Great City
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10/9/2008
Baton Rouge is like a complicated novel. You have to get into it to understand it, be engaged by it and savor the multi-dimensional culture. It ranges from fascinating older people who have generations of farming and country manners in their makeup to geek mathematicians who think the universe can be explained by a mathematical formula to easy going, gregarious French heritage folks with a love for food and people. I moved here six years ago after living in St. Louis, Dallas and New Orleans. I didn't really think I would like it too well and it took some time to love it the way I do now. Baton Rouge has some of the most exemplary mid century modern architecture to be found in neighborhoods like Broadmoor and Westminster. Not to mention, prices for these home that are affordable for your average joe. The architecture of today is influenced by a native Baton Rouge architect, Hays Town. It has beautful expanses of glass for nature views, aged brick, high ceilings and a host of other features combined to create a beautiful genre of architecture few have come to analyze in depth or understand its adaptation to our culture. If you want a city that is the flavor of the month, where you can drive in and make the club scene and know everybody and their life story in a year, forget it. It is not Austin, nor New Orleans, nor many cities to which it has been compared. It is subtle. Within 60 miles of the city, you have French culture, Scottish influences in the hills north between St. Francisville and historic Natchez, Mississippi and a multitude of other festivals, cultural venues and unique Americana offerings. If you visit, I suggest you review Country Roads magazine on-line which covers happenings surrounding the Rouge. Some things are just worth savoring and Baton Rouge is one. It is not a teuqulia shot. It is a fine cognac or glass of port enjoyed by a fire during a crisp fall evening with a breeze blowing through the open window.
J D | Baton Rouge, LA