There’s no place like home for the holidays, and no better way to show your hometown pride than by shopping local for your holiday gifts. Check out some of our favorite places around town to pick out the perfect present:
- Who doesn’t love a little Louisiana-themed jewelry in their stocking? Surprise your loved one with a piece of jewelry by MIMOSA Handcrafted. MIMOSA has even curated gift guides to make your decision making that much simpler.
- Got a bookworm in the family? Give the gift of a great novel with the help of Cavalier House Books in Denham Springs. Pro tip: if you’re looking to save some money this holiday season, Cavalier House lets you trade in your old books for store credit!
- Give a gift that’s truly one-of-a-kind. The Cajun Village in Gonzales is filled with antiques, pottery, and boutique goodies for everyone on your gift list. Shopping is hard work, so be sure to treat yourself to a beignet while you’re there.
- Want to make your favorite co-worker smile? Help them spruce up their office with a succulent from Baton Rouge Succulent Co. or share the experience of creating your own succulent arrangements at one of the company’s classes.
- Looking to turn heads with a large gift for your favorite outdoorsman – check out Goodwood Hardware for BBQ grills, patio furniture, camping gear and more.
For the holidays, you can’t beat home sweet home. So, we challenge you to #thinkBR and shop local throughout the season.
Flavor of the Week: Pour a Cup of Cheer
Chilly mornings call for one thing – a (warm) cup of cheer. And you are in luck, because the Capital Region is full of options to bring a little bit of joy to your frigid mornings.
- Nothing gets our taste buds tingling like delicious holiday tea, and local favorite Red Stick Spice Co. has the best blends in town. Don’t know much about tea? That’s okay! The staff knows their stuff and can help you pick out the perfect blend.
- If you’re looking for a small-town vibe and a good cup of joe, or even a little hot cocoa, Starlite Café is the perfect place for you. The store has been serving the residents of Gonzales for the past 20 years.
- Looking for an after-dinner drink that’s a little stronger than coffee? Try a specialty drink at Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar. With a wide assortment of holiday drinks, including an adults-only eggnog, you are sure to find a drink fit for you.
- Step out of your comfort zone and try making your own fun drinks at home! With recipes ranging from Spiced Chocolate Stout Beer to a Holiday Cosmopolitan, Southern Living has a full compilation of the perfect cocktails for your holiday party.
What is your favorite winter drink? Tag your concoction with #thinkBR for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Workin’ It: Director of Community Outreach
Top Box Foods is seeking a Director of Community Outreach to join its team. Originally based in New Orleans, Top Box Foods worked to make healthy groceries more accessible and affordable to those living in food deserts in New Orleans. In partnership with the Healthy BR initiative, Top Box is hoping to expand to the zip codes in Baton Rouge identified as food deserts.
The Director of Community Outreach (DCO) is responsible for managing the Top Box business model in food insecure neighborhoods throughout the Baton Rouge Area. The DCO is responsible for forming partnerships with local community organizations to promote awareness and sales of Top Box food boxes as well as coordinating customer retention efforts in Baton Rouge.
Qualifications include an undergraduate degree in a related field as well as community outreach experience (preferably in the Baton Rouge Area). Strong communication skills are a plus as well as a strong ability to problem solve and think on one’s feet.
In the “Workin’ It” section of the newsletter we feature exciting job opportunities and/or professional organizations in the Baton Rouge Area. The positions featured are from companies who are BRAC investors and not necessarily positions at BRAC. For more information about BRAC’s talent development program or to advertise an open position, email talent@brac.org.
My Baton Rouge: The Baton Rouge Creative
With art galleries, theatres, video production studios, music festivals, and more, creative outlets are multiplying in the form of professional careers and volunteer opportunities in the Capital Region. Jonathan Harnsongkram found his creative home at DigitalFX, a production studio based right here in Baton Rouge.
As a wave of young professionals have entered the region, Baton Rouge has seen new life ignited in the creative field. Jonathan is one of the many helping shape the creative future of Baton Rouge. Through his work at DigitalFX he is putting Louisiana’s Capital City on the map as “Hollywood South.” Find out how Jonathan finds his inspiration in Baton Rouge and how he gives back to the community on the BRAC blog.
Bringing a new creative spark to the state, that’s my Baton Rouge.
In the “My Baton Rouge” section of the newsletter, we feature people or events that help tell the story of Baton Rouge. To submit an idea, email talent@brac.org.
Out on the Town
- Ogden Park Prowl, December 8, prowl about town while taking in local art, crafts and live music at this neighborhood arts festival in Baton Rouge
- Jambalaya Festival Association Christmas Parade, December 9, catch this Christmas parade roll through Gonzales for some family-friendly fun
- Holiday Cookie Decorating Class, December 15, join the Livingston Arts Council for holiday cookie decorating
- The Nutcracker A Tale from the Bayou, December 15-16, enjoy a breathtaking performance of The Nutcracker by the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre
For more local events, visit the Life in BR Events Page.