Marc, his parents, and I recently took a scenic ride down to Avery Island, Louisiana — a quick trip from home and most famously known as the headquarters of Tabasco Hot Sauce.
Avery Island: Home of TABASCO® Brand Pepper Sauce
Though it’s called an island, Avery Island isn’t surrounded by water in the traditional sense. Instead, it sits atop an ancient salt dome, creating a landscape that feels completely out of place in the flat terrain of south Louisiana. Avery Island offers some of the highest elevation in the region, all while sitting just four miles north of Vermilion Bay, which feeds into the Gulf of Mexico.
We started our visit with a tour of the Tabasco museum and factory, learning the history of the condiment and its creators. Before leaving, the general store is a must-stop — you can sample a variety of Tabasco flavors, including hot-sauce-infused ice cream, and even purchase exclusive sauces not available in regular stores.
Besides the factory, one of the coolest aspects of Avery Island is the McIlhenny family’s Jungle Gardens.
By the end of the day, we were fully stocked on hot sauce 🤣! Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Avery Island is the perfect mix of history, adventure, and a great way to add little spice in your life.