Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Rip Van Winkle Gardens
4.7
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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- Patricia AArlington, Texas265 contributionsOne of my favorite places to visit in Southwestern Louisiana (just over six hours from DFW Metroplex on I-20E/I-49S). The gardens are beautiful, the historic home tour is interesting, and the food is beyond delicious at the Cafe Jefferson (the chicken sauce piquant is gluten free). All of these things keep bringing me back despite the distance. You can stay overnight on the property in the old servants' quarters, but you can't book online--you have to call the gift shop to make a reservation.Visited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 2, 2024
- HJR1960Temple, Georgia924 contributionsThe tour begins with a short movie that tells of the origin of the island snd its lineage of ownership. You then stroll through the gardens at your own pace. You will pass bed and breakfast inns, meeting halls, a restaurant and a great gift shop. But the star of the show are the gardens, which are spectacular.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 16, 2024
- wenthom40 contributionsAbsolutely a must see if you’re in the area. Spectacular grounds with something unique and amazing to see at every turn. Huge OLD live oaks, Numerous garden areas. VERY well manicured and well kept grounds. The peacocks were impressive. Wish the house tour encompassed more of the home instead of just the first floor and more in-depth history of the antiques and day to day happenings and stories of life and gatherings in and around the home. The movie at the theater was informative but there is so much more history and stories of life and leisure gatherings that could put the tour more over the top. Especially with several different generations of owners. The cafe was great, we enjoyed lunch and the Bloody Mary was great too. In order to see everything plan to make this a day trip or stay at their bed breakfast to really enjoy all this place has to offer.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.7
417 reviews
Excellent
313
Very good
77
Average
19
Poor
4
Terrible
4
AMBC77
Wisconsin118 contributions
Mar 2023
This could have been an awesome tour. We arrived at 3:30 and the place closes at 5. First, the woman in the gift shop made it a point to tell us over and over again they close at 5 so make sure we were back there to watch a video after the house tour because she wasn't going to wait on us.. we could walk the gardens as long as we wanted as long as we were willing to let ourselves out of the gate. We continued to the house tour which would have been nice but the crabby woman doing the tour ruined the experience for us. She was so robotic and not welcoming at all. She asked if we had any questions but she really didn't want to answer them and rushed us through. I would us the words, robotic, arrogant and unfriendly to describe our experience with her. You can only tour a few rooms. I would not recommend the house tour at all. We were visiting from out of state and the lady at the welcome center didn't bother telling is there were NO plants bloomed yet and stlll charged us full price to walk gardens that weren't even gardens. With all of the friendly people and attractions in the area, I would skip this money trap and just read about the tragedy on the lake in a book or watch a You Tube video. I would recommend Longfellow Evangeline State historic sight. Way more information for only $4 and beautiful grounds and suoer friendly people..
Written March 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heffkids
Saint Louis, MO76 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Gardens are Japanese influence and very pretty. The outlook over the lake is magnificent. We were here in late February and unfortunately most of the blooms were yet to happen.
For the house, it is a waste of money. Don't spend the extra $4 for touring the house. It probably is very neat house but the tour is limited to the first floor only and no photos of any kind with or without flash. For total tour takes about 15 minutes and they're a little bit confused on some of the stories they tell tour.
For example, they said when Jefferson built the house he didn't like using slaves so he did not use any slaves and all servants were paid for their services .
However they also say the house was built in I'm 1871 which would have been after emancipation and so slaves were outlawed and he could not have had slaves if he wanted them.
A little confusing in their story line.
For the house, it is a waste of money. Don't spend the extra $4 for touring the house. It probably is very neat house but the tour is limited to the first floor only and no photos of any kind with or without flash. For total tour takes about 15 minutes and they're a little bit confused on some of the stories they tell tour.
For example, they said when Jefferson built the house he didn't like using slaves so he did not use any slaves and all servants were paid for their services .
However they also say the house was built in I'm 1871 which would have been after emancipation and so slaves were outlawed and he could not have had slaves if he wanted them.
A little confusing in their story line.
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James T
Lafayette, LA201 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
I decided to visit the gardens on a mild January day. Many of the plants were damaged from the recent freezing weather, but this is still a peaceful and relaxing getaway for a couple of hours. I can’t wait to come back in the spring.
The peacocks are fun to watch and add some additional color and beauty to the place. The lady at the gift shop said that there are about 50 of them on the grounds!
I didn’t do the house tour, but plan to do so on my next visit. Same with the restaurant.
The peacocks are fun to watch and add some additional color and beauty to the place. The lady at the gift shop said that there are about 50 of them on the grounds!
I didn’t do the house tour, but plan to do so on my next visit. Same with the restaurant.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MonroeLouisiana
Monroe144 contributions
Aug 2020
We are trying to do outdoor activities during Covid, and Rip Van Winkle Gardens did not disappoint. Although the weather was hot and we wished for more shade, the gardens are beautifully landscaped. Near the entrance is a 12-minute film that run constinuously on background/histor. The structures, fountains, and statues were interesting to look at from outside, although currently the mansion is not available for an inside tour, merely a ramble on the porch. The story of the disaster (explosion, sinkhole) that took in some of the garden and a resident's house during late 20th century was mindboggling. All that was left of the house is a chimney in the lake. There is a cafe on the grounds which is now open, but it closed before we finished our tour, and we weren't hungry anyway. I really don't have all of the right words to describe how beautifully kept the gardens are, but our photos were remarkable. I would love to return again once the mansion is reopened. I learned so much--Jefferson Island is not really an island (a salt dome), the Gardens are not actually inside New Iberia, and the they are named Rip Van Winkle after a film actor who often portrayed this literary character, the original owner of the mansion and gardens.
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey H
Monticello, UT22 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Took the self-guided tour of the gardens. Nice, but during this time of year it certainly wasn't great. Weather today was cold and windy so we rushed through it to get back inside quickly. A knowledgeable guide that could point out, explain and give some interesting anecdotes about things in the gardens would be great.
Toured the mansion. Truly enjoyed our guide, Amy. Disappointing that they don't show you any of the house but the main floor.
Ate lunch at the cafe. Wow! Great food. The seafood dishes we ate (Crab au gratin and Seafood Heaven) were absolutely delicious! The pecan pie for dessert was pleasantly sinful. :) Service was very good. The view of the gardens and lake from our table was so relaxing and enjoyable. We loved it. Great experience.
Toured the mansion. Truly enjoyed our guide, Amy. Disappointing that they don't show you any of the house but the main floor.
Ate lunch at the cafe. Wow! Great food. The seafood dishes we ate (Crab au gratin and Seafood Heaven) were absolutely delicious! The pecan pie for dessert was pleasantly sinful. :) Service was very good. The view of the gardens and lake from our table was so relaxing and enjoyable. We loved it. Great experience.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julia c
Gulfport, MS81 contributions
Jul 2021
Stay in either the Cook’s Cottage or the Servant’s Quarters (both include a tour of the Jefferson House and the RVW Gardens). It is so relaxing and serene, and the pristinely kept gardens are absolutely beautiful. Can’t say enough about the serenity of this place! Peacocks, and other beautiful birds roam the property. The difference between the cook’s cottage & the servant’s quarters, so I was told: The cook’s cottage has a living room but no kitchen. The 2 Servants qrtrs have a kitchen (non-working) but no living room. The servants qtrs are adjacent to the Jefferson House, whereas the cottage is beside the gift shop. The cont'l bkfst includes juices, fruit, and packaged stuff such as danish, grits, oatmeal that cd be heated in the m/w in room. Use the 2nd day to do the Tabasco Plant tour on Avery Island.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tastebudtravelers
530 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
This was such a memorable day. We stumbled upon this amazing island, plantation, gardens, restaurant steeped in history and culture. You must plan your time here to take the tour of the estate and gardens and then dine in the cafe. I had the gumbo and yeast rolls that made my eyes roll to the back of my head. Lip smacking good.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ddalmas
Charlotte, NC62 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Such beautiful gardens! Very well maintained. Easily seen in an hour or less. The best thing, however , was spending the night in the Cooks Quarter’s on the grounds. Such a cute B &B and a fridge waiting to welcome us! Wine, fresh cheese and crackers, and awesome fixings for breakfast the next morning.
We arrived before sunset and such a beautiful one over the lake. The next morning, we opened our curtains to beautiful peacocks right outside our window! How fun is that?
And lastly, the home tour was very well done by docent Mary in her beautiful red cape. Don’t skip this! If you stay on property, you can get a 9 am tour which is not open to the public. In Covid times, this was a blessing?
We highly recommend a visit and we will be back.
We arrived before sunset and such a beautiful one over the lake. The next morning, we opened our curtains to beautiful peacocks right outside our window! How fun is that?
And lastly, the home tour was very well done by docent Mary in her beautiful red cape. Don’t skip this! If you stay on property, you can get a 9 am tour which is not open to the public. In Covid times, this was a blessing?
We highly recommend a visit and we will be back.
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer B
Houston, TX72 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Even though it is winter and the gardens weren't in full bloom it was still beautiful and serene. some plants were actually in bloom. We really enjoyed our time there! We plan to visit in spring so we can see the gardens in full bloom.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CKing2012
Tyler, TX27 contributions
Jul 2022
Beautiful gardens & great tour! Loved the peacocks. Even in the July heat we were able to walk most of it without roasting in the sun. Fascinating history and loved the tour of the house. We had lunch at the restaurant and it was good - very large portions. Great way to spend the day!
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Not within the restaurant area. The entire outside area is.
Written November 17, 2020
Seaside20662933000
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Roseate Spoonbills are nesting at Rip’s Rookery. Has anyone seen babies yet this year?
Written May 22, 2019
Sorry, I can't help, it's been a while since we visited RVW Gardens. You may want to check their website. Maybe someone can help.
Written May 23, 2019
Being that is almost the middle of July what plants are blooming in the gardens considering the heat and humidity? About how long does it take to tour the gardens by itself? the gardens plus the house? just the house?
Written July 5, 2018
YOu need to allow time to walk through the gardens . It is a formal Garden . In july nothing will be blomming . Go in march to see the beauty
Written July 26, 2019
No, the garden paths are gravel and there are slight inclines that may be difficult to push through. I think the gift shop, restaurant, and outdoor dining area overlooking the beautiful lake would be accessible as well as the indoor theatre that plays a short movie about the puncture of Lake Peigneur by a gas drilling rig about 30 years ago.
Written June 15, 2018
hotimpressions09
Jennings, Louisiana
When you stay at the cottages do you still pay the cost to tour everything?
Written July 12, 2017
Hi, the cost to tour the gardens & the home are included in the price of the stay at the cottages. It is beautiful!
Written November 4, 2017
shawfield2017
Houston, Texas
Do we need to get a reservation for lunch if we have 7 people next Thursday, Feb 2??
Written January 26, 2017
RipVanWinkleGardens
New Iberia, Louisiana
Good morning,
We are not usually very busy on Thursday, but is you like you can call to reserve.
337-359-8525.
Pam
Written January 26, 2017
Is it open on Christmas and New Year's Day?
Written December 25, 2016
I think they are closed on those days.
Written December 26, 2016
Linda W
Venice, Florida
We're the roseate spoonbills starting to nest when you were there?
Written May 5, 2016
Yes and We visited Avery Island too and they were at the Rookery as well....
Written May 6, 2016
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