Baton Rouge

The second largest city in Louisiana, Baton Rouge can’t compete with New Orleans in the number of bars for drinking and debauchery, but it has a fun scene in it's own right. This compact city on the Mississippi has a small, vibrant gay community that is friendly and welcoming to newcomers and many of the same faces are to be seen in both cities. It’s a university town too, home to Louisiana State University, which lends a surge of youthful energy - both George's and Splash are 18-plus bars.

Baton Rouge Pride Fest is one of the community’s biggest annual events. It takes place every June.

Getting here

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, about 7 miles from downtown, has mostly regional flights. Many people fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, about an hour away.

Getting around

A car is usually your best bet for getting around this sprawling city.

Local Media

Ambush is a regional gay publication that covers events in Baton Rouge.

Nightlife

Cajun Cove (4550 Concord Ave), new 18+ gay dance bar/complex, karaoke, games room, patio.

George's Place (860 Saint Louis St) party bar, mostly men, male dancers, drag, karaoke nights.

Hound Dogs (668 Main St) mosty guys, neighborhood hangout, after-work crowd weekdays.

Splash (2183 Highland Rd) dance club, men, women, young 18-plus crowd, drag shows, special parties

Accommodations

Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center (201 Lafayette St; 225 344-5866) plush downtown full-service hotel, steak and seafood restaurant.

The Stockade (8860 Highland Rd; 888-900-5430) elegant B&B near LSU, full breakfast, cable, parking, snacks, refrigerator beverages and access to nearby 24 hour gym.