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B M & T ••• January/February 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 52 B AT O N R O U G E AREA GUIDES EXPLORE RED STICK TO HOLD YOUR NEXT MEETING BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II Uncover the secrets of one of America's fastest growing cities and immerse yourself into the many land- scapes that define Louisiana's capital city. From the legendary Southern cui- sine that tantalizes taste buds to the renowned action of The LSU Fighting Tigers and SU Jaguars to the blossom- ing film and television industry, Baton Rouge's past is intriguing and its hospi- tality and charm is contagious. With plenty of opportunities to explore the history, culture, music, and food, Baton Rouge offers meeting planners the perfect mix of work and play. Choose from a variety of traditional and upscale hotels and an array of unique venues for offsite meetings and events. Centrally located in the downtown area, the Baton Rouge River Center is within walking distance of various attrac- tions, cultural sites, hotels, restaurants and bars. With surroundings rich in Louisiana culture and entertainment, the River Center provides its patrons a unique environment for memorable experiences. The multi-facility complex is equipped with 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 17 meeting rooms and is capable of host- ing a variety of events ranging from per- forming arts, concerts, productions, con- ventions, tradeshows, meetings and more. The historic setting at Magnolia Mound Plantation is a great backdrop for all special events and meetings. Magnolia Mound has two venues for your special events – the Hart House and the LaGrange. The newly renovated Hart House allows for a smaller, more intimate setting for your special event. Holding up to 50 guests, the historic Hart House will add to the elegance and beauty of your gathering. LaGrange, a French Creole barn, is an outdoor venue that can hold up to 250 guests. The LSU Museum of Art, located in the new Shaw Center for the Arts, is an exceptional venue for your next meeting or function. With 14 different galleries, soaring 16-ft. ceilings and stunningly beautiful lighting, your guests will be sur- rounded by both imaginative and histori- cal works of art. Upon entering the lobby, visitors will be greeted with a spectacular view of the Mississippi River. The 13,000-sq. ft. gallery can accommodate up to 400 people. Also available is the Bert and Sue Turner Gallery, a 2,000-sq. ft space also overlooking the Mississippi. The gallery can accommo- date about 200 people, reception style. Conference attendees will experi- ence southern hospitality at its finest with the many options they will have to choose from when it comes to hotel accommodations in Baton Rouge. The Crowne Plaza-Baton Rouge is a 294- room, full-service hotel with over 30,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space offering Rockin Doopsie Photo Credit: Baton Rouge CVB •Pg_46-58__BMT_pg86-162 2/27/14 5:04 PM Page 52