Avery Island, Louisiana
Located about 140 miles west of New Orleans. Tabasco self-guided tour, $5.50. Jungle Gardens, $8. Combined ticket, $12.50. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Website: www.tabasco.com/visit-avery-island/
This June 4, 2018 photo shows barrels used in blending and aging Tabasco at the factory where the famous pepper sauce is made on Avery Island in Louisiana. The product was first made in 1868 and celebrates its 150th year this year. Visitors can see exhibits about the history of Tabasco, view the factory production, enjoy free tastings and samples, shop, dine and also tour a nature preserve called Jungle Gardens. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz) (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz)AVERY ISLAND, La. – One of the world’s most famous condiments, Tabasco, celebrates its 150th birthday this year.
Edmund McIlhenny created the famous pepper sauce in 1868 on Avery Island, Louisiana. The company is still headquartered there, and it is still run by McIlhenny’s descendants.
But whether or not you’re one of those pepper fiends who shakes Tabasco on everything from eggs to burgers, Avery Island is a fun destination with a neat history. Tour the Tabasco museum and factory, try free samples of Tabasco-infused goodies, dine on Cajun food and consider trying a bloody mary (spiked with Tabasco, of course). There’s also a unique nature preserve called Jungle Gardens where you’ll learn the story of how Avery Island helped save an entire species of bird from disappearing in the U.S.
Despite its name, though, Avery Island is not an island. It’s a salt dome, a geological phenomenon in which an underground bed of salt pushes up the terrain. That salt is used to flavor Tabasco.