need them, and take a holistic approach to the challenges families face, we’ll make a real impact.
The Three O'Clock Project, for example, is about more than just feeding kids—it’s about coordinating partners to ensure that resources are in the places
Ithink it’s really important for the special needs community to have programs like Redstick
C.A.R.E.S. They offer groups where kids learn to cook, jar jellies, knit, and do all kinds of cool things. But what’s really powerful is that they’re supporting
We love getting out and about so I would have to call out our amazing BREC Parks! Whether you want to play pickleball, go for a walk, try Frisbee golf, skateboard or simply have a picnic,
in helping kids with a wide variety of needs. The Emerge Center is doing amazing work in this area, and we love to see groups like Manship Theatre and Knock Knock Children’s Museum provide offerings for autistic and other neurodiverse kids.
because the arts really make it all come to life. All you need is a free library card to access these resources. For parents who might not have had a great parenting experience themselves, there are resources out there to help. We’re here to support them and provide the tools they need.
where families need them.
Families often feel disconnected from the resources that exist for them, especially when those resources are hard to access. If we can do a better job of connecting the dots, we’ll be able to meet families’ needs in a more impactful way.
mental health without explicitly saying, Hey, we’re focusing on mental health. In doing so, they help remove the stigma. It’s about connecting families to people who care and showing them they’re not alone.
BREC really does have it all! It’s such an easy way to get outside, be active, and spend quality time together as a family.
Dr. Leanne Redman
This year, I’d like to start a community program in partnership with Grace Therapy that provides job connections for teens and adults with developmental disabilities or differences. One thing I’ve been researching is what these teens and young adults do once school is over. For some, that means a job, but for many, the gap to get there is huge.
For us, 2025 is about building on the work we’ve been doing, which we break down into three big buckets: empowering families, elevating community, and engaging leaders. Our Parent Action Center brings parents together to support one another on issues that matter to their kids—everything from navigating IEP meetings to advocating for afterschool programs. We continue to
In 2025, we will continue the work of the Greaux Healthy initiative, bringing evidence-based childhood obesity prevention and treatment resources directly from Pennington Biomedical research into the hands of our Louisiana communities.
At the library, we offer programs and resources for people of all ages, from cradle to grave. Our goal is to help improve quality of life through education, economic development, public safety, and, of course, literacy—both traditional and digital. We focus on early childhood education because getting kids ready for school before they
At Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, we’re focused on improving access to specialty care for kids. We’re building multidisciplinary programs like our aerodigestive clinic, craniofacial program, and epilepsy monitoring capabilities that were previously only available in New Orleans or in
It depends on factors like socioeconomic status, connections, and parental expectations, as well as physical or mental differences. One of our goals is to partner with local businesses to understand their needs and find out how this group of individuals can help. Across the country, there are people doing similar work, and we want to contribute to that effort.
- Katie Jenkins
run our Changemakers program, our alumni network is roughly 200 community leaders who have given a day a month for nearly a year to learn more about K-12 education in the city. We also work with policymakers to ensure that the landscape for education is set up in the ways that best support students and families.
Some areas of focus this year include expanding our Greaux Healthy School Health Program beyond 4th grade to include grades 5th-8th, giving more students access to nutrition education and health promotion.
Dr. Leanne Redman
even start kindergarten is key. If the whole community could lean in for just five years, frontloading efforts for our youngest learners, it would change the entire trajectory of education. The results might not be immediate, but the long-term impact would be profound.
- Adonica Pelichet Duggan - Mary Stein
other states. Through our partnership with Manning Family Children’s, we have a goal of no child ever needing to leave the state for their specialty care. We’re also focused on bringing more mental health care to kids at school through a new partnership with the Joe Burrow Foundation.
- Jonathan Brouk
With one in five children in the U. S. living with obesity, and Louisiana’s childhood obesity rate among the highest in the nation, the need for the Pediatric Research Program at Pennington Biomedical Research Center couldn’t be clearer.
The program focuses on understanding, preventing and treating obesity and diabetes in children through clinical research, community outreach and education.
“This work helps us understand obesity as a disease that often leads to serious health problems once seen only in adults” says Dr. Stewart Gordon, a pediatrician at Pennington Biomedical.
When he started his career in pediatrics in the 1990s, most of his patients presented straightforward symptoms like ear infections and tonsillitis. Now pediatricians see children and adolescents with more complicated conditions: obesity, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma and sleep apnea.
“Unfortunately, we have about 40 percent of kids living with obesity. And in Louisiana, that adds up to about $92 million in cost to the state that could drastically be reduced if we would learn from the science and apply it to public policy and daily life,” he says Dr. Stephanie Waldrop, a recent addition to the pediatric research faculty, says the goal of getting the science into the mainstream is part of what drew
her to Pennington Biomedical. She says Pennington Biomedical’s reputation as the recognized research leader in the field of obesity and its related conditions was a major reason she moved to Baton Rouge from Colorado.
“Pennington Biomedical is involved in cutting edge research, targeting obesity and its related comorbidities, not just in adults, but in the pediatric patient population, as well,” she says.
Pennington Biomedical’s pediatric programs support all ages, from pregnant mothers and babies to preteens and teens, focusing on nutrition, exercise and body composition. It also houses the world’s only working infant metabolic chamber, which measures how many calories babies burn.
Both Dr. Gordon and Dr. Waldrop are also participating in several pharmaceutical trials to determine the safe and appropriate use of medications to curb the prevalence of obesity in the pediatric community.
“The benefit of our approach at Pennington Biomedical is that, through these studies, we’re also offering access to healthy lifestyle education, nutritional counseling, physical activity recommendations and the medication that is strictly studied and monitored. We’re also in regular communication with the child’s primary care provider, as need be,” Gordon says.
“We’re seeing promising preliminary
UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE ABOUT 40 PERCENT OF KIDS LIVING WITH OBESITY. AND IN LOUISIANA, THAT ADDS UP TO ABOUT $92 MILLION IN COST TO THE STATE THAT COULD DRASTICALLY BE REDUCED IF WE WOULD LEARN FROM THE SCIENCE AND APPLY IT TO PUBLIC POLICY AND DAILY LIFE.
results with our pharmaceutical studies and hope the lifestyle changes become habit and are additive to the medication working well. Just like when you have high blood pressure, there are other things you can do to help the medication work better. Obesity treatment is likely going to be similar. We’re studying this to find the answer.” For more information about the Pediatric Research Program, visit pbrc.edu/ pediatrics.
Because at St. James, your child can have it all. Schedule your tour today!
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Children tend to have more sensitive skin compared to adults. This is because children have thinner skin, developing immune systems, and increased exposure to certain environmental factors compared to adults. Most commonly, children are affected by the following skin conditions:
• Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in which red, itchy, and dry patches form on the skin.
• Acne is a common skin problem, especially during puberty.
• Diaper rash is the irritation of the skin in the diaper area due to long exposure to friction and wetness.
• Warts are small rough bumps caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Contact dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin resulting from an allergen and irritant, leading to red, itchy, and blistered skin.
• Hives are characterized by raised red bumps on the skin caused by an allergic reaction.
• Psoriasis is a condition where the skin has red, flaky, or scaly patches.
• Birthmarks are harmless spots on the skin that may fade over time but sometimes can be signs of a health problem.
DR. FRANKLIN JOHNSON
DR. IRA THORLA
DR. MARY DICKERSON
A good skin care routine is essential for maintaining and improving the health of your child’s skin. The key elements that you should include in your child’s skin care routine are gentle cleansers, gentle hypoallergenic moisturizers, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Before buying a skincare product for your child, you should ensure that the formula is designed specifically for your child’s age group, is hypoallergenic, and does not have any harsh chemicals, alcohol, or strong exfoliants. Before using any new skincare product on your child’s sensitive skin, you should perform a patch test on a small area of the skin to check for any adverse reaction to the product.
⊲ WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD SEE A DERMATOLOGIST?
Many people equate dermatology care with adults. Yet, pediatric dermatologic care is also important.
So, when is it time to get specialized medical care for your child’s skin problem? You should call a dermatologist when:
• You notice a bump or mole that looks different.
• Rash/hives reoccurs or won’t go away.
• Your child’s acne is not controlled by overthe-counter options.
• You notice a skin rash with a ring around it.
• Your child has molluscum or warts that are not responding to over-the-counter treatment.
• Your child’s nails are discolored, thick, or appear abnormal.
• Your child is losing hair.
⊲ HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY CHILD’S DERMATOLOGY APPOINTMENT?
• Identify any triggers for your child’s skin condition(s).
• Write down a list of questions you want to ask.
• We will need to examine your child’s skin. Dress them in something easy to take off and put back on.
• Take pictures of skincare products/medications you have been using on your child.
In today’s fast-paced world, children’s schedules are often packed with school, extracurricular activities, and structured routines. While enrichment activities are valuable, research shows that unstructured play is just as—if not more—important for a child’s development. Free play helps kids develop creativity, problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and social intelligence. Here are some simple tips for optimizing the benefits of play time
Not all play needs a plan. When children engage in unstructured play—whether it’s building a fort out of couch cushions or pretending to be explorers in the backyard—they develop independence, creativity, and decision-making skills. Letting your child take the lead fosters confidence and self-reliance.
Playing outdoors isn’t just fun, it’s essential for physical and mental health. Time in nature improves mood, reduces stress, and boosts overall well-being. Whether it’s walking with the dogs, riding bikes, or simply running around, outdoor play provides exercise and fosters a connection with the natural world.
Between school, sports, and extracurricular activities, children’s schedules can quickly become overwhelming. While structured activities have their benefits, too much can lead to burnout and stress. Leaving open space in the calendar allows kids to unwind, recharge, and play freely, without the pressure of performance.
Parents often feel the need to entertain their children constantly, but boredom isn’t the enemy, it’s an opportunity. When kids have unstructured time, they’re forced to think creatively and find ways to entertain themselves. Boredom encourages imagination, problemsolving, and innovation.
Playtime isn’t just for kids! When parents engage in play— whether it’s a board game, a game of tag, or a silly makebelieve adventure—they strengthen their bond with their children. Shared playtime creates lasting memories and builds a deeper emotional connection
• The Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools serve over 14,000 students.
• Standardized test scores exceed both state and national averages.
• Scholarships and financial assistance for eligible families make tuition affordable.
• Catholic School Educators earn national recognition for excellence in the classroom.
• Catholic School Students earn state honors for academic achievement, athletics, and service.
• All schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge are nationally accredited.
• Safe, nurturing school environments focus on faith, service, and gospel values.
• STEM, Arts, and Academic Enrichment Programs during and after school provide fun and relevant learning opportunities.
• Special Education and Dyslexia Lab Services address the unique learning needs of students.
Wade Evans, Mayor of the City of Central
Actually, our motto is “A community that cares.” The “Faith, Family, & Education” was derived from a survey we conducted as part of our strategic planning. The top three values of respondents were Faith, Family, & Education, in that order. We share that with potential investors as well as prospective residents because it is important that their values align similarly so they can assimilate and be great partners in our community.
We are currently finishing up our Master Plan “reboot”, and it will focus on growing our city center. We want to preserve the rural character and tree cover that makes our community special. We do not want to see sprawl in the areas of our city that are more rural, and subsequently, away from good infrastructure. The Main Street 2030 vision is focused on creating our downtown.
Main Street 2030 is a transformative project that will create a downtown, Main Street identity. The backbone of the project is an 85-acre lake that serves as a flood mitigation project along the Beaver Bayou corridor. The vision will create a mile of Main Street along Sullivan Road, and will be anchored at the northern end by the hub of government. Our new city hall, along with the Central Community School System’s administration building, will sit at the northern entrance in a master planned, park-like setting. The interior of Main Street 2030 will feature destination-type event venues, along with
pedestrian activity and connector streets in the heart of our downtown. The idea that spurred it was, “how do we do multiple things with each square foot of property.” Our team has created an exciting vision for our city, and it pairs well with our community’s desire to have places to come together and enjoy the community experience.
Our school system is one of our greatest assets. Our school system has been perennially in the top five in the state. It offers dual opportunities for students through the “Wildcat College” or in our award-winning trades programs. We have educational, artistic, and athletic opportunities for all students. For parents looking for a smaller, private school atmosphere, we have Central Private as well as St. Alphonsus Catholic School. In addition to school choices, we have two community theaters and multiple community events each year for our residents to be able to come together and enjoy the community feel within a short commute to downtown Baton Rouge. The city is making significant investments in repairing our roads and focusing on improved quality of life for our citizens.
Moms on the Move Brunch is an empowering event for working moms— corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and everyday women—balancing career, family, and personal growth.
The event includes a panel discussion, networking, shopping with local vendors, and discussions on navigating motherhood while pursuing purpose. Attendees will leave inspired, connected, and ready to thrive in life and business.
Saturday, May 31st
11am - 1pm
Sonny Aldridge, CEO, United Community Bank
A CD (Certificate of Deposit) is a type of savings account that you open with a bank. You agree to keep your money in the account for a fixed period of time (like 6 months, 1 year, or even 5 years). In return, the bank pays you interest. The catch is, you can’t access your money until the CD “matures” (the time is up) without paying a penalty. It’s like lending the bank your money, and they reward you with interest.
IF A CD IS THE RIGHT MEANS TO GO ABOUT YOUR INVESTMENT/SAVINGS GOALS (I.E. TERMS/ INTEREST RATES)?
The two main factors are:
• Interest rates: Higher interest rates give you more money in return. Rates differ depending on the bank and the market.
• Term length: How long you’re willing to leave your money untouched. Longer terms usually offer higher interest rates but lock your money up for longer.
Interest rates on CDs are usually higher than on regular savings accounts. The key difference is that CDs require you to lock your
money away for a set period, while savings accounts let you take your money out anytime. High-yield savings accounts give you better rates than regular savings accounts but still let you access your funds easily.
CDs are very safe because they are insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) in the U.S. up to $250,000 per person, per bank. This means if the bank fails, your money is protected up to that limit. It’s a low-risk investment.
WHY MIGHT CDS BE A GOOD OPTION FOR THOSE WHO ARE JUST STARTING TO
CDs are good for beginners because they are low-risk and easy to understand. You know exactly how much interest you’ll earn, and you don’t need to worry about stock market ups and downs. They can be a steady way to grow your money while learning about saving and investing.
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How family-owned Thai Kitchen has evolved over 30-plus years
BY JILLIAN ELLIOTT //
WHEN REFLECT-
ING on more than three decades of owning Thai Kitchen, which has seen crosstown relocations, menu expansions and years of Best of 225 wins, Sam Sanguanruang humbly maintains that the highlight has been “working day by day and paying the bills.”
Back in 1989, Sanguanruang, an LSU graduate with local kitchen experience, took a chance on the Capital City. Today, the region’s Thai restaurant market includes a handful of spots, like Chai Thai-Lao, Thai Pepper and Duang Tawan. But Sanguanruang recalls there was only one other eatery in the area serving his native country’s cuisine when he first opened Thai Kitchen on North Sherwood Forest Drive.
“Customers didn’t have a choice of Thai restaurants back then, so that’s why we opened up,” Sanguanruang explains today.
Stop by for a steaming bowl of panang curry at its wooden carvingtrimmed, present-day location on Concord Avenue, and you’ll find Sanguanruang’s and his family’s wager has paid off. The restaurant has garnered a loyal fanbase that has grown Thai Kitchen to the rank of local legend, with regulars following it to locations off Florida Boulevard and Perkins Road over the years.
The secret? Customer satisfaction.
“Overall, we try to make customers happy and understand what customers need,” Sanguanruang says.
With an expansive pan-Asian menu, there’s something for Thai food newcomers to serious foodies.
It should come as no surprise that one of Thai Kitchen’s most popular dishes is pad thai, Thailand’s national dish, along with other hallmarks of the cuisine, like a range of curries and noodle soups. And the menu has grown over the years to include sushi, dim sum and more to meet diners’ preferences. Just this fall, Sanguanruang and the Thai Kitchen team added khao soi, a rich coconut curry noodle soup originating from northern Thailand, to its menu after seeing its popularity online. Sanguanruang says it’s been a popular addition.
About this feature: Each month across our 20th year, 225 will revisit restaurants from our past coverage. From Capital Region classics and award-winners to trendsetters and hidden gems, these businesses have helped shape our dining culture.
But, great food often isn’t enough to keep a restaurant afloat. Thai Kitchen’s dining room and outdoor patio with a stage have become destinations for local musicians and live music lovers on Thursdays. Throw in daily happy hour deals and enticing weekly specials—like half-off bottles of wine on Tuesdays—and Thai Kitchen meets its celebrated cuisine with an equally exciting atmosphere.
“The business is growing every day—every year,” Sanguanruang says.
And still, as with any success story, Thai Kitchen’s growth hasn’t been without trials. Sanguanruang cites the COVID-19 pandemic as a difficult period for the business. Ultimately, he attributes its staying power to his family’s commitment to the restaurant.
“We passed that,” he says, “and we learned something new.”
And after 36 years of expansions, plenty of pad thai and a pandemic, Sanguanruang has a
message for aspiring restaurateurs ahead of Thai Kitchen’s next big milestone: his retirement, a goal he’s set for the not-so-distant future.
“You’ve got to hang on in order to be successful,” he says. “You have to stick with your business. You have to be there.”
thaikitchenla.com
South of France meets south Louisiana in this Easter spread
BY TRACEY KOCH // PHOTO BY AMY SHUTT
THE CLASSIC NICOISE
salad was created in Nice, in the south of France. The original version consisted of ripe tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives and anchovies, all simply seasoned and lightly dressed with olive oil.
The nicoise salad gained popularity in the early 20th century. Celebrated chef and restaurateur Auguste Escoffier is credited for adding boiled potatoes and green beans to the dish, making it the quintessential French dish we know today.
I love serving a nicoise-style salad as part of my Easter luncheon because it can be tailored to suit everyone’s preferences. It’s a simple salad to throw together, and it makes a beautiful presentation with all of the vibrant spring veggies.
I put a bit of a Louisiana spin on my version by substituting shrimp in place of the traditional anchovies. I also boil the shrimp with new potatoes and fresh green beans in a Louisiana crab and shrimp boil to give everything a little extra kick. And I serve my version of this salad with a classic Frenchstyle vinaigrette that has just the right balance of acidity to help brighten the fresh flavors.
2 tablespoons salt
½ cup lemon juice
½ cup liquid shrimp and crab boil
2 pounds new potatoes, cleaned and cut in half
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails
1 pound fresh green beans
3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
3 ripe tomatoes, sliced into wedges
1 cup nicoise or Kalamata olives
3 ripe avocados, sliced
1 head fresh butter lettuce
1. Add the salt and lemon juice to 4 quarts of water, and bring it all to a rolling boil. Add the liquid shrimp boil.
2. Add the potatoes to the pot and boil for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are almost tender. Add the shrimp and continue boiling for another 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Toss in the green beans and continue cooking for 1 more minute. Pour everything into a large strainer, and drain well.
4. Separate the beans, potatoes and shrimp, and arrange them on a large serving platter along with the remaining ingredients. Serve the nicoise salad with dressing on the side.
1 tablespoon shallots, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
½ cup champagne vinegar
1 cup olive oil
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until well blended.
2. Transfer the dressing to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Chill until you are ready to serve. This dressing may be made several days in advance and will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Catch Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s dreamlike Alice in Wonderland this month
BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON
AMAZE OF DOORS.
A pool of tears. A precocious girl who tracks a white rabbit and matches wits with a loony royal. Lewis Carroll’s famed novel comes to life through dance this month in Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s original production of Alice in Wonderland.
Performed by the arts organization’s company of dancers, the ballet features choreography by BRBT Artistic Directors Jonna Cox and Rebecca Acosta, and music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky arranged by Carl Davis, Gustav Holst, Alfred Reynolds and Jacques Offenbach.
The arts organization is best known for its annual production, The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou, but this month’s show represents another chance to stage a familiar fable. BRBT often performs a narrative ballet in the spring, seen through past productions like Cinderella and Rapunzel
“Our audiences love stories, and our dancers love telling stories,” Cox says. “There’s something that touches the heart when you’re following a story.”
And Alice, with its trippy mayhem and wacky characters, is
fun to watch. Cox’s and Acosta’s choreography is matched with sets designed by Baton Rouge-based professional set designer Adriane Bennett, along with a fleet of new costumes conceived by Cox and Acosta and made by local sewers.
Baton Rouge Magnet High School junior Megan Guo plays Alice, and Berean Homeschool Co-op junior Elliana Chaney is the White Rabbit. BRBT dance
“It’s a grander, much bigger scale production than the last time we did it,” Cox says.
For example, the previous show featured two magical doors on wheels operated by dancers, which Alice navigates after she falls down the rabbit hole.
The expanded production has nine magical doors, along with a 12-foot door that makes an aerial entrance, Cox says.
“Our audiences love stories, and our dancers love telling stories. There’s something that touches the heart when you’re following a story.”
—Jonna Cox, BRBT artistic director
instructor Alyssa Bourque, a former company member who earned a bachelor of fine arts in dance from Belhaven University, plays the Queen of Hearts.
In 2021, Cox and Acosta created a 30-minute youth ballet version of Alice in Wonderland that served as a starting point for this show. About 75 dancers from age 7 to early 20s will now perform additional, complex numbers across two full acts.
The costume team included Polly Normand, a retired electrical engineer known for creating several beloved looks for The Nutcracker, including Clara, and the Russian, Spanish and Chinese divertissements. Cox and Acosta spent several months scheming the designs, which range from Alice’s classic blue dress and white pinafore to the outlandish looks worn by Wonderland’s absurdist characters. Among others, audiences will be
charmed by the tufted red-andwhite polka-dotted caps donned by the Mushrooms, and the technicolor wigs and overalls sported by goofy twin brothers Tweedledee and Tweedledum.
Acosta says she’s particularly excited by the looks Normand created for the new “Talking Flowers” number. The costumes feature a green bodice with flowing skirts in either lavender or yellow. Eschewing stiff tutus, Normand used chiffon so the skirts sway like foliage in the breeze, Acosta says.
Bennett’s series of original sets depict Alice’s progression from reading with her sister on a riverbank where the story starts, to various locations in Wonderland. Also serving as the show’s stage manager, Bennett leveled up the world-building with detailed sets and whimsical painted backdrops.
Other visual delights include “The Pool of Tears,” created by fabric mimicking rising water after an oversized Alice cries in frustration, and “The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party,” where performers dance on a sprawling crumpet-strewn table.
“It’s going to be really fun,” Acosta says.
And like Alice would say, curiouser and curiouser.
A look at Baton Rouge Blues Festival flyers created by notable Red Stick artists
BY OLIVIA DEFFES
IF A PICTURE is worth a thousand words, a poster’s got to be worth a whole lot, too. Festivals’ art-filled pieces are about more than promoting events—they tell stories.
Each year, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival and Foundation searches for a local artist to design its poster. Instead of going with something templated or generic, the fest implores the chosen creative to come up with a design that captures the event’s essence.
Past images have been photoforward, collaged, hand sketched or painted. Each year, there’s something new. And this spring, music fans have been able to take a trip down memory lane via the “Blues Festival Posters Through the Years” exhibit at the West Baton Rouge Museum. The display features posters from 2013, 2015 and 2018-2025 along with artist statements. Much of the work features musicians who are from West Baton Rouge or have performed at the museum.
“West Baton Rouge is well known for its long blues heritage,” says Angelique Bergeron, the
museum’s executive director.
“Baton Rouge Blues Fest is one of my favorite festivals. … It’s just a lovely festival. And as we started interpreting the blues here at the museum, it’s just kind of been a natural partnership.”
Besides housing past posters for its current exhibit, the museum also has a special tie to this year’s featured artwork by Malaika Favorite. The local painter originally unveiled the design in 2023 as a grant-funded mural decorating the exterior of the museum’s Juke Joint. It features Capital Region musicians who have played the
Take a peek at some of the posters on display at the West Baton Rouge Museum now until April 13. wbrmuseum.org
2013
The earliest poster in the West Baton Rouge Museum’s current display is a screen print by fine artist, graphic designer and Tim’s Garage owner Brad Jensen. It depicts a guitar framed by swampy woods and the towering state capitol building.
2025
The festival’s latest poster showcases a small portion of Malaika Favorite’s mural that adorns the West Baton Rouge Museum’s Juke Joint. The venue has hosted a slew of local blues performers, some of whom are featured in the artwork.
venue, along with locals who have attended the museum’s regular Historical Happy Hour events.
“I always felt that it was just good to document these living people who were giving us this wonderful music and sharing their souls with us,” Favorite says. “I just felt really good that I could honor them in some small way with my art on the wall (of the Juke Joint) and then even more, with the posters. I was just really giving them an applause.”
Favorite says she felt honored that her old concept art was chosen for the 2025 Blues Fest poster. As someone who loves the Capital Region’s musicians, Favorite hopes her work can inspire them just as they have inspired hers.
2019
The festival celebrated its 25th anniversary and honored the late Leslie “Lazy Lester” Johnson with a bright, retro popart design by Jordan Hefler. To celebrate the musician’s life, the local photographer added bold colors to one of her own photos of Johnson.
“We’re all artists, and we feed into each other,” Favorite says. “I think it’s very important that artists support each other, and not just in terms of attending an event. But also when we create something, that we remember them in our creation and honor them. Just like when I’m listening to the music, I get inspired just hearing the beat and the movement in the music, and it gives me ideas for what I’m going to paint.” Find Favorite’s poster at this year’s festival, held downtown April 4-6. There might even be a few archival pieces from previous festivals for sale—in case any attendees want to create their own museum-style galleries. brblues.org
2024
Last year’s promo was created by contemporary artist Kristen “KAWD” Downing, featuring a colorful portrait of blues musician Slim Harpo and silhouettes of festivalgoers.
Ascension Community Theatre Board President Dustin Delaune, Secretary Shelby Cascio, Artistic Director Sean Riley, Vice President Sharonda Morris and Treasurer Penny Diez
Ascension Community Theatre celebrates 25 seasons of performing arts in Gonzales
BY GRACELYN FARRAR // PHOTO BY COLLIN RICHIE
WALKING AROUND Ascension Community Theatre’s building during rehearsal night, actors are practicing their lines wherever possible.
They linger beneath the marquee, outside by the little red door or in the greenroom behind the stage.
It’s late January, and ACT is a couple weeks out from the mid-February debut of its season opener, Arsenic and Old Lace Scenes are being run onstage with the seriousness of opening night.
This season, after all, is a big one. The nonprofit, volunteer-run theater troupe is celebrating its 25th anniversary. It’s marking a
quarter-century by staging six favorite shows from its past.
“It’s kind of like our revival season,” says Dustin Delaune, president of ACT’s board of directors.
Before this year, ACT had only repeated a show once: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which ran in December 2000 and again in December 2021.
For the rest of the season, the group is looking forward to also revisiting Cabaret, Annie, Steel Magnolias, A Streetcar Named Desire and Miracle on 34th Street And if reception is strong, ACT may add old productions into the mix every now and then.
“We’re hoping to continue doing new things,” Delaune says, “but also keeping a bit of our
SEE THE SHOWS
• Cabaret: April 24-May 4
• Annie: July 10-27
• Steel Magnolias: Sept. 4-14
• A Streetcar Named Desire: Oct. 16-26
• Miracle on 34th Street: Dec. 11-21
Birthday cards
As 225 celebrates its 20th anniversary year, we’ll also be spotlighting other organizations and businesses celebrating milestones in 2025.
history thrown in every so often.”
The theater’s Gonzales home is inside a 1930s building on Felicity Avenue, not far from the New River. It screened movies as the Pasqua Theatre until the ’80s.
“It’s always been the home of art,” Delaune says.
ACT moved into the space in 1999 and officially bought the building in 2003. Renovations in 2017 and 2018 added a backstage and converted an old balcony into a tech booth and storage for costumes and props. Now, it boasts both a greenroom for the actors to relax offstage and a workroom where sets are built from wood and other materials.
Construction uncovered treasures like an old roll of movie tickets—listed at 32 cents each.
“I get to give out special tickets every once in a while to certain people,” Delaune says.
Today, ACT tries to reach as diverse an audience as possible, ensuring that each season has at least one comedy, one drama and one musical. When it comes to selecting shows, audience appeal is considered—and also how much a storyline will satisfy the artistic flames of the cast and crew.
“We’re a home away from home for everybody. You don’t have to necessarily want to be onstage. You can come and help paint, you can come and help pull costumes," Delaune says. "It’s just a place where we encourage as many people from all different walks of life to come and be a part of.” actgonzales.org
Compiled by Olivia Deffes
April 4 + 5
Slip on your boots and two-step to the Livingston Fair Grounds for Rock the Country. This traveling music festival features acts like Nickelback, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Shenandoah. Along with live music, there will be DJ sets, food vendors and more. rockthecountry.com
April 4-6 + 11
Follow the journeys of the March sisters at Red Magnolia Theatre Company’s production of Little Women, a new adaptation by Heather Chrisler. Attendees can scoop tickets to the show or opt for the VIP (very important patron) experience on April 5, with a three-course, prix fixe dinner at Brasserie Byronz and an Uber voucher. redmagnoliatc.org
April 13
Brush up on your sketching skills this spring with a figure-drawing session at LSU School of Art’s Glassell Gallery in the Shaw Center for the Arts. The free class provides room to create along with a model for inspiration—attendees only need to bring their own art supplies. design.lsu.edu
April 24
Indie-rock band STRFKR is set to bring wacky stage costumes and hits like “Golden Light” and “Open Your Eyes” to Chelsea’s Live. chelseaslive.com
•
April 25
Put on your boogie shoes, and get down to L’Auberge Casino Hotel for a performance by KC and the Sunshine Band. Rock out to the band’s disco and funk sound, and sing along to old faves like “Keep it Comin’ Love” and “I’m Your Boogie Man.” lbatonrouge.com
April 26
Fleur De Stitch’d is back with its annual Baton Rouge Fiber Arts & Makers Festival. This year’s fest will be held at The Artist’s Loft Gifts & Antiques and will feature handdyed yarns and other locally made, fiberbased artwork. fleurdestitchd.com
Step into a night of Southern elegance at An Evening at Windrush! Stroll through the enchanting Windrush Gardens as the sun sets, sip on handcrafted cocktails, and indulge in an exquisite Southern supper by White Oak Estates. Enjoy live music and the magic of an unforgettable evening—all while supporting the Friends of LSU Rural Life Museum. Friday, April 25, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Tickets | $175
Event Sponsorships | $1,000 (includes 2 tickets & recognition)
Table Sponsorships | $2,500 (includes up to 10 tickets, a reserved table & event recognition)
SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
For sponsorships, please contact us at 225.765-2437 or rlm@lsu.edu.
Compiled by Olivia Deffes
Baton Rouge’s Flower Fest is making a splash in its fifth year raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Take a lap around Pointe-Marie to find blooming displays by local and out-of-state artists that play off this year’s Under the Sea theme. Shop the vendor market, grab floral-themed art or get a few snaps at the Instagram-worthy photo ops. theflowerfest.com 4-6 A CASE OF THE BLUES Celebrate local music’s journey from the swamp to the stage at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival. The festival boasts three days of live music downtown, echoing from North Boulevard to Lafayette Street. Find a spot near one of the stages, or stroll through the setup to enjoy food and art vendors, activities, musician interviews and more. brblues.org
FLOWER POWER
Need to secure your next read or stock a barren bookshelf ? Browse over 70,000 books at the Friends of the LSU Libraries Book Bazaar held at LSU’s John M. Parker Agricultural Coliseum. Find all genres, cheap novels and even highly sought-after collectibles. lib.lsu.edu
APRIL 3 + 17
Kiddos are welcome in the kitchen at BREC’s Chefs R Us. These cooking classes suited for little ones teach basic cooking skills and introduce new ingredients. brec.org
APRIL 5 + 6
The Baton Rouge Zoo’s Zippity Zoo Fest doubles as a birthday party this year as the zoo celebrates its 55th anniversary. Meet the zoo’s residents at animal encounters, learn about wildlife at education stations and grab some grub at the food court. brzoo.org
and try to catch some air. There will also be plenty of activities at this free event, like a fireworks show, kite decorating and a kite-making workshop. westbatonrouge.net
APRIL 12
Louisiana-based Indigo Hemp Co. is bringing back its popular Canna Fest for the second year. Held at Beauvoir Park, this festival aims to bring cannabis awareness and education to the community. Expect local art and food vendors, live entertainment and educational talks. indigopapers.com
APRIL 13
Hop over to the LSU Rural Life Museum for An Old-Fashioned Easter Celebration. Every bunny is sure to have a good time egg dyeing, paquing and participating in egg hunts. The Easter Bunny himself will also make an appearance. lsu.edu/rurallife
MORE EVENTS
Subscribe to our newsletter 225 Daily for our twice-weekly roundups of events. 225batonrouge. com/225daily
APRIL 11-13: Semi-Annual Antique Fair and Yard Sale, oldschoolhouseantiquemall.com
APRIL 23-27: Festival International de Louisiane, festivalinternational.org
APRIL 25 + 26: Cody Johnson & Friends, cajundome.com
A new Mexican restaurant brings coastal vibes to Drusilla Lane
VERACRUZ RESTAURANT is inspired by its eastern Mexico namesake: a state known for cuisine that fuses the region’s Spanish, Caribbean and indigenous influences.
“Mar y tierra—which translates to sea and land—is the focus,” says co-owner William Mealer, who also owns La Carreta Mid City.
Expect fresh, seasonal seafood showcased in ceviches, tacos, skewers or in signature entrees like the Arroz a la Tumbada, which is Veracruz’s play on a Spanish paella; and Pescado a la Veracruzana, a fillet topped with tomato sauce, capers and olives.
Laura Cedor Interiors designed the space, curating a clean, coastal aesthetic characterized by beachy blues and natural tones. Wicker chandeliers and pendants hang overhead. The walls are splashed with hand-painted art throughout, including a rainforest mural by Cuban artist Alberto Paret.
Customers can choose between indoor and outdoor seating, with chairs and tables arranged in a variety of vignettes.
After looking around Baton Rouge for the right spot, Mealer settled on a Drusilla Shopping Center building that formerly housed VooDoo BBQ. Veracruz opened there on March 6.
“I think this area is fantastic,” Mealer says. Find it on Instagram at @veracruzrestaurantbr
MADISON COOPER
2024-2025 GREATER BATON ROUGE BUSINESS REPORT AND INREGISTER
The Baton Rouge chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals marks its 35th National Philanthropy Day Celebration by recognizing the 2024 AFP Award recipients on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at noon at the Crowne Plaza. These individuals, families, and businesses have improved the quality of life for many in our community.
240 chapters in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs.
Outstanding Leadership in Corporate Philanthropy.............................................Baton Rouge Clinic
Outstanding Philanthropist........................................................................................J.H. “Jay” Campbell, Jr.
Outstanding Philanthropic Service Organization......................Bourbon Society of Baton Rouge
STAY ON TOP OF PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WITH BUSINESS REPORT AND INREGISTER MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL GIVING GUIDE MAGAZINE TO GIVE BACK, GET INVOLVED, AND FIND YOUR CAUSE TODAY!
SOME PEOPLE HAVE A UNIQUE STORY, BACKGROUND OR EXPERIENCE THAT LEADS THEM TO A LIFE OF HELPING OTHERS.
Outstanding Professional Fundraiser.......................................................................... Danny Fields, CFRE
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser........................................................................................Donna Saurage
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy.......................................................................Benjamin Flynt Papizan
Here are some local philanthropists who find happiness by giving of their time and talent to make a real difference in the world.
Legacy Award..................................................................................................................................Everett Powers
Spirit of Giving Award......................................................................................................................G. Lee Griffin* *Awarded posthumously
Scan to gain access to organizations in our community that are making a lasting impact
but it’s also a convenient way to find other nonprofits we can partner with and exchange ideas.
—DREW WALKER Communications and Marketing Manager McMains Children’s Developmental Center
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Baton Rouge was named a 2023 Ten Star GOLD Chapter, offering members the opportunity to connect with colleagues, engage in creative thinking, network with new friends and achieve great results in their work.
The Baton Rouge chapter meets the second Tuesday of each month at Juban's Restaurant in Baton Rouge. Networking takes place from 11:30-11:45 a.m. The luncheon program begins at 11:45 a.m. For more information, visit the website at afpglobal.org, follow the group on Facebook, or contact Tammy Abshire, CFRE, at 337.501.5696 or at afpbatonrouge@gmail.com.
Louisiana’s spine care leader now has a new Baton Rouge address. Visit us inside the Center for Health on Summa Avenue or request an appointment online at spinela.com.