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B M & T ••• November/December 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 32 AREA GUIDES L O U I S I A N A THE BAYOU STATE COMBINES TOP LEVEL SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A TOUCH OF AUTHENTIC CAJUN FLAVOR ATTENDEES WON'T EVER FORGET B Y R E G G I E M U R P H Y Whether you're craving small-town authenticity or big-city excitement, every region in the state is infused with #OnlyLouisiana character and flavor. Cities like Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport all have their own style and feel, providing meeting planners and leisure travelers with a plethora of lodging space and meeting space combined with many fun filled experiences that will surely please the traveler. Walk the streets where jazz was born. Learn about America's first Black gover- nor. Hear how enslaved Blacks fled the plantations to fight for the Union army. And how one man's refusal to move from his seat on a train led to a long struggle against segregation and the eventual tri- umph of the Civil Rights movement. It all happened right here, in a place like no other.....Louisiana. • • BATON ROUGE • • Baton Rouge is Louisiana's "Capital City" and the hub of all things Louisiana. With a prime, central location — just an hour away from New Orleans and Lafayette — Baton Rouge is the perfect city to explore the eclectic culture of this amazing state. Louisiana's Capital City highlights the unique music, culture and outdoors that both visitors to Louisiana and locals alike enjoy. With French, Spanish, Creole and Native American roots, the city is rich in its culture and politics. Nicknamed the "Red Stick," Baton Rouge houses over 300 years of history, much of which can be tasted in the food, seen in the architecture and learned through the state's history. Here, your attendees will find an abun- dance of vibrant music, cuisine, collegiate spirit, history and culture. Explore the many historical attractions, or stop by a local festival — there's plenty of each. Between sessions, take advantage of Baton Rouge's walkable downtown, with hotel accommodations, dining and attrac- tions within minutes of each other. From traditional meeting and exhibition space, such as the Baton Rouge River Center, to unique outdoor venues and historic attractions, Baton Rouge is home to a number of venues to accommodate your every need. If you are planning an event that requires a more intimate setting explore some of the city's historical meeting ven- ues. Located in the heart of the Arts and Entertainment District in Historic Downtown Baton Rouge, the Lyceum Ballroom features magnificent Corinthian columns and distinctive Art Deco inspired décor of the 1930s creating an atmos- phere of style and elegance characteristic of that time period. The Lyceum is located conveniently near downtown churches, hotels, and various other entertainment venues. The River Road African-American Museum is the premier facility in the South to focus on the history and her- itage of African-Americans along the Mississippi River. With over 300 years of history, the legacy and importance of Africans in America to the growth of the South, the United States and the world is evident through the collection and exhibits of rare artifacts found at the museum. Baton Rouge is known worldwide for its exquisite cuisine that combines the fla- vors and cultures of both Cajun and Creole. Feast like a Louisianan during your stay in the Capital City! Dine like a local at some of the best restaurants the Red Stick has to offer! From boiled, broiled, fried and baked, tempt your taste buds with the authentic Louisiana fare. Originating in 1981, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival is one of the old- est blues festivals in America. Heritage Blues Orchestra's music is an inspiring testament to the enduring power, pos- sibilities and boundless beauty of • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center 282 Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel 278 Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge 137 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Baton Rouge Center Total Exhibit Space 100,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 17 Largest Ballroom 26,336 sq. ft. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Baton Rouge – 800 LA ROUGE www.batonrouge.com Baton Rouge Metropolitan Black Chamber Of Commerce www.brmbcc.org Baton Rouge Louisiana waterfront aerial view Photo Credit: Visit Baton Rouge