With a rich history and an abundance of natural wonders, South Louisiana is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Embark on a journey of discovery as we delve into the vibrant and rich cultural heritage of South Louisiana.
“Have you ever wondered "how the hot sauce is made?" Our ultimate fan experience on Avery Island will show you how we make our famous TABASCO® Pepper Sauce from seed to sauce.”1 TABASCO® was founded by Edmund McIlhenny of McIlhenny Company in 1868 and is owned by the McIlhenny family still to this day. Learn more about the history and the McIlhenny family when you visit!
After your TABASCO® tour, make sure to visit Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre garden with semitropical foliage, abundant wildlife and a centuries-old Buddha statue. The garden’s rolling landscape stretches along Bayou Petite Anse on the northwest side of the Island. TABASCO® founder Edmund McIlhenny’s son, Ned, transformed his own estate on the island into what is now Jungle Gardens, after “decorating it with exotic botanical specimens from around the world.”2 On your tour, you’ll learn about the history and Ned’s love for wildlife that made Jungle Gardens what it is today!
End your day with a stop at 1868! for great food and to see how TABASCO® sauce will flavor your world.
Rip Van Winkle Gardens on Jefferson Island
“Joseph Jefferson built a hunting lodge on Jefferson Island in 1870. He was an actor and played the part of Rip Van Winkle on stage over 4500 times. That is where the island got its name.”3 Rip Van Winkle Gardens has approximately 15 acres of semi-tropical gardens and 350-year-old oak trees. Dine at Café Jefferson and enjoy the view of the gardens and Lake Peigneur.
Vermilionville is a historic folk life park and museum located in Lafayette, Louisiana. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Acadian, Creole and Native American communities in the area and is dedicated to preserving the traditional crafts, music, food and homes of the past. Visitors can take guided tours, watch demonstrations, sample traditional cuisine, and attend special events and festivals.
Acadian Village is a cultural living history museum in Lafayette, Louisiana, that showcases the traditional way of life in Louisiana's Acadiana region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It features reconstructed buildings, including homes, stores, and a church, as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts and activities, such as blacksmithing and cooking, to provide visitors with a hands-on experience of the region's history and culture.
Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site
Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site in St. Martinville “explores the cultural interplay among the diverse peoples along the famed Bayou Teche. Acadians and Creoles, Indians and Africans, Frenchmen and Spaniards, slaves and free people of color-all contributed to the historical tradition of cultural diversity in the Teche region.”4
1 https://www.tabasco.com/visit-avery-island/
2 https://www.junglegardens.org/locations
3 https://ripvanwinklegardens.com/jefferson-island-history/
4 https://www.lastateparks.com/historic-sites/longfellow-evangeline-state-historic-site