On Avery Island, a short drive from Lafayette, the McIlhenny Company has made Tabasco sauce since 1868, and ticketed tours take visitors through the factory, the pepper mash warehouses and the museum, ending with tastings. The island is also home to the beautiful Jungle Gardens and a bird sanctuary. Combining the story of a world-famous hot sauce with the natural beauty of the island, the visit is a distinctive and popular excursion from the Cajun capital.