Best Romantic Picnic Spots in Downtown Baton Rouge

Best Romantic Picnic Spots in Downtown Baton Rouge

Plan a romantic picnic for your special someone as a way to connect, take in nature and enjoy fresh deli meats in Baton Rouge. Packing a delicious picnic is simple with the freshest meats and cheeses. When it comes to fresh deli meat in downtown Baton Rouge, turn to Milford’s on Third. Fresh meat, fresh cheese and fresh bread with locally sourced ingredients make your picnic menu a truly delicious, memorable experience. Follow these tips to plan your romantic picnic, and head to our deli restaurant in downtown Baton Rouge for fresh sandwiches and sides.

Best Picnic Spots in Baton Rouge

Finding a quiet picnic location with beautiful scenery sets the stage for your romantic date. Scenic Baton Rouge offers many options, including many spots close to fresh sandwiches in downtown Baton Rouge at Milford’s on Third. Swing by for your sandwich selections before whisking your partner away to your selected picnic date location.

Check out these romantic picnic spots near Baton Rouge:

• State Capitol Park: Dine outdoors with a view of the capitol building at State Capitol Park. Green space surrounds the building, giving you the best of nature and Louisiana history. The downtown location also keeps you close to other activities.

• Baton Rouge Gallery: The lawn behind the Baton Rouge Gallery offers the perfect romantic spot to enjoy your picnic. The sounds of the fountain create a natural backdrop for your picnic, and you can choose between shady and open spots to set up your picnic. Make a day of it by visiting the Baton Rouge Gallery after enjoying your lunch.

• Arsenal Park: Another spot close to the Capitol building is Arsenal Park. It’s a quiet park without much foot traffic, perfect for your romantic picnic. Set up your picnic near the lake or under an old oak tree for a beautiful view. Afterward, walk along the shores hand in hand.

• Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center: Escape from the bustle of the city with a picnic at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. The facility features 103 acres with various habitats, including cypress-tupelo swamp and hardwood forests. Walk along the gravel paths and wooden boardwalks before finding the perfect spot to spread out your picnic blanket.

• Milford Wampold Memorial Park: Enjoy the shores of the LSU Lake at the Milford Wampold Memorial Park. You can’t beat the water view and the natural setting. Walk along the sand beach or the walking trails to extend your time with your sweetie.

• Repentance Park: This popular picnic spot features a fountain with 750 jets and plenty of green space right in the city. It’s a perfect escape without leaving the city. This spot has a more urban feel than some of the other options.

When choosing your picnic location, keep in mind the following factors:

• Beautiful natural scenery to set the mood
• Easy access to your car and any nearby entertainment
• Quiet option away from crowds for a private, intimate setting
• Shade or sitting by water to keep you cool
• Space for other activities, such as a romantic walk or a trip to a nearby museum

Unique Meats and Sandwiches to Pack

Deciding where to picnic in Baton Rouge is important, but you also want a picnic basket full of the freshest, tastiest meats and sandwiches to delight your sweetheart. Milford’s on Third is a deli in downtown Baton Rouge that serves a wide selection of the highest-quality fresh meats and cheese in the Baton Rouge area, perfect for your romantic picnic. When you start with the best-tasting ingredients, you get the best-tasting sandwiches. Your picnic partner will be impressed with your talent at selecting the food for the outing.

Not sure what to choose? You can’t go wrong with anything you find at Milford’s on Third, the best of Baton Rouge deli restaurants. If you don’t already have a favorite, we offer a variety of meats and sandwich fillings including:

• Tuna salad
• Smoked chicken salad
• Shrimp salad
• Egg salad
• Whitefish salad
• Turkey
• Smoked salmon
• Chicken liver
• Salami
• Roast beef
• Corned beef

Our smoked salmon sandwich comes on a perfectly chewy onion bagel with cream cheese and capers. You’ll feel like you’re picnicking in an authentic New York deli until you remember you’re taking in the scenery in a Baton Rouge green space.

The fresh hummus wrap is a suitable picnic option for a vegetarian diet, with hummus, lettuce, tomato and cucumber on a delicious honey wheat tortilla.

If you’re picnicking in the downtown area, swing by Milford’s on Third on your way to the picnic location to grab one of our hot handheld sandwiches. Try the sausage dog with smoked green onion sausage, fried shallots and mustard. This sandwich option tastes amazing, but you may want to bring along some mint gum to freshen up your breath before snuggling up close to your sweetie.

Another hot option is our classic third street sandwich. Get a decadent roasted round with provolone, pickles and mayo between poboy bread covered in gravy. Or, go for a barbecue flair with our BBQ chicken or brisket sandwich, complete with all the traditional trimmings with the quality of our finest ingredients.

Still not sure what to pack? Consider these main course menu options for your upcoming romantic picnic:

• Premade gourmet sandwiches: Don’t break a sweat over your picnic menu. Head to Milford’s on Third to pick up gourmet sandwiches made fresh for you, just how you want them. Toss them in your picnic basket, grab some of our sides, add a dessert and round out the meal with the many beverage options. This is as close as you’ll get to having someone else pack the entire picnic for you.
• Self-made sandwiches: If you prefer the DIY route, pick up a selection of meats, cheese and breads. Assemble the sandwiches before the picnic, or make them after you arrive. If you want condiments on your sandwiches, bring small containers and knives for spreading instead of full-size containers.
• Meats, cheeses and crackers: You don’t need a sandwich to enjoy a satisfying picnic meal. Keep your menu simple with fine meats and cheeses with crackers. Bring along a cutting board as a serving platter for the foods and create a charcuterie board as beautiful as your date.
• Salads: If you prefer a lighter route for your picnic meal, pack a hearty lettuce salad as your main course. Milford’s on Third offers several salads from the simple salad with baby greens, goat cheese, pecans and honey balsamic vinaigrette to more complete options, such as chopped Thai, salmon salad and chef’s salad.

Best Sides and Drinks

The sandwich plays the starring role in your picnic production, but your sides balance out the meat and round out the selection to make the meal perfect.

• Cole slaw: We offer cole slaw as a side option to complement our delectable meats and cheese. This picnic staple offers a crisp texture and a delicious, creamy taste. Like potato salad, cole slaw holds up well in your picnic basket with an ice pack to keep it chilled until you dine.
• Potato salad: A classic side dish option for a picnic. It holds up well and offers a tangy, delicious flavor to contrast with the rich meats and cheeses. Leftover potatoes from a crawfish or crab boil make the perfect base for homemade potato salad. Mix in your favorite additions. If you want a potato salad side without the work of making it, pick up a few servings at Milford’s on Third.
• Sundry snacks & potato chips: Grab a bag of potato chips or sundry snacks at our Wall of Chill as an easy picnic side. This option takes zero prep work, doesn’t need refrigeration and provides a nice crisp to complement your sandwiches. Plus, the variety of potato chip and sundry snack flavors means you can find something that suits both you and your date’s taste buds.
• Sweet treats: Plan for a sweet ending to the picnic with an assortment of desserts. Check out our selection of baked goods, including scones, cakes and cookies when you pick up your sandwiches and sides. Chocolate-covered strawberries offer a romantic dessert option for the end of your picnic.

You’ll also need refreshing drinks to wash down all of your picnic food. A bottle of wine is the perfect way to set a romantic tone. We offer a wide selection of wine, so you can pick up a bottle when you grab your sandwiches. Don’t forget to pack the corkscrew and wine glasses!

If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, pack your favorite flavors of Swamp Pop sodas. The Louisiana-inspired sugarcane sodas offer natural flavors and the perfect amount of fizz to wash down your sandwiches. We offer a wide selection of flavors, including almond cola, Satsuma mint fizz, bourbon cream soda, Jean Lafite ginger ale, Ponchatoula pop rouge, and file root beer.

Don’t feel like making your lunch to pack? The Grab and Go options at Milford’s on Third include all the NYC-style deli options that you are looking for to make the perfect picnic.

5 Things to Pack in Your Picnic Basket

Before heading out to your perfect picnic spot, don’t forget the essentials to make the date perfect. You’ll need to pack everything necessary to serve, enjoy and clean up your meal without overloading your picnic basket.

Pack these five things in your picnic basket:

• Blanket: A picnic blanket is a must for a comfy picnic experience, especially if you go somewhere without picnic tables available. A waterproof blanket keeps you dry if the ground is moist and cleans up easily in case of spills.

• Food: The food is the star of the show. Bring an assortment of meats, sandwiches, sides, beverages and desserts to delight your taste buds. Avoid packing too much food, as perishable items may not stay at a safe temperature long enough to make it back to the refrigerator after the picnic date.
• Ice packs: When your picnic menu involves perishable foods, ice packs are a must to keep the food safe. Use packs that won’t leak. Alternatively, you could use frozen water bottles as ice packs. Throughout the date, the water will melt, leaving you with a cool, refreshing way to rehydrate after a warm, exciting day.
• Serving items: You can’t run to the kitchen to grab a knife or spoon when you’re on a picnic. Think about the types of foods you’re packing and what types of serving utensils and items you need for them. This might include knives, spoons and a cutting board. Don’t forget your plates, cups and utensils as well. Pack a few extra forks in case one falls on the ground.
• Clean up items: No matter where you picnic, you want to leave the area clean after you’re done. Bring along a small trash bag to throw away your mess and plastic zip-top baggies or additional storage containers for leftover food. An extra trash bag works well for the dirty plates, utensils and other reusable items to prevent a messy picnic basket. Don’t forget napkins or wet wipes to clean up yourselves, too.

Tips for Your Romantic Picnic

You have your perfect spot in mind, and your picnic menu is set. What else do you need to know for your picnic date?

Make your picnic perfect with these tips:

• Plan ahead: Know where you’re going, what you’ll pack and other activities you plan to do on your picnic. Having a plan makes the picnic date go smoothly from start to finish.
• Time your picnic: A sunset picnic is the perfect way to enjoy beautiful sky views during your picnic. If you’re planning a lunch picnic, prepare for powerful midday sunlight. During the summer months, this can mean a very sweaty — and not so romantic — picnic meal. In these cases, make sure you have some sunscreen, hats or umbrellas for shade, and maybe even a battery-powered fan to keep you comfortable and cool.
• Have a backup plan: No matter how much planning you put into the picnic, you can’t control the weather or other factors. Have a backup plan in case something doesn’t go according to plan. Spread the blanket on your living room floor if rain eliminates an outdoor picnic. Have a backup location in mind in case your first choice is unusually busy.
• Plan for the environment: Nature is relaxing and romantic, but it can also be full of bugs and UV rays. As unromantic as it may sound, bug spray is your best friend if you don’t want to take home a body full of bug bites as a reminder of the picnic. Don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen before heading outdoors for your picnic for protection from the UV rays.
• Keep food safe: The last thing you want to do is give your sweetie a tummy ache on your romantic picnic. Keep meats, cheese and salads cold in the basket with ice packs. You can also use a small cooler instead of a wicker basket to keep the food safe.
• Use sealable containers: Containers with tight lids keep your picnic foods fresh and prevent spills. You don’t want soggy bread or a soaking wet blanket because of food leaks.
• Pack in reverse: Pack the things you’ll need first, such as your blanket and serving items, at the top of the picnic basket. This makes unpacking at your picnic site easier.

• Add music: Your favorite songs playing in the background adds to the romantic tone of the picnic date. Bring along a Bluetooth speaker, and connect it wirelessly to your phone to share your romantic playlist with your sweetheart.
• Linger: A romantic picnic is your chance to spend time together in an outdoor setting. Don’t rush your picnic. Savor the flavors of the foods, and soak in the setting. Take a romantic walk after your picnic.

START PLANNING YOUR PICNIC WITH MILFORD’S ON THIRD TODAY

If you’re looking for fresh sandwich restaurants in Baton Rouge to make your picnic easy, Milford’s on Third in the Watermark Hotel is the place to go. Order gourmet sandwiches, or pick up meats, cheese, sides and drinks to put together your own picnic meal. We’ll even cater your next event or get your meals ready for your next LSU Tailgate party. Wherever you need it, we’ll be there to make sure everyone leaves with a satisfied stomach.

You can’t go wrong with any selections from the best fresh deli in Baton Rouge. We create our menu with only the freshest locally sourced ingredients so that we can provide you with bold Louisiana flavors. Join us for a meal or, if you’re in a rush, order ahead and we’ll have it waiting for you to pick up and go. 

For more information on our offerings, give us a call at 225-408-2600. Or, visit our deli restaurant today to get the nostalgic feel of a New York deli with all the charm of our Baton Rouge hospitality.

25 Winter Things to Do in Baton Rouge

Close your eyes and picture the Deep South. You might think of bayous, sticky-hot summer days, old wooden churches and wide-open fields. One thing all your imaginings probably have in common is that you’re picturing them in the summer-time. Most of us, whether we’re from the south ourselves or from elsewhere in the country, tend to think of the south exclusively during the hot season.

But don’t let this stereotype fool you into thinking that the south is only worth visiting in the summer. In Baton Rouge alone, the winter season is bursting with fun, excitement and activity. And while winter in cities like Baton Rouge might not look quite like what you’re used to if you’re from farther north, this just means that there’s all the more reason to come and experience it for yourself.

Top 25 Winter Events in Baton Rouge

Winter is full of fun in Baton Rouge, with events and attractions to keep you busy. This list features a variety of attractions, including one-time events, ongoing events that will last for several weeks and even some attractions that are open year round but are especially fun during the winter.

In no particular order, then, is our list of Baton Rouge things to do this winter.

Kiwanis Annual Santa Fun Run

The holidays are all about capturing that spirit of giving and generosity. That’s why the Kiwanis Annual Santa Fun Run is such a rewarding seasonal tradition in Baton Rouge. This 1.25-mile long run is held in downtown Baton Rouge, as all participants do their best impression of a jolly Santa Claus as they run. The proceeds from this race are then donated to needy children worldwide, making this a fun and family-friendly event that’s all for a great cause.

BRBT Presents: The Nutcracker

You’ve seen the Nutcracker before, but you’ve never seen it told quite like this. If you’re visiting Baton Rouge during the holiday season, you won’t want to miss the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s unique twist on the classic Christmas tale — The Nutcracker, A Tale From the Bayou. Enjoy a mix of professional and pre-professional performers as they share this Cajun-inspired take on Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous music. Performances are held on two days, so reserve your tickets now.

Baton Rouge Zoo: Zoolights

A zoo is fun to visit any time of the year. No matter when you visit the Baton Rouge Zoo, you’ll enjoy a vast array of over 900 different animals and birds, all in their natural habitats. From tigers and alligators to pythons and pelicans, there’s something for everyone to see and marvel at. When you visit the zoo during the Christmas season, however, you can enjoy the annual event known as Zoolights. During this event, you and your family and friends can hike down the one-mile trail through the zoo which will be lined with more than 50 illuminated sculptures, all portraying different animals and holiday-themed displays.

Skating on the River, Baton Rouge River Center

Because winters in Baton Rouge are so mild, there isn’t much of an outdoor ice skating season. Rain is more common than snow, and high temperatures make it unlikely for the ice to freeze enough to allow for safe skating. From December 21 to January 2, however, the Baton Rouge River Center throws open its doors and allows visitors of every age and experience level to enjoy their indoor skating rink during this Skating on the River event. Enjoy various skating events, or just skate by yourself for fun.

Festival of Lights

Celebrate the holiday season with Baton Rouge’s annual Festival of Lights. This seasonal extravaganza is a one-night-only event that takes place on November 30 and helps get the whole city in the spirit of Christmas. Enjoy music, arts, the Bethlehem Village, Reindeer Run, Santa at the Old State Capitol and so much more. No matter what ages you have in your party, you’ll be able to find something for everyone here.

Downtown Christmas Parade

One of the most fabulous events you’ll find in Baton Rouge or all of Louisiana this Christmas is the annual Downtown Christmas Parade. This yearly event has taken place every year since 1947, making it a community staple that grows more special with every passing year. Catch the Downtown Christmas Parade in early December as more than 80 different entries go marching past, featuring an eclectic mix of dance troupes, marching bands, celebrities, local businesses and more.

Red Stick Revelry

If you don’t have any plans for New Year’s, join in the fun with Baton Rouge’s Red Stick Revelry. This is the city’s New Year’s celebration, and it’s one you won’t want to skip. Hang out in Baton Rouge, enjoy live music and wait for the clock to strike midnight and the Red Stick to drop.

Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge

In Baton Rouge, we know how to celebrate Mardi Gras as it deserves to be celebrated. Every year, thousands of people turn out into the streets for parades full of colorful costumes, floats, music and much more. And if you get tired from all the excitement, you can easily duck into any of the wonderful restaurants or bars around town for Mardi Gras specialty menu items. If you’re in town in March, this is one celebration to include on your must-see list.

Shooting at Hunter’s Run Gun Club

Hunting is a favorite activity of many Louisiana residents. Unfortunately, winter weather makes this a little more unpleasant to do outside, driving many to seek indoor ranges where they can continue to hone their shooting skills. At Hunter’s Run Gun Club, just across the river from Baton Rouge, this is exactly what you can do. Enjoy a wide array of shooting options at different levels of difficulty for individuals of all skills levels.

LSU’s Tiger Stadium

This one won’t be an option for the entire winter, but it’s iconic enough that it’s worth making a special trip to be in Baton Rouge early in the season. If you can make it to town before the end of football season, don’t miss the opportunity to catch a football game at Louisiana State University’s instantly recognizable Tiger Stadium. Don’t forget to check the season schedule to find out when the team will be in town and playing at home.

Louisiana State University

If you miss visiting the stadium, there’s still plenty to enjoy at Louisiana State University. Bundle up against the cold weather and enjoy a pleasant stroll through this gorgeous tree-covered campus. Here you’ll find well-maintained grounds, elegant old buildings and plenty of indoor attractions, such as the Union Art Gallery.

Capitol Park Museum

Winter is the perfect time to visit those indoor attractions that you put off in the summer because you’d rather be outdoors. So take advantage of the colder weather and step inside the Capitol Park Museum to enjoy a journey back in time. Browse exhibits designed to highlight the formation of Louisiana as one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse states in the country. While some of these exhibits are permanent, others are only temporary, meaning that every time you visit the museum, you’re sure to have a different experience.

Louisiana Old State Capitol

Whether you’re interested in history, politics, architecture or just looking for a free attraction that’s out of the cold, the Louisiana Old State Capitol fits the bill. This striking neogothic building sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and houses a stunning stained glass dome, a spiral staircase and an internal museum covering topics of state history. While it no longer houses the state capitol, this historic building is still well worth visiting and exploring.

Louisiana State Capitol

After visiting the old state capitol building, it only makes sense that the next place on your list to visit should be the current Louisiana State Capitol. Tour this art deco masterpiece either by yourself or with a guide by calling ahead to make a reservation. If you’re visiting on a clear day, be sure to head up to the top of the Capitol Tower and see how much of Louisiana you can view.

LSU Rural Life Museum

The LSU Rural Life Museum is outdoors, so you’ll want to bundle up, but this attraction is well worth it. Browse a complex of 27 historic buildings, all authentically furnished to recreate the experience of life on a pre-industrial plantation. Make your way through buildings like a blacksmith’s shop, grist mill, sugar house, slave cabins and more as you learn about what life was like for many people during the 1800s in Louisiana. During the Christmas season, the Rural Life Museum hosts its annual Rural Life Christmas. This authentic 19th century Christmas celebration features traditional decorations, storytellers, open-hearth cooking and costumed re-enactors to craft a truly unique experience.

Magnolia Mound Plantation

For the history buffs among us, the Magnolia Mound Plantation is not to be missed. This plantation features one of the oldest standing wooden buildings in Louisiana. It was spared from demolition in the 1960s, and today is open for tour by the public. Browse the many different buildings on the plantation and learn about life during the early days of Louisiana.

The Old Governor’s Mansion

Ready to be swept away into the past? Tour the Old Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge, and be dazzled by the stunning Georgian-style architecture. Marvel at such beautiful pieces as crystal chandeliers, a marble staircase and an enchanting rose garden. While the roses won’t be blooming in the winter, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy this spectacular tour just as much during the cold months.

Louisiana Art and Science Museum

You never know what you’re going to find at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum. Between the permanent exhibits, the changing exhibits and the planetarium, there’s always something to see and do. Enjoy exhibits on subjects such as Ancient Egypt and the solar system, stargaze in our planetarium and don’t forget to visit the Planet Tower.

Knock Knock Children’s Museum

If you’re traveling with kids, or even if you’re just traveling with adults who are young at heart, then you’ll want to be sure to hit the Knock Knock Children’s Museum for the ultimate adventure. Work your way through 18 different zones that all feature new and creative ways to play, learn and discover. This is one place your kids will be begging you to take them to again and again.

Downtown Baton Rouge

No visit to an unfamiliar city is complete without a visit to the downtown area, and Baton Rouge is no different. Grab your traveling buddies and browse the streets of the downtown area. Depending on the time of day and what you’re in the mood for, you can take advantage of the riverfront area, the historic buildings, great restaurants, shopping or even fun dance clubs.

Mall of Louisiana

Speaking of shopping, every trip should include at least one stop at a local shopping attraction. If you’re coming to Baton Rouge, we’d like to recommend the Mall of Louisiana. Not only is it the largest mall in the state, featuring a wide range of stores for all your shopping needs, but it also houses the second biggest indoor carousel in the world. For all your holiday shopping needs, make this a priority on your trip.

Shaw Center for the Arts Theater

Winter is the perfect time of year for seeking indoor entertainment, and in Baton Rouge, there’s no better place for this than the Shaw Center for the Arts Theater. Located right in the downtown area, this 125,000-square-foot performing arts center isn’t just a theater. It also incorporates a museum, historic architecture and stunning design elements in addition to the theater itself. Check the season schedule to learn what’s new in the theater when you’re in town.

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra

The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra is a local treasure that should undoubtedly be experienced as a part of any Baton Rouge tour. This orchestra performs locally in the Baton Rouge River Center Theatre, and they regularly dazzle audiences with a wide range of great American favorites. Attend a performance during the holiday season for some Christmas music to get you in the spirit of the season.

L’Auberge

If you’re traveling with all adults who are looking for an entertaining and exciting way to spend an evening, stop by L’Auberge hotel and casino. This casino offers a world of entertainment and game options. Whether you prefer slot machines or poker, there’s something for every game-lover. And once you’re done playing, retire to a hotel room on one of the twelve floors of rooms, or even relax in the rooftop pool.

Milford’s on Third

When your feet begin to get tired and your stomach begins to rumble, don’t forget to stop by Milford’s on Third, Baton Rouge’s own classic delicatessen. We use local ingredients to craft delicious flavors, all while maintaining an atmosphere that’s positively overflowing with southern charm. Milford’s on Third is the perfect place to grab coffee or our famous matzo ball soup to warm up in the middle of your fun-filled winter day.

Stop by Milford’s on Third

From museums to theaters, casino to historical sites and shopping to sightseeing, a day in Baton Rouge is sure to wear you out from all the fun you’ll be having. Take a break at Milford’s on Third. Browse our menu of deli favorites, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, breakfast foods and more and start planning your visit to Baton Rouge today.

15 Places for Live Music in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, home to 227,715 souls, is known primarily as the site of Louisiana State University. On the surface, much of the city’s energy is focused on LSU students and sports and all the excitement and noise that accompanies them. But what many people are just discovering is that downtown Baton Rouge has a vibrant live music scene, too. Whether it’s Sunday afternoon, Friday night or somewhere in between, there’s no shortage of places to find live music in Baton Rouge:

• Boudreaux and Thibodeaux
• Sullivan’s Ringside
• Teddy’s Juke Joint
• The Texas Club
• Happy’s rish Pub
• Lava Cantina
• Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room Heritage Museum
• Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar
• Poor Boy Lloyd’s
• Raising Cane’s River Center
• Red Dragon Listening Room
• Varsity Theater
• Beausoleil Restaurant and Bar
• Bottle and Tap
• Shaw Center for the Arts

No matter your taste or budget, we’re sure you’ll find something to get your toes tapping and maybe even convince you to sing along. Allow us to share these favorites of ours in greater detail with you. We think they’ll quickly become some of your favorites, too!

1. Boudreaux and Thibodeaux

Cajun bar and live music venue Boudreaux and Thibodeaux has one goal: To be Baton Rouge’s downtown Cajun hotspot. And they’re quickly succeeding!

Located on Third Street, this swinging joint actually offers two bar areas. Downstairs, you’ll find a long bar and dance floor. Upstairs houses another bar, a balcony and a lounge area with TVs. They recently began serving food on weekdays, with lunch and dinner offerings rounding out their menu. And you’ll definitely want to check out their Crawfish Boil on Thursday and Friday nights.

If they have a dance floor, they must have pretty good music, right? Located just off the bayou, their weekend lineups of Cajun, zydeco and swamp pop bands means you’ll never run out of swingin’ beats to get you on your feet.

2. Sullivan’s Ringside

Located inside Sullivan’s Steakhouse on Corporate Boulevard, this hotspot offers live music and drinks in a cozy atmosphere. Called “Ringside” because the bar is set up below the stage like a boxing ring, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some jazz and take advantage of their $5 martini night.

225 Magazine named Sullivan’s Ringside a “Top Dancing/Music Venue,” confirming what many have already discovered. Enjoy the steakhouse’s award-winning food and wine offerings if you can, but definitely head to Ringside for their weekend lineup.

3. Teddy’s Juke Joint

Opened in 1979 by “Teddy” and his wife, Nancy, this “authentic Louisiana-style juke joint” finds its home inside the shotgun house where Teddy was born. Teddy himself spins out blues while Nancy’s kitchen turns out classic southern eats. If the music isn’t enough to hold your attention, spend some time perusing the antique license plates, bar signs, photographs and other memorabilia that graces the walls of Teddy’s Juke Joint.

While they’re located slightly outside of the “downtown” perimeter, we think the short drive to their Old Scenic Highway location in Zachary is well worth it, especially to catch their house band host, Blues James, every Sunday.

4. The Texas Club

Widely regarded by many in the music industry as a “must-play venue,” The Texas Club has hosted some of country music’s greatest performers, including Hank Williams Jr., George Strait, Garth Brooks, Foreigner and Clint Black. Since opening its doors in 1981, this Baton Rouge music venue and late night dance club has produced more than 425 concerts.

Considered one of the greatest live music venues in Baton Rouge, their spacious yet intimate atmosphere provides a memorable concert experience that shouldn’t be missed. In addition to live music, The Texas Club has also played host to comedians and extremely popular male reviews.

5. Happy’s Irish Pub

Happy’s Irish Pub is a great place to celebrate the luck of the Irish when you’re downtown. Whether you’re Irish or just wish you were, you’ll find an extensive list of beers on tap. Happy hour happens each day from 3-8 pm, with 2-for-1 Pints, 1/2-off Wells and 2-for-1 Wine. Open Monday through Saturday (plus Sundays during the Saints football season), the bar features a variety of drink specials and specialty nights, like T-shirt night on Thursdays (discounts when you wear a Happy’s t-shirt), $3 fireball shots on Fridays and Saturdays and Service Industry Nights Monday through Thursday from 9 pm to close.

Perhaps their biggest draw is their monthly “St. Practice Day” event. Held on the 17th of each month, the pub offers all-day drink specials (yes, they sell green beer) and hosts plenty of live entertainment, all in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day.

6. Lava Cantina

Owned by father-son duo Ian and Steve Vaughn, the Lava Cantina features Creole dishes crafted with a Mexican twist. Throw in an ever-evolving set of live artists and a great drink menu, and you’ve got the recipe for a great night out. Want to check them out, but don’t want to stay out late? No problem. Their Baton Rouge location offers Sunday brunch from 10 am until 2 pm, and yes — sometimes they even have live music during brunch.

What makes them a must-try? Check out Margarita Mondays, featuring $2.50 margaritas or Fat Tuesday, featuring a la carte taco specials as well as $2 and $3 select draft beer and 2-for-1 House Margaritas. They also have Girls Rock Wednesdays with specials on cocktails, wine and margaritas. And yes, they do have a Happy Hour Tuesdays through Fridays from 3-6 pm. Lava Cantina also offers their patrons a Reverse Happy Hour Sundays through Tuesdays from 9pm until close.

7. Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room Heritage Museum

Open since 2014, Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room Heritage Museum is dedicated to promoting new and original talent. They’re open just three nights a week — Thursday, Friday and Saturday — with Friday nights dedicated to featuring undiscovered bands and new releases. Each night features several different performers and all shows are capped off by Henry Turner Jr. and his house band “Flavor.”

The Listening Room also features a set of rotating “All Stars” — musicians and groups who regularly grace the stage. Besides offering a unique variety of talent, Henry Turner Jr.’s is an alcohol-free facility, meaning music lovers of all ages are welcome to come and experience a slew of great bands.

8. Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar

What could be better than combining oysters and live music? The Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar was started as a restaurant devoted to showcasing oysters from all over the country. Offering more than 50 different types of high-quality oysters from both the United States and Canada, this oyster bar also regularly offers live music on the weekends.

Not a fan of oysters? Don’t let that keep you away. The Jolie Pearl has plenty of TVs to keep sports fans occupied and their drink menu offers a wide variety of options, including draft specialty beers and a self-serve Bloody Mary bar. Housed in the Jolie Building on North Boulevard, it’s a simple yet elegant spot to enjoy good food and good music downtown.

9. Poor Boy Lloyd’s

Good food tastes even better when it’s served with a side of history. And Poor Boy Lloyd’s offers both. A Baton Rouge institution, Poor Boy Lloyd’s has been serving up traditional Louisiana eats since the ’60s. Poor Boys, Fried Catfish and Seafood Gumbo are just a few of their many offerings, all created to pay homage to the city’s Cajun, Creole and southern roots. You’ll find them serving up three meals a day along with swingin’ live music at the corner of Lafayette and Florida Streets.

10. Raising Cane’s River Center

If you’re looking for a larger concert venue hosting nationally acclaimed recording artists, Raising Cane’s River Center might fit the bill.

Their 10,000-seat arena has played host to successful recording artists of all genres, but the center also includes the Performing Arts Theatre, Grand Ballroom and the Exhibition Hall. These venues are home to the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra as well as The Broadway in Baton Rouge and The Batton Rouge Ballet. The Theatre for Performing Arts has played host to artists like Jason Mraz, jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and opera singer Renée Fleming.

11. Red Dragon Listening Room

The Red Dragon Listening Room isn’t a business. It’s a house party. This not-for-profit organization — housed in a residence, not a club — plays host to musicians passing through Baton Rouge. Because it’s not a business, it doesn’t serve up food, but you’re welcome to bring your own (small) coolers and food. All the money they make from ticket sales goes right to the artists, and guests are encouraged to add extra money to the price of their ticket to help foot the bill for artist lodging while they’re in town. When people kick in an extra $10 towards their tickets, their VIP status gets them reserved couch seating and the satisfaction of helping out a traveling musician.

Guests are also asked to bring a canned good to the show to contribute to a larger donation toward the Baton Rouge Food Bank. If you’re all about great music with none of the frills, this just might be up your alley. Just remember to bring cash, because they don’t have the capability to accept credit cards.

12. Varsity Theater

Originally opened in 1937 as a movie theater, over the years, the Varsity Theater has been used for feature movies, art and foreign films. Today, this converted art deco space is a beloved concert venue, recently featuring bands like Insane Clown Posse and Zoso (a Led Zeppelin Tribute Band). Located on Highland Road, not far from LSU, this historic venue features a variety of musicians and performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Whether you’re there for the music, the history or both, you’re sure to have a great experience.

13. Beausoleil Restaurant and Bar

Who says you can only listen to live music at night? At Beausoleil Restaurant and Bar, Sunday brunch is served in style, with their locally-sourced dishes served alongside locally sourced artists. Located on Jefferson Highway, they serve Sunday brunch from 11 am until 3 pm.

Check out their variety of food: soups, salads and sandwiches, including their Croque Monsieur and Shredded Pork Po-Boy. You’ll also find their take on standard brunch fare with the Louisiana Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Benedict, Fried Louisiana Catfish and their All-Southern Breakfast. The cool thing about Beausoleil is that they strive to serve all local products in order to support Louisiana food and farming industries. So when you’re eating there, you’re supporting your local and regional neighbors, as well.

14. Bottle and Tap

At Bottle and Tap, there’s never a cover charge and they serve up specialty drink specials all day long. With more than 40 bottle and can beers in stock, as well as eight rotating taps, their beer menu is extensive and frequently features local and seasonal offerings. This patio bar also serves up a variety of wines. The real fun gets going after dark, when they offer live music as well as karaoke and open mic nights. They’re open seven nights a week at their Coursey Boulevard location.

15. Shaw Center for the Arts

Taking up almost an entire city block, the Shaw Center for the Arts showcases a variety of local, regional and national artists, from music to art to theatre and everything in between. With several venues under its umbrella, music fans will find some of the city’s greatest concerts at the 325-seat Manship Theater, located on Lafayette Street. The Manship Theater, as well as the Shaw Center as a whole, also offers a variety of community events and arts education through art exhibitions, theatre classes and more.

Even if you aren’t able to make it to a concert, check out the center’s wide variety of artistic and cultural offerings. They’re sure to have something for everyone!

Now That You Have Plans for the Next Few Weekends…

The most impressive thing about this list is that these are just a few of the tons of great options for live music in Baton Rouge. This city really has such great energy, and it comes through in each and every one of these venues and nighttime hotspots.

Whether you’re looking for classic Deep South sound or a huge rock concert with an award-winning national recording artist, downtown Baton Rouge venues have something for everyone. And besides having plenty of choices for musical genres, there’s also a myriad of options for atmosphere. Want a traditional patio bar setting? We’ve got you covered. Looking for a symphony or a crowd-worthy rock concert? There’s a place for that, too.

At Milford’s on Third, located inside the Watermark Hotel, we are proud to be a part of this thriving downtown music scene. We do so not only by supporting our neighbors in their businesses but also by serving great NYC deli-style food to so many of the people visiting downtown to hear great music. Our classic delicatessen is the perfect stop for a quiet breakfast after a night of dancing or for a delicious lunch while you’re killing time waiting for a concert.

We think you’ll find that our variety of options, all made from fresh, high-quality ingredients, just might be the best choice you make during your busy day. We’re saving you a seat!

Top Fall Festivals in Louisiana

As the Bayou State’s leaves turn orange and the trees begin to show bare branches, something remarkable happens: The fall festival season explodes into being. From north to south, people gather by the thousands to celebrate various activities in style — from the annual Baton Rouge fall events to major music performances in New Orleans.

But we aren’t talking about your ordinary string of festivals.

While other states may have Bonnaroo and Coachella, Louisiana offers a plethora of quirky, irresistible festivals with patently descriptive titles.

Here are the Top 10 Fall Festivals in Baton Rouge

1. Alligator Festival
2. Sugar Cane Festival
3. Oldies But Goodies Fest
4. Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival
5. Greater Baton Rouge State Fair
6. New Orleans Horror Film Festival
7. Louisiana Hot Air Balloon Championship Festival
8. Louisiana Cotton Festival
9. Andouille Festival
10. Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

With the exception of Alligator Festival, which admittedly merits a few questions, there is not an item on this list that leaves you wondering what sorts of fun you’ll get into upon arriving. We’re going to dive into each of these festivals, and we’ll formulate a game plan for staying well-fed and hydrated during the many fun activities the season brings.

Alligator Festival

First and most pressingly, you aren’t in any great danger of being eaten by an alligator at this festival — probably no more than you are while reading this. Rather, you shall be the one doing the eating, and the alligator will likely be part of your meal.

Held in Luling, La., this festival has expanded since its inception in 1979 into a jamboree of music, artisanal goodies and lots and lots of food…including much more than alligator. Its origins, however, are deeply rooted in the great reptile of the bayou.

In the early days, the festival was held on a golf course driving range. The alligator had just been removed from the endangered species list, and the celebration coincided with the newly formed hunting season. People ate it up — literally — and over the next decades, the festival had to change sites four different times due to its skyrocketing popularity. It is currently held in St. Charles Parish Westbank Bridge Park.

The variety of delicious food available each year at Alligator Festival is a huge draw for attendees — they can find gator burgers, fried crawfish wraps, seafood alligator gumbo, smoked gator sausage po’ boys, pies, cakes, quesadillas, loaded curly fries, smoothies, crabs, steak, alligator balls and much more.

There’s also loads of good music, amusement-park rides and other fun activities to enjoy over course of the festival. Oh, and there are live alligators you can safely interact with, in case you were wondering.

Sugar Cane Festival

Extracting sugar from our natural surroundings is a pursuit humans have managed to perfect over thousands of years. While sugar may be boiled down from the watery sap of maple trees in our country’s northern climes, in Louisiana, it gets extracted from the bamboo-like stalk of the sugarcane.

Spaniards introduced sugarcane to Louisiana in 1751, and the industry has since flourished. The impact sugar production has had on Louisiana cannot be overstated. It’s a $1 billion-per-year crop for the state — and that, perhaps, is enough of a cause for celebration.

The Sugar Cane Festival does exactly that — it celebrates sugar in all its saccharine glory. Having taken place in New Iberia in southern Louisiana for the last 80 years, this festival is five days of well-curated fun. There is the crowning of Queen Sugar and King Sucrose, a great bill of musical acts, a fair full of rides and activities and a mouthwatering array of different food vendors.

This festival also affords the opportunity to stroll around downtown New Iberia and to see its many shops and pieces of living history. With architectural influences ranging from Spanish to Victorian to southern plantation homes, the city dazzles.

Oldies But Goodies Fest

Of all the many Baton Rouge events, only  this homegrown festival celebrates those bygone days of doo-wop ballads and hippie jams, doing the twist and jitterbug on the dance floor and cruising around in classic old cars with white-walled wheels.

For those of us with a nostalgic bent, it’s a true pleasure to visit the city of Baton Rouge. Practically foaming over with historical richness, the capital city wears its multicultural heart on its sleeve. Having been colonized by three different countries, it is a true American melting pot with an otherworldly energy about it — and this festival will take you back to iconic cultural touchstones of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

While at the Oldies But Goodies Fest, browse the collection of antique cars and relive the simpler times of decades past. Enter friendly competitions to try your hand at the jitterbug, or just grab a partner and loosen up on the dance floor. Take a stroll around Baton Rouge and grab some delicious on-the-go snacks and meals at Milford’s on Third.

If you have an appetite for barbecue, the Oldies But Goodies Fest offers another draw: the BCA state championship BBQ cook-off. Southern chefs travel hundreds of miles to try their hand in this competition, and you can volunteer to be a judge if you’d like to taste the contenders — not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival

This festival deserves an award for its title alone. At once delicious and confusing, it promises exactly what it delivers: a celebration of two of Louisiana’s most vital industries.

The event celebrates seafood and petroleum side by side, and the festival focuses on educating people on how the hardworking laborers in both fields often collaborate to succeed. The Blessing of the Fleet and water parade showcase the seaborne workhorses of both industries. All types of local musicians grace the stages, while delicious food and arts and crafts flood the streets.

But how did such a unique festival come about?

Morgan City took in its first payload of jumbo shrimp in the 1930s. A small fishing boat had caught them in the dark, deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, signaling to the town an opportunity to explore a brand-new industry. Industry workers originally celebrated by parading through the downtown area, but it has since blossomed into the great festival it is today.

In 1967, the oil industry entered into the appreciative festival’s title. Oil had already become an invaluable asset to the local economy, and the festival-goers were more than pleased to jointly celebrate its role in improving their lives.

Greater Baton Rouge State Fair

Baton Rouge fall festivals are worth getting excited about — and at the very core of the merrymaking is the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair. Held between late October and early November, it is the true essence of the classic American state fair, offering rides, games, music, a petting zoo, magicians, racing pigs, a lumberjack show, a Lego extravaganza and much more.

One of the most popular festivals in Baton Rouge, this fair was born in 1967 from the combination of two appropriately spectacular entities: a trade show and a carnival. It has since moved locations several times and now rests on a 100-acre fairgrounds, which transforms for several days each year into a dancing, twinkling, miniature city of fun.

There are so many different ways to enjoy yourself at this state fair. Sample jams, jellies and pies submitted for the fair’s contest. Ride classic carnival rides of varying thrill and speed. Go see a livestock show. Witness the genius creations people can build out of Legos.

The possibilities are endless, so give yourself enough time to explore the whole thing!

New Orleans Horror Film Festival

It’s a horror fan’s dream come true: a festival of indie horror films in one of America’s most haunted cities.

The New Orleans Horror Film Festival fits right in with the surroundings, as the voodoo magic of New Orleans is palpable in the air. Centuries of life have passed through the Crescent City, and the immense complexity of its history is precisely what fuels its frenetic liveliness today. But there is both light and darkness in this history, which is why an Internet search for “ghost tours in New Orleans” returns an overwhelming number of results!

Created by horror filmmakers for fans, this festival brings in both well-known and new directors to showcase their films, shorts, music videos and more. Whether you’re looking for zombies, gore, psychological mindbenders or some other type of enthralling thriller, you’ll be in the right place.

Film festivals not only give you movie critic-level access to fresh talent in the filmmaking world, but they also afford the opportunity to meet actors, directors and other special guests. Filmmakers often follow their films to different festivals and speak with the audience afterward, which provides the opportunity to meet the next big star in the horror world!

Louisiana Hot Air Balloon Championship Festival

Again, a Louisiana festival whose title leaves no confusion — this is truly a weekend of wonder, and you are invited to join as visitors celebrate a centuries-old pastime.

Hot air balloons are mankind’s oldest form of flight, and their gentle shapes floating above the horizon have long been a beloved sight. This festival celebrates their majesty with balloon glows, food vendors, games, rides, music, fireworks and more fun activities.

Come see balloons of all shapes and colors. There are giant American flags, gargantuan floating advertisements for Coca-Cola and Remax, multicolored patchwork patterns, and even giant heads of beloved cartoon characters — including the romantic but pungent Pepe Le Pew.

The festival takes place in the appropriately named Ascension Parish, in Gonzales, La. Its entrance fee is extremely reasonable, too — only $5 for adults — so it’s the perfect place to bring family and friends without spending a lot of money.

Louisiana Cotton Festival

Ah, cotton — that magical, breathable fabric that has long been the lifeblood of the American south.

Louisiana has its own intricate history with the crop. It has been grown there for around 300 years, and with the invention of the cotton gin in the late 1700s, it became the state’s primary cash crop. Louisiana’s relationship with cotton has undergone many tribulations and struggles, from disease to pests to dwindling acreage reserved for the plant. But through thick and thin, cotton remains one of the state’s most beloved exports.

The Louisiana Cotton Festival is an extremely interesting glimpse into the old culture and values of Louisiana. It aims to celebrate the crop, while offering some fun activities on the side.

The Contradanse, in which people dance to a French band, marks the official start of the festival. Then there is the crowning of Le Roi et La Reine de la Mison de Sante Nursing Home — that is, the king and queen of Mison de Sante Nursing Home — in which two senior citizens are crowned and then reign over the Contradanse!

Another festival highlight is the selection of the Louisiana Cotton Queen, chosen from among local women aged 17 to 22, who reigns for one year. Then there are pet shows, a carnival, street dances, entertainers, a cotton harvest mass, the running of the tournoi and more!

Andouille Festival

OK, there is a chance you won’t know what this festival is all about from its name. But if that’s the case, there’s good news: It means you get to try andouille sausage for the first time!

Like many of the festivals on this list, this one celebrates a food unique to Louisiana: the tough, spicy, delicious smoked sausage known as andouille. Originally brought to the state by French colonists, this sausage has remained popular due to both its deliciousness and its ability to keep well.

The festival celebrates in typical Louisiana fashion with music, fun and plenty of eating. Chefs will face off to prepare jambalayas, gumbos and other dishes featuring andouille, and the public will get to partake in the deliciousness by sampling different wares from talented chefs.

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

This is perhaps the biggest-ticket item on our list: a bona fide music festival, whose 2017 lineup includes greats like Kendrick Lamar, the Killers and Foo Fighters, among many others.

If you come to this festival, you will join more than 100,000 other fans who make the trek to enjoy the incredible lineup of talent that graces its stages.

The festival takes place in New Orleans and offers all the fun of a traditional music festival, with vendors, concerts, art and other immersive experiences for audience members to enjoy. As the title suggests, there is a voodoo influence on the festival’s aesthetic.

Voodoo, a form of mysticism formed from the influx of African influence, has long been an important part of Louisiana’s history. It is as ingrained in New Orleans as jambalaya, and the festival makes great efforts to incorporate voodoo into the atmosphere and vibe.

Dive Into the Festival Season With Milford’s on Third

At Milford’s on Third, we’re a fun-loving group ourselves, and we know the importance of keeping our energy up during festival season. If you’re heading into or out of Baton Rouge for a festival, drop by Milford’s on Third to pick up grab-and-go snacks, meals and more to power you through the weekend.

We pride ourselves on our cooking, and you’ll find traditional Louisiana deliciousness combined with diverse other influences to create mouthwatering food ready to take with you. From our parfaits and bagels with schmear to our thickly piled deli meat sandwiches, you can trust us with your appetite.