Lobdell/Wooddale - Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge has seen many influences — having been controlled by French, British, Spanish and American forces, this area draws on many cultural backgrounds. The city's long history with French cultural began with its original settlement, when French explorers travelling up the Mississippi founded Baton Rouge as a trading outpost.

Later, in the 18th century, when the French Acadians were outcast from their homeland in modern-day Canada and arrived in southern cities such as Louisiana and Baton Rouge, the culture and language of who would become the "Cajuns" was introduced. This distinct cultural group was kept divided from Protestant Americans well into the 20th century.

Before the 1950s and '60s, most of Baton Rouge was contained near its populous city center in neighborhoods such as Lobdell-Woodale. With the boom of the petrochemical industry, suburbanization took hold, and the city began development into present-day Baton Rouge.

With only a short walk to Baton Rouge's downtown business district, there should never be a dull night in Lobdale-Woodell.

At Thai Pepper, customers can choose between an impressive take-out menu and an expansive lunch buffet of Thai favorites. The restaurant keeps a simple, clean and well-decorated ambiance. The restaurant has a wide variety of soups, and vegetarians can easily find something to suit their tastes. Customers tend to pack the tables during lunchtime, however take-out is most popular at night, when tables tend to be empty.

South of Lobdale-Woodell on Government Street, Superior Grill delivers in terms of good food and nightly entertainment. This restaurant serves not only classic pub food, but also sizzling Mexican cuisine and margaritas. Even on one of its packed Friday nights, the staff does well with crowds, and large groups are welcome. The restaurant hosts live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

At Brew Ha-Ha, you won't find your normal dining (or, for that matter, shopping) experience. As a joint coffee shop, cafe, cake gallery and an art gallery, Brew Ha-Ha is one of a kind. Stop by here for a relaxing and creative atmosphere, whether you're looking for a sandwich for lunch or a fun cake for dessert. Its regular open mic nights and art shows deliver a friendly cultural atmosphere to the neighborhood.

Lobdell-Woodale is easily accessed via Route 61 from the east or Interstate 110 from the west. Parking lots can be found throughout Baton Rouge's downtown district.

The Capital Area Transit System maintains several bus lines in and around Lobdell-Woodale. The Government St/Jefferson Hwy bus line should be good option for residents. Uber also provides viable transportation in the Baton Rouge area.

The city maintains many safe routes for cyclists in many neighborhoods, including Lobdell-Woodale. Residents can walk easily to other neighborhoods such as the downtown business district.

Lobdell-Woodale houses the main offices of BREC, Baton Rouge's parks and recreation department, along with several of BREC's fine contributions to the city. The Milton J. Womack Park has 22 acres of greenery on the southern border of the neighborhood. The park also holds a recreation center which houses a full fitness gym, recreation room and ballroom available at low cost for residents. The recreation center hosts regular activities such as yoga and dance classes.

A short walk from Lobdell-Woodale, the Independence Park holds a colorful botanical garden that comes to bloom in the warmer months. Highly skilled gardeners tend to the area, and any park-goer can appreciate the landscaping. The park doesn't charge admission and also has a walk/run track, a soccer field, and the Park Theater. The theater is well-known throughout the city and holds hundreds of live events throughout the year. Dogs are welcome in most Baton Rouge parks.

In addition to maintaining area parks, BREC also holds many events throughout the city. The events tend to all tastes, whether residents have an interest in learning about Art History in a lively outdoor setting or would like to take part in a series of hiking trips around local parks.

The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood stands at $553, and in the general Baton Rouge area at $1,024. Averaged between the neighborhoods of Baton Rouge, the standard cost of living hovers around 8 percent lower than the national average.

General costs are quite reasonable in the area. A one-way bus ticket costs $1.75, and $0.25 for transfers. Gas prices fall as low as 21 percent below the national average. At the local pub, customers expect to pay around $4 and $5 for a beer.

Even without taking a walk downtown, residents of Lobdale-Woodell can find many small venues for shopping in their own neighborhood.

On Florida Boulevard you can find Zeagler Music, a haven for local musicians that has instruments, rentals, lessons and regular events. The owners and employees provide excellent help and knowledge for customers, and never try to push unnecessary products or costs. The store is locally owned and has been a strong business presence in the neighborhood for over 45 years.

The Hobby Towne of Baton Rouge, located on the east side of the neighborhood, supplies goods not just for hobbyists but for all those looking for a fun time, whether indoors or out. Trains, R/C cars, rockets and more line the walls from front to back.

Whole Foods market and Calandro's Supermarket supply locals with quality foods. West of Lobdale-Woodell on 4th Street, residents can also utilize the Red Stick Farmers Market. Here you can find more than just fresh produce, but fresh breads, cheeses, desserts and more. The market opens in March, and runs every Saturday morning. The Baton Rouge Arts Market also sets up next to the Farmers Market on the first Saturday of every month.