SEE:

The main house of the Magnolia Mound Plantation was built around 1791. At that time, it was in the center of 900 acres of a busy agricultural enterprise.  Now, it is on a busy street in Baton Rouge. The grounds and additional structures provide a great place for a self-guided tour or you can join a narrated tour to get the full story. The property also makes a beautiful wedding and event venue.  Visit the website for hours, prices and upcoming special programs.  Steve and I arrived at the end of the day and missed the guided tour, but we enjoyed strolling the grounds on our own and peeking in the windows and doorways. There is so much fascination history to learn and understand about the French Creole culture.

Open hearth kitchen in a separate building on the grounds.

Looking toward the highway from the sprawling front porch.

EAT:

Galatoire’s Bistro, located at the corner of Perkins Road and Acadian Thruway, is an elegant place for lunch or dinner, and the food is EXCEPTIONAL.  The decor features lots of taupe and gold with black and white accents, glass, mirrors and chandeliers.  I particularly liked the black napkins since I love bright lipstick! Our server was a delightful girl who was attentive and extremely helpful.  Read an article I wrote for Epicurean-Traveler.com here for pictures and details.  In the meantime, here a few additional photos.  White tablecloths and scrumptious bread pudding, anyone?

I have also written an article for Trip101.com about a wonderful B & B in Baton Rouge, The Stockade.  Read about it here.