Avery Island and Tabasco

Avery Island, in southern Louisiana, is the home of Tabasco brand pepper sauce and sits about 135 miles (217 km) west of Downtown New Orleans, roughly 2 hours 15 minutes by car. The route follows I-10 West to Lafayette, then LA-14 and LA-329 to the island, which is actually a salt dome rising above surrounding marsh. A rental car is the only practical transport, and entry to the island is about $1-5 per car. The McIlhenny family company has produced Tabasco sauce here since the 1860s, and the visitor complex at 32 McIlhenny Road includes a factory tour, a museum, a country store and a restaurant serving dishes made with the sauce. Beyond the factory, the island offers Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre garden and bird sanctuary with live oaks, bamboo, azaleas, a Buddha statue and a population of egrets. Visitors can drive or walk through the gardens, and many stops are short, so the island suits a half day. Because of the long drive, a one-day trip works best with an early departure from New Orleans. A practical arc begins with the drive west in the morning, an arrival around opening time at the factory, and a tour followed by lunch at the on-site restaurant. The afternoon can be spent in Jungle Gardens before a late-afternoon departure. Travelers who want a less rushed schedule often stop in Lafayette on the way back for Cajun food and live music. October to April is the best period, when temperatures are comfortable for walking the gardens, while summer is hot, humid and buggy. Opening hours and tour availability can change seasonally, so confirming them with the company before leaving is advisable. Total driving time is about 4.5 hours round trip, so the trip is demanding but manageable.