Baton Rouge

The state flower, the Magnolia, is found abundantly in Baton Rouge and all areas of the state. In addition to the wonderful aroma that wafts ever so subtly into the night air, there are many restaurants in the Greater Baton Rouge area with the hearty aromas and taste of South Louisiana cooking. The Gothic Revival castle, built in 1849 was reported to be the “ugliest” building on the Mississippi river by none other than Mark Twain. Restored in 1882 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1976. A more recent restoration of the building was completed in early 1995 and the building is open again to the public.