225BatonRouge.com - Blogs

Editor’s Note: Kelsey McCoy is a senior at Ohio University whose parents recently moved to Baton Rouge. She’s interning at 225 during her winter break, so we assigned her to blog about arriving in and exploring Baton Rouge as a newcomer. Who knows—while she’s discovering Baton Rouge, maybe we’ll learn something about ourselves.

What do I know first-hand about Baton Rouge? I’ll be completely honest—not very much. I know that LSU football is kind of a big deal; that food is a passion, and Cajun culture seeps into the (good) down-home cooking; and that the people of the city are warm and welcoming. Oh, and I know that Baton Rouge means “red stick.”

So as not to sound completely ignorant, I’ll reveal right off the bat that I’m an Ohio native who has only rarely been south of the Mason-Dixon line. The truth is, I’ve only been to Louisiana once. Now that my parents live in Baton Rouge, a whole new world of American culture has suddenly become part of my life.

I found out about the football obsession from my dad, who recently relocated from Ohio (where I go to college) to work at LSU. One of the first things he said when he got the job was: “Well girl, are you ready to start wearing purple and gold?”

Of course the next aspect of the city that became apparent was the incredible uniqueness of traditional Louisiana cooking. Before even visiting Baton Rouge, I heard all about the crawfish. Crawfish? Aren’t those the tiny creepy crawly things I played with in creeks when I was little? Yes, I will admit that I’ve never eaten one. But I’m sure that will have to change if I expect to learn about the true tastes of the Louisiana bayou.

And the warm, welcoming people of Baton Rouge? Well, that was obvious the first time I visited. A few weeks after arriving back to the U.S. from studying in England, I finally joined my parents in their new city. The smiling faces and boisterous welcomes from a few native Louisianans in the airport made my arrival all the more exciting. And when the smiles didn’t stop at every restaurant, grocery store, and yes, tattoo parlor that I visited, I loosened up and started to feel at home.

Speaking of hospitality, the more I hear about the sacrifices that are being made every day to help thousands of displaced New Orleans neighbors, the more I want to learn about Baton Rouge.

Ok, I guess that I have to include at least one critical observation. Last time I visited, the humid July heat didn’t sit well with my wimpy disposition. I’d just spent days walking around southern Italy, but the sweltering weather didn’t even compete. I definitely don’t have a Louisiana tolerance for heat and humidity. I’m more of a mid-western, “the hottest it gets is maybe 80 degrees,” kind of gal. But I hear the summer weather is worth it for the gorgeous temperatures in the winter months, so my second stay in Baton Rouge should be delightful.

I am thrilled I will be spending my winter break interning at 225. What better way to learn about my new home than through a local publication that explores every nook and cranny of the city? By reading a few recent issues, I’ve already learned a great deal about the opportunities for adventure in the arts, entertainment, dining and music scenes in Baton Rouge. As a college senior and aspiring writer, this experience is sure to give me a first-hand appreciation for my new home. And through this blog, you’ll be able to see your city through a newcomer’s eyes. Don’t worry. I won’t be offended if you laugh at my cultural faux pas (seriously, what is etouffee?).