6/21/2023 0 Comments Rip van winkle gardens![]() ![]() A walk from Cafe Jefferson through the gardens to the Joseph Jefferson House takes about 10-15 minutes on foot. The gardens also feature a Japanese Tea House, Lotus pond, rock garden, Acadian cottages (which host overnight guests) and the Lafitte oaks– where the pirate’s treasure was unearthed. While my family and I didn’t linger too long among the 3000 species of exotic plants due to the cold temperatures, we did stop by the Balinese gate (custom carved in Bali, Indonesia, and now a popular site for wedding ceremonies) and one of several bamboo collections. The gardens between Cafe Jefferson and the Jefferson House are named after this famous character. ![]() Rip Van Winkle Gardens The Balinese Gate and gardensĪctor Joseph Jefferson played Rip Van Winkle more than 4500 times on stage during the 1800s. In just 10 hours, the largest man made sink hole in the world was made, though thankfully no lives were lost. The vortex consumed the lake, 65 acres of native woodland, the Rip Van Winkle Welcome center, a glass conservatory, and Bayless’s home. On this day, a Texaco drilling rig pierced one of the enormous caverns of the Diamond Crystal Salt mine, flooding (and destroying) the entire mine. Protruding out of Lake Peigneur, is the brick chimney of former island resident John Bayless’s home, swallowed by a vortex during the Crystal Salt Mine disaster on November 20, 1980. Picturesque peacocks linger on the porch, along the lake, and on the restaurant’s roof– pretty much anywhere you can think of. You can dine outside, along a wrap-around porch, or inside the restaurant’s glassed-in porch with breathtaking views of Lake Peigneur and centuries’ old oaks. The menu boasts gumbo (pictured), crawfish étouffée, shrimp remoulade, and other local favorites. Cafe Jefferson Seafood Gumbo at Cafe JeffersonĪ meal or snack at Cafe Jefferson is a great place to start your visit to Jefferson Island. Peacocks are just one of 260 species of birds that inhabit the island. Several males boastfully shook their tail feathers towards the few females, completely disinterested in us humans. Once on the island, we parked in the gift shop parking lot and were immediately surprised by peacocks … many of them. Friendly feathered welcome Some of the many peafowl at Jefferson Island No one in my family had ever heard of it. We stayed at a cozy Air BnB cabin on nearby Bayou Petite Anse, and while there, our host recommended we visit Jefferson Island. My family and I took a short trip to Jefferson Island and the New Iberia region during the week of Mardi Gras, during one of the coldest days of the year. When heading towards Jefferson Island from the surrounding countryside, the raised dome of the island is clearly visible. ![]() While technically not a traditional island, salt domes are areas of high ground (typically 50-100 feet above sea level), perched on top of enormous natural deposits of salt. Jefferson Island is one of five prehistoric salt domes in Louisiana (Avery Island is another). The island even has a connection to the “largest man made sink hole in the world” and famous Louisiana pirate Jean Lafitte’s buried treasure. ![]() Jefferson Cafe, Rip’s Rookery Bird Sanctuary, Rip Van Winkle Gardens, Lake Peigneur, Jungle Gardens and the Joseph Jefferson House– are open and ready for business. Jefferson Island, named for 19th century actor and comedian Joseph Jefferson, is often overshadowed by Avery Island, the birthplace of Tabasco (also located in Iberia Parish, just 20 minutes away). In my opinion, this is a day trip idea that is worth pursuing! And yes, please bring the kids. Located just over 2 hours from New Orleans in Iberia Parish is a majestic salt dome island full of dramatic, seemingly mythical history waiting to be explored. Day Trip Idea from New Orleans :: Mysterious Jefferson Island We have also compiled a wonderful list of family-friendly weekends in Louisiana. If you are seeking a shorter trip, you may also enjoy visiting Fontainebleau State Park, Oak Mountain State Park and/or Tishomongo State Park. If you are looking for longer vacations, check out this list of budget friendly road trips from New Orleans. We have dozens of family travel tips on New Orleans Mom. We often get asked for advice on day trip ideas from New Orleans. ![]()
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