225 Magazine - Best of 225 Awards [July 2026]

REWARDS CHECKING

My Rewards Checking allows you to earn cash back simply by making everyday debit card purchases. You could earn cash back on that. Fueled up?

CHAMPIONSHIP CARE

As Championship Health Partners, FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake and LSU are advancing health, sports performance, education and research to transform healthcare for Louisiana and the Gulf South. Whether you’re cheering on Whit Weeks and LSU Football in Death Valley or tackling your own health goals, the same spirit that drives our Tigers drives us to deliver championship-level care Louisiana trusts — for every fan, every family and every community.

ololrmc.com/lsu

What’s Up

17 Little free pantries serve as 24/7 access points

23 What’s new: Blue Bayou Waterpark and more Around 225

25 FIFA World Cup scores in Baton Rouge

35 Some of the 225’s most Instagrammable spots

38 Where to find accessible playgrounds 41 Inside St. Vincent de Paul’s new resale shop 43 A local couple’s viral proposal

Taste

117 Coffee with a purpose at River & Roots

120 The soft-serve margarita trend 123 Get a taste of the new Copa Cruzan Creole 125 Dining in: A retro berry trifle for the Fourth

Thrive

127 Connecting with nature for better health 130 Knock Knock’s new TheraPLAY membership

133 The importance of fruit in your diet

135 An LSU professor’s award-winning summer pastime 139 American history with a playful twist 142 A Louisiana-authored summer reading list

Hitting the road with EBRPL’s Bookmobile

151 This neighborhood music series is back

And the award goes to…

We know you’ve been on the edge of your seat waiting for this issue. After months of planning, combing through nominations and vetting votes, the 225 team is excited to reveal the winners of the 2026 Best of 225 Awards. From newcomers snagging their first titles to highly decorated spots adding a new prize to their collection, each page of our cover story is packed with the people, places and businesses that you designated as the best. Thanks to all the voters and congrats to this year’s winners! Design by Melinda Gonzalez Galjour using icons from iStock creators rambo182, Speech Bubble, PeterSnow and Studio U.

Mob mentality

“GO TO THE MATTRESSES.”

That’s a famous line from The Godfather, or so I’m told. I do think I saw that movie once on TV long ago, but as the kids say, it was not my vibe, and I certainly wouldn’t be able to quote the dialogue. But I know about the mattresses because that’s what Tom Hanks told Meg Ryan in another iconic film that was much more up my alley— You’ve Got Mail.

As you may or may not recall from this 1990s snapshot in time, Hanks’ character was the owner of a big, bad bookstore chain and was also unknowingly the anonymous AOL pen pal of Ryan’s character, the proprietor of a tiny children’s bookshop. When she vaguely complained of her business battles, he advised: “Go to the mattresses.”

“It means you have to go to war,” he typed onto his pixelated screen. “It’s not personal, it’s business. It’s not personal, it’s business. Recite that to yourself every time you feel you’re losing your nerve.”

Being a nominee for a Best of 225 Award can turn into a slightly less dramatic version of going to the mattresses for many of the Capital Region’s popular businesses. These shops and restaurants grab our nominee graphics and post signs around their establishments imploring customers to vote. They make funny videos for social media and send out emails with links to

the ballot—whatever it takes to rustle up the grass-roots support that will hopefully get them to the top of the list.

We at 225 love to see this kind of excitement building as the long Best of 225 process draws closer and closer to its conclusion. What begins as a completely blank slate inviting readers to write in their favorite businesses and people in each category

is distilled down to a final ballot that contains only those entities that received the most nominations. Campaigning is welcome during both phases of the process, but there’s no ballot stuffing allowed—each vote must come from a real person who really lives within the 225 area code region. And you can’t pay to play either; the winners are not in any way determined by who purchases an advertisement.

Why do we go to all this trouble to ensure a fair competition? So that the results are something that readers can turn to as an accurate indicator of what diners and shoppers and other south Louisianans are passionate about. The “Shop around the Corner” in You’ve Got Mail might have been stamped out by the mighty F-O-X Books—spoiler alert!—but in this contest, everyone’s on an even playing field.

So we invite you to check out all the winners starting on pg. 46. And as one of those guys from The Godfather might have said, that’s an offer we hope you can’t refuse.

Kelli Bozeman Editor-in-Chief

Pitch perfect

My personal experience with soccer consisted of a single season as a forward for the “Stealers” in an upstart youth league when I was around 10 years old. I didn’t keep up with the game after that, or even understand why there was such a growing fervor surrounding the World Cup—until I somehow got drawn into Lionel Messi mania. I watched all the TV documentaries about this global soccer superstar, armed with a little bit of Duolingoassisted comprehension of his interviews, and cheered as he made his way to an American professional team. (And what’s not to love about Inter Miami’s pink color palette?) So this summer as World Cup matches are being played on U.S. soil, I’m tuning in— along with much of the rest of the Baton Rouge area. Read more about the World Cup frenzy starting on pg. 25. Olé, olé, olé!

ROUJ FEATURES MENU ITEMS THAT ARE A MIX OF THE MOST CRAVE-ABLE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

-Scott A My dental experience with Dr. Ventress and his Team is always the absolute

Digital Operations Coordinator: Addison Champagne

Data Analyst: Sydney DeVille

Content Strategist: Emily Hebert

STUDIO E

Director and Corporate Communications Strategist: Mark Lorando

Special Projects Editor: Lisa Tramontana

Content Strategist: Emily Hebert

Multimedia Producer: Jordan Ponzio

Video Producer: Taylor Stoma

ADMINISTRATION

Chief Technology Officer: James Hume

Marketing Director: Ashleigh Ward

Business Operations Manager: Kirsten Milano

Business Associate: Sarah Kleinpeter

Receptionist: Cathy Varnado Brown

CREATIVE SERVICES

Creative Services Manager: Ellie Gray

Art Director: Hoa Vu

Senior Graphic Designers: Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Sidney Rosso

Graphic Designers: Aniya Dunn, Lea Showers

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Circulation and Client Experience Manager: Ivana Oubre

A publication of Melara Enterprises, LLC

Chairman: Julio Melara

Executive Assistant: Brooke Motto

Vice President-Sales: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert

Chief Content Officer: Penny Font

Chief Digital Officer: Erin Pou

Chief Operating Officer: Guy Barone

Circulation/Reprints

225.928.1700 • email: circulation@225batonrouge.com 9029 Jefferson Highway, Suite 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 225-214-5225 • FAX 225-926-1329 • 225batonrouge.com

TOP STORIES

May 2026’s most-read articles at 225batonrouge.com

Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day meal at one of these Baton Rouge eateries

Baton Rouge’s resident naval ship is set to sail back to its cradle on the Mississippi River soon

From a side gig to a brickand-mortar, BlueRabbit Bakehouse draws fans with its breads and spreads

Readers’ notes

Re: Blue Bayou Waterpark’s reopening

“It’s wonderful to see the community coming back.”

—David Hawkins on Facebook

Re: A guide to a weekend trip in Hot Springs, Arkansas

“Love this edition of 225 so much! Definitely keeping for inspiration on future road trips!!”

—@mahjong_rouge

“An extremely underrated road trip. 6 hours and you are in a legit different, cool place.”

—@fylanderguson

Comments and analytics are from May 1-31, 2026. They have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

Re: Our deep dive on traveling music acts in Baton Rouge

“As teenagers, we used to see all the major acts at the old Independence Hall in the late ’60s to early ’70s. All the major acts that came to BR during that period played at Independence Hall. I still have my concert tickets from the Jimi Hendrix concert in July 1968—the start of my senior year at Broadmoor High School. Those were the good old days!”

—Michael Hamilton via email

CONNECT WITH US

Issue Date: July 2026 Ad proof #1

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for:

facebook.com/225magazine x.com/225batonrouge instagram.com/225batonrouge

youtube.com/225magazine tiktok.com/@225magazine

Expert cancer care. Close to home.

Following a routine mammogram, Michelle received the life‑changing diagnosis of early‑stage breast cancer at age 61. Throughout her treatment at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, a dedicated team supported her every step of the way through coordinated, compassionate care. Through personalized support services, Michelle found strength in acupuncture, occupational therapy and wellness‑focused support that treated more than her diagnosis alone. Today, Michelle is thriving and sharing her story to inspire others to prioritize their health and seek the care they deserve, right here at home. Whatever your reasons are for doing the things you do — we’ve only got one. You.

Learn more at ochsner.org/EndCancer.

For generations, independent retailers have been at the heart of America’s communities. As we honor America’s 250th Birthday, we’re proud to celebrate the food, the families, and local businesses that bring people together.

Associated Grocers delivers more than just groceries. We provide the tools, technology, marketing, merchandising support and business solutions that help local independent grocers thrive today-and for generations to come.

Join us around the table and find a local Associated Grocers retail member near you!

What ,s up July

Shelf life Shelf life

At little free pantries, ‘take what you need, give what you can’

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

THE BACK OF Whitney

Andrus’ black SUV looks like it could stock a small convenience store. Rows of plastic bins hold neatly arranged Ziploc bags, each stuffed with shelf-stable foods. The bags aren’t filled randomly. They contain curated combinations of canned and dried goods that can be easily assembled to make a tasty family dinner. An enclosed recipe developed by Andrus shows how.

On this particular summer morning, Andrus slides some of the bags into the little free pantry that stands outside Faith Crossing United Methodist Church in Walker. It’s the first of several stops she’ll make to similar sites, also known as blessing boxes, before the day is through. Her nutrition education nonprofit Whole Heart Health has taken on filling these small cabinets as part of its mission.

“It’s all about restoring dignity,” says Andrus, a certified personal trainer and health and nutrition coach. “I want to make it easy for families to get around the table together.”

So far, Andrus and her volunteers have installed five Whole Heart Health little free pantries and fill four more established by other volunteer groups across East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension parishes. She also stocks two community fridges in Baton Rouge.

Other organizations are also leading the charge. Little Free Pantry Louisiana, launched in 2022 by then-Louisiana Tech student Ethan Jeffus, has worked with sponsors to install numerous donation boxes around the state, including several in Greater Baton Rouge. By the end of 2025, the nonprofit reported opening 27 statewide pantries.

Open 24/7 and maintained by volunteers, the pantries are intended to close the hunger gap without bureaucratic barriers. They’re positioned in front of churches, businesses, nonprofits and even private homes, making it easy for families to take what they need and for neighbors to drop off donations.

Hunger has long been an issue in the Capital Region. In East Baton Rouge Parish alone, 16.3% of the population is considered food insecure, according to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

Andrus keeps a list of little free pantry sites and has become an

informal advisor to individuals who want to start their own.

“I had someone call me recently who wanted to convert her little free library to a pantry,” she says. Along with nonperishable foods, donors drop off hygiene items and even pet supplies. Andrus also

creates small celebration kits with cake mixes, icing and candles so that families can afford a little fun.

“The goal isn’t just, ‘Let me get you fed,’” she says. “The goal is to bring dignity so that you, as a mom, can feel proud about what you put on the table.”

Where to find Little Free Pantries

Note: Locations change and new spots are frequently added. Visit wholeheart.health and littlefreepantryla.com to stay current.

Smooch My Pooch 18235 Magnolia Bridge Rd., Greenwell Springs

Dave-Co Plumbing 13366 Hooper Rd., Central

11946 Ferdinand St., St. Francisville

Indian Mound Grocery 16935 Liberty Rd., Central

Kaizen Coworking and Event Space 14340 Wax Rd., Ste. 101, Central

Brandy Robertson State Farm Insurance

1402 S. Range Ave., Denham Springs

Lighthouse Pentecostal Church 11206 Arnold Rd., Denham Springs

Kiss & Makeup

Full Service Salon 38011 Hwy. 621, Unit B, Gonzales

Haus of Bliss Beauty Suites 13660 Florida Blvd., Livingston

Captain Doug’s Rosemound

Bait Shop and General Store 5155 Rosemound Loop, St. Francisville

Faith Crossing United Methodist Church 34260 Walker Rd. North, Walker

Christine Palmer, FNP: Restore Health & Wellness 9463 Florida Blvd., Walker

Hug Your People Park 4412 Lee St., Zachary

Issue Date: July 2026 Ad proof #1

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Years Building a Reputation

ESTABLISHED WITH PURPOSE | BUILT ON EXCELLENCE

A . N .T Services LA

OUR NAME, OUR MISSION A — Accountability N — Navigate T — Transform

Every letter in our name represents a promise to our clients. We hold ourselves accountable to excellence, navigate complex systems on your behalf, and transform your financial and legal challenges into opportunities for growth.

LOUISIANA’S PREMIER ONE STOP SHOP

1,500+

CLIENTS SERVED 25+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

ACCOUNTING | NOTARY | TITLES | REAL ESTATE | AND MORE

“WHERE EVERY SERVICE IS A STATEMENT.”

5 CORE SERVICES

WHAT’S NEW

Dive in

Compiled by Catherine Clement

BLUE BAYOU WATERPARK recently reopened with improvements aimed at offering a summer of fun. The park’s new operators began renovations in June 2025 to get things ready for the 2026 summer season. Guests can now splash in the wave pool, slide down winding water slides, meander through a lazy river, and get shade in a cabana. Most of the physical changes to the park have been kept underground— including repairs to pools and pumps. Work on the slides ranged from complete refurbishments to cosmetic changes. Other big changes to the Blue Bayou experience were technology-based, as the team worked to remove unnecessary steps for guests. But chief development officer and partner Glenn Haggarty says the most work has been put in on Blue Bayou’s staff—from lifeguards to executives. “We’re focused on our staff and building a great team,” Haggarty says. “So we hope that when you arrive, you’re seeing smiling faces and staff that are having as much fun as the guest is having.” bluebayouwaterpark.com

What else is new?

On par

Baton Rouge golfers have a new sanctuary to work on their swings. Opened in May on Highland Road, Golf Haven is an indoor golf simulator experience and social hub. The space includes private bays with TrackManpowered simulators. golfhavenbr.com

Here’s the scoop

Caroline’s Cookies and Gail’s Fine Ice Cream have paired up to provide irresistible treats this summer. The sweet treat spots have collabed on three seasonal flavors at Gail’s that incorporate popular cookie flavors from Caroline’s. Taste scoops loaded with cookie dough in Biscoff Bliss, get a sugar rush with a sprinkle-filled Big Top Birthday, or experience an Oreo takeover with Cookies on Cookies. gailsfineicecream.com

Moving the needle

Local needlepointers, rejoice! There’s a new spot for all your stitching needs. The Red Stitch is now on Jefferson Highway, with a wide selection of threads, tools, selffinishing kits, canvases and more. With so many supplies available, customers can find everything to kit their next project. theredstitch.com

Goooooooooal!

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

This summer’s FIFA World Cup captures a cultural moment in Baton Rouge

JULY FEELS LIKE an eternal dry spell for local sports fans who find themselves counting the days until the blessed return of college football. But this year, that other football—the one that captivates the globe—might be just the salve for boredom. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest in history, is now underway

with 104 matches played across North America. The finals take place July 19 at Met Life Stadium in New York.

There’s a lot for soccer enthusiasts (and maybe even wistful football fans) to nerd out about. It’s the first time three countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico, have

co-hosted a World Cup. And it’s the first time 48 teams can participate, up from the previous 32-team format. Coveted tickets at luxury prices were issued through a lottery system, assigning hardcore fans to 16 possible stadiums from Mexico City to Seattle to Toronto. The whole thing has felt like a cross

between the Olympics and the Eras Tour.

While it’s anyone’s guess who’ll take the crown, the new format should favor the United States Men’s National Team, led by Christian “Captain America” Pulisic. No matter the outcome, here’s how to embrace your inner futbol fan.

This sport is kickin’

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

boys’ soccer head coach Chris Mitchell marvels at how much soccer has grown in popularity since he was one of the first to play at Baton Rouge High School in the late ’80s. Soccer became a sanctioned high school sport in 1986 when Mitchell was a sophomore, with just a handful of teams in the Capital Region. Over the last 40 years, it has grown to encompass four boys’ and girls’ divisions across the state, says Mitchell, who played college soccer at Butler University and has made a career as a coach.

Club and youth soccer have grown, too, says Mitchell, also the director of Baton Rouge Soccer Club’s 75-team middle school league.

“Growth has been amazing,”

he says. “It’s been tremendous.”

Baton Rouge might be a diehard football town, but its soccer bona fides are undeniable. Families with young children embrace it as a gateway sport. And BREC’s Burbank Soccer Complex is the largest soccer complex in Louisiana and one of the largest in the Southeast, Mitchell says. Its 27 fields are routinely occupied with players who range from Baton Rouge Soccer Club’s 4- and 5-year-old “Mudbugz” to the largest adult league in the state.

“It’s nonstop,” Mitchell says. “It’s the kind of lifelong sport you can play your whole life.”

The takeaway: Watching the World Cup might just inspire youth to hit the pitch. There’s a robust youth soccer culture in Baton Rouge to welcome them.

With help from the Baton Rouge Soccer Club, the Louisiana Soccer Association hosted the 2026 Louisiana Open Cup at BREC’s Burbank Soccer Complex in April, bringing together 177 youth teams from around the state for a World Cup-inspired tournament.

The Local Way to Bank Big

With

Who’s on crowd control? This LSU center

THIS YEAR’S World Cup is big—really big—with an anticipated 5 million fervent fans passing through the gates of 16 stadiums in three countries ready to belt out “Olé, Olé, Olé.”

Helping local communities prepare for the World Cup’s massive crowds has been the job of the federally funded National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, which includes the National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (NCBRT) Academy of Counterterrorist Education at LSU. The NCBRT has been in existence since 1998 and provides mobile emergency management training on biological threats, active shooter threats and other domestic security issues. It is one of several

university-based centers that make up the consortium, says associate director of operations and plans Jason Krause.

LSU’s NCBRT has played a key role in preparing communities for the onslaught of visitors expected at World Cup matches, Krause says.

“We have been working to get the United States prepared for the World Cup for about two years now,” he says.

Host cities want to be ready, he says, and so do smaller nearby municipalities that may see tourism swell. Krause says the center has trained more than 30,000 participants in 77 different cities that will be impacted by an influx of visitors. Some of the classes have included topics like “Emergency Response to Domestic Biological

Incidents” and “Active Threat Integrated Response,” he says. Training cities and local law enforcement in how to mitigate domestic threats is nothing new, Krause adds.

“We help every year with Super Bowls, and things like the Democratic and Republican National Conventions,” he says. “All these things are considered national special security events.”

Next up for the NCBRT? Helping Los Angeles and other host cities prepare for the 2028 Summer Olympics, Krause says.

The takeaway: If you’re lucky enough to pass through the turnstiles of a World Cup host stadium, know the NCBRT at LSU has played a part in the safety plan.

Watch party

CHRIS MITCHELL recalls that during the 2022 World Cup, hosted by Qatar, many of his soccer-loving friends gathered for matches in homes and in local bars and restaurants. The U.S., blessed with a homefield advantage this time around, is expected to make it to at least the 16th round, played early this month, he says. Look for local fans to sport the red, white and blue, while international residents will proudly wear their team colors as they head to parties and watering holes.

No matter who advances, soccer enthusiasm is infectious.

“The sheer pageantry of the World Cup is worth taking in,” Mitchell says. “There’s lots of singing and chanting.”

And as it turns out, Baton Rouge has its own unofficial soccer bar. Pelican to Mars has become a hub for local enthusiasts, including those who faithfully follow worldwide soccer, especially England’s

elite Premier League.

Owner Lance Paddock says his willingness to open on weekend mornings made his Mid City bar a natural fit for soccer fans eager to catch live European matches. The bar opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sundays, and Paddock has opened even earlier when groups request it, he says.

“It’s not unlike being in England,” he says of the bar’s soccer culture. “You go down to the pub and you watch the game.”

Count on World Cup matches to be broadcast through the July 19 finals, Paddock says. Pelican to Mars will be filled with strong opinions and lots of cheering.

“The word ‘fan’ comes from fanatics,” he says. “And that’s what soccer fans are. Fanatics.”

The takeaway: Ease the summer sports doldrums by joining millions of global fans and watching the World Cup at a local bar or restaurant.

Kick

Understanding Structural Heart and Valve Disease

SPONSORED

BY:

Every time your heart beats, its valves, chambers, and walls work together to keep blood moving efficiently throughout your body. When one of these structures is damaged or doesn't function as it should, it can affect the heart's ability to function properly and lead to structural heart disease.

At Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), our Structural Heart Program brings together interventional cardiologists with advanced training in structural heart procedures and cardiovascular surgeons who work together to provide comprehensive care for patients with heart valve disease and structural heart defects, and determine the best course of treatment for each patient.

Structural heart disease occurs when parts of the heart other than the coronary arteries are diseased. This encompasses the heart valves, walls, chambers, or muscles. One can either be born with these defects or they can develop as you age. Heart valve disease is the most common kind of structural heart disease and occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves do not work properly.

Dr. Phillip Smith, interventional cardiologist at CIS in Baton Rouge and Zachary, specializes in treating structural heart and valve disease, including re-

pairing valves, closing holes in the heart, and treating other structural problems within the heart.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

The most common symptoms and warning signs of structural heart and valve disease include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, and a racing or irregular heartbeat. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. Structural heart and valve disease can be diagnosed through an evaluation of medical history, ultrasound imaging, listening for abnormal heart sounds with a stethoscope, or a stress test. Over time, symptoms can worsen and, if left untreated, structural heart and valve disease can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, blood clots, or stroke.

EARLY INTERVENTION

“Valve disease builds quietly … by the time patients notice shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling, the heart has already been compensating for years,” said Dr. Smith. “The good news is that treatment has been transformed. At CIS, our structural heart program offers the full range of catheter-based therapies for aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valve disease, often with patients home the next day. But these therapies work best when we catch the disease

early. Don’t write off symptoms as age or weight or being out of shape. Get evaluated.”

Paying attention early—knowing your risk factors, staying aware of your body, prioritizing routine screenings and care, and trusting when something feels off— can make a life-saving difference. Don’t ignore the signs. To learn more about structural heart and valve disease or to schedule an appointment, visit cardio. com.

“Valve disease builds quietly. By the time patients notice shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling, the heart has already been compensating for years.”

— Phillip Smith, MD, Interventional Cardiologist

Ready for their CLOSE-UP

BY OLIVIA DEFFES

A guide to some of the most Instagrammable spots around the Red Stick

WAITING ON A getaway to spruce up your social media pages with new posts? Turns out you don’t have to go far for fresh pics, thanks to Baton Rouge’s catalogue of Instagram-worthy backdrops. From murals perfect for posing in front of to destinations you’ll want to snap for your next photo dump, don’t sleep on these selfie-ready stops.

We’ve gone on a scavenger hunt, looking for Baton Rouge backgrounds that will really make your next post pop. And it turns out the Capital Region may be more picturesque than you think.

Planning on posting up in these places? Tag us @225batonrouge on Instagram, and we’ll do our best to repost your pics.

Sing the River Sculpture

Florida Street and N. River Road

Kind of like Baton Rouge’s version of The Bean in Chicago, this reflective installation perched on the Mississippi River is a mustsee for locals and out-of-towners alike. Besides being a beauty, this sculpture can also hold a tune. Connected to sensors in the River, it plays music based on the rise and fall of the water.

Looking to bring a vibe to your page?

Put on your best going-out ’fit and head downtown to see Mother. Slide into a rouge booth with a craft cocktail or grab a photo in the hallway illuminated by rainbow neon lights.

Burden Museum and Gardens

4560 Essen Ln.

Bring some nature into your feed with a series of shots taken at Burden. Whether it’s budding roses or towering sunflowers, something is always in bloom in this oasis off of Essen Lane, giving locals ample opportunities to bring some flower power into their profiles. Or put some history into your next post by documenting a journey through the LSU Rural Life Museum and the historic structures tucked within Windrush Gardens.

Mike the Tiger’s Habitat

16 N. Stadium Dr.

If you’re lucky enough to catch Mike while he’s roaming his on-campus sanctuary, be sure to grab a few photos because not everyone gets to tag a live tiger in their pics. Plus, this cuddly guy is the cutest photobomber. If Mike’s taking a snooze, just climb onto the nearby tiger statue for a fun addition to any Baton Rouge-themed photo dump.

SoLou

2112 Perkins Palm Ave.

If you’ve ever dined on this eatery’s packed patio, you know about its famous neon sign located on the wall with the bird mural and greenery. It has backdropped countless brunch and birthday snaps, declaring that “There’s no place like south Louisiana.”

Poor Boy Lloyd’s

201 Florida St.

Fill up on po-boys at this local favorite before stepping outside for a photo shoot in front of its mural painted by Baton Rouge artist Marc Fresh. Position yourself right between the crawfish claws for a playful picture.

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

100 North Blvd.

Live out your fairytale dreams in Louisiana’s resident castle. Pose on the sprawling front lawn with this architectural beauty in the background, or step inside for snaps featuring a kaleidoscope of colors from its famous stained glass.

Superior Grill Highland

7333 Highland Rd.

Head to the side of this beloved restaurant’s facade to find a postcard-inspired mural that will let all your followers know you’re sending greetings from Baton Rouge. Still nursing your marg from dinner? That iconic Styrofoam cup doubles as a great photo prop, too.

The Colonel’s Club

2857 Perkins Rd.

There are plenty of spots in the Perkins Overpass area that are photo-worthy, but this moody lounge and eatery is a great start. Let your phone eat—and drink— first before getting some pics of yourself surrounded by teal velvet curtains in the hallway or perched on a plush chair in one of the lounge’s eclectic seating areas.

Mimosa

Handcrafted

541 S. Eugene St.

Shop rings, necklaces and more before popping outside for a photoshoot using the shop’s massive mural. Find saturated stripes of yellow, orange, red and teal with the brand’s pelican logo painted on top in white.

All inclusive

Kids of all abilities can play at these accessible outdoor facilities

BY CATHERINE CLEMENT

IN RECENT YEARS, many parks around the Capital Region have been built or upgraded with accessibility in mind. Adaptive equipment, sensory-friendly integrations and full ADA compliance create inclusive spaces. These parks are a safe, fun way for children with disabilities and their families, friends and caregivers to play outside.

INDEPENDENCE COMMUNITY PARK

7500 Independence Blvd.

BREC’s “Play for All” Playground at Independence Community Park was designed for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. This universally accessible park contains adaptive equipment, tactile and auditory play features, and ground-level activities designed with people with disabilities and their caregivers in mind. Guests can play on adaptive swings, spinners and a merry-go-round.

OAK GROVE PARK

37433 Hwy. 42, Prairieville

The playground at Oak Grove Park is safe and inclusive for children of all abilities. Its biggest safety feature is a cushioned “fall zone” floor. Along with the park’s facilities being fully ADA-compliant, the playground features inclusive equipment. A wheelchair ramp provides access to elevated playground structures, and many play features are placed at low heights.

GREENWOOD COMMUNITY PARK

13350 Hwy. 19, Baker

The newly renovated Greenwood Community Park playground features a large, climbable Louisiana black bear structure that serves as the focal point of this outdoor area. Thanks to an ADA-compliant transfer bench entry and Flexform slings and ropes, children with mobility challenges can access the climber.

TAYLOR CONRAD MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND

12636 Sullivan Rd., Central

Taylor Conrad Memorial Playground sits in front of Central Intermediate School. The Central City Autism Awareness group spearheaded the project to make an inclusive playground for children with special needs. Equipment such as ramps, wheelchair swings and braille signage helps make this playground accessible to all children.

KIDZ KOVE DISCOVERY PARK

112 S. Francois Ave., Gonzales

This pirate-themed park focuses on including children with physical or sensory developmental challenges. Additional park equipment gives children with special needs easier opportunities to play. A smooth, padded floor ensures extra safety for falls, and accessible swings and ramps allow children with mobility differences to get in on the fun.

KIDZ KORNER PLAYLAND

979 Government Dr., Denham Springs

Kidz Korner was built in 2010 in full ADA compliance. Playground equipment like swings and slides caters to different abilities. To cool off in the summer, the park also has a splash pad and a covered pavilion with accessible picnic tables.

CareSouth is Expanding Its Services With the New CareSouth Geriatric Clinic At Lotus Village,

a three-story, 35,000-square-foot medical facility located at 759 Scenic Highway in Baton Rouge. Opening August 6, 2026, the clinic will serve adults age 50+ through a partnership with the East Baton Rouge Parish Council on Aging.

CareSouth CLINIC @ LOTUS VILLAGE WILL CATER TO THE ELDERLY (GERIATRIC) POPULATION AND OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: Coming Soon

• Primary Care

• Dental (including same day dentures)

• Behavioral Health

• Podiatry

• Dermatology

• Cardiology

• Urology

• Laboratory

• Onsite Pharmacy

• Physical Therapy (inclusive of aquatic therapy)

• Speech Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

CareSouth is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center that provides affordable, high-quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

Your Best Years Are Ahead. Let's Make Sure You're Ready.

Brian Low has been helping Baton Rouge families retire with confidence — and he's ready to help you too.

Retirement isn't just a date on the calendar — it's everything you've worked toward. At Brian Low Financial Group, we take the time to understand your goals, your timeline, and your life, then build a personalized strategy to get you there. Whether retirement is right around the corner or you’re already there, the right plan makes all the difference.

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule your complimentary consultation today.

Thrifty business

SNAZZY WALLETS. Blinged gowns. Stylish shorts to wear to concerts and festivals. Scoring that next discount designer find just got a little easier with the recent opening of Rosalie’s Boutique, a resale spot created by St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge.

Opened in May, the Government Street store sells vintage and gently used men’s and women’s fashion, accessories, housewares, art and other items.

The project was the brainchild of St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge president and CEO Sunnie Johnson-Lain, who saw an opportunity to add a thrift boutique to the charity’s portfolio of secondhand stores. St. Vincent de Paul currently operates three traditional thrift outlets that sell donated items and is opening a fourth store this weekend on Greenwell Springs Road, an 8,500-square-foot space that will serve as an outreach center, school uniform store, Santa Shop and distribution center.

While there will always be a market for thrift stores, Johnson-Lain says there was room for a thrift boutique stocked with higher-value goods. She says opening such a store had been a personal goal since her tenure as the chief services and strategy officer for St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati. Johnson-Lain has had a lengthy career with faithbased charities. Until taking the helm of St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge one year ago, she served as president and CEO of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“Having a boutique is something I’ve always wanted to do,” she says. “What you see here has lived in my brain for a long time.”

St. Vincent de Paul receives steady donations of clothing and household items from the region’s many Catholic church parishioners and others cleaning out their closets. Some of those donations should be diverted to a resale boutique, Johnson-Lain says.

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON // PHOTOS BY CAT GRAVES

She proves the point with a story. About six months ago, JohnsonLain spotted a designer belt in a St. Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge thrift store accessories case. Its familiar brand mark told her the belt retailed for around $1,000, but it was priced at just $4. The belt was a steal for a savvy thrifter, but it was a lost opportunity for the social services nonprofit, she says.

“People donate really special things to St. Vincent de Paul, and we want to honor those gifts and steward them in a way that they’re maximizing what we’re raising from them,” Johnson-Lain says.

“All of our profits go back into our services.”

Mid City was the ideal location for the concept, she says. Rosalie’s is situated at the east end of Government Street and is minutes from other vintage and antique stores along the thoroughfare, including Time Warp Boutique, Good Choices Co., The Pink Elephant Antiques and Aladdin’s Lamp Antiques.

Johnson-Lain says she had a clear vision of Rosalie’s interior design. Cosmetic updates to what was once a dive shop helped turn the space into a welcoming “jewel box,” outfitted in soft hues and stylish fixtures sourced from Facebook Marketplace. The main room’s ceiling is painted baby pink. Its spacious floor holds easy-to-assess waterfall racks rather than tightly crammed clothing rods. The goal is not to dig for needle-in-a-haystack finds; it’s to take in the store’s inventory, already curated by staff members who spend two days a week picking through donations. Items are generally priced at about one-third of retail.

Women’s wear dominates the store. Jewelry, purses and other items are located in a separate accessories room. Housewares, artwork and Catholic gifts get their

own quarters toward the back. And a “Man Cave” is situated off the main area with men’s clothing, sports memorabilia and a comfy chair for “bored husbands,” Johnson-Lain says. The store’s name was inspired by the French Daughters of Charity nun Blessed Rosalie Rendu, one of the founders of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Paris in 1833.

Rosalie’s Boutique is located at 5555 Government St.

calling all adult Gamers

GUGL! The Grown-Up Gaming League at the South Branch Library

“Learn a Game” Night –Learn new board games

• Monthly events are now held at the new South Branch Library, 2210 Glasgow Ave.

• Open to adult players of all skill levels, ages 18 and older.

• Our collection includes almost 350 games! Bring your own games or play using GUGL’s sets. Questions? Call 964-5415 for more information.

The things we do FOR LOVE

BY OLIVIA DEFFES

This local couple’s proposal has gone viral for all the right reasons

PLANNING A PROPOSAL takes a lot of thought, from choosing a ring to deciding when and where it will happen. Baton Rouge resident Carl Haydel’s proposal to girlfriend Rachel Dingle involved a lot of hard work, too–but in the form of occupational therapy sessions.

Last August, Haydel suffered a stroke as a result of a major car accident while living in Minnesota. He says then-girlfriend Dingle and his family were told he would basically be a vegetable. But a team of skilled surgeons, doctors, physical therapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists helped him beat the odds and regain his speech, mobility and independence.

Through it all, Haydel says Dingle stuck by his side, making the idea of proposing to her a no-brainer. He says the couple had talked about it before, but in February, he decided he was ready to take that next step. To prepare, he enlisted help from the Fox Rehabilitation team, which began working with him when he moved to The Claiborne assisted living facility.

“[Rachel] is a very special lady. I knew I wanted to [propose], and I think it made it more special,” Haydel says.

Occupational therapist Amanda Cable still remembers when Haydel walked into a session smiling about what he referred to as his “secret mission.” From there, she got to work figuring out different exercises that would help Haydel practice getting down on one knee, retrieving a ring box from his bag, holding the box with his affected hand, and opening it.

“Carl came to the Claiborne in November of last year, and he came in in a wheelchair,” Cable says. “We got a lot of news about him, just knowing it was going to be a lot to work with. … We started with him, and then he progressed and just worked so hard with us. The results really speak for themselves. And he just continues to make great progress with us, even now. … We can really do anything that a patient wants to achieve.”

Aside from working on the actions of proposing, Haydel also came up with a speech and typed it out, so that there was no risk of forgetting a word due to excited nerves. Haydel, who knows a bit of Russian, Spanish and German, wanted to try learning how to say “I love you” in Hebrew as part of his speech. When saying the phrase proved challenging, Cable came up with a creative solution: tracing “I love you” in Hebrew with his affected hand. Cable told Haydel this would still feel meaningful as Dingle

always encourages him to use his affected hand as much as possible. Haydel’s tracing was framed and gifted to Dingle on the big day.

Haydel also planned out how he was going to show Dingle what he learned in occupational therapy, choosing a date right before Dingle’s birthday and a spot in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art to carry out the finale of his secret mission.

“[The location] was special for Rachel,” Haydel says. “She had told me about it before. I hadn’t seen it, but it was very special to her.”

Haydel says Googled the garden's sculptures to find one to use as his setting. Naturally, he landed on the LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana. And, of course, a surprised Dingle said “yes.”

In therapy sessions, Cable documented his journey for social media. She says her goal was to show how occupational therapy can look different for everyone,

but she didn’t expect it to garner the attention that it did. Millions of views later, Haydel’s secret mission has gone viral.

“I think occupational therapy is very misunderstood,” Cable says. “A lot of people really think we’re just hand therapists a lot of the time, or we’re just physical therapy, which is not the case at all. So I really wanted to make this special. When he came and told me he wanted to propose, I’m like, ‘This is so incredible,’ because this is everything that occupational therapy is. It’s client-centered. It’s functional. It’s meaningful.”

As for wedding planning, Haydel tells 225 that he and Dingle have their sights set on a winter wedding early next year, and they’ve already picked out a local bakery for their cake. Soon, he’ll move from The Claiborne to live with Dingle.

What’s the next thing he wants to learn? Haydel says it’s mowing the lawn, simply because he doesn’t want Dingle to have to do it at their home. Talk about setting the bar high.

And don’t worry–Cable shares that she and the team at Fox Rehabilitation have already been promised invites to the nuptials.

“His determination to do all of this for her, I just think is awesome,” Cable says. “I’m so happy that they’re going to have a great life together.”

Beyond the views, likes and comments on that now viral video, Haydel hopes that he’s shown other stroke survivors that they, too, can get better with therapy. All it takes is hard work and determination—and a little love helps, too.

HOW TO GET

Explore the wish lists of local nonprofits from the 2025-2026 Giving Guide.

• Donate to expand STEM education opportunities.

• Serve as a STEM mentor for local students.

• Host or support STEM field trips and educational events.

ROUGE SYMPHONY

• Attend concerts and invite others to experience live symphonic music.

• Donate to support arts and culture in the community.

• Follow and engage with the Symphony on social media.

ALZHEIMER’S SERVICES OF THE CAPITAL AREA

• Donate to support local programs and services as an independent 501(c)(3).

• Participate in signature events like Walk to Remember and Memories in the Making Luncheon.

• Volunteer at events, support groups, social activities, or Charlie’s Place Respite Centers.

ALZBR.ORG

BRG FOUNDATION

• Make a donation or participate in planned giving opportunities.

• Honor a caregiver through Foundation initiatives.

• Attend events, support programs, or get involved as a community partner.

BRGENERAL.ORG

• Make a one-time or recurring donation to support patientfocused initiatives.

• Attend or sponsor signature fundraising events like Rock & Wine at Tiger Stadium.

• Partner with the Foundation through sponsorships and community collaborations.

BLIND GRACE

• Sponsor Life-Changing Experiences that foster independence, confidence, and connection.

• Partner Through Events to help fund vital programming.

• Give to Sustain the Mission –Make a one-time or recurring donation for individuals with visual impairments

BLINDGRACE.NET BREC

BRIDGE CENTER FOR HOPE

• Volunteer with the BREC park system to help fulfill the mission of providing park and recreational opportunities for all residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.

• When school is out, kids need structure + safety + fun. Donate today to help send a kid to a BREC summer camp

• Donate to support mental health services and awareness.

• Help reduce stigma surrounding mental health in the community.

• Share resources and advocate for mental wellness.

CAPITAL AREA UNITED WAY

• Participate in annual campaigns supporting community-wide needs.

• Contribute through corporate sponsorships and strategic partnerships.

• Volunteer through Volunteer United to support vulnerable populations.

• One time or recurring donation to the Patient Indigent fund

• Contribute gift cards

• Volunteer for adult or teen service opportunities across library programs.

• Support literacy, digital archives, and community learning initiatives.

• Use and promote library resources, services, and events.

• Volunteer as a coach to mentor and empower young girls.

• Participate in or support the annual Girls on the Run 5K.

• Donate or sponsor to fund program scholarships.

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN

• Make a financial contribution to support caregiving families.

• Donate essential household and children’s items.

GREATER BATON ROUGE FOOD BANK

• Volunteer your time in warehouses, mobile pantries, or disaster response.

• Donate funds to help provide meals to neighbors in need.

• Help meet everyday needs for grandparents raising grandchildren. BRFOODBANK.ORG

• Give food or host a food drive to support hunger relief efforts.

OUT MS

• Make a financial contribution to support HOPE’s programs, that help families move toward self-sufficiency.

• Provide fresh produce and healthy food donations for our Client Choice Food Pantry

• Become a monthly donor through our Beacon of HOPE program

• Donate cash, vehicles, or essential items to support critical services.

• Volunteer in shelters, dining rooms, thrift stores, or church conferences.

• Shop at and donate to thrift stores to directly support the mission.

• Support community programs like the Diaper Bank and Touch-a-Truck.

• Purchase River Road Recipes cookbooks to support local initiatives.

• Make a financial donation to advance the League’s mission.

ELIZABETH FOUNDATION

• Making monetary donations for birth mother care

• Attend the annual White Ribbon Gala

• Purchasing items for adoptive families

• Make a one-time or recurring donation to support MS initiatives.

• Attend or sponsor the annual Knock Out MS Gala.

• Partner to fundraise and expand community impact.

• Make a Tribute: Donate in honor or memory of a loved one.

• Contribute: Donate to a Louisiana conservation project

• Stay Connected: Sign up for the newsletter for volunteer opportunities and foundation projects.

JOSEPH HOSPICE FOUNDATION

• Donations to SJHF are used to offer supportive care for non-funded patients and families and help provide for living expenses, funeral costs, memorial services and more.

• Purchase tickets to our Spring Soiree on April 16th at Chelsea’s Live, or become a sponsor.

• Sponsor or support fundraising initiatives and annual giving campaigns.

• Donate professional attire through the Gently Used Suit Drive.

• Volunteer at special events or during community campaigns like 225 Gives.

• Support signature events like the annual gala and fundraising luncheons.

• Donate through one-time or recurring gifts.

• Sponsor events or host third-party fundraisers.

• Donate to the Thrive Fund: Enable us to bridge the gap between available resources and the true cost of supporting our students and programs.

• Volunteer

• Join The Bulldog Society

• Invest financially and become a monthly partner to help sustain ministry across BatonRouge Schools and LSU

• Sponsor a Student for Camp

• Volunteer as a Mentor/ Leader/Buddy

• Donate to the Resilience Fund to support youth in crisis.

• Contribute clothing, supplies, gift cards, or transportation vouchers.

• Volunteer as a mentor or host a fundraising event.

It's that time of year again—

Turn the page to discover this year’s reader favorites!

THIS IS HOW WE DO IT

Find out how the Best of 225 Awards program works:

1. It starts with nominations. A write-in nomination period was held between Jan. 2 and Jan. 31, 2026. During this time, Capital Region residents were invited to submit their picks for the best businesses, personalities and things to do via a fill-inthe-blank ballot. The entities that received the most nominations in each category were included on the final ballot.

3. It’s independent of advertising. While companies and organizations are invited to advertise in this special keepsake issue, they do not have an impact on the results of the contest itself. 225’s editorial team abides by strict journalistic ethics and standards, and that means that advertising never influences or determines the subject of any story that we publish—including this one. The proof? There are longtime 225 advertisers who have never won, and there are repeat winners who have not advertised. the issue that you’ve been waiting for since last summer. The Best of 225 Awards for 2026 can finally be revealed! Launched in 2006, Best of 225 is Baton Rouge’s original reader’s choice poll of its kind. It’s a fan favorite that many readers refer to all year as a guide to where to dine, play and shop. This year’s awards include top winners plus runners-up in 73 categories, including a few new categories launched this year in response to reader requests.

2. Winners are chosen by reader votes. Voting was accessible via the 225batonrouge.com website from Feb. 25 to April 8, 2026. To ensure that voters were legitimate and were residents of the region, they were required to include their addresses and phone numbers (225 area code only, natch!) and were only allowed to vote once in each category.

Want more details? Visit 225batonrouge.com/best-225-faq.

Food & Drink

Soon after opening in 2017, Elsie’s achieved the kind of cool factor that restaurants dream about. Crowds followed, and in 2025 Michelin noticed by adding Elsie’s to its guide of recommended eateries. Whoop! elsiespies.com

RUNNERS-UP

A French Quarter-inspired vibe is paired with a menu of prime steaks, seafood and bold starters. Fine wines and craft cocktails are the cherry on top, along with desserts like crème brulée and bananas Foster. stabscentral.com

This made-in-Baton-Rouge sports bar has expanded far and wide, but it still feels local. Watch the game and dive into Cajun and Creole eats, wings, tacos and hand-formed burgers with waffle fries. Located in Zachary’s Villages of Americana. walk-ons.com

CUSTOM ROCKER

GIVEAWAY

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

Two custom rockers and a side table — yours to personalize.

NOW THROUGH AUGUST 14TH.

SCAN TO ENTER

HAPPY TO HEAL, Y’ALL

Court to Table’s magic is its multi-faceted approach. Enjoy recreational activities, live music, a lively bar scene and a large, crowd-pleasing menu. Partner Ozzie Fernandez is also behind the successful concepts Modesto and Rocca Pizzeria. courttotable.com

Weekly specials, televised sports, Gulf seafood and shareable apps keep things hopping at Duke’s, the brainchild of restaurateur Duke Landry, a five-time national oyster shucking champion. dukesseafoodandsteakhouse.com

One the region’s most iconic brands has two Ascension Parish locations, where the kitchens turn out a multitude of seafood dishes. Strategize by ordering a broiled or fried platter to taste your way through (some of) the menu. mikeandersons.com

The Francis Southern Table and Bar 43.75%

Situated on Highway 61, The Francis scoops up travelers and locals with a rustic patio shaded by a sprawling live oak and a Cajun-Creole menu. Its top seller is that seminal of south Louisiana dishes, blackened redfish. francissoutherntable.com

RUNNERS-UP

A 2024 glow-up and menu expansion have helped 28-year-old Mason’s maintain its appeal, along with dishes like crabcake benedict and stuffed French toast. Pencil in a nap. masonsgrill.com

This popular Livingston Parish dark horse started as a specialty coffee and pastry truck in 2024, transitioning to a brick-and-mortar location earlier this year. The blueberry cobbler macchiato has created a stir. Find it on Facebook.

RUNNERS-UP

Posh but accessible, the New Orleans-born chain has earned unimpeachable credentials as a place to mark big moments, thanks to tuba-sized prime cuts and reliable steakhouse sides. ruthschris.com

Distinct quadrants that feel intimate, an upcycled boho scheme and food that is both attractive and shareable give BLDG 5 its X factor. The place just vibes. bldg5.com

Chalk it up to dog-friendly, openair vibes, numerous beers on tap and craft cocktails, but this Government Street hub has big ups. Combine your bev with a burger or the standout beet salad. midcitybeergarden.com

It’s like magic. Every day from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at both Superior locations, large margaritas go for the price of smalls. That means you can drink two.

It’s not just that you can eat outdoors at BLDG 5. It’s that the patio’s lush, multi-level design seems just right for global grazing. Wear something fun. bldg5.com

City Beer Garden

Best Happens Here

When a school system claims the #1 spot in the state - two years running - when a student earns recognition that reaches far beyond any zip code, and when a bank earns the trust and recognition of an entire region - that's not coincidence. That's what happens when people invest in each other. Bank of St. Francisville is proud to support the educators, the achievers, and the dreamers who make this community extraordinary. We don’t just celebrate success - we help Build a Stronger Future.

Mid City Beer Garden

Sip

The lychee-spiked Pinky Promise and smoked espresso martini are two of the drinks on a cocktail menu comprised of stylish sips and reimagined classics. Enjoy them in the dining room or sultry piano lounge. thecolonelsclub.com

With three sommeliers on staff and a rotating wine list, enophiles have long loved Bin 77. Regular wine dinners and tasting events, like the spring rosé tasting, keep things lively and interesting. bin77.com

GARDENING is about GIVING BACK

BEST LUNCH SPOT

Elsie’s Plate & Pie

22.71%

Mid City scenesters don’t mind waiting for a table at this charming, pie-centric diner. Ordering both sweet and savory is a must, but then there’s the pimento cheese melt, roasted tomato soup and so much more. elsiespies.com

RUNNERS-UP

Customization is key at this Broussardborn concept and 2026 Best Burger victor. Choose wagyu, bison, beef, turkey or black bean zhushed with have-it-yourway toppings. Slider size is an option, too. burgersmith.com

Don’t look for garden-variety pizza at Rocca’s. The Mid City spot specializes in red and white Neapolitan-style pies adorned with curated ingredients and finished in a wood-fired oven. roccapizzeria.com

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I needed to be positive. Having Louisiana Blue allowed me to focus on getting well. Right Card. Right Care.

A Voice of Influence.

Congratulations, Dr. Gunjan Raina. 2026 Influential Women in Business Honoree

Honored to be recognized alongside so many remarkable women shaping our community.

Albasha Greek & Lebanese 45.28%

Founded locally in 1992, Albasha has grown to 13 full-service locations deploying a menu of pan-fried halloumi cheese, crisp-tender chicken shawarma, falafel made with freshly ground chickpeas and sweet baklava. albashabluebonnet.com

RUNNERS-UP

Zorba’s Greek Bistro 15.76%

Serop’s Café 13.68% Café Phoenicia 13.33%

Roman’s Café 8.33%

A smattering of new Indian concepts shows the cuisine’s popularity across the Capital Region, but Bay Leaf comes out on top. A sprawling menu assembles dishes from across India while the white-tablecloth setting invites staying awhile. bayleafindiancuisinela.com

RUNNERS-UP

Swagat Indian

ITALIAN Gino’s Restaurant 20.40%

It’s unusual for a restaurant marking its 60th anniversary to still bring it, but Gino’s does, thanks to homemade old-school fare, an impressive global wine list and the steady hum of a loyal crowd. Buon appetito ginosrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP

DiGiulio Bros. Italian Café 13.46% Nino’s 10.49%

The Little Village 10.11%

Monjuni’s Italian Café and Grocery 7.64%

BEST VIETNAMESE

Báo Vietnamese Kitchen 28.27%

Banh mis are nearly as familiar as po’boys these days in Baton Rouge, thanks to spots like Báo. Order spring rolls to share, then select a pho, vermicelli bowl, banh mi or broken rice dish from a list of many. baovietkitchen.com

RUNNERS-UP

Pho Café 21.14%

Ava Street Café 17.83%

Lee’s Asian Fusion 14.93%

Tiger Phò Vietnamese Kitchen 9.64% BEST THAI

Thai Kitchen 36.46%

Thai cuisine keeps expanding around greater Baton Rouge, but Thai Kitchen has remained a crowd favorite since its 1989 founding. Sweet-savory pad Thai and vibrant, fiery curries are just part of a menu chockfull of southeast Asian classics. thaikitchenla.com

RUNNERS-UP

Chai Thai-Lao 19.83%

Thai Pepper 15.80%

SANDWICH

Anthony’s Italian Deli 23.73%

Thai Chili 10.33%

Issue Date: JULY 2026 Ad proof #5

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

Duang Tawan Thai Restaurant 9.74%

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2026. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

Savory Italian meats, homemade olive salad and molten provolone form the basis of Anthony’s pressed muffalettas, which anchor its tuck-yourtie sandwich menu. The meatball po’boy and Italian deli special also get rave reviews. bestmuffoletta.com

from a

Diners,

and Dives, the iconic Phil’s serves Gulf oysters raw on the half shell, charbroiled or deep-fried for po’boys and platters. The “backroom” is a hot ticket among politicos and LSU elites. philsoysterbar.com

The boiled crawfish scene has exploded around Baton Rouge, but this Plank Road institution still lures scores of devoted fans. Pick up expertly cooked mudbugs, corn and potatoes, and a sack of diminutive boudin balls for the ride home. tonyseafood.com

This dinner-only restaurant is known for two things: fresh Gulf seafood and loyal patrons. But even its diehard regulars likely haven’t worked their way through the menu’s many iterations of shrimp, crab, fish, oysters and crawfish. louisianalagniapperestaurant.com

Could it be the pizza, tendies or tacos? Maybe it’s the pickleball, ping pong, Jenga and cornhole. Whatever the draw, kids can be kids here, which makes their parents very happy. courttotable.com RUNNERS-UP

Sporting slivers of potato skin, Burgersmith’s fries prove their hand-cut bona fides before a trip to the fryer. Crisp and golden brown, they’re showered in salt or spicy Smith seasoning or doused in butter and garlic. Get them for two bucks at happy hour. burgersmith.com

The combination of craft tacos served in an open-air setting has made Barracuda a consistent Mid City favorite. One minute, you’re in a long line, and the next, your broccoli taco sits before you, showing off its pomegranate seeds. eatbarracuda.com

BEST BARBECUE

Hannah Q Smokehouse 16.14%

Three locations serve real pit ’cue smoked over pecan and hickory, producing impossibly tender brisket, baby backs, pulled pork and more. Don’t miss the corn pudding. hannahqsmokehouse.com

RUNNERS-UP

BRQ Seafood and Barbecue 15.49%

Sonny’s BBQ 14.26%

Cou-Yon’s 13.55% City Pork 10.05%

BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANT

Zeeland’s beloved and determined owner Stephanie Phares has served fresh veggies, salads and Southern staples at this Garden District haunt since 1992. The breakfast pancakes are second to none. zeelandstreet.com

RUNNERS-UP

Jay’s Bar-B-Q 16.93% Empire Wingz 16.34%

Smoke Bayou 11.85%

Dorothy’s Soul Food Kitchen 7.79%

BEST BAKERY

The Ambrosia Bakery 23.19%

Doberge, red velvet and fresh strawberry cakes are joined by elaborately decorated celebration pastries, including a holiday gingerbread house you might want to move into. Bonus: Order breakfast and lunch from the deli. ambrosiabakery.com

RUNNERS-UP

Elsie’s Plate and Pie 25.33%

Elsie’s is one of the busiest restaurants in Baton Rouge, but it still makes pie pastry by hand. Choose a s’mores or coconut cream, or the top-selling Eye of the Tiger, a lemon icebox topped with swirls of blueberry whipped cream. elsiespies.com

Boards featuring roasted vegetables and whole grains, along with spreads and fresh breads, hearty sandwiches and detailed salads level up green grazing. Pescatarians have lots to work with, too. bldg5.com RUNNERS-UP Cocha 18.65%

Sushi fans flock here for fresh, highquality sushi, nigiri, rolls and specials made with precision, balance and restraint. Explore the sake menu and try the fragrant Dewazakura “Cherry Bouquet” for an elegant accompaniment. sushiyama.co

People & Entertainment

Don Bergeron, Bergeron’s City Market

16.04%

Chef Don Bergeron has been in the kitchen since he was only 5 years old, learning to cook from his grandmother. Now he mans the kitchen at his Jefferson Highway market, where locals flock for hot lunches and shop for frozen meals that save weeknight dinners. chefdonb.com

RUNNERS-UP

John Folse, White Oak Estate and Gardens 14.81%

Barrett Meeks, Mansurs on the Boulevard 13.59%

Chris Motto, The Colonel’s Club 12.36% Patrick Trahan, Ruffino’s Restaurant 11.24%

Kiran Chawla, Unfiltered with Kiran 47.39%

Staying up to date on local happenings is as easy as refreshing Kiran Chawla’s site for crime updates, business news and other scoops. With two decades of reporting under her belt, Chawla’s breaking stories have received awards and recognition, along with countless clicks and shares. unfilteredwithkiran.com

RUNNERS-UP

Sylvia Weatherspoon, WBRZ 25.42% Johnny Ahysen, WAFB

Abigail Whitam, WBRZ

Monet, WBRZ

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTION

Knock Knock Children’s Museum

At Knock Knock, it’s always play time. The museum’s 26,000 square feet provide ample space for imagination to run wild in 18 interactive Learning Zones. Explore the Art Garden, pop into the Bubble Playground, or bust a move in the B.R. Star Studio. knockknockmuseum.org

Breaking New Ground in Spinal Fusion with PEKK

As a neurosurgeon specializing in spinal procedures, Dr. Eric Oberlander has seen a lot of new technologies and medical advancements come and go in his 17 years of practice. He notes that most of these “fads” don’t live up to their promise and can end up causing patients more problems in the long run, instead of offering the pain relief they were seeking. Therefore, it’s important not to jump on a surgical bandwagon too early.

The area where there is meaningful advancement is the field of biologics—materials that promote bone formation and fusion. Nobody really wants a root canal, but sometimes it is necessary. Spinal fusions are similar in that no one really wants to have one, but sometimes they are necessary to properly fix the spine. If you have a disc that has totally collapsed, with bone grinding on bone, the best way to fix it is to remove the damaged disc, separate the bones, and replace the disc with a biologic spacer— the essence of most fusion surgeries.

But one new biologic material called PEKK has already proven itself a winner, Oberlander says. PEKK, which stands for polyetherketoneketone, is a polymer that can be used in spinal fusion surgeries to replace degenerated and rotten discs and rebuild new spinal segments. PEKK’s chemistry is slightly different from its

predecessor, a material called PEEK, allowing it to promote better bone growth.

“Bone will not grow into PEEK because of its chemistry,” Oberlander explains. “But PEKK has a unique chemistry, which allows molecules to attach to it and allows bone to grow into it.”

Oberlander has been using PEKK in spinal fusion surgeries for about a year and calls the results fantastic.

“We had good fusion rates before, but our ‘failed fusion’ rate has dropped to almost zero, even in high-risk patients, like those with diabetes and tobacco use” he says. “The reason that’s important is because the No. 1 complication from fusion surgery is failure to fuse. If you don’t fuse, it means the bone didn’t grow properly, and you end up with chronic pain and often loose or broken hardware.”

Over the past 17 years, Oberlander has built the nation’s largest neurosurgical practice focused on spinal surgery. He has performed more than 10,000 spine surgeries and his team sees about 8,000 patients a year, including some from as far away as Virginia and Alaska.

“That volume of surgery and patients gives us vast experience and know-how to fix almost any spinal issue,” he says. “During surgery, I use tricks of the trade that can only be learned from a large body of experience.”

Oberlander also has a background in engineering and spinal implant design, which helps him identify implants — such as PEKK — that offer the best solutions to his patients’ issues. He emphasizes that simple solutions usually work best and are the most durable — making it important not to get caught up in the excitement over new “implant gadgets and widgets” that may introduce more complications into surgeries.

Spinal surgery is tricky and can be difficult to get right, he says. He likes to think of it as “spinal carpentry” — stabilizing and rebuilding a stronger, healthier spine by working with bone, discs and un-pinching nerves.

“It’s a combination of carpentry mixed with a delicate surgery that, much like woodworking, requires very precise instrumentation and skill,” he says.

Oberlander enjoys using his extensive experience to help patients. And with PEKK now in his arsenal of options, he is looking forward to improving patient outcomes even further.

“We’re seeing really good results,” Oberlander says. “The whole point of surgery is for patients to heal with good results, and we’re actually seeing them heal quicker with better results using advanced biologics, like PEKK.”

Follow the call of the dance floor’s disco ball to DJ-led themed nights and sold-out concerts at this music haven. For four years, Chelsea’s Live has reimagined live music in Baton Rouge, curating a space that caters to artists and makes fans feel at home. Grab tickets. We’ll meet you under the neon lights at 1010 Nic. chelseaslive.com

Don’t expect to receive a boring photo album from Jordan Hefler. The local photographer mixes creativity with her camera talent to produce dreamy, technicolor snaps for clients. Not confined to one muse, Hefler has built her career capturing the best sides of Baton Rouge events, famous musicians, sports stars, brands and more. jordanhefler.com

Where Greek Passion Meets Lebanese Soul

ALBASHA

Greek & Lebanese Restaurant

We are a Greek & Lebanese restaurant with several locations serving Louisiana since 1992. We have been featured several times in 225 magazine and a Winner of Best of 225.

A night at the symphony is anything but boring when BRSO takes the stage. Composed of talented wind, string and percussion musicians, this group commands an audience with sweet sounds and themed shows. Expect traditional compositions along with holiday classics, pop hits and movie scores. brso.org

Personalized service and local expertise from your neighbors, that’s the community bank difference you’ll find at Bank of Zachary.

www.bankofzachary.com

Shopping & Services

Carriages

Carriages is no stranger to top billing in this category. That’s because it’s the first spot that comes to mind for many Baton Rouge men in search of the perfect gameday shirt, high-quality sports coat, or just the right accessories to complete a sharp look. carriagesbr.com

Get your hands on the big-name fashion designer pieces at this Highland Road shop. From cocktail dresses to jewel-toned gowns to breezy jumpsuits that are perfect for your summer jetsetting wardrobe, Chatta Box’s luxe selection is sure to wow. Find it on Instagram.

This Greenwell Springs shop specializes in monogrammed and embroidered children’s clothes that make the perfect statement for special occasions and milestones. But you can also find adorable sandals, backpacks and stuffed animals for the little ones in your life. Find it on Facebook.

Ask anyone for a great place to score a thoughtful gift, and they’ll probably mention The Royal Standard. You’re guaranteed something unique, classy and delightfully Southerninspired in the rooms of the sprawling Highland/Perkins location or the boutique layout of the Perkins Overpass shop. theroyalstandard.com

Issue Date: July 2026 Ad proof #3

Foyer

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER •

This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2026. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

Grabbing the top spot this year, Oak Point Fresh Market has become a local success thanks to the Sumich family’s focus on fresh produce, specialty meats and graband-go meals and sides. Three locations around Baton Rouge ensure that on a hectic weeknight, your next family dinner is covered. oakpointmarket.com

Working with local farms for a wholeanimal, hand-cut approach has helped this butcher stand out. For being a relative newcomer (it opened in 2016) on a scene where meat markets are a serious, long-cultivated business, Iverstine has quickly become a trusted favorite. iverstinebutcher.com

RUNNERS-UP

Chris’s Specialty Foods 13.11% Oak Point Fresh Market 12.60% Maxwell’s Market 10.30% Rouses Markets 10.13%

From commercial litigation to the energy sector and from labor disputes to tax law, Taylor Porter is serious about being full-service. The team of attorneys dubs itself “Louisiana’s Law Firm,” and with offices in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles and more than 100 years of experience, that moniker rings true. taylorporter.com

RUNNERS-UP

Kean Miller

Manasseh, Gill, Knipe, & Bélanger Law

Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins, LLP

Mack Law Firm

Injury Attorneys

That giant, gold “G” has become iconic, as have the clever billboards dotting the interstates of Louisiana. From humble beginnings as a small injury law firm, Gordon and his team of more than 50 attorneys are now unmistakable as a top legal force in the state. getgordon.com

RUNNERS-UP

Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers

The Lucky Law Firm, PLC

If

or

From custom home builds to complete renovations, owner Russell Alleman and his team have established a portfolio of impressive dream homes. Their attention to detail has added a wow factor to neighborhoods across South Louisiana. manchachomes.com

Visit the renovated home-turned-headquarters of David Belanger Jr. in Beauregard Town, and you’ll understand why he’s in demand. His designs can be decadently French-inspired or classy and understated, always with a nod to Louisiana comfort. belangerinteriors.com

This Month @ BREC [JULY]

THE EDGE OF NIGHT

Highland Road Park

Observatory

July 3 | 8-10 p.m.

RED, WHITE + ZOO

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

July 4 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Grounds close at 6 p.m.

BATON ROUGE SENIOR OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT

Santa Maria Golf Course

July 25 + 26 | 7 a.m.

INDY FILM FESTIVAL

Independence Park Theatre + Cultural Center

July 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

FROZEN SAFARI

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

July 25 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Grounds close at 6 p.m.

JULY IS NATIONAL PARKS + REC MONTH

BEST HAIR SALON

EGGIE Salon Studio 28.09%

After years of training and growing her clientele, Rachel Eggie Gibbs opened her first EGGIE Salon Studio on Goodwood Boulevard in 2020. Since then, she opened a second location on Perkins Road to meet demand and mentor the next generation of sought-after stylists. eggiesalonstudio.com RUNNERS-UP

Body Sculpt Barre Studio

An effective, low-impact workout is the name of the game at this women-founded fitness studio. That consistency has helped it grow to four locations around the Capital Area while also taking the top spot in Best of 225 for another year. bodysculptbarrestudios.com

Sweetheart Nails 21.30%

A spot right in the heart of Baton Rouge, plus a new second location, makes Sweetheart Nails a nobrainer for a manicure, pedicure or showstopping set. sweetheartnailsbatonrouge.com

Issue Date: JULY 2026 Ad proof #1

Nails, Salon & Boutique

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

Parker Salon & Spa 8.80% NV Nails

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2025. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

Thank you to all of our guests, fans, friends, and family that voted for us. It’s an honor to serve our community past 11 years. I also want to thank the best Staff I’ve ever had! Cheers everyone and here’s to all the years to come!

- Sean Braswell, Owner

Tuesday-Friday | 6:30am-2pm Saturday | 7:30am - 1pm • Sunday | 8am-1pm Monday | CLOSED Come see us!

It’s hard not to go overboard at a place like Bayou Belle, where every cute top, flared pant or patterned romper seems perfectly curated for a night out with friends. With plenty of shoes and accessories as well, you’re ready for all the evening’s party pics. bayoubelleboutique.com

On Highway 190 between Satsuma and Livingston, you’ll find

As one of the fastest-growing plastic surgery groups in south Louisiana, Weiler’s menu of surgical and nonsurgical offerings means you don’t have to travel far for top-tier cosmetic care. weilerplasticsurgery.com

For big, lavish events and small lunch gatherings alike, dishes from Bergeron’s City Market run the gamut of Southern classics and elegant hors d’oeuvres. Spinach Madeline and shrimp and grits, anyone? chefdonb.com

RUNNERS-UP

In a sea of big-name corporations, it’s nice to know you can still do your banking with a local business that has a personal touch. Touted as the oldest chartered bank in East Baton Rouge Parish, Bank of Zachary has spent over a century rooting itself in the community and championing local schools, hospitals and charities. bankofzachary.com

Established in downtown Baton Rouge in the 1950s with an original focus on local charity hospitals and state offices, Pelican is now the largest state-chartered credit union in Louisiana. While its membership has expanded nationwide, it’s still true to the mission of financial health for local families. pelicancu.com

EXPERTBanking

Navigating Buying Power and Budgeting for Your Home Purchase

How can I determine my buying power when considering a home purchase?

Determining your buying power involves assessing your financial situation to understand how much you can afford to spend on a home. Everyone’s goals and budgets are different, so it’s important to evaluate your personal situation. Ask yourself questions like: How long do I plan to keep this home? Is this my forever home? Do I plan to keep it as a rental and move up later? Once you’ve defined your goals, you can better determine your buying power. Start by evaluating your income, debt, and savings, keeping in mind that monthly housing costs typically should not exceed 28–30% of your gross income. Lenders will also consider your debt-to-income ratio, along with additional costs like taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Why is it important to create a personalized budget when buying a home?

Creating a personalized budget is essential when buying a home because it helps align your financial goals with your housing needs. Since everyone’s budget is different, what works for one person may not work for another. Consider your lifestyle, future plans, and other financial commitments. A well-defined budget helps you understand your limits and avoid overspending. It also allows you to prioritize what you want in a home by distinguishing between needs and wants. Having a clear budget in place before beginning your search can also help you avoid becoming emotionally invested in homes that fall outside of your financial comfort zone.

How should timing factor into my decision to buy a home?

When it comes to pampering your beloved canine friend, only the best will do. The Baton Rouge location of Splash and Dash is run by two sisters who have a passion for treating dogs like the family members they truly are for many of us. splashanddashfordogs.com

canine or feline friend will get

care at this Greenwell Springs Road veterinary clinic. Services range from routine checkups to vaccinations to even specialized medicine for your elderly fur babies. avsbr.com

Timing can greatly influence your home-buying experience, but it’s important to remember that trying to time the market is notoriously difficult. Real estate markets fluctuate due to various factors, including economic conditions, interest rates, and local trends. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment, focus on when it is right for you. Consider your personal circumstances, such as job stability, family needs, and financial readiness. If you find a home that meets your criteria and fits within your budget, it is often better to move forward rather than wait for an uncertain market shift. Buying a home should align with your personal readiness, not market speculation.

Outdoor advertising has always played a vital role in the American experience, capturing the moments that define us and the dreams that move us forward. For nearly 125 years, almost half of our nation’s history, Lamar Advertising has served as the enduring canvas for these stories. Today, our presence stretches from coast to coast, connecting communities and carrying our shared narrative forward.

Your Child's Path to Excellence Begins Here

LEADERS Discover EPISCOPAL

Schedule your tour

SCHOOL OF BATON ROUGE

Home Home GROWN

A midcentury modern home hidden in Hundred Oaks envelops short-stay guests in rich history and unconventional architecture

The triple vaulted roofline is on full display in the main courtyard. String lights illuminate the patio at night, offering an ideal spot for guests to enjoy the evenings. With greenery surrounding this space, the nature of the home’s nickname is brought to life.

The dining room features notes of green and a skylight above, while plants and natural elements create a cohesive atmosphere that respects its surroundings.

WHEN RHONDA and Daniel Braud’s real estate agent revealed to them a unique property not yet on the market, the couple first consulted Damien Spiess, their CPA and nephew, who was an experienced rental property owner.

“Daniel told us, ‘If y’all don’t buy it, I’m buying it right now,’” Rhonda says with a laugh. “Of course, it was a really cool house, and it had an income, which was very appealing.”

The couple decided to go in 50/50 with Spiess, making them partners in the purchase. While the Hundred Oaks area home is the Brauds’ second Airbnb rental, with the first located in Spanish Town, it is one of several for Spiess, making him a great partner and guide in both the management and monetary directions.

Listed as the first Airbnb rental on Condé Nast Traveler’s top places to stay in Baton Rouge, the three-bedroom residence is one with deep roots in our city’s history. Cleverly dubbed “the Greenhouse” for its midcentury elements pristinely preserved in the past, the home transports guests back in time.

Designed by architect Sam B. Short Jr. in the 1950s for his young family, the home embodies the style of that period while incorporating a complex framework and unique building design. The house was featured on the cover of The Register’s June 1958 issue, along with Short’s wife Kathryn, and the accompanying article regarded Short as one of the city’s most prominent architects. “Mrs. Short admits she would much rather ‘just stay in our air-conditioned house’ than putter outside in the

The house was featured on the cover of the June 1958 issue of Baton Rouge social publication The Register, predecessor to the current inRegister magazine. The article noted that the Short family’s home was “mostly glass and concrete block and designed by Mr. Short, one of the city’s most prominent architects, especially for the family.” It also revealed that photos of the house had appeared in other publications including Architectural Record and Nuestra Arquitectura and were displayed at the World’s Fair in Brussels.

y’all did this.

Every appointment, every friend you sent, every chair you filled across both locations. That’s what built this.

Thank you, Baton Rouge!

summer,” the story says. “And of course, the house gives the illusion of being ‘outside’ anyway, since it features walls of glass.”

Short went on to work as an architect in private practice in Baton Rouge for over 50 years, mentoring generations of out-ofthe-box designers and completing many state projects, including museums, parks and schools. But within this home, a personal part of his professional legacy can still be seen, thanks to those who have appreciated its distinct design and protected its integrity.

The main marvel of the home’s architecture is its triple

barrel-vaulted roofline, further emphasized by floor-to-ceiling windows in nearly every room. “It really does feel like an open greenhouse inside,” Rhonda says.

The glass walls look out onto two large courtyards, easily accessed through sliding doors in all three bedrooms and in the living spaces, bringing the outdoors in and making the greenery feel as if it’s a part of the design.

Through the incorporation of indoor plants and nods to nature in the décor, as well as a few walls awash in a funky shade of emerald, the home is true to its “greenhouse” nickname. But above

all, the property is a testament to authentic midcentury design, from the open floor plan to the large windows. The home as a whole feels straight from the ’50s, even as modern-day touches add elevated comfort for each short stay.

“As an architect, I’m sure he wanted to do something cool and neat for his personal home,” Rhonda says. “If you’re going to build a house for your family, you’re going to use all of your talents to create the best one you can, so I believe that’s probably what drew him to this particular design.”

Originally listed as an Airbnb

by the previous owner, Jordan Montag, the home was sold to Rhonda and Daniel Braud with the understanding that they would care for the home in the same loving way that he had.

“As soon as we walked inside, our partner [Siess] said, ‘Do not make any changes—if you have to replace a rug or piece of furniture, make sure it looks just like the one before,’” Rhonda explains.

They held firm to that promise; aside from making repairs, they have stuck with the same midcentury modern vision Montag had emphasized through his décor additions. “Any time I see

something that is midcentury modern in style, I buy it—those kinds of pieces are hard to find, so I’m going to get them when I can,” Rhonda says.

Along with Montag’s creative direction for the home, the Brauds have also come to rely on his help for maintenance, management and more. “This home is like his baby,” Rhonda says. “We have become great friends with Jordan, and he has been so helpful.”

Montag’s love and respect for the home have kept him in earshot, always willing to answer even the smallest of questions, like where the sheets are from or what his thought process was on the design for a specific space. Posing a challenge for the Brauds in the beginning were the kitchen appliances dating back decades, along with the rare architectural elements which complicate modern-day repairs. Here, Montag’s help has proven vital.

Checking That Pays

With cash back, unlimited nationwide ATM refunds, and no monthly service fees, our reward checking accounts pay you to spend.

Lending That Gets You

Enjoy financing options that consider your whole credit history to provide the fairest lending terms possible.

Cards That Reward

Want more from your money? Our Pelican Points Visa® turns everyday purchases into travel rebates, gift cards, cash back, and more.

Access Made Easy

We provide hassle-free access through local branches and our mobile app, so you can quickly manage your account on the go.

Financial Rewards for Kids

Teach children and teens the fundamentals of money with special accounts that pay for good grades.

Rhonda remembers how their very first guests rented the home over the Thanksgiving holiday. “The stove is very quirky, and if a guest wants to use it, we have to teach them how,” she says. “And we thought, well, how are they going to cook a turkey?” Rather than giving instructions, Montag told Rhonda not to worry about it, and he cooked the visiting family a turkey himself.

And the Brauds have kept their vow to maintain the integrity and historical elements of the home. “But that comes with its challenges,” Rhonda says. Aside from maintenance, repairs and small furniture changes, they have kept it rooted in the past, careful not to replace or remove any of the elements that make it unique, no matter the trouble or cost.

Take those kitchen appliances, for example; the Brauds discovered early on that only a few repairmen in town were equipped to fix them. “We’re trying really hard to sustain the repairs rather than replacing them and making them more modern, because they match the style of the rest of the home,” Daniel says. “It’s a part of the historic design.”

The barrel-vaulted roof also presented its own challenges when a persistent leak remained even after multiple repairs. The Brauds went through several different roofing companies to address the problem, and one after another they suggested reroofing the home, but eventually the couple found a successful fix.

“The uniqueness of the house takes some extra effort to figure out,” Rhonda explains. “I think that’s why Jordan wanted us to have it, because he wanted to make sure whoever was going to take it over was going to honor and respect what was put together—and we certainly do.”

Not only respecting the past, but enhancing the future of the home, Daniel put his skills as a landscaper to work in the expansive courtyards the first chance he got. “It’s so beautiful out in the courtyards,” Rhonda says. “And landscaping the primary courtyard has made it even prettier.”

The main courtyard wraps

around the home, accessible from both the living room and primary bedroom, making it a prime hangout spot for guests. In the second courtyard, which connects to the secondary bedroom, a large dining table and chairs offer an additional spot for dinner parties. And with both courtyards fully visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows, even more green is brought inside.

While so many windows might make some people wary over privacy concerns, the property is surrounded by vine-covered walls, giving the feeling of a tucked-away sanctum. “The thing I like the most about the house is that once you walk in, you can’t see any of your neighbors,” Daniel explains. “And it’s the same with all the courtyards, so it feels very private. It’s kind of its own oasis.”

like what had been described,” Rhonda says. “But actually, you just can’t even see the home from the street because of the bamboo all around it.”

With its location close to the Perkins Road Overpass area buzzing with bars and restaurants and only two miles from LSU’s campus, the house offers those visiting the Capital City easy access to some of the best spots in Baton Rouge. Rhonda prides herself on providing guests with the best stay possible, making sure to drop off a balloon or a cupcake if guests are celebrating, and always being on call to help turn on the oven. It’s here that Southern hospitality happily blends with midcentury modern style.

Issue Date: July 2026 Ad proof #1

•

The home is so hidden that the first time the Brauds went to view it, they couldn’t find it. “When we arrived, we thought it was the home across the street, but it didn’t look

•

Thanks to the Brauds—as well as Montag, other previous owners and, of course, Sam B. Short Jr.—guests from all over can find themselves transported back in time right here in Baton Rouge. “This house is completely different from any other,” Rhonda says. “It’s truly a hidden gem.”

second courtyard lends itself to spontaneous al fresco gatherings.

Beyond the balloons, the event offers a lively artisan market with more than 80 vendors selling handmade jewelry, art, plants and baked goods – all selected to maintain the festival’s local, handmade character. Food lovers will find everything from classic fair treats like funnel cakes and cotton candy to savory Southern favorites, barbecue and unique specialties. A variety of lemonade and sweet treats round out the offerings.

The Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival is returning to BREC’s Zachary Community Park for two magical evenings this year, and the City of Zachary invites families, friends and visitors from across the region to join the celebration. Festival Director Shawnel Hebert and Ashleigh McHugh, Director of Economic Development, say the festival has grown from a small hometown event into a beloved regional tradition and this year promises even more to see and do.

Held Friday, Aug. 14, and Saturday, Aug. 15, from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m., the festival features nightly balloon glows and tethered rides that give attendees a bird’s-eye view of the fun. Tether rides cost $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under, with rides lasting three to five minutes. Organizers will operate multiple balloons of different sizes to help families and groups board together, and clear announcements from the stage will let guests know when the tether line opens so everyone can plan their evening.

Zachary balloon festival returns for two evenings of magic festival map

Hebert’s connection to ballooning runs deep. It’s a family tradition that began with her grandfather in 1989 and has since included her father, brother and husband as pilots. “There’s something about watching a balloon lift into the sky or seeing the glow reflected on the pond that makes you forget everything else,” she says. “It’s that kind of magic that draws people back year after year.”

Families will appreciate supervised splash pad and playground access and activities like face painting and balloon animals. Parking will be offered at Zachary Youth Park and nearby lots, with shuttle service available, and designated handicap parking will be maintained close to the park entrance.

McHugh emphasizes the festival’s community spirit: “People travel from across Louisiana and beyond to experience this little piece of hometown magic.” Whether you come for the glowing balloons reflected on the pond, the live music staged centrally so the whole park can enjoy it, or the chance to meet neighbors and vendors, the Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival offers something for every age.

Bring sunscreen, refillable water bottles and a camera, and arrive ready for an evening of wonder. Visit the Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival Facebook page for more information.

Bergeron's City Market and Chef Don Bergeron voted Best Caterer and Best Local Chef for 2026 best of 225 awards.

Thank you Baton Rouge and the Capital Region for once again putting your trust in us with your votes and support. We are humbled and honored to be selected Best Caterer for the tenth time and first-time winner Best Local Chef.

HOT FOOD SERVICE:

MONDAY-FRIDAY

LUNCH 11AM - 2PM DINNER 4:30PM - 7PM

RETAIL MARKET

TAKE HOME FAMILY MEALS

GRAB-N-GO SIGNATURE ITEMS SPECIALTY & GOURMET CATERING-TO-GO

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 10AM - 7PM

CATERING ON - THE - GO

SATURDAY: 10AM - 4PM

Something’s BREWING

Sip single-origin java and buy local produce at this purpose-driven coffee shop

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON // PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE

SOFT-SERVE MARGARITAS

COPA CRUZAN CREOLE

PATRIOTIC TRIFLE RECIPE

An array of items available at BREADA’s signature coffee shop and retail store River & Roots

THERE’S A LOT going on with that latte you just ordered from Main Street Market’s new coffee shop River & Roots.

The beans are fair trade and the milk is supplied by Louisiana dairy farmers. The cinnamon roll you couldn’t resist—the one shellacked with creamy frosting—is from a Baton Rouge small business. And while you wait for the brewing and frothing to commence, you fetch a dozen fresh eggs and some verdant green beans from the cooler, both of which were supplied by regional farmers.

Opened in February, River & Roots is run by Main Street Market’s parent organization, BREADA. It’s part of a web of programs that help local growers and producers connect with consumers, says BREADA executive director Darlene Adams Rowland.

“Everything we’re doing here is really about staying aligned with BREADA’s mission of supporting our local food system,” Rowland says. “We want to build as much awareness about that as we can.”

Packages of stone-ground cornmeal and old-fashioned grits sit on tidy shelves, along with jars of pickles and preserves. There are even home-grown succulents and handsome pieces of Louisianainspired jewelry by Baton Rouge artisan Mimosa Handcrafted, known for rings, bracelets and charms fashioned in the shape of local flora and fauna.

Along with Main Street Market, BREADA operates the nearly 30-year-old Red Stick Farmers Market, which runs two to four weekly markets, depending on the season.

The 8,000-square-foot Main Street Market first opened in 2002 at Fifth and Main streets. Last year, it completed a major renovation that added four new restaurant bays, a teaching kitchen and River & Roots, BREADA’s signature coffee shop and retail store.

Rowland says the first step in creating the concept was sourcing single-origin coffee. She and her team selected North Carolinabased Counter Culture Coffee, a B Corp certified company known

for fair compensation of farmers, with whom it has many long-term relationships. Rowland says the only other coffee shop in the state to sell the brand is HiVolt Coffee in New Orleans.

“We wanted to make sure we were intentional in what we were sourcing,” she says.

Cow’s milk is supplied by Feliciana’s Best Creamery, and goat’s milk from Southern Maids Dairy. Both are Red Stick Farmers Market vendors.

“We’re going through a lot of dairy, so they’re feeling an increase in sales, which is exactly what we’re all about,” Rowland says.

Similarly, the cooler holds seasonal fruits and veggies, much of it grown by longtime vendor Frank Fekete Farm in Hungarian Settlement. Offering Red Stick Farmers Market produce in a retail outlet has been a longtime BREADA goal, says Main Street Market manager Kay Shirer.

“It’s available to shoppers who can’t make the market,” she says.

River & Roots also sells smallbatch sweets and cinnamon rolls from CounterSpaceBR and bagels from Just Brewing Around in Hammond, which pair nicely with Southern Maids’ goat milk cream cheese, Shirer says.

Now swirling

By Olivia Deffes

Local restaurants are cashing in on viral soft-serve margaritas

EARLIER THIS YEAR, a boozy dessert drink began dominating social media, sending margarita fans on a pursuit to find spots near them that were serving soft-serve margaritas.

And you may say, “Hey, isn’t that just a frozen margarita?” But these viral sips actually use soft-serve machines to create a tequila-filled beverage with the creamy texture of the classic frozen treat.

While these drinks have been around for a few months now, they still seem to be on trend here in the Capital Region, with more and more restaurants adding them to the menu. When our team posted a TikTok roundup of spots serving soft-serve margs, locals and other restaurants flocked to the comments to tell us about even more places that had the popular drink on their menus, proving that the 225 can’t get enough.

Grab a straw—and a spoon.

Here’s a list of spots to get your fill of this trendy treat:

Casa Maria 7955 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. 1 1210 N. Airline Hwy., Ste. 1, Gonzales 33939 LA Hwy. 16, Watson

Luna Cocina 3109 Perkins Rd.

The Crawfish Hole 8899 Airline Hwy.

Los Reyes 1072 W. Lee Dr.

Boru Ramen 4957 Essen Ln.

Las Palmas 14552 Airline Hwy., Gonzales 14790 Wax Rd., Central

The Pink Agave 4001 Nicholson Dr., Ste. B

La Caretta Denham Springs 135 Veterans Blvd., Denham Springs

Rio Cantina 400 W. St. Francis St., Ste. C10, Brusly

Sombreros 28050 Walker South Rd. South, Walker

Rio Verde Mexican Grill 14210 Airline Hwy., Ste. J, Gonzales

Pedro’s Taco and Tequila Bar 7655 Andrea Dr. 27276 Crossing Circle, Denham Springs

To our incredible clients,

We are honored to be nominated as Baton Rouge’s Best Nail Salon, and it is all because of YOU. Every appointment, every kind word, every time you chose to sit in our chairs it means the world to us.

What started as a dream has grown into something so much bigger, and that is because of this community. You have trusted us with your time, your hands, and your confidence, and we do not take that lightly.

Thank you for being the heart behind Sweetheart Nails. We are so grateful.

At the COPA

New Gonzales restaurant offers a taste of cuisines from across the Americas

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON // PHOTOS BY CAT GRAVES

THREE YEARS IN THE MAKING,

Copa Cruzan Creole restaurant is now open in Gonzales, serving Caribbean, Latin American, Creole and American dishes.

Father-son team José and Jake Boriel are behind the eatery, drawing from their experience in the catering business and their previous concepts, Highland Café in Port Allen and Caribbean Joe’s, a popular deli and coffee shop in Baton Rouge.

“Both of those were stepping stones for what we wanted to do with this restaurant,” José says.

“Cruzan” refers to something or someone originating from St. Croix. José grew up on the island, but his culinary point of view is much broader, having been shaped by his Puerto Rican mother and his father, a St. Lucia native. He says his first culinary experiences were in the kitchen of his Puerto Rican grandmother, who would send him outside to pick fresh herbs while she was cooking.

“She spoiled me with rice and bean gravy,” José says. “It was one of the only things I’d eat as a kid.”

Copa’s menu comprises Central American and Caribbean dishes, along with Creole and American favorites. Expect to see jerk chicken, fish stew, pigeon peas and rice, curried shrimp, and sweet and savory plantains. There are also grilled and fried entrees, burgers, salads, sandwiches and shareable appetizers. Fans of Caribbean Joe’s popular Cubano sandwich will be relieved to know it’s been revived at Copa. José, also a general contractor, oversaw the renovation of the building. Its 200 seats are situated across two expansive dining rooms, a large

bar area, a private dining space and an outdoor patio. Live piano and acoustic sets will be featured on weekends, along with a jazz brunch on Sundays.

The design is airy and inviting, set off by warm shades of gray, a natural wood ceiling, wrought iron light fixtures and black tablecloths and chairs. Granite-topped bar tables fill out the ample lounge, where bartenders mix signature craft cocktails using local spirits like St. Roch Vodka and Oxbow Rum.

Along with lunch and dinner, the Boriels also saw an opportunity to serve breakfast. Residents who live close to the restaurant currently must drive five miles north to Prairieville to Frank’s Restaurant or endure thick traffic on LA Hwy. 30 to reach concepts on the other side of the interstate, José says.

“We want them to be able to stay in Gonzales,” he says. “We want to be that fam ily restaurant, where you can come in and get some breakfast.”

The most important meal of the day is served daily and features Southern favorites along with Latin American and Caribbean classics such as arepas made with flour and stuffed with eggs, ham and cheese, and Cruzan saltfish and dumplings, José says. In addition, brunch is served on Sundays.

The location is a Gonzales cultural touchstone that has held several restaurants, including Dalton’s, a popular eatery that served country cooking and was known as a neighborhood hub. It closed about 20 years ago, says Copa shift supervisor Brandy Mullins, the granddaughter of founder Dalton Marchand.

“I almost cried when I walked in and saw how good it looked,” Mullins says.

Mullins says Copa’s parking lot is also where the famed “Shoutout” between St. Amant and East Ascension High Schools got its start. The football rivalry is one of the most heated in Louisiana. The Shoutout, a competitive pep rally now held in the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, anoints a winner by measuring decibel levels.

“This location has always been a special place to the community,” Mullins says. “It’s just so great to see it now.”

Copa is open Monday through Sunday at 427 S. Burnside Ave. in Gonzales.

DINING IN

Red, white and blueberries

This patriotic summer dessert brings back bicentennial memories

BY TRACEY KOCH // PHOTO BY AMY SHUTT

IKNOW I AM totally dating myself to admit this, but I remember the summer of 1976 quite well. I was 7, and it was the 200th birthday of The United States of America. Ask anyone of my generation about being a schoolage kid during the bicentennial summer and it will bring back some pretty nostalgic memories. In 1976, the whole country was decorated in red, white and blue. Everything from lunchboxes to fire hydrants to our currency like the 50-cent piece and quarter had images of Revolutionary War soldiers and symbols of the Liberty Bell or the American flag stamped on them. Food trends also shifted their marketing to celebrate the bicentennial. There were red, white and blue ice cream and Popsicles, along with patriotic-themed breakfast cereal and packaged treats, all to help promote and reestablish a sense of pride and patriotism for our

nation’s 200th birthday.

It has now been 50 years since the bicentennial, and as I began to reflect on the summer of 1976, I began researching magazines and articles from that era. I came across one of my favorite dessert treats, one that was served at every backyard barbecue or pool party in the summer of 1976: a no-bake berry trifle. This dessert is a complete throwback to the 1960s and ’70s. It consists of layers of store-bought pound cake topped with strawberries, blueberries, instant vanilla Jell-O pudding and Cool Whip, all stacked in a big clear glass bowl. This dessert became even more popular during the bicentennial summer, thanks to the red and blue berries and the white from the Cool Whip, which made an impressively patriotic dessert centerpiece. My mother and grandmother were masters at making these trifles, and I still can’t look at a Sarah Lee pound cake or glass trifle bowl and not

1976 Retro Very Berry Trifle

Yield: 12 servings

2 lbs. fresh strawberries

½ pint fresh blueberries

1 lb. frozen unsweetened blueberries

1½ cups granulated sugar, divided

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided

2 Tbsp. cornstarch, divided

5 tsp. pure vanilla extract, divided

2 (3.4-oz.) boxes Jell-O vanilla instant pudding mix

4 cups milk

2 cups heavy whipping cream

2 Tbsp. powdered sugar

1 family-size Sarah Lee pound cake

think of them. So, with my warm nostalgic feelings and happy memories of childhood, my mother, my grandmother and the summer of 1976, I decided to revamp this very retro no-bake dessert for our 250th celebration of the U.S.A. In keeping with the original versions of this berry trifle, I did take some shortcuts and used store-bought pound cake and instant vanilla pudding, but I added a bit of pure vanilla extract to enhance the vanilla flavor. To boost this trifle a bit more, I simmered some of the berries in a little sugar and fresh lemon juice, making a fresh berry syrup that soaks into the pound cake and gives my updated version a very berry punch. As a final addition, I topped my 1976 Retro Very Berry Trifle with some fresh whipped cream and berries to complete this festive summer dessert. Happy 250th birthday, America!

Rinse fresh strawberries and blueberries; pat dry. Reserve a few strawberries and fresh blueberries for garnish. Cut tops off remaining strawberries, then cut them in half. Place half of cut strawberries into a sauce pot. Place frozen blueberries in a second pot. Divide granulated sugar in half, pouring ¾ cup sugar over strawberries and ¾ cup sugar over frozen blueberries. Add to each pot 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, 1 Tbsp. cornstarch and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Stir to combine. Place each pot over medium-high heat and cook, stirring every couple of minutes, until sugar is dissolved, berries have cooked down, and sauce coats back of spoon. Turn off heat and fold remaining cut strawberries into cooked strawberry mixture. Fold fresh blueberries into cooked blueberry mixture. Allow both berry mixtures to cool.

While berry mixtures are cooling, prepare vanilla pudding according to package directions with milk. Once pudding is mixed, add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Allow pudding to set. While pudding is setting and berries are cooling, pour whipping cream into a bowl; use an electric mixer to whip cream until soft peaks begin to form. Add powdered sugar and remaining 1 tsp. vanilla extract; continue beating until whipped cream is set but not too firm.

Slice cake into 1½-inch-thick slices. Place a layer of cake slices in bottom of a large glass bowl or trifle dish, making sure to cover bottom of bowl completely. Slices will overlap. Pour strawberry mixture over layer of pound cake and spread evenly. Top strawberry layer with half of vanilla pudding, spreading evenly over strawberries. Spread half of whipped cream over pudding layer; repeat steps with blueberry mixture, ending with whipped cream as top layer. Once you have topped trifle with second half of whipped cream, garnish with sliced strawberries and fresh blueberries. Cover trifle with plastic wrap and place in fridge to set for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Thrive GRASS Touch

From Hilltop to hiking trails, local experts explain the science behind why being in nature is good for both physical and mental health

BY AVA BORSKEY

NESTLED AT THE top of a 30-foot hill on Highland Road sits a sanctuary of nature where trees tower tall and shrubs cover the ground. LSU Hilltop Arboretum stretches across 14 acres and is a harmonious showcase of Louisiana’s natural landscape.

I spent an evening exploring the grounds, following the pathways until gravel gave way to grass and grass slid off into dirt and mud. As the birds chirped, I read the placards denoting the tree names and flirted with a butterfly fluttering around some bright red blooms.

“In short, the plan was an invitation to stop for a little while and marvel at nature’s beauty.”

That was my goal during my visit, and it was Emory Smith’s goal, too, when he first began

curating the property. He wrote all about it in his autobiography Hilltop: My Story, which tells how the arboretum came to be, from its humble beginnings as a personal getaway to a glorious display of more than 150 Southern plant species.

Today, Hilltop is managed by LSU and the nonprofit organization Friends of Hilltop Arboretum. It serves as both a living laboratory for researchers and a haven for anyone looking to escape the stresses of daily life.

“It’s a little hidden treasure for the community,” says Tara Titone, director of Hilltop Arboretum. “I’m a landscape architect by training and studied sociology in college as well, so I believe that curated and natural landscapes can really serve

in a healing capacity.”

The health benefits of spending time in nature are well established. It’s a topic of study especially interesting to Jeanette Gustat, an epidemiologist and associate professor at Tulane University.

“Being in nature can help reduce negative effects of chronic disease, stress, obesity and depression,” Gustat says.

Exposure to nature has tangible benefits for both mental and physical health, including improvements in attention, increased self-esteem, decreased blood pressure and better sleep quality. Studies have measured these effects through both self-report surveys and wearable devices like headsets that study real-time brain activity.

While being outdoors can

encourage physical activity, like walking or exercising, exposure to nature in and of itself has positive effects on well-being. Slowing down and entering a period of “soft fascination,” where you gently notice and appreciate your surroundings, helps the mind rest, recover and avoid rumination.

“You can just be sedentary, like having a picnic in a park or along a beach or anywhere in nature, and you can still get those benefits of feeling calmer and more relaxed,” Gustat says. “That’s good for your mental health, which means it’s also good for your physical health. They’re linked.”

According to the American Public Health Association, natural areas also increase social ties within a community. Jessica

Stroope, an assistant professor in LSU’s School of Kinesiology, studies how access to nature, especially through walking or biking paths, improves physical, mental and community well-being.

“When you walk and bike places, you’re exposed to your community in ways that you are not when you’re in a car,” Stroope says. “People who walk or bike for transportation have higher levels of what’s called ‘community participation’—things like showing up at community meetings, working together to solve problems.”

Nature areas, whether humancrafted or naturally occurring, can counteract loneliness by creating space and opportunity for gatherings, connections and socialization. For the past decade, Stroope worked with the Louisiana Cooperative Extension System to help communities better reap the benefits of publicly owned nature spaces.

One of Stroope’s favorite nature spots is the Comite River Conservation Area, a BREC park in

Central with 100 acres of mountain bike trails, fishing holes and naturally growing blackberries. Another top contender is BREC’s Frenchtown Conservation Area in Greenwell Springs, a great spot for beginner hiking that features bamboo forests.

But nature isn’t just forests. Experts like Gustat have observed meaningful benefits for wellbeing

even after micro-exposures to nature, including walking along a tree-lined street, caring for a houseplant or looking at paintings of landscape scenes.

Nature is accessible in many shapes and forms. In Baton Rouge, the Mississippi River levee stretches along many neighborhoods and is a perfect vantage point to watch the sun set. Even the tiniest of

backyards can provide enough space to cloudwatch or stargaze, if you only pause for a moment to look up.

At Hilltop Arboretum, the grounds are open to the public free of charge from sunup to sundown, seven days a week. To provide even more ways to interact with the landscape, the arboretum recently introduced an Art & Wellness series with programs like yoga, honey tasting and wildflower pressing.

The idea is to provide a creative space to educate, engage and immerse visitors so they feel connected to the web of life. The ultimate goal is to continue founder Emory Smith’s legacy and fulfill his mission, something he summed up best in his memoir by saying:

“I have hoped that those who follow these paths find the strength and confidence and security that has come to me from walking with nature. I have learned that I must find life’s truth, life’s purpose, and its mission in that part of the world close to me.”

PLAYTIME with a PURPOSE

BY LAURA ALLEN

Knock Knock Children’s Museum debuts membership that helps therapists engage with kids with special needs

KNOCK KNOCK CHILDREN’S Museum is making fun for everyone more accessible with its new TheraPLAY membership program.

TheraPLAY allows licensed and credentialed therapists to bring patients with special needs and their families to the museum at no cost to the family. The program is in its early stages, having just been soft launched this past April, but it was created in reaction to a trend the museum was already seeing.

“We had heard that [therapists] were bringing patients here, families were meeting their therapists here,” says Christina Melton, executive director of Knock Knock Children’s Museum. “We kept seeing that and hearing more about that, and we thought, ‘Well, what could we do to try to make that easier for therapists and families, and try to support children and the special needs community?’”

Therapists can apply for one of three different year-long membership tiers, including the Trio Membership, which allows for a therapist to bring two additional guests; the Five Membership, which allows for a therapist to bring four additional guests; and the Group Membership, which allows for up to four therapists to bring five additional guests each.

The museum received a grant from the Charles Lamar Family Foundation, which Melton says was instrumental in developing TheraPLAY. The team also conducted a series of surveys and listening sessions with physical, occupational, speech and behavioral therapists, as well as EarlySteps interventionists, to assess the specific needs the program would have to meet.

“We have the space and we have the materials,” Melton says. “We just

want to make them more accessible to everybody.”

Knock Knock Children’s Museum features 18 interactive Learning Zones where children can develop their fine and gross motor skills, language skills and social skills with a variety of hands-on, multi-sensory exhibits.

“[The museum] serves the special needs community because it provides a beautiful, stimulating, educational setting for therapy for therapists who are working with children, and for families who have children with special needs,” Melton says.

Whether the children learn a Cajun line dance at B.R. Star Studio or test out their handiness at the Knock Knock Maker Shop, each station is specially designed to teach through play.

Knock Knock’s didactic intentionality is what draws so many

therapists to use the space to hold therapy sessions. Already, the museum’s Access for All program is designed to lessen the financial burden of admission for families by offering reduced-price tickets for guests with an EBT card.

Knock Knock has also partnered with organizations like McMain Children’s Developmental Center, The Emerge Center, Louisiana School for the Deaf, Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired, and Blind Grace to develop ability bags for the museum’s Play for All initiative. These bags are available to all guests and include tools like earphones and adaptable components for the exhibits, allowing children with mobility impairment or sensory issues to play alongside other children at the Learning Zones. Now, the museum has expanded its inclusion of children with special needs with the new TherapPLAY

membership program by easing the financial stress on families and providing a space and the resources for therapists to help their patients grow.

In addition to the physical and occupational therapy that the exhibits lend themselves to, the Learning Zones also provide opportunities for children with special needs to learn practical life skills in an environment with other children.

“One of the things that some therapists have expressed is that it’s really important to have children experience what it might be like to go to a restaurant or to a grocery store,” Melton says, “and so it’s an opportunity for them to sort of practice those skills in a playful environment that is not threatening and that is like a classroom setting.”

Therapists also have the option of signing up for time slots before and after the museum’s normal hours to support children who may need a calmer, low-stimulation setting.

Knock Knock Children’s Museum is in a unique position to provide this service for therapists and their patients because the museum is already equipped with specially designed exhibits in a language-rich environment.

“We have the beautiful, intentionally designed setting that allows children to be them, their best selves, and to live out their potential, and to learn and be exposed to experiences that they would not get in a single setting anywhere else,” she says.

Melton hopes that through this new membership program, children with special needs will be better able to learn and grow with the support of their families, therapists and community.

“It’s magical when you see these children and families playing together as a family,” she says.

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

•

Melton says she believes that

Therapists and their patients can check out the Pelican Panry, Knock Knock's grocery store Learning Zone, to fill carts of play items. Setting a new standard in pet care, Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique combines expert grooming with a personal touch to make every pup feel comfortable and cared for.

Understanding that grooming can be stressful, the team prioritizes a stress-free experience while delivering top-tier results. Our unlimited Bath & Brush Membership is ideal for busy pet owners, offering unlimited bathing and brushing for a single monthly fee. THANK YOU BATON ROUGE for voting us Best Place for Pet Grooming!

for thought FRUIT

According to a Pennington scientist, a key to improving heart health is on the produce aisle

BY CATHERINE CLEMENT

FRUIT CAN TAKE many forms in a diet. They show up in smoothies, juices, salads, snack boards, guacamole and dessert pastries. But these sweet produce items are more than mere ingredients—fruit has been proven to improve health outcomes for those who eat it.

As an assistant professor of clinical science at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Dr. John Apolzan has researched how nutrition and physical activity affect health outcomes for more than 13 years.

In February of 2026, the scientist’s commentary on a clinical trial investigating the link between fruit intake and vascular health was published as an editorial in the Journal of the American Heart Association In the trial, subjects consumed one avocado and one cup of mango daily for two months. After just eight weeks, it was concluded that consuming the fruit noticeably improved heart health. Specifically, it helped blood vessels work better.

“Essentially, your blood flow is improved when consuming higher amounts of fruits and vegetables, compared to less fruits and vegetables,” Apolzan says.

These conclusions tie into Apolzan’s own research on diet, specifically on the nationwide Food Is Medicine initiative that aims to use diet to treat and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

“[Food Is Medicine] has really taken a new life recently,” Apolzan says. “The goal is to help improve nutritional status, which helps improve health and lower healthcare costs.”

Along with physical activity and stress reduction, Apolzan says diet plays a tremendous role in heart health. But Apolzan says fruit is also one of the biggest contributors to food waste. So if you want to incorporate more fruit into your diet, he says you shouldn’t buy more than you can eat. He also suggests preparing the fruit so it’s ready to eat as soon as you take it out of the fridge.

Studies on nutrition serve as important resources for researchers like Apolzan. As scientists gain more insight into the food we eat, their recommendations become more accurate and can improve health outcomes for more people.

For Louisianians, this research is more pivotal than for residents of other states.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Louisiana ranks third among all states in the prevalence of food insecurity and fourth in the prevalence of obesity. But Apolzan is hopeful for change.

“[Food] is something that we eat every day,” he says. So these modest improvements at the individual level can lead to population-level changes that actually move the needle.”

11 LOCATIONS ACROSS LOUISIANA

Thank you 225 for voting us BEST MEDICAL SPA & AESTHETICS 2026 — This is our third year winning in this category and sixth year placing first in a category in the Best of 225 Awards! We are honored to serve you, Baton Rouge!

Culture Press WORTHY

A professor’s photos celebrate the mission and mourn the decline of local newspapers

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

HORTON, KANSAS,

isn’t the kind of place most people choose for a summer trip. Set in the state’s rural northeast corner near the Nebraska and Missouri borders, the Brown County town is home to around 1,500 residents. Topeka, one of the closest big cities, is more than an hour away. But the tiny hamlet and dozens like it across the Jayhawk State have been like catnip for LSU photography professor Jeremiah Ariaz. The Kansas native and documentary photographer spent the last five years showing the cultural importance of small-town newspapers for his Fourth Estate project. The photographs capture the importance of a free press at a time when local news struggles to stay afloat.

Ariaz won a 2026 Guggenheim Fellowship for the project earlier this spring, one of 223 nationwide honorees. The award has allowed him to complete the work this summer.

“I feel like I’ve got the wind in my sails,” he says. “It’s been a big boost as I’m making my way back across Kansas.”

That involves documenting about a dozen more of the state’s small-town newspapers, including the Horton Headlight-Commercial Published since 1898 and offered in print-only format, the newspaper

is situated in a lonely red-brick office in downtown Horton. Ariaz visited the community paper in early June—catching it on the one day a week it’s open—to document a weathered newsroom, stacks of back issues, longtime employees and the random detritus that tends to accumulate after 128 years.

“There was so much history there,” Ariaz says.

Just the day before, Ariaz had been in New York City for the Guggenheim Fellows reception.

“It’s so humbling because you’re there with people who are the very best at what they do across the humanities,” he says.

Ariaz has been a photography professor in the LSU College of Art and Design since 2006. His work focuses on interpreting social challenges, ecological changes and rural culture. One of his local projects includes a book on Black trail riders in southwest Louisiana, Creole families with an enduring history of trail riding on horseback that dates back to the 18th century.

After the pandemic, Ariaz began documenting the social tension that was simmering in political swing states. The decline of local newspapers caught his attention in the process. He shifted his focus to

his photos with columns of text that provide a commentary on the current state of journalism.

“As I began working on this project, I was trying to think, what’s the best vehicle to share this work about newspapers?” Ariaz says. “And I started to conceptualize the idea of essentially creating a newspaper-like publication that had the aesthetic feel of the subject that I was covering.”

The text includes the perspective of several newspaper editors Ariaz interviewed during the project about local journalism’s civic importance and its fragile financial model. It was important to get their voices in the exhibit, he says.

Ariaz photographed 125 newspapers prior to winning the Guggenheim Fellowship. He’s visiting at least a dozen more this summer, including some newspapers that have closed since the project first began five years ago, he says.

Ariaz is paying special attention to the town of Marion, Kansas. In 2023, police raided the Marion County Record office and two private homes, seizing equipment and erroneously claiming the newspaper’s reporters had obtained information illegally. While the newspaper has since been vindicated, the incident is seen as a canary-in-the-coal-mine tale concerning press freedoms, Ariaz says.

photographing newspaper offices across his home state and compiled them into an exhibit, “The Fourth Estate in the Heart of America,” which has been shown at the Baton Rouge Gallery, the Colonial Theatre Showroom in Keene, New Hampshire, and Zeitgeist Gallery in Nashville.

The photos depict veteran printing press employees, dated equipment and aging newsrooms. Exterior shots show modest storefronts in sleepy downtowns.

The exhibit holds more than just individual images. In some cases, Ariaz created visual riffs on newspapers themselves, laying out

“Since that time, there has been so much more that has happened to the media and journalists,” Ariaz says. “It felt like a good time to think more deeply about that.”

This summer, Ariaz is photographing the newspaper and the city of Marion, and he’s working with a local writer on documenting the events surrounding the raid.

The new work will be integrated into the current exhibition and shown later this year at the Volland Foundation, a rural arts and cultural center in Alma, Kansas.

“There’s been such a strong history of journalism in Kansas that I was not familiar with when I started the project,” he says, “but I’ve been very proud to find out.”

Patriotic pup

A major American milestone was the perfect time for Studyville founder Amanda Martin to write her first children’s book

BY CATHERINE CLEMENT

AUTHORING A CHILDREN’S book was never Amanda Martin’s goal when she began her career, but she has wholly embraced the process.

Just in time for America’s 250th birthday, her new release Henry the Star-Spangled Spaniel follows a familiar character from her local tutoring service and non-traditional microschool, Studyville.

Henry was inspired by Martin’s own curious Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and was born from a work-related brainstorm. While developing curricula, Martin and her team noticed a lack of resources for elementary civics education, so they created their own kid-friendly approach to teaching both literature and civics. Their custom decodable books—early reading tools designed to help with phonics and comprehension—included a cuddly character named Henry. The four-legged friend soon became a favorite both in Studyville classrooms and at education conferences, inspiring Martin to take her stories to the publishing company Simon & Schuster.

“I can say he’s kid-tested by about 4,000 students, and he is beloved by all of them,” Martin says.

Henry the Star-Spangled Spaniel follows the title character as he

discovers that he shares a birthday with America—and that his new birthday present is a time-traveling doghouse. Whisked away from the present day in a red, white and blue firework-studded gust of wind, Henry is transported back in time where he witnesses the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the end of the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Constitution.

As the mother of two boys, Martin was already familiar with children’s books about her sons’ favorite subject: American history. However, she found that many history books for young children are now outdated, making it difficult for this generation of students to relate to them.

“We’re going to end up in a place where a teacher needs to teach civics to a kindergarten class, and she’s not going to have a book to read,” Martin explains of her motivation to develop the Henry stories. “This is a story they’re going to remember, and I love the idea that they’re going to be celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with Henry. There’s going to be a 4- or 5-year-old who gets the Henry book, and they’re going to understand because stories and characters come alive to them. And that’s how they learn.”

Settle in for SUMMER READING

THE BAYOU STATE’S colorful, creative energy is well documented, so finding an interesting summer read by a Louisiana author is a no-brainer. Prolific phenoms like New Iberia native James Lee Burke and best-selling mystery writer and Shreveport resident Ashley Elston both have new works out, along with scores of other fiction and nonfiction writers whose recent releases are worth a look.

These picks cover a range of styles, interests and ages, but there are countless titles to discover. Stop by one of the Capital Region’s local booksellers or library branches for more juicy reads to enjoy by the pool, on the plane or in a cozy chair.

—MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

The Hadacol Boogie: A Dave Robicheaux Novel

By James Lee Burke

Burke’s 25th Dave Robicheaux novel finds the weathered New Iberia detective investigating the death of a woman left in a garbage bag on his property. At his side are longtime partner Clete Purcell and a new detective Valerie Benoit. Fun fact: The book’s title is a reference to a popular Louisiana-born “miracle tonic” developed in the 1940s by Vermilion Parish State Senator Dudley J. LeBlanc, famous for its radio jingles—and its 12% alcohol content. The Hadacol Boogie features all the trappings of Robichaux’s noir world, including a sultry bayou setting and seedy criminals. —M.H.R.

Like Snow Before Sun

By Marianne Rabalais Sulser

This novel by an Alexandria native and LSU alumna takes readers back to the 1750s and the expulsion of the French-speaking Acadian people from Nova Scotia. Sulser draws on intensive research into the period and her own ancestors, who were among those driven from their homes and eventually settled in Louisiana. —KELLI BOZEMAN

By Mary Hester

For Mary Hester, writing fiction has long been a passion, squeezed into stolen moments alongside a career as a Taylor Porter attorney. Her quiet pursuit paid off this year with the release of this literary work set in a live-oak-lined Baton Rouge neighborhood. The plot centers on a retired art history professor who receives a terminal diagnosis and forms an unexpected bond with a young Cajun caregiver. —M.H.R.

Edited by Shelley Ingram, Casey Kayser and Constance Bailey

This ode to Southern “gas station, roadside and convenience cuisine” arrived just in time for summer road trip season, bringing with it tales of some of the most savory dishes served up in the most unlikely locations. Positioning themselves as “gas station food connoisseurs,” the three editors have assembled an eclectic array of essays that do triple duty as whimsical stories, Southern foodways documentation and guides to good eats. Hot tip: try the Indian buffet at Punjabi Dhaba in Hammond. —K.B.

By Ashley Elston

Many know Elston, a Monroe native who lives in Shreveport, from her New York Times bestselling debut adult novel First Lie Wins. Elston’s new novel Anatomy of an Alibi is a fast-paced thriller set in St. Francisville and Baton Rouge. It centers on a wealthy woman named Camille who enlists the help of a stranger and lookalike named Aubrey. Camille asks Aubrey to swap identities with her to uncover the truth about Camille’s husband, Ben. Things get interesting when Ben turns up dead. —M.H.R.

By Dr. Keith E. Leger

A Sleepy Town Awakens

By Phil Canova

Former Iberville Parish attorney Phil Canova had three goals when he retired: play golf, travel with his wife, and record the history of his native Plaquemine in the second half of the 20th century, a period that Canova says has been woefully undocumented. He zeroed in on the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 for his book, which brings to life the intrepid efforts of local and national civil rights organizers the year before the federal Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964. —M.H.R.

Issue Date: July 2026 Ad proof #1

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

By Willie Williams IV and Willow Grace Williams

After being diagnosed with anxiety, 10-year-old Willie Williams IV turned his personal struggles into a book aimed at helping other children better understand and express their own emotions. The journey also inspired his parents to launch a nonprofit focused on children’s emotional wellness and literacy. —K.B.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

Keith Leger’s career in education means he is always thinking about children, but the Baton Rougean’s debut novel takes that thought in an intriguing direction. Set in the near future, Listed paints a picture of a world in which parents sell shares of their unborn children’s future earnings on a financial market in exchange for funds to help provide for those children’s wellbeing. Leger weaves threads of the Capital City throughout the story, from hashbrowns at Louie’s Café to study groups in the LSU library basement. —K.B.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2026. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

At Associated Veterinary Services, we believe every pet deserves exceptional care at a price you can afford.

Comprehensive Annual Exams

Thorough wellness exams to help your pet live a long, happy life.

On-Site Pharmacy

Convenient access to medications and products your pet needs.

Advanced Diagnostic Technology

State-of-the-art equipment for accurate, fast answers.

Therapeutic Laser Treatments

Non-invasive pain relief that promotes healing and improves quality of life.

By Ken Wells

Part of LSU Press’s Louisiana True series, Boudin explores the history and diversity of south Louisiana’s favorite road trip sausage, its cultural relevance and its relationship to old world food traditions. Wells traverses the region’s Boudin Trail, digs deep into culinary history, and samples links along the way. —M.H.R.

By A.J. Cade

Lean into this summer’s celebration of America’s 250th with this in-depth accounting of the Louisiana

Louisiana Healing Garden

By Corinne Martin

The crape myrtle that’s now blooming in your backyard is more than just pretty—it has medicinal properties. So do your fragrant sweet olive tree and gardenia bushes. Herbalist and Louisiana Herb Journal author Corinne Martin highlights 50 such medicinal plants, along with planting advice, preparation methods and potential risks. —K.B.

Beep beep!

The

EVER BORROWED

a library book at a community center? Or checked out a DVD at a nursing home? These experiences and more are possible in East Baton Rouge Parish thanks to the Bookmobile, an on-the-go outreach program that brings books and other media to people who might not normally be able to access the library’s offerings.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library offers 15 physical locations across the parish for the community to rent, research and use items such as books, DVDs, audiobooks and more. But the library also goes mobile, meeting the community with its three buses and three vans that travel across the parish to provide library advocacy.

The Bookmobile vehicles offer resources such as books, DVDs and audiobooks. The program visits various sites daily, including preschools, senior homes, community centers and events.

Tameka Roby is the Bookmobile and Outreach Services Manager at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, and she has been managing the Bookmobile program since 2011.

“A lot of libraries began as bookmobiles,” Roby says. “They didn’t have the physical structure, but they had lots of people who would donate books, and so they had a

BY OLIVIA TOMLINSON // PHOTOS BY LOIS HEBERT

bookmobile staff that collected those donations, cataloged them, arranged them on the bookmobile and traveled.”

The Bookmobile and Outreach Services division of the library has 20 staff members who manage the Bookmobile vehicles and provide service in five areas: preschool outreach, senior services, charter school rotation, community routes and weekend events.

The preschool outreach focuses on early literacy, and a staff of six visits preschools, daycares and more to provide 20-minute storytimes for children age 3 to 5.

Another five staff members are assigned to the senior services department. Those employees visit nursing homes, retire ment homes, assisted living sites and communities such as EBR Council on Aging or East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority sites.

“The Bookmobile is allowed to go into spaces where people wouldn’t think the library can go, and we’re able to connect with our community in a different way,” Roby says. “I think that’s what makes bookmobile services different from a traditional library.”

the parish

These staff members also engage with the community through computer programs, dancing programs, singing programs, crafts and even gardening, along with providing library services.

“We really provide resources for people who can’t physically make it to the library themselves,” Roby says. “They can be in a mental health facility. They can be in a domestic violence shelter. They can be in any capacity where they can’t make it to the library.”

The Bookmobile also issues library cards. Visitors are only

required to show a photo ID to receive a card.

Since the Bookmobile makes daily stops around town in places with different literacy levels, the buses are organized by outreach sectors. For example, “King Cake” is the preschool bus, so it holds a large collection of children’s books, but also adult books. The “Mud Bug” is a sprinter van that has primarily adult books, but there’s also a section for children and teens.

“We keep a little bit of everything for everyone, because we’re not at a brick-and-mortar library,” Roby says. “We’re able to arrange items in an easier way for patrons to use them. So most of the books on the bookmobile are arranged by genre, which is different from the Dewey Decimal System.”

Roby says the mission at the program’s heart is to remove barriers to access. “Our library administration has a very, very big heart for outreach,” Roby says. “They believe in serving and providing equitable access to services and information for all members of our community, those that are housed and unhoused, despite your religion, your race, whatever.”

Let the MUSIC PLAY

Scotland Saturdays’ neighborhood music series creates a soundtrack to summer weekends in the city

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON // PHOTOS BY WIL NORWOOD

FOR THE LAST three summers, neighbors have flocked to the same upbeat scene. Roots music pulses from the stage as they sway to the beat and kids dance with abandon. Older folks seated in shaded lawn chairs tap their feet in time, while friends mingle and grab snacks from food trucks and vendor booths. Relaxed and fun, the afternoon gathering is a festive break from the stress of the week.

In a region that loves live outdoor music, a concert like this could be happening anywhere. But for the fourth consecutive year, it’s taking place in Scotlandville Plaza, the small Scotlandville neighborhood park also known as the “Triangle” at the intersection of Scenic Highway and Scotland and Swan avenues.

Organized locally by the grassroots nonprofit Scotland Saturdays and funded by the Levitt Family Foundation, the Levitt AMP Baton Rouge Music Series builds community under the banner of free live concerts. The program successfully operated in Scotlandville Plaza between 2023 and 2025. Its grant was renewed for another three years this spring, allowing concerts to continue through 2028.

Scotland Saturdays founder and Levitt AMP organizer Byron Washington says attendance has steadily increased since the first gathering.

“It’s really grown,” Washington says. “We started with maybe 50 coming out, and now we have up to 500.”

One of the reasons Washington and his team of volunteers successfully secured a Levitt Music Series grant in 2023 was that they had already built a community following with their Scotland Saturdays, a semi-regular open-air market featuring artists, food trucks, produce vendors and nonprofit agencies in Scotlandville Plaza that started in 2018.

This year, 66 cities and towns across the United States received a threeyear Levitt Music Series grant. Baton Rouge is one of 32 returning locations. Communities receive up to $40,000 annually to attract talent and host free community concerts. When residents can enjoy accessible, family-friendly live music in their own neighborhoods, it changes perceptions

about underserved places, Washington says.

“I think the fact that we brought something that wasn’t here and we made it regular and normal has brought a sense of care and investment to

Scotlandville Plaza,” Washington says. “We said, ‘We’re not just going to do this, but we’re going to do it 10 times a year with artists from all over the country.’”

This year’s concerts kicked off on May 30 and will run through Oct. 17 on either Friday evenings or Saturday afternoons. Upcoming shows feature jazz and R&B singer Quiana Lynell, rock ’n’ roll musician Zach Pearson and the Cha Wa Band, a New Orleans brass ensemble that performs in Mardi Gras Indian dress. Ambush Reggae Band and the alternative rock band Kids That Fly will also play this year.

Spectators from within and outside of the neighborhood enjoy the concerts, Washington says. “We had a lot of people asking us, ‘When’s the next one?’” he says. “They want to come and want to be involved.”

And Levitt AMP’s goal of using live music to activate community spaces is also being realized. Thanks to the momentum brought by Scotland Saturdays and the Levitt AMP series, Scotlandville Plaza will see renovations later this year, including the installation of a permanent pavilion with its own audio system. Part of the funding will come from the MOVEBR plan, Washington says.

“We’ve shown that if you have consistency with events and programs,” he says, “then people see the community as a great place to make an investment.”

July

Compiled by Catherine Clement

3

Celebrate the stars and stripes the Louisiana way at the 54th Kenilworth Neighborhood Independence Day Parade, which rolls at 6:30 p.m. kenilworthneighborhood.com

The National WWII Museum’s Victory Belles visit Manship Theatre for a special patriotic performance. manshiptheatre.org

4

America 250 on the River over downtown Baton Rouge to commemorate this historic Independence Day with fireworks and a free concert.

The Old State Capitol will be open all day for a 4th of July Extravaganza with free games, crafts, karaoke and other family-friendly activities. Guests can also view the original Louisiana Purchase document, on display until July 11. louisianaoldstatecapitol.org

Set up chairs to watch the Baton Rouge Concert Band’s free Independence Day Concert the plaza of the Main Library at Goodwood.

NEW ORLEANS

Whether you want to bask in ’90s nostalgia or spend a night laughing until you cry, see Jerry Seinfeld perform at the Raising Cane’s River Center. raisingcanesrivercenter.com

Get your scoreboard ready for the Dancing for a Cause fundraiser at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center, benefiting The Arc of East Ascension. Local

11 + 12

Peruse the best blooms of the Baton Rouge Orchid Society at the LSU Rural Life Museum during the organization’s Orchid Show and Sale.

Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room Museum Foundation invites Baton NeighborHood This free event, held at the Main Library at Goodwood, aims to bring people together with live music, food, film screenings and

The world’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band brings together two of the band’s most famous albums at the new show “Brit Floyd: The Moon, the Wall and Beyond.” Experience this iconic mashup at the Raising Cane’s River Center. raisingcanesrivercenter.com

MORE EVENTS

Subscribe to our newsletter 225 Daily for our twice-weekly roundups of events. 225batonrouge. com/225daily

July 3-5: Essence Festival of Culture, essence.com

July 11: Running of the Bulls, nolabulls.com

July 19-24: Tales of the Cocktail, talesofthecocktail.org

July 3: Red, White, and Boom Independence Day celebration, youngsville.us

July 15: Taste of Acadiana, cajundome.com

July 18-19: Brick Convention Lego fan event, brickconvention.com

“The Kidd became my job, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that things happen for a reason. It was meant to be.”

Parks Stephenson

FROM EXPLORING the Titanic’s ruins at the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean to planning the USS Kidd’s restoration in Baton Rouge, Parks Stephenson’s fascination with ships has no geographic limits.

After serving 20 years in the Navy, Stephenson transitioned to working in the aerospace industry in San Diego, but he never gave up his passion for naval history.

This passion, once just a hobby, led to an opportunity that very few get to experience. Stevenson connected with James Cameron, the director of Titanic, and shared the research he had conducted on the infamous shipwreck. Equipped with curiosity and deep historical knowledge, Stevenson was recruited as the technical advisor for a TV film Cameron was working on. And in 2005, the two dove over 3,000 meters underwater to the Titanic.

“My passion was in the side gig, which I did whenever I could,” Stephenson says. “Diving on the Titanic and working for Cameron got me the attention of other people who introduced me to diving on other ships.”

Stephenson’s favorite ship is the USS Johnston, an American destroyer deployed in World War II. In 1944, the Johnston outmaneuvered a much larger Japanese fleet but was sunk in the process. Eventually, Stephenson’s interest in the ship evolved into a project. He was recruited to work on a film about the Johnston, which had not yet been discovered. In 2021, he discovered the ship, then the deepest shipwreck ever found. He says that this dive was special compared to his others. “Of all the wrecks that I’ve been on, Johnston is the one that got me personally,” he says. “Titanic didn’t do it, some other ones that I’ve been on haven’t, but Johnston got me. I can’t explain it; it just did. “

In preparation for his dive to the Johnston, the researcher traveled to Baton Rouge to board the docked USS Kidd, the Johnston’s sister ship. Stephenson says the two vessels were basically interchangeable, so he studied the Kidd to become familiar with the layout.

Then, in 2022, Stephenson received a call suggesting he apply for the executive director position at the USS Kidd Veterans Museum, which housed the ship that was so important to his journey. He and his wife packed up their home in California and traveled south.

The Kidd has meant a lot to Stephenson both personally and professionally. This is clear from his work to help restore and properly display the ship. Last year, the ship received a massive overhaul, with upgrades that should endure for another 40 to 60 years, according to Stephenson.

Stephenson believes his connection to the Kidd was no coincidence. “Finding the deepest wreck in the ocean is part work and research. The rest of it is luck,” he says. “If you were meant to find it, you’ll find it. And I was meant to find Johnston, and then the call came to take her sister ship, Kidd. I couldn’t turn that down.”