Visiting Plantation Country

Baton Rouge, the heart of Louisiana Plantation Country and the Louisiana State Capitol, is the place to celebrate the Bicentennial of Louisiana Statehood. Honoring their 200-year anniversary, festivities throughout 2012 celebrate April 30, 1812 – the day Louisiana became the 18th state. Join the official bicentennial birthday event at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge on April 30th. The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge fills the city with art and music year round. Don’t miss the final performances of River City Jazz Masters at the Manship Theatre at the Shaw Center for the Arts. The 2012 season concludes with performances by Terence Blanchard & Poncho Sanchez on April 26th and Patti Austin on May 17th.

Historic downtown Baton Rouge hosts FestForAll 2012 May 5th and 6th. Also sponsored by the Arts Council of Baton Rouge, FestForAll brings quality visual and arts downtown for a weekend of exhibitions and entertainment. A popular capital city event, FFA gives the community a first hand experience with the arts.

Enjoy spring in Louisiana’s plantation country at the 21st Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Festival at Oak Alley Plantation. A magnificent example of antebellum architecture some call Oak Alley the “Grande Dame of the Great River Road”. This National Historic Landmark hosts more than 170 booths featuring local and regional artists and craftsmen showcasing their products and creations March 24th and 25th. A diversity of Louisiana and Cajun cuisine keeps visitors fueled for the festivities. Kids love the pony rides, petting zoo and face painting among children’s activities.

Music fans, spring is the time to visit Baton Rouge. The 2012 Baton Rouge Blues Festival is Saturday, April 14th, and is one of the oldest blues festivals in the US – originating on the Southern University campus. Showcasing the best local and regional blues talent, the festival includes local Baton Rouge high school blues bands. Free admission and a variety of traditional southern food make for an ideal event.

Louisiana State University Tiger Stadium hosts the 2012 Bayou Country Superfest May 26th and 27th. Make your Memorial Day plans in Baton Rouge to see Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean and Keith Urban – among many more of your favorite country performers. This is a must see event for country music fans.

The city of Port Allen sits across the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge. Close to the amenities of the city, Port Allen offers the peace and hospitality of a small town. Conveniently located within 10-miles of Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport for air travelers and Interstate 10 and US Highway 190 for those on the road.

As the site of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, Port Allen plays a critical role in Mississippi River deepwater navigation. A stroll along the pedestrian promenade at the Mississippi Riverfront Development offers spectacular views of Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River. A visit to Port Allen in March features the Lagniappe Dulcimer Fete Festival, featuring old time Louisiana music and fun. The 2012 festival is March 8th through the 11th.

Plantation Country Hotel Map