You might not think of Avery Island as a town, but that’s exactly what makes it unlike any other place in the world. Louisiana’s most famous salt dome is most known for being the home of Tabasco, that wonderful little bottle that graces just about every table in the world, but it’s so much more than that.
Avery Island isn’t the only salt dome in Louisiana, but it may be the most iconic.
Library of Congress/Wikimedia The others are Jefferson Island, Weeks Island, Cote Blanche Island, and Belle Isle. Surrounded almost entirely by bayous, there’s one road in and one road out to this famous island and that’s Highway 329, also known as Avery Island Road.
Many visitors to the island come to take a factory tour.
Jeff Walker/Google
The tour goes into detail about the Avery family, the family who settled there in the 1860s as well as the McIlhenny family, who started the Tabasco company in 1868.
Nancy Prudhomme/Google
You’ll learn all about how the famous little pepper sauce is made, and it’s honestly pretty fascinating!
Julien Lyardet/Google
Of course, you’ll be tempted to try a few Tabasco flavors.
TABASCO Factory Tours/Google
But the hidden gem of the island is the Jungle Gardens.
Jungle Gardens/Google The 170-acre botanical garden is simply enchanting, no matter what time of year you visit.
Bird City is another popular spot.
Bruno Kaczan/Google Edward Avery McIlhenny, one of the founder’s sons created the sanctuary in 1895 after plume hunters nearly wiped out the entire snowy egret population. Back then, the bird’s delicate, white feathers were in high demand for women’s hats and other accessories. He released the birds for their annual migration in the winter, and to his surprise, they came back in the spring, and brought friends! Today, Bird City is a pit stop for thousands of egrets every year. President Theodore Roosevelt once was quoted as saying that Bird City was “the most noteworthy reserve in the country.”
After you’ve taken the factory tour, strolled through the gardens, and made some new feathered friends, end your visit with a meal from Restaurant 1868.
Marjorie Vi/Google The menu is full of Louisiana staples, and of course, many of the dishes are made with Tabasco. The restaurant truly highlights the versatility of this famous pepper sauce.
Visit the website to learn more about factory tours, Restaurant 1868, and Jungle Gardens. While you’re nearby, you may want to watch the sunset from Cypremort Point State Park. Trust us, it’s a beauty!
Library of Congress/Wikimedia
The others are Jefferson Island, Weeks Island, Cote Blanche Island, and Belle Isle. Surrounded almost entirely by bayous, there’s one road in and one road out to this famous island and that’s Highway 329, also known as Avery Island Road.
Jeff Walker/Google
Nancy Prudhomme/Google
Julien Lyardet/Google
TABASCO Factory Tours/Google
Jungle Gardens/Google
The 170-acre botanical garden is simply enchanting, no matter what time of year you visit.
Bruno Kaczan/Google
Edward Avery McIlhenny, one of the founder’s sons created the sanctuary in 1895 after plume hunters nearly wiped out the entire snowy egret population. Back then, the bird’s delicate, white feathers were in high demand for women’s hats and other accessories. He released the birds for their annual migration in the winter, and to his surprise, they came back in the spring, and brought friends! Today, Bird City is a pit stop for thousands of egrets every year. President Theodore Roosevelt once was quoted as saying that Bird City was “the most noteworthy reserve in the country.”
Marjorie Vi/Google
The menu is full of Louisiana staples, and of course, many of the dishes are made with Tabasco. The restaurant truly highlights the versatility of this famous pepper sauce.
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Address: Avery Island, LA, USA
