In 1870 the famous stage actor, Joseph Jefferson (1829-1905) commissioned a fine Late Victorian residence on what was then Orange Island, another salt dome a few miles west of New Iberia. Rip Van Winkle Gardens at Jefferson Island Source: Editor B / Flickr | CC BY Rip Van Winkle Gardens at Jefferson Island 90, West).Īlong with the TABASCO, culinary adventures abound in the area: The Teche Area Farmers’ Market takes place downtown on Saturdays and Tuesdays, while Delcambre next door has a shrimp festival in August. Some cherished local spots are Bon Creole Seafood (1409 E St Peter St), Victor’s Cafeteria (109 W Main St), Cafe Jefferson (5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd) and R & M’s Boiling Point (6308 U.S. The Gulf of Mexico is a matter of miles away, and ultra-fresh seafood is part of the local diet, from crawfish (in season) to shrimp, crabs and oysters.
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There’s a big contingent of much-loved local restaurants with menus full of specialties like gumbos, bisques, étouffée and stuffed po-boys. If you’re in search of authentic Cajun and Creole flavors then you’ve come to the right place. Cuisine Source: bonchan / shutterstock Gumbo
There’s a restaurant on site, serving Cajun specialties, as well as a store for all manner of TABASCO items, including TABASCO ice cream.ĥ. This is the origin of Tabasco sauce, created in the late 1860s by Edmund McIlhenny (1815-1890) after growing his first commercial pepper crop in these unusual soils.Īlthough pepper cultivation now takes place abroad, Avery Island is still the headquarters of the TABASCO brand, and you can come for a factory tour and get the inside track on the brand and understand production, from seed to sauce. Rising from the low-lying landscape of bayous southwest of New Iberia is Avery Island, a salt dome covering 2,200 acres and measuring 2.5 miles across at its widest point. TABASCO Experience Source: Cheri Alguire / shutterstock TABASCO Experience You can visit two of these islands at the historic home of the TABASCO hot sauce brand, and at the residence of 19th-century actor Joseph Jefferson. The low-lying landscape of bayous, swamps and marshes around is punctuated by salt domes, massive accumulations of rocksalt, creating islands. The city has an award-winning downtown with locations that may already be known by those who have read James Lee Burke’s Dave Robicheaux novels. New Iberia was soon settled by Acadians who had made their way down from Nova Scotia after being expelled by British troops.Ĭajun culture is alive and well in New Iberia, shining through in the delectable seafood-rich cuisine, and in traditions like Mardi Gras. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.The Queen City of the Teche was founded by the Spanish as long ago as 1779. The house is 3 stories and has 10 main rooms, including a couple bedrooms and a men’s and women’s parlor. Jefferson was the renowned stage actor who portrayed Rip Van Winkle all around the world. The house was built nearly 150 years ago as a winter retreat for Joseph Jefferson. The Rookery is home to thousands of wading birds that now nest on the property and offers some amazing photography opportunities.Īfter touring the gardens you can go inside and see the Joseph Jefferson house. Mike Richard, the Stewart for Jefferson Island say, "I have a big collection of Blue Indian Peacocks and they have been nesting here for 30 years and they’re quite showy and they love to show off to everybody, especially now during the breeding season and they’re in full bloomage and the photographers love these spectacular birds."Īnother part of the gardens is Rip’s Rookery. While wandering through the gardens you will also encounter numerous peacocks and other animals. Tour of the island begins with a stroll through the 15-acre garden which features several different themed areas right on the shore of Lake Peigneur.
The place is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. The island is home to the Joseph Jefferson Mansion and Rip Van Winkle Gardens. One of the best keep secrets of Iberia Parish is Jefferson Island.
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