New Orleans Orpheum Theater
Severely damaged in 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, the historic Orpheum Theater, built in 1918, sat idle for five years. But in 2015, a refurbished, 1,500-seat showplace reopened for movies, concerts, dramatic performances, events and private parties. While taking in a show, savor the ornate decor that, after a $13 million renovation, now looks just as it did when the building opened.
129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, La. 504-274-4871, orpheumnola.com, @orpheumnola.
Louisiana Art and Science Museum
Collections of art and exhibits about science are housed under one roof in this Baton Rouge destination. Two galleries host a rotating display of works and relics from the museum’s 4,000-piece collection, but a permanent exhibit showcases the sculptures by Croatian artist Ivan Mestrovic; a second permanent display has a mummy and tomb from ancient Egypt. The planetarium presents programs on space exploration, dinosaurs and more, while hands-on activities allow kids to play with concepts around sound, light and motion.
100 S. River Road, Baton Rouge, La. 225-344-5272, lasm.org, @LASM.
Alexandria-Pineville
These communities in the heart of the state host a full calendar of annual events that celebrate Mardi Gras, jazz, barbecue, baseball, art, pie and pecans, to name a few. It's home to the Louisiana History Museum, the 200-year-old Kent Plantation House, the Alexandria Zoological Park, the Alexandria Museum of Art and the Bontemps African American Museum and Cultural Arts Center. West of town, the Delta Music Museum (218 Louisiana Ave., Ferriday, La. 318-757-9999, www.deltamusicmuseum.com) honors legends of rock, country and blues.
Alexandria-Pineville Visitors Bureau, 707 Second St., Alexandria, La. 318-442-9546, alexandriapinevillela.com, @apacvb.
