Rip Van Winkle Gardens fully reopens with some new changes
NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) -- Rip Van Winkle Gardens, known as a historical tourist attraction that was damaged in June during severe weather, is back and fully reopened.
News 10 got a tour and look at the new changes from tour guide Amy Gary.
"We're finally starting to get to see our patrons come back and a lot of new people. So, we're really excited because it took a lot to come back,” Gary said. "We had trees that went down that we just are not going to be able to replace but that doesn't mean we're not going to put something beautiful in their place. So, it is a little different if you've been there before, are you going to notice the landscape change and you're going to notice a difference but we're going to replace as much as we can and make it beautiful again quickly."
She said the café was redone completely with new floors. Also, they redid the bathrooms, and the inside of the bathroom stalls was made reusing wood from the property. People can tour the 154-year-old mansion, visit the gift shop, and stay in one of the three cottages. Garden tours are being given at a discounted price as they are trying to get the gardens back to full shape.
“We still have so much support from the community," Gary said. "It's just been incredible. We have so many people concerned and care and so many requests to get back and people are so excited the cafe's open."
While some cleaning is still being done Gary said sometimes change is a good thing.
"We will never get totally back everything we lost it's something we've had to accept," Gary said. "It's been a difficult road, we all had to gather together and give a good cry but of course, we're getting back now. Things are going to be different, but there are going to be some things that are better.”
The Garden and Gift Shop are open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m; Café Jefferson is open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. If you'd like to inquire about cottages, call 337-359-8525.
"We're ready for anybody who would like to come visit us," Gary said. "Just be aware that the gardens are just a little bit in the process and in the making.”