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

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.