Red Stick Rally — 1 High‑Energy Day in Baton Rouge
A fun, vibrant day for a group of friends: brunch near LSU, a Capitol climb and riverfront stroll, a naval-museum photo op, an adrenaline escape-room challenge, a relaxed riverside coffee break, seafood dinner, then live music at an iconic venue. Designed for groups (4–6+), with shared-cost tips, lively spots, and spring-friendly outdoor time.
Highlights
- Brunch at a local favorite near LSU
- Visit the Louisiana State Capitol (viewing deck)
- USS KIDD battleship museum on the river
- Group escape-room challenge at Red Stick Escape Rooms
- Dinner at Parrain's Seafood and live music at Spanish Moon
Itinerary
Day 1
Packed-but-balanced day for friends: brunch, a bit of culture and history, a playful challenge, then seafood and live music. Spring in Baton Rouge (April) is warm with pleasant evenings—perfect for riverfront strolling and an outdoor-friendly nightlife vibe.
Brunch & Bottomless Vibes — The Ruby Slipper Cafe (LSU area)
Start with a lively Southern brunch that's great for groups. Expect comfort-food favorites, shareable plates, and weekend energy—perfect for planning the day over mimosas and pancakes.
Tips from local experts:
- Groups: call ahead for a 4–6+ table — they usually seat together near the patio if available.
- Split the big brunch plates family-style (try the Bananas Foster Pain Perdu) so everyone samples multiple dishes and the bill is easy to split.
- Parking: there’s metered and lot parking near the LSU-area location; aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early on weekends to avoid the brunch rush.
Drive to the Capitol (short transfer)
Quick 10–15 minute drive from the LSU corridor to downtown; good time to queue group ride-shares and park for a walking loop around the capitol grounds.
Tips from local experts:
- If someone’s driving, use the parking garage near the Capitol (metered) — it’s the most convenient for a 45–60 minute visit.
- Rideshare: request drop-off at the Capitol entrance to avoid circling downtown.
- Keep sunscreen or a light jacket handy — April can be sunny but breezy on the observation deck.
Tour the Louisiana State Capitol & Observation Deck
Climb (or elevator) up the tallest state capitol building in the U.S. for panoramic city views — a quick cultural stop with great group photos and history nuggets.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan for 45–60 minutes: guided tours are short and informative — great for the group to split tasks (photos, quick reading, and asking a docent about hidden stories).
- Photo op: the observation deck faces the Mississippi River — capture the skyline and the riverwalk leading toward USS KIDD.
- Accessibility: elevators available — let the tour desk know if anyone needs seating or a shorter route through exhibits.
Transfer to The Chimes for lunch (short drive)
Head back toward the LSU-area restaurant strip where The Chimes offers big tables, sports energy, and easy splitting of shared platters.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want a lively sports-bar atmosphere and big group tables, ask for outdoor seating near the beer wall when you arrive.
- Traffic note: mid-day is usually light, but allow 15–20 minutes when LSU classes are changing.
- Plan a tab strategy (one person runs the card, then Venmo) to keep service smooth for groups.
Lunch at The Chimes — Shareable Seafood & Local Brews
Classic Baton Rouge stop with a large menu (po'boys, seafood platters, beer towers) — great for groups who want choices and a relaxed vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Order shareable appetizers (fried pickles, seafood platter) to sample across the table and reduce per-person cost.
- They handle big groups well — call ahead to request seating for 4–6+ and mention if you want a quieter corner.
- Try local beers on tap or pitchers if you’re splitting drinks — the staff can recommend crowd-pleasers.
USS KIDD (DD-661) — Battleship Museum on the River
Explore a WWII Fletcher-class destroyer docked on the Mississippi — hands-on exhibits and great group selfie backdrops on deck.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes — climbing ladders and narrow corridors is part of the fun for a bold group.
- Best group plan: split into two smaller buddy pairs to move through exhibits faster and reconvene on deck for photos.
- Check museum hours ahead (they can change seasonally); consider buying combined tickets online to skip the line.
Drive to Red Stick Escape Rooms (brief transfer)
Short drive to the escape-room hub — grab a quick drink or restroom stop before your scheduled game.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early so the staff can brief your group and maximize game time.
- Let the escape-room staff know if you want a slightly easier or harder room — many rooms can be tuned for party energy.
- Carpool or use a ride-share — parking near entertainment districts can be limited on weekend afternoons.
Red Stick Escape Rooms — 60–90 minute group challenge
A playful, social team puzzle — split into pairs for clues, race the clock, and celebrate with a group photo when you 'escape'.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a 6-person room in advance for the best group experience; mention birthdays or celebrations — they sometimes provide shout-outs or photos.
- Assign roles quickly (note-taker, clue-checker, tool-hand) to keep the energy high and avoid bottlenecks.
- Bring a group photo plan — many rooms have a perfect post-escape selfie corner; it’s a fun shared memory and social post.
Riverside Walk & Break — Raising Cane's River Center plaza
A relaxed post-challenge stretch along the riverfront plaza — great for cooling down, people-watching, and coordinating dinner plans.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a great spot for low-key group photos with the Mississippi River backdrop; sunset is especially pretty in April.
- If anyone needs coffee or a snack, there are kiosks nearby — otherwise, use this time to split/settle tabs and regroup.
- If your group wants a quieter spot, head to the shaded benches closer to the USS KIDD for less foot traffic.
Short transfer to Parrain's Seafood for dinner
Head to Parrain's — a local seafood favorite that can accommodate larger groups and shared platters.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for 4–6+; Parrain’s is used to groups and can suggest family-style platters to share.
- Ask about the daily catch or chef’s recommendations to get the freshest, sharable plates.
- Parking: most Parrain’s locations have small lots but also street parking; allow 10–15 minutes for arrival during dinner hours.
Dinner at Parrain's Seafood — Share a seafood feast
Enjoy fresh Gulf seafood and lively service — order a few entrees to share and finish strong with key lime or bread pudding.
Tips from local experts:
- Group ordering strategy: pick 2–3 entrees and 2–3 sides to share so everyone gets a taste and the bill stays balanced.
- Try the seafood platters (ideal for sharing) and ask about half-orders if you want to mix more dishes.
- Save room for dessert and swap bites — bread pudding is a local crowd-pleaser for groups.
Transfer to Spanish Moon (evening music district)
Head to an iconic Baton Rouge live-music venue — plan for a short drive and possibly a cover charge on show nights.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the Spanish Moon event calendar in advance; for popular shows, arrive early to secure group seating near the stage.
- Ride-share recommended for the night transfer if you plan to drink — parking can be limited on busy concert nights.
- Bring cash for small merch or tip jars; some smaller shows still use cash for merchandise sales.
Live Music & Nightlife — Spanish Moon
Cap the night with live music at Spanish Moon — a classic Baton Rouge venue with an energetic crowd, dancing, and late-night bar service.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a cover on concert nights; check show times and ticketing online and consider buying ahead for a bigger act.
- For groups, scope out the mid-room area for dancing and stage views; the venue is used to lively crowds and groups of friends.
- Late-night rideshares can pile up—designate a meetup spot outside the venue for a smooth exit and split the ride cost via apps.
