Living on the Gulf Coast offers the wonderful option of exploring neighboring cities. Living in Mobile, Alabama allows the opportunity for all sorts of day trips or overnight visits. Last week we were back in our former hometown of Baton Rouge for business. I wanted to share some of the old favorites we explored and some new ones we uncovered!
The Red Stick Farmer's Market in downtown Baton Rouge is
celebrating its 23rd year in the community. Last week, we
stopped there before heading back to Mobile. It was great to see the hundreds of folks braving the crisp air at 9AM to shop with
local farmers.
I was intrigued by so many new additions to the line up of
vendors including Mushroom Maggie's Farm. I have never seen so many varieties of mushrooms in one setting. Shoppers will find fresh seafood, organic beef, pork & poultry, eggs, vegetables, local honey, fresh herbs and so much more.
Insider's Tip: There is free covered parking and more vendors inside the marketplace for you to enjoy. Of course, there is hot coffee, hot chocolate and hot breakfast available too! This one is worth a visit if you are in town!
When you are in Louisiana, you can't help but search out great food. A friend recommended Elsie's Plate & Pie located on Government Street in midtown Baton Rouge. This new restaurant has the city buzzing and it did not disappoint. I opted for the Big Better Blue (get the side size) topped with grilled shrimp. Thank goodness for my waitress who assured me that the smaller option would be more than enough. She was right! NOLA native, hubby ordered a Shrimp Po-Boy and was shocked at the shrimp literally falling off the bread. He sat next to me reveling in the fries that tasted like his momma used to make. The owner brought the generous nature of South Lafourche to the heart of Baton Rouge. This is a don't miss if you are in town. On a side note, mid-city Baton Rouge is enjoying a flurry of activity. The once "abandoned" looking area is alive with thriving new businesses.
Insider Tip: Parking is in the back and so is the "front" entrance! This place holds a lot of folks however it was almost full when we arrived at 11:20AM on a weekday.
We had a few minutes to explore our old Goodwood neighborhood and were excited to see all of the new growth at Independence Park. Click here to see a short FB live I did outside of the library, exploring the surrounding garden. This is one of 180 parks that are part of the BREC system. It has a three story library, a playhouse, a gravel running path, paved sidewalks, walking trails through the gardens, a huge collection of native plants, a new butterfly garden, a cafe, tennis courts and so much more.
Insider Tip: plan a visit in the spring when the garden is in full bloom!
I stopped in a new coffee place located on Government called French Truck Coffee. Those of you that love coffee like I do, know that a strong cup of dark roast can carry you through a busy afternoon! I ordered one and could tell by the aroma it was going to be a winner! The place was busy with both young patrons and boomers too. Perfect spot to meet for business or social.
We had another outstanding dinner at Mestizo's and were excited to see that owner Jim Urdiales, was hosting a 5 course wine dinner that evening. We are going to plan a visit around the next tasting event he schedules! Meanwhile both hubby and I strongly urge you to try the Tampico Salmon that is on the menu! Wow!
If you happen to be in Baton Rouge on Friday, November 22nd, then head over to mid-city for the annual White Light Night. White Light Night is in the Mid City Art & Cultural District. It is an evening to celebrate local art, food and music. Meet the artists behind some of the latest trends in the city, enjoy live music while you shop and eat in the best establishments the area has to offer. Click here for more information.
We arrived back in Mobile on Saturday, and were greeted by two very content but happy doggies and beautiful weather. It was ideal for getting out and exploring this beautiful town. The grounds surrounding the local art museum are wonderful and I strongly suggest you visit if you are in town. There is a fantastic outdoor park featuring numerous sculptures for visitors to enjoy.
The first time I visited the Mobile Museum of Art and happened upon this sculpture, I had to take a second look. It is life-sized and catches people off guard. There is a meandering walking trail that visitors can enjoy, lined with outdoor sculptures, ranging from very modern to more traditional.
Located in the heart of the Springhill area of town, visitors are welcomed into the museum to enjoy the vast collection of 10,000 pieces of art from all over the world. This is a definite
destination for anyone visiting Mobile, Alabama.
On December 5th there will be a holiday market in the evening hosting art & artisans for your shopping pleasure. The event is from 5-8PM. Click here for details.
Mobile's Junior League hosts an annual Christmas Jubilee and I headed out on Sunday to get some holiday shopping done! This popular event was held in the Convention Center overlooking the bay.
There were so many unique vendors and numerous locally owned businesses including Crimson Blue Boutique. Hope & Suzy stayed very busy helping ladies find the latest fashions!
The Azalea Trail Maids were out meeting and greeting young and old visitors. They are a sign of true Southern hospitality in the city of Mobile. The event was wonderful and I am looking forward to next year!
Loblolly Farm hosted the first annual Down South Grillfest last Saturday. The feedback I got today at Jubilee was "it was AWESOME"! I can hardly wait until next year!
The Loblolly Team is rolling into December with Winter Wonderland. There will be movies and family fun the first three Saturdays in the month. Click here for more details! Loblolly is located in Semmes, Alabama and is a rising star in the event community.
In next week's The Local Vibe, I will explore more things to do during the Thanksgiving holidays! I'll take a look at what restaurants will be open on the Gulf Coast and other fun things happening.
Have a great week! ~ Charlsie
Kommentare