Tabasco and Avery Island

Tabasco sauce has become a staple condiment on most tables. If you ever find yourself near Lafayette, LA, you may want to take the time to make the 20 drive south to Iberia and make your way over to the home of Tabasco sauce. The factory is located on Avery Island which is also the home of a picturesque botanical garden you can explore.

Take a Tabasco Tour here

The factory offers a quick tour where you can learn about the founders of Tabasco sauce and how they began to make/distribute the sauce. You will also learn the meaning and importance of the baton rouge or red stick. After the tour you can take a visit to the little country store situated beside that is filled with all kinds of Tabasco sauce merchandise, recipes, and of course sauces. There’s also a small food truck outside where you can get a small bit to eat. For more information or details check out http://www.tabasco.com/avery-island/visitor-information/

Country Store

Food Truck

The botanical gardens are beautiful and you will be able to drive through it, stopping off at various view points along the way. You can check out the majestic cypress trees that have hanging mosses. See real life alligators in their natural habitat (Do be cautious, they are not fenced off). There is also a 900 year old Buddha statue there that was given as a gift to Edwin McIlhenny, creator of Tabasco sauce. Another point of interest is a bird observation deck where you can see a bird roost, or breeding area, that has many birds and nests. For more information or details check out http://www.tabasco.com/avery-island/jungle-gardens/

I know this was a bit vague but the adventure comes in the journey so if you can, make your way over there and take in the experience in real life!