Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is French for “Red Stick” and our history and culture includes many different heritages and sees many international visitors today.
Baton Rouge’s culinary scene is like no other in Louisiana! Our chefs have molded together the foods indigenous to Louisiana and put their own twist on these foods from their heritages, such as Spanish, Dutch, Venezuelan, Asian, and more!
Baton Rouge is the home of the Fletcher-class destroyer USS KIDD (DD-661), the “Pirate of the Pacific.” Located in the heart of scenic downtown, she is the centerpiece of a memorial which serves to honor the men and women of our American armed forces. Through these pages, you will take a step back in time and learn about their sacrifices for the freedoms we enjoy today.
The USS Kidd was the six hundred sixty-first destroyer built by the United States Navy. In the traditional system of naming destroyers after Naval heroes, she was named after Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, Sr. who was killed aboard his flagship, USS ARIZONA (BB-39) during the surprise attack by the Japanese on the American fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Built at Federal Shipbuilding & Dry-dock Company of Kearny, New Jersey, KIDD was one of four destroyers [USS BULLARD (DD-660), USS THORN (DD-647), and USS TURNER (DD-648)] launched on February 28, 1943 in a record-breaking fourteen minutes. Mrs. Inez Kidd, widow of RADM Kidd, served as the ship’s sponsor, christening her and presenting her crew with a handsome wardroom guest book in which she wrote: “May the destiny of the USS KIDD be glorious! May her victories be triumphant and conclusive!”
One of the most striking things about the Watermark hotel, aside from its historic location in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge, is its aesthetics. A far cry from most cookie-cutter establishments, the Watermark draws on its own unique history and the innovation of contemporary artists with a decor that is, as its slogan goes, an experience “exactly like nothing else.”
With unique custom-made decor and an adventurous commitment to infusing a colorful past with modern glamour, the walls of the Watermark hold something to delight every guest’s senses, whether you’re checking in, dining in, or just stopping by.
Blending Southern hospitality, luxurious decor and comfortable amenities, Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel is the perfect place to explore South Louisiana. Only minutes away from the Mall of Louisiana, LSU campus, the Country Club of Louisiana and Perkins Rowe, our hotel makes it easy to shop, dine and discover entertainment in the area.
Our local experts will help you discover the best places to sip, savor, shop and see in our dynamic and inspiring neighborhood.
The Old State Capitol is one of Louisiana’s most historic places. It has withstood war, fire, legislative fist fights and abandonment. Today, it stands as a testament to the resiliency of the Louisiana people. The Gothic architecture draws people who want to know how a “castle” ended up on the banks of the Mississippi River. The museum showcases our rich political history and challenges people to be engaged. This museum is as much about the future as it is about the past.
