BATON ROUGE CRUISEPORT, LA

When the British removed the Acadians from the maritime provinces of Canada in 1755, many of the French-speaking Acadians settled in Louisiana. Known today as Cajuns, these descendants of Acadians have a unique culture that enhances area.

In the 21st Century, high-budget projects designed to improve the quality of life are underway across the city, and  the Port of Greater Baton Rouge is one of the South's fastest-growing cities.  In 2010,Portfolio Magazine chose it as one of the best places in the United States for young adults to live. Brookings included it among the top 20 cities in the country for economic stability. In 2009, CNN ranked it the 9th best place in the United States to start a new business.

The Belle of Baton Rouge is a casino on the Mississippi in downtown.  This three deck replica river boat  offers over 1,000 slot machines and las vegas style table games, a hotel, restaurants and a bar. There are over 20 Baton Rouge Cruise Port Hotels, including The Belle. And, if you happen to find yourself in the area any Sunday in October or by luck the one weekend in April that it is held, plan to go to the Angola Prison Rodeo. Not only just a wild show (with events like "convict poker" that involves four guys staying seated while a wild bull is let loose), this is also an arts and crafts fair. The inmates are able to sell their wares - belts, purses, paintings, carved items, small furniture, andI even a bedroom suite! Tickets are only $10, but you must purchase your tickets (online) ahead of time, or you most likely will not be able to gain admission.  As for Baton Rouge Cruise Port Parking, it runs the upwards of $16 a day, and must be paid on arrival.

10/05/2017