re: Home Brewing: The Brewing shall Commence Monday or Tuesday

UPDATE:

Well, I balked at buying my brewing equipment Saturday. A) I was hungover, B) i was running late in NOLA and C) when i walked into brewstock, i didn't feel like waiting, and looking around the store, it didn't look like it had the equipment i needed. D) I always get a bit of anxiety when i'm about to blow a bunch of money on something i don't NEED.

But, either this week or next, i will purchase my equipment. I want to kind of shop around a bit however. So i have a couple questions.

A) I am traveling to Longview, TX from Baton Rouge, LA, thursday, does anyone know of a place with a good selection along the way?
B) What stores in Baton Rouge sell equipment? I know redstick brewing company, but are they open? I heard they closed down and had to relocate. Are there other stores in BR?
C) I will be heading to Slidell next week, other than swinging by brewstock on my way back, are there other stores along the way?