(ARA) - America has more than its fair share of regions that have an appealing mythology and mystique for people around the world. The Deep South is a particular object of fascination, one that people love to delve into in books, movies and music. The history, the food, the completely unique atmosphere - it all comes together in a melange that is endlessly interesting.

Louisiana is arguably one of the hottest destinations for travelers looking for a truly Southern experience. Whether you're going to its countryside or its characteristic cities, you'll find a culture that is unlike any other in the world. Of course New Orleans is on any Deep South tour list, but the Louisiana capital, Baton Rouge, should be too.

Food is one of the things tied inextricably to Southern culture, and music is another. The location of Baton Rouge, hugging the Mississippi not far from the Gulf of Mexico, means that seafood should be on your list. And not just any seafood - gumbo, etouffee and jambalaya are indigenous to the area and are an essential part of the experience. Parrain's is an award-winning and family-friendly local choice that serves strictly Gulf Coast seafood. Juban's is an upscale Baton Rouge institution that is also a favorite for top notch Creole cooking.

Once you've had your fill of delicious Cajun treats, it's time to head out to hear the region's characteristic sound - zydeco. Actually, you can hear it all day on local radio stations, but it's best to experience it live. There are a multitude of venues for zydeco, and if you're feeling bold, you might just want to learn some specific dance steps so you'll move like a local. The Cajun French Music Association has an up-to-date listing of local concerts and dances on its Web site, batonrougecajundance.com, and "Clarence the Cajun DJ" also has a thorough event listing at www.cajunradio.org.

You'll really be able to soak up the atmosphere by choosing one of the Baton Rouge hotels that incorporate some of the city's - and the state's - history. If you want to be right in the thick of things, you might set your sights on the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. The hotel started life as the Heidelberg Hotel in 1927, and its bold yet graceful architecture recalls the art deco period. It has been lovingly restored and offers visitors a bit of historic luxury rich with quirky history.

Other Baton Rouge hotels include historic bed and breakfasts, like the Great Oaks Plantation or The Stockade. In addition to offering comfortable and romantic accommodations, these historic guesthouses let you get a glimpse of what life was like in the Antebellum South. The Stockade is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an archaeological site and is fittingly named, given its history as a Civil War stockade.

To find out more about Baton Rouge and all it has to offer, go to www.visitbatonrouge.com. You can also find out more about shops, restaurants and entertainment through the Web site of the city's arts weekly, 225, at www.225batonrouge.com. And when you're ready to start making your Deep South vacations plans a reality, start by finding Baton Rouge hotels, car rentals and flights on Web sites like Travelocity.com, where you can compare prices and book everything you need in one go.

Courtesy of ARAcontent