225BatonRouge.com

If you’re bummin’ because it suddenly seems too sweltering to enjoy anything outdoors, consider that one of the greatest things about living in southeast Louisiana is the abundance of local waterways. We’re literally surrounded by water—you can’t get away from it—and many of those lakes and rivers are ideal for recreation.

What activities? Funny you should ask. We’ve compiled a list of great water spots that will help you beat the heat. Whether you have a watercraft or merely wish you did, we’ve uncovered several scenic places where you can dine, drink, boat or ski. What better way to celebrate the start of summer?

On the water

No boat? No problem. We know of several nearby restaurants that overlook the water and are easily accessible from land. These places are known as much for their great scenery as for their tasty food, and after a relaxing lunch or dinner on a deck, or at a table with a view, you’ll feel like you’ve truly gotten away from it all.

Morel’s: Located less than an hour’s drive from Baton Rouge on the False River, Morel’s is a lovely restaurant specializing in Cajun and Creole cuisine. Better still, it has a spectacular view of the river from its glass-enclosed dining room. Of course, the False River is actually more like a lake than a river, having been created when the meandering Mississippi decided to take a shortcut through Pointe Coupee Parish a couple of thousand years ago. No matter, it’s a favorite getaway spot with folks in these parts and for good reason.

For something a little more casual with outdoor tables, try Satterfield’s, which is right next door to Morel’s, where you can

enjoy steaks and seafood on its upper deck.

Morel’s, 638-4057; Satterfield’s, 638-5027.

Middendorf’s: This institution, with its two adjacent restaurants, is renowned in Southeast Louisiana for its phenomenal fried catfish.

It’s on Hwy. 51, just off Interstate 55 and Bayou Manchac, and makes for a fun afternoon excursion. In the 18th century, Pass Manchac was the place where pirates and smugglers traded illegal booty. Today, this sleepy spot is best known for great boating, fishing and, well, Middendorf’s. It’s also got tables with windows overlooking the water, though both restaurants are usually so crowded you’re lucky to get a table at all. Don’t bother to call for a reservation, as they

don’t take them. But check to make sure they’re open, as they close for all major holidays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Middendorf’s, (985) 386-6666

Morton’s: If you’re up for a drive, take I-12 to Madisonville in St. Tammany Parish and enjoy great dining on the scenic Tchefuncte River. Just a little more than an hour from Baton Rouge, Madisonville is a quaint country town on the edge of a tree-lined river—and is best known for its Wooden Boat Festival every summer.

You may want to stop at the Abita Brewery in nearby Abita Springs before heading to Madisonville, where several attractive restaurants dot the waterfront. Morton’s Seafood is probably the most popular, and though it’s well known for its generous portions of fried seafood, the menu also offers more interesting fare such as grilled salmon and homemade crawfish cakes. Morton’s, (985)-845-4970.

Alligator Bayou Bar: If you went to LSU, you’re bound to be familiar with it. But that doesn’t mean this unique establishment on Alligator Bayou, which is only open to the public from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays, is for college kids only. It’s a fun, funky place with beer on tap and great live music. The Alligator Bayou Bar used to be out in the middle of nowhere; now with the proliferation of so many upscale subdivisions you’re really just a few minutes from the city.

Still, you’ll feel like you’re in the swamps once you’re out on the wooden deck enjoying a cold one and some live tunes.

The address is 35019 Alligator Bayou Road in Prairieville. Alligator Bayou Bar, 673-4787.

In the water

If you have a boat, you may have a favorite water spot for skiing, fishing or just riding around. But these places are worth checking out.

Tickfaw River: For truly great skiing and wake boarding, the Tickfaw is your best bet. Locals prefer it to any other, even though it’s farther from Baton Rouge than the nearby Amite. Plan to put in at the Tickfaw Marina on Hwy. 22 in Killian, 12 miles south of Hammond. You may want to make your first stop Tin Lizzie’s, across the canal from the marina, for juicy burgers and a dance floor. Another great stop is The Prop Stop, a 20-minute ride down the river from the marina

heading toward Lake Maurepas. It’s accessible only by boat and is so popular, patrons have to dock their boats about a quarter mile from the bar and wait for a water taxi to pick them up. It’s only open on weekends, but its reputation extends far and wide, thanks to events like bikini contests and hula-hoop contests.

Amite River: This is another great option for water sports and it’s so close to the city you can slip away to take the afternoon off and still be home for supper. Local skiers like to put in at the Galvez Town Landing on Hwy. 42, about six miles off Airline Highway. Once you’re in the water, pay attention to where the river splits at the Diversion Canal. Taking that shortcut to the right will get you to Lake Maurepas more quickly. It will also bring you past the Canal Bank and the Hilltop, two popular restaurant/bars. Or head a little farther out on the canal and check out the Blind River Bar, accessible only from the water. This is the Amite’s version of The Prop Stop, and regulars say it’s just as good, only slightly tamer.

If you stop there to eat, don’t miss the Blind River Burger. It’s a sure bet.

False River: Some will tell you the skiing is not as good on the False River as on the Tickfaw or Amite because the water’s a little choppier. Others disagree, though mornings and weekdays are better than the increasingly crowded weekends. One of the best boat launches is at the aforementioned Satterfield’s. Two other nearby options are the Point Breeze Motel, which also rents cabins for the weekend, and Jim’s, another favorite bar and restaurant with locals. If you’re interested in renting a cabin, the Pointe Breeze Motel is in New Roads, 638-3414.

Watercraft rentals

If you don’t have a watercraft and feel the need to purchase one, your options are endless. This is Sportsman’s Paradise after all. Unfortunately, if you’re only looking to rent, you’re not going to have much luck. Local dealers along area rivers stopped renting jet skis several years ago, with the exception of a couple of small-time operators. If you’re considering a purchase, however, there are several stores from which to choose, particularly if you’re looking for skis, wake boards and jet skis.

False River Motor Sports: These guys are the local experts on jet skis, which sell for anywhere from $7,000 to $13,000. They also sell ever-popular party barges, or pontoon boats, as well as Baja sports boats, for those who want to get really aggressive on the water. False River Motor Sports has been in business nearly 20 years, and owner Sammy Maggio knows False River as well as anyone. His store is at 431 New Roads Street, 638-3929.

Rukus Boards: If you’re into wake boarding, Rukus Boards is the place to go. The store specializes in wake boards, as well as skateboards and everything that goes along with them. If you’re new to the sport, you can take one of the clinics offered by owners Ronnie Saurage and Chip Smith. They hold them twice a month during the summer on either the Tickfaw or the Amite. If you’re already good at the sport, you may want to check out the store’s own wake board team, which shows off its daredevil feats at events all over the state. Rukus Boards is at 5601 Jones Creek Road, 755-3970.

Bennett’s Boat & Ski: Head to Bennett’s in Zachary, just off Hwy. 61, for the latest in water skis, ski gear, wake boards and surf boards. And in case you didn’t know, skiing is making a come back. While wake boarding has been the “cool” water sport of the past several years, newer ski styles, like the shaped ski, are popularizing this sport again with a broader—and just slightly older—clientele. Ann and Jay Bennett have been in the business for years, and they know their stuff. They also run one of the top water ski and wake board schools in the area, taught in their very own private lakes. 654-9306. skibennetts.com