10 Things You Need to Know About Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, French for “red stick,” is the capital of the state of Louisiana and it's the second-largest city in the state. Located right near the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is the second-largest metropolitan city in the state, with a growing population of 228,895. If you are looking to move to Baton Rouge and want to know a little bit more about the city, then check your Baton Rouge mover's 10 things you need to know about the “Capital City.”

1. Did you know that Baton Rouge is home to the Navy ships, the USS Kids, and a Fletcher-class destroyer called “The Pirate of the Pacific? If you love big ships, you can find them all along the shores of Baton Rouge.

2. They have the best burgers and fries in town. While Baton Rouge is ripe with Cajun food, no one in the state makes a better burger with a side of fries than Burgersmith. Famous for garlic fries, filet burgers, and turkey sliders, this small shop is the place to indulge on this American classic.

3. You will be a road expert. Whether you blame the boom in population, highway expansion, or LSU commuters, Baton Rouge has traffic nearly every hour of the day. Thankfully, learning how to navigate around said traffic and zoom home will make you feel like a road ninja.

4. The Death Valley. Nicknamed “Death Valley,” LSU's Tiger Stadium was voted as the “Scariest Venue for Opposing Teams” by ESPN because it is the loudest stadium in the country. In Baton Rouge, football is serious business. The stadium holds more than 90,000 people.

5. Gambling is legal. Baton Rouge has several casinos to prove it. The newest casino, L'Auberge, might look like a massive version of the lodge from “Twin Peaks,” but it holds 1,500 slot machines, 50 gambling tables, and a concert hall. It needs to be that big.

6. Snow is not common. But that doesn't mean you still can't make snow angels. Every year the Downtown Festival of Lights boasts an ice skating rink and up to six tons of fake snow you're actually encouraged to run around in.

7. Doggy Parade. What can be cuter than a parade of puppies in costumes riding in little red wagons styled in carnival floats? It is like the puppy Mardi Gras and Baton Rouge movers love to attend this great event.

8. Hike in the Swamp. The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is a murky, swampy paradise located right in the heart of Baton Rouge; just remember your bug spray.

9. See Movie Stars. Baton Rouge is no stranger to film crews. If you want to be an extra, or just gawk at celebrities, you'll have plenty of chances.

10. Halloween is Huge. Halloween isn't just a night for kids to score free candy. Every year, downtown Baton Rouge is home to The 13th Gate, a massive haunted house. It is so massive it takes 100 actors to jump out at you in 13 different areas.

Now that you know a bit more about Baton Rouge, you can relax and enjoy everything your new city has to offer. Once your local Baton Rouge movers are finished unloading your things, go out there and explore the “Capital City.”