Mama Mystic’s Road Trip Guide to Louisiana
Join Mama Mystic’s Roadshow on a soul-stirring journey through Louisiana, a state I’ve called home during my nursing career, with deep roots in the bustling ERs of Baton Rouge. I’ve weathered storms here—literal and figurative—working through the 2016 floods, riots, and hurricanes in Baton Rouge, where I served at hospitals like Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Baton Rouge General Medical Center. But Louisiana’s spirit isn’t just rain and swamps; when the LSU Tigers win, the sun shines bright in Death Valley at Tiger Stadium, where the roar of the crowd lights up the community with hope and pride. The ground actually rumbles under your feet! This road trip celebrates the Mississippi River’s majesty and Kisatchie National Forest’s serenity, inspiring hope, empowerment, and connection for healthcare warriors, families, and adventurers.
Stop 1: Baton Rouge – Crawfish, Crepes, & Spanish Town
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Why Visit: Baton Rouge holds a special place in my heart. I worked through the 2016 floods, riots, and hurricanes, seeing the city’s unbreakable spirit firsthand. But it’s not all rain and swamps—when the LSU Tigers win, the sun shines bright in Death Valley at Tiger Stadium, where the roar of the crowd lights up the community with hope and pride. The ground actually rumbles under your feet!
Adventures:
Tiger Stadium (Death Valley): At 1 Tiger Stadium Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, experience the electric energy of an LSU game day. The tailgates are a celebration of resilience, with fans grilling and cheering—a true iNAMS™ Adventure that ignites your spirit. Even off-season, tour the stadium to feel the legacy of Tiger pride, a beacon of joy amidst past storms.
Mississippi Riverfront: Stroll along the levee at the Baton Rouge Riverfront (200 River Rd S, Baton Rouge, LA 70802), where the river’s flow mirrors the steady pulse of a healthcare warrior’s spirit. Reflect on the city’s recovery after floods and storms, a testament to its enduring hope. Watch the riverboat traffic, including paddlewheelers like the Belle of Baton Rouge, a nod to the city’s historic trade routes.
USS Kidd: At 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, climb aboard this WWII Fletcher-class destroyer, nicknamed the “Pirate of the Pacific.” Restored to its 1945 configuration, the USS Kidd offers tours and overnight camping, where you can explore its decks and honor Louisiana’s fallen at the adjacent Louisiana Memorial Plaza. It’s a family-friendly adventure that teaches resilience and history.
Natural Science Museum: Located on the LSU campus at 119 Foster Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, the LSU Museum of Natural Science in Foster Hall boasts exhibits like the Allosaurus skeleton in Howe-Russell Hall. It’s a hands-on experience for kids to explore Louisiana’s biodiversity, from swamp creatures to prehistoric fossils, sparking curiosity and wonder.
The Swamp (Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center): At 10503 N Oak Hills Pkwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, this 103-acre center offers a mile of boardwalks through cypress-tupelo swamps and hardwood forests. Spot armadillos, deer, and otters while learning about south Louisiana’s wilds—a grounding iNAMS™ Adventure that reconnects you with nature.
Chemical Engineering with Exxon: For those curious about Baton Rouge’s industrial backbone, the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery at 4045 Scenic Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70805, is a key player in chemical engineering. While tours aren’t typically available, drive by to see the sprawling facility that powers the region’s economy, a reminder of the city’s grit and innovation.
Music Scene: Baton Rouge’s music scene thrives downtown. Catch live bands at venues like The Varsity Theatre (3353 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802), where local rock and jazz acts perform, echoing the city’s vibrant spirit even after the toughest times.
Spanish Town: Nestled near downtown Baton Rouge, Spanish Town (roughly bounded by 5th St and 9th St, from North St to Spanish Town Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802) is the city’s oldest neighborhood, known for its fabulous Mardi Gras parade. Held annually on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday, the Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade is a quirky, colorful celebration with flamingo-themed floats (honoring the neighborhood’s unofficial mascot) and lively crowds. Even outside parade season, stroll the historic streets lined with charming shotgun houses painted in bright hues, reflecting on the community’s joyous spirit—a perfect iNAMS™ Adventure that ignites connection and celebration.
Foodie Eats:
Louisiana Culinary Institute: At 10550 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, this institute offers leisure cooking classes where you can learn to make gumbo with fresh, local ingredients. It’s a nourishing experience that aligns with iNAMS™ Nourishment, perfect for families to bond over food—a reminder of the community meals that brought people together after hurricanes.
Red Stick Farmers Market: At 501 Main St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (open Saturdays 8 AM-12 PM), source organic produce like tomatoes and greens for a picnic. Pair with artisan bread for a wholesome meal that fuels your journey, echoing the resourcefulness I saw during the 2016 floods.
Roux 61: At 8322 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, Roux 61 serves up seafood and Cajun fare with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Their chargrilled oysters and crawfish étouffée are crowd-pleasers, offering a taste of Gulf Coast comfort that nourishes body and soul—a perfect iNAMS™ Nourishment stop.
District Donuts: At 3322 Lake St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, District Donuts is a local favorite for creative, handcrafted donuts. Check their Facebook for daily flavors like Maple Bacon or King Cake during Mardi Gras season. Their sliders and coffee make it a cozy spot for families to fuel up with a sweet treat.
Sammies: Likely referring to Sammy’s Grill at 8635 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, this spot has been a local staple for over 30 years. Known for crawfish boils (in season) and seafood platters like fried shrimp, it’s a comforting taste of Louisiana that brings back memories of post-hurricane gatherings.
Geno’s Italian: While a specific “Geno’s Italian” isn’t widely listed in Baton Rouge, Gino’s Restaurant at 4542 Bennington Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, fits the bill. This family-owned Italian spot serves classics like spaghetti and meatballs with a homemade touch, offering a warm, nostalgic meal that aligns with iNAMS™ Nourishment.
The Chimes: At 3357 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, The Chimes has been a Baton Rouge institution for over 30 years near LSU’s campus. Start with boudin balls or blackened gator, then dive into red beans and rice or seafood platters—a taste of Louisiana comfort that’s perfect for healthcare warriors and families seeking a hearty meal.
Red Zeppelin Pizza: At 4395 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, Red Zeppelin Pizza offers wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings like crawfish and andouille sausage. Their “Zeppelin” pie, loaded with local flavors, is a nod to Baton Rouge’s culinary innovation, making it a nourishing stop for pizza lovers.
Cocha: At 445 North 6th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, Cocha brings global flavors to downtown Baton Rouge with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Try their crepes with seasonal fillings or crawfish dishes that highlight Louisiana’s bounty. It’s a cozy spot for a nourishing meal that celebrates community and creativity.
Nostalgia Spot:
Louisiana Old State Capitol: At 100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, this Gothic castle-turned-museum offers free admission and stunning views of the river. During the riots, it stood as a symbol of stability. Climb the spiral staircase to reflect on the resilience of past generations, journaling your thoughts to share with our community at grannystories@mamamysticsroadshow.com.
Riverfront: The Mississippi Riverfront remains a place of reflection, where I watched the city rebuild after floods. It’s a spot to journal memories of resilience and share them with our community.
USS Kidd: A symbol of military resilience, the USS Kidd also evokes memories of community events held here, bringing people together after tough times.
Baton Rouge Zoo: At 3601 Thomas Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, this zoo brings back memories of family outings during calmer days. Watch the kids marvel at the giraffes while you journal granny wisdom stories.
Mall of Louisiana: At 6401 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70836, this mall is a nostalgic spot for shopping and family fun, offering a break from the city’s challenges with its vibrant atmosphere.
BREC’s Parks: Visit Liberty Lagoon at 111 Lobdell Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, one of BREC’s many parks, for a family-friendly water park experience. It’s a place where kids can splash and parents can relax, creating new memories amidst the city’s resilience.
Mama Mystic Tip: Park Chester at Baton Rouge KOA Holiday (7628 Vincent Rd, Denham Springs, LA 70726), a cozy spot with a hot tub—earning a Mama Mystic Recommendation for its wellness amenities. It’s a perfect base to recharge after reliving the intensity of Baton Rouge’s past.
Stop 2: Kisatchie National Forest – Cajun Wilderness
Location: Kisatchie National Forest, near Alexandria, LA
Why Visit: Kisatchie National Forest, where I’ve found solace during my travels, is a 600,000-acre haven of longleaf pines and bayous, perfect for grounding adventures that heal the soul after the storms of life.
Adventures:
Wild Azalea Trail: Near Valentine Lake Recreation Area (off LA-121 S, Alexandria, LA 71303), this 26-mile trail (with shorter loops) offers hiking through blooming azaleas in spring. Spot white-tailed deer and listen for birdsong—a device-free iNAMS™ Adventure that ignites your spirit.
Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area: A serene spot for kayaking (rentals available nearby at 1359 Kisatchie Dr, Pineville, LA 71360), paddle through cypress-lined waters, reflecting on nature’s healing power—a core iNAMS™ Mindfulness practice.
Organic Eats:
Pack a Picnic: Source organic ingredients from the Alexandria Farmers Market (2727 Jackson St, Alexandria, LA 71301, open Tuesdays 3-6 PM) before heading to the forest. Fresh peaches and pecans make a nutrient-rich snack that aligns with iNAMS™ Nourishment.
Cajun Landing: At 2728 N MacArthur Dr, Alexandria, LA 71303, this local spot serves Cajun dishes like crawfish étouffée with fresh Gulf seafood. It’s a comforting meal that nourishes body and soul after a day in the forest.
Billie’s Creole Kitchen: At 2701 Lee St, Alexandria, LA 71301, Billie’s Creole Kitchen offers authentic Creole and soul food that warms the heart. Known for dishes like gumbo, red beans and rice, and fried chicken, Billie’s uses fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, aligning with iNAMS™ Nourishment. The cozy atmosphere evokes granny wisdom, making it a perfect spot to gather with family and share stories of your journey. Open Monday-Saturday 11 AM-7 PM; call (318) 445-9393 to confirm hours.
Nostalgia Spot:
Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site: At 135 Riverfront St, Pineville, LA 71360, walk the boardwalk trails and learn about Civil War history. Reflect on the resilience of past generations, journaling your thoughts to share with our community.
Mama Mystic Tip: Stay at Kisatchie National Forest’s Valentine Lake Campground (off LA-121 S), an RV-friendly spot perfect for sustainable overnight stays, ensuring you’re rested for the journey ahead.
Travel Resources
Route: From Baton Rouge, take I-10 W to Alexandria for Kisatchie National Forest (about 2 hours). Total drive time: ~2 hours.
RV Maintenance: Stop at Berryland Campers (42775 Pleasant Ridge Rd, Ponchatoula, LA 70454) if you need a check-up before heading to Kisatchie. They’re a trusted RV service center near Baton Rouge.
Organic Food Stops: Stock up at Whole Foods Market (7529 Corporate Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70809) for organic snacks to keep your energy up on the road.
Community Connection
This Louisiana road trip is a journey of healing and connection. Share your granny wisdom stories from Baton Rouge or Kisatchie at grannystories@mamamysticsroadshow.com. Let’s inspire hope and independence together, making tomorrow a better place through the memories we create today.
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