Looking for a reason to get out of the house this week? Whether you're planning a date night, grabbing dinner with friends, or simply looking to experience more of what our community has to offer, there's no shortage of things happening around Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas.

Here are five happenings worth adding to your calendar this week.

1. Celebrate Summer With a Patio Dinner

Before the peak Louisiana heat settles in, now is the perfect time to enjoy dinner outdoors. Many local restaurants are offering beautiful patio seating where you can catch sunset, enjoy a cocktail, and make the most of our summer evenings.

2. Plan Ahead for Baton Rouge Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week returns later this month, and participating restaurants are already preparing special prix fixe menus. It's one of the best opportunities all year to discover somewhere new or revisit one of your longtime favorites without breaking the budget.

Keep an eye on DIG Magazine as we spotlight participating restaurants over the coming weeks.

3. Make It a Girls Night

Summer is made for catching up with friends. Whether you're grabbing tacos, sipping margaritas, or exploring one of Baton Rouge's growing cocktail scene destinations, there's never been a better excuse to finally schedule that girls' night everyone keeps talking about.

4. Take a Short Drive and Try Somewhere New

Some of the area's best restaurants aren't always in the middle of Baton Rouge. Communities like Prairieville, Gonzales, Zachary, Central, and Denham Springs continue to add exciting local restaurants that are well worth the short drive.

Sometimes your next favorite meal is only fifteen minutes away.

5. Support Local This Weekend

Every meal, coffee, cocktail, or dessert purchased from a locally owned business helps support families, employees, and entrepreneurs throughout our community.

This week, challenge yourself to visit somewhere you've never been before. You may discover your new favorite restaurant while helping a local business continue doing what they love.

There is always something happening around Baton Rouge, and that's exactly what makes our community special. We'll continue bringing you the restaurants, events, and local businesses worth experiencing all summer long.

Photo: Eliza Baton Rouge Facebook Page