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 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey I couldn't resist sharing more photos of the State Capitol Building in Baton Rouge. Even though I just posted a bunch of images last December, I'm enamored with our capitol and had to capture it again on my latest visit. I love strolling through the adjacent park - it's truly one of my favorite spots in Louisiana. As I wander the grass and trees, I can't help but gaze up at the grand building and wonder about the conversations and legislation happening within those walls. Sadly, not much impactful work seems to get done these days, but that's a discussion for another time.

 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey Back in November, I had the chance to revisit one of my favorite spots in Louisiana - Capitol City Park in Baton Rouge. I used to spend many a lunch break strolling the peaceful grounds when I worked in the city for several years. The park's quiet, serene atmosphere provided a welcome escape from the hectic pace of the office.

 When my wife and I moved from California to Louisiana six years ago we really didn't realize just how many of the things we truly loved that we would be leaving behind. One of those things was really good Asian food. If you travel anywhere in So Cal you can find any number of restaurants featuring Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Indian, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisine. If you are craving a Spicy Tuna Roll or a steaming bowl of Phở all you have to do is just jump in your car and drive (or possibly even walk) a short distance to get it. One of the more unique dining experiences could be found at a Hawaiian BBQ restaurant, which were a little harder to find, but well worth the hunt. Alas, it had been well over six years since I had last tasted any Hawaiian food, that was, until last Thursday.

 Last night Terri and I were passing through Baton Rouge and we decided to stop off at Schlitz & Giggles for dinner. This quirky little restaurant is one of our favorite places to get pizza here in Louisiana.  We honestly love everything about Schlitz & Giggles from having to park under the 10 freeway, the awesome ambiance, to the great food. Honestly the whole experience at Schlitz & Giggles is exactly what my wife and I really love. There are classic Schlitz Beer advertisements all over the walls, there is classic rock playing, and oddly enough the sounds of cars and trucks roaring over the freeway above add to the overall experience. 

 Last October I visited the site of the Brookhill Ferry shipwreck site on the banks of the Mississippi River just off downtown Baton Rouge . At the time the water level of the river was at a all-time low and the site of the wreckage had been exposed for the first time in many years. The site drew a lot of visitors wanting get a look and unfortunately steal pieces of the old ship as souvenirs. Eventually the water level rose and the wreckage disappeared back into the murky Mississippi. Historic Photos of Steamboats on the Mississippi Hardcover - $19.99 @ Amazon.com - Order Here Yesterday I decided to revisit the site when I learned that the river had subsided enough to expose the shipwreck once again. What I discovered on my return was rather depressing to say the least. What remains of the Brookhill Ferry is now filled with thick mud and is quickly being consumed by vegetation. That of course would seem to be a natural progression of the state of the site due to its close proximity...

 If you happen to be in our state capitol and want a great sub sandwich you have to eat at Jersey Mike's! Last Saturday my little angel and I made a pilgrimage down to Baton Rouge to see the Old State Capitol and to eat at Jersey Mike's. Yes, eating at Jersey Mike's was actually on our itinerary due to the fact that we both hadn't eaten at one in over five years. Back in our days in California it was one of the restaurants that we ate at quite frequently. It may have been a long time but the food certainly didn't disappoint. I ordered the #13 The Original Italian with provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni on white bread and my wife got the #5 Super Sub with provolone, ham, prosciuttini and cappacuolo also on white bread. We ordered both Mike's Way with Onions, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Vinegar, Oil and Spices. We also both got Miss Vickie's kettle style BBQ chips which are also a must when eating at Jersey Mike's. We each got the 6 inc...

Today my wife and I decided to take a short trip down to Baton Rouge to tour the Old Louisiana State Capitol. As an added bonus while we were touring the inside of the historic building the 'Ring of Fire' solar eclipse took place. Not having the proper accessories to be able to view the phenomena directly we opted to watch the moon pass in front of the sun through the majestic mosaic skylight. The eclipse provided some interesting hues that actually accentuated the colors inside the beautiful structure.  The Old Louisiana State Capitol is full of some amazing historical items and displays including several rooms dedicated to the turbulent political career and assassination of the infamous Huey P. Long. Long was such a polarizing figure here in this state. In fact one room has a gigantic crack painted right down the middle with one side featuring all the modern improvements he helped orchestrate for the state of Louisiana and the other featuring the depth of his corruption.  Ye...

There are literally hundreds of amazing old abandoned schools that are amazing examples of various types of architectural styles all over the state of Louisiana. Today I drove past the Nicholson Elementary School in Baton Rouge and I was struck by just how amazing a structure it truly is. Baton Rouge (Images of America) Paperback by Sylvia Frank Rodrigue - $24.99 @ Amazon.com They don't build them like this anymore, in fact this incredible structure dates back to the early 20s and it is one of the only surviving  Beaux Arts/Neo-Classical style structures left in the city. Here is some history from the State of Louisiana archives: The Nicholson School is locally significant in the area of architecture as one of a limited number of major examples illustrating the Beaux Arts/Neo-Classical taste in Baton Rouge. Although the official founding date of the community is recognized as 1719, Baton Rouge has retained only a relatively small number of historic commercial and institutional buil...