Memorial Day commemorates those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our beloved country. Our fallen soldiers embody the highest ideals of patriotism, courage, and selflessness, laying down their lives to protect our dear freedoms. But how do we immortalize their memory, ensuring they are never forgotten? We believe our fallen soldiers would give one valuable piece of advice: spend time with family. That’s why we have composed our top Memorial Day activities in Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to create an unforgettable experience for your loved ones.
With days growing longer, local pools opening, and the school year finale approaching, the Capital City is ready to liven up the holiday weekend with barbeques and parades. The following are just a few suggestions to get the ideas flowing. We hope you enjoy reading this blog as much as we loved writing it.
Get Out Early To Beat The Louisiana Heat
Relishing the great outdoors is ideal this time of year, and we recommend starting your Memorial Day bright and early to avoid the intense Louisiana sun. With a full barbeque-belly likely to come later, start your holiday weekend with a healthy early morning stroll at Barton Arboretum Loop in the LSU Botanical Gardens Branch. With several miles of paths, the delightful foliage should be in full bloom. Try the Comite Park Loop or the Hardwood Forest Loop Trail if you prefer a less inhabited walk. An early morning stroll energizes you for the day ahead and provides the transformative power to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day as you walk through the serene gardens.
Blue Star Flag Ceremony
If you desire to get outdoors early in the morning but the Botanic Gardens isn’t your cup of tea, we suggest the Blue Star Mothers Flag Ceremony at 9 am. Blue and Gold Star families will march the levee on North Street to the State Capitol and will plant 11,000 flags into the Capitol grounds, adorning downtown Baton Rouge in red, white, and blue. Thereafter, Gold Star families will read the names of Louisiana's fallen soldiers and 9/11 victims. This unique Memorial Day tribute is truly a unique and sentimental experience honoring those brave souls who sacrificed for our freedom. The time and date of this event may vary from year to year, so be sure to check out their Facebook Page.
Honor Memorial Day By Touring The USS KIDD Museum
A trip to the USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a sentimental way to immortalize our fallen soldiers this Memorial weekend. This massive Fletcher-class destroyer is anchored in the mighty Mississippi River and offers a unique view into the battle-ready configuration maintained since its retirement in 1945. Tickets to the museum and an in-depth self-guided tour are available for purchase in the Museum gift shop. It is an excellent idea to pre-purchase tickets to ensure they don’t sell out.
Taking in the history of the ship's ventures in WWII opens up an excellent opportunity to recall those who gave their lives for our country's freedom this Memorial Day. To all of those brave men and women over the years, we salute you.
Memorial Day Isn’t The Same Without Louisiana Barbeque
Undoubtedly, Memorial weekend epitomizes grilling season. Whatever your preference, from burgers and brats to grilled prawns, your friends and family will surely enjoy a mouthwatering barbeque. If you have a smoker, get up early and throw on a rack of ribs. Low and slow will give you several hours to engage with friends and family. After several games of horseshoe or cornhole, the smoker should yield juicy, delicious meat that falls off the bone at first touch. Yum!
We always recommend pairing a Memorial Day barbeque with a fine brew. A local favorite is the Voodoo Juicy, Hazy Ipa from Tin Roof Brewing Company, a local Baton Rouge gem. This fabulous dry-hopped Pale ale has terrific smoothness matched with hints of citrus backing. Voodoo Juicy won gold at the Great American Beer Festival, but you can’t go wrong with any of Tin Roof's delicious brews.
Suppose you are not culinary inclined or don’t have backyard space to host. In that case, you can still plan a fantastic barbeque for family and friends by ordering from these local favorites:
Cool Off At A Louisiana Beach
The extra day off of work affords the opportunity for travel, and a Memorial Day beach excursion may be precisely what you need to kick back and relax this holiday weekend. Numerous fantastic beaches are within a couple of hour's drive from Baton Rouge. Please remember to wear sunscreen and drink ample water. Heat stroke is real under the strong Louisiana sun, leading to dangerous falls.
Cypremort Point Beach hosts a variety of amenities, including handicap accessibility, shaded pavilions with picnic tables, and public grills and restrooms. For a more secluded affair, try Little Florida Beach. With no public amenities, this private and secluded water-heaven allows more intimate activities like bonfires and camping. If you desire to sunbathe, have a relaxing time, and don't mind traveling out of state, Gulfport Beach is right up your alley. Located just across the border in Mississippi, Gulfport sports miles of soft white sand, shallow waters, and plenty of sun. Gulfport offers daily rentals for sun chairs and umbrellas; recreational water vehicles are also available.
Conclusion
Baton Rouge, the Louisiana capital, is more than just a bustling metropolitan area - it’s a city with a rich and proud military heritage. If you are lucky enough to live or visit Baton Rouge this Memorial Day, we hope the article above inspires you to create an unforgettable holiday weekend to honor those who sacrificed for our freedom. As we gather with friends and family, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Wear plenty of sunscreen, stay hydrated, obey traffic laws, and never operate a vehicle under the influence.
It is not uncommon to see an elderly parent or relative over the holiday weekend and notice things have changed since their last visit. If you feel they may require extra assistance staying independent and safe, please contact At Home Care of Louisiana for a free home care assessment. Our team of trained caregivers provides companion, personal, and 24-hour care in the comfort of your home.
We are looking forward to meeting you and your family.
