Louisiana is no stranger to spectacular places that look like you just stepped into a fairy realm, but there’s one spot in particular we want to tell you about today. Like most of our best places, this spot has an incredible history. In 1870, a man named Joseph Jefferson built a hunting lodge on Jefferson Island in New Iberia. Joseph Jefferson happened to be an actor who played Rip Van Winkle more than 4500 times, so they called the gardens of Jefferson Island Rip Van Winkle Gardens–and the whole place is just as magical as it sounds.

The gardens are 15-acres of natural space featuring semi-tropical gardens and 350-year-old oak trees that you have to see to believe.
Flickr/Michael McCarthy
There’s also Joseph Jefferson Mansion, which was built in 1870 in the Victorian style and features a fourth-story cupola.
Facebook/Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Rip Van Winkle Gardens also hosts weddings, but you’re more than welcome to go in for a tour as well.
These gardens are absolutely brimming with life, no matter the season.
Facebook/Rip Van Winkle Gardens

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No matter how you choose to experience Rip Van Winkle Gardens, you’re sure to find magic and wonder around every corner.
Flickr/Joan Dragonfly
We aren’t surprised they stuck with the Rip Van Winkle name. Honestly, doesn’t this seem like a comfy place to take the world’s longest power nap?
Facebook/Rip Van Winkle Gardens
After all, there’s nowhere more magical than a garden.
Facebook/Rip Van Winkle Gardens
No matter the season or the weather, a garden is always a fairy land if you take the time to explore it.

So, what did you think? Will you be checking out these fairy tale gardens any time soon? Have you already been? We’d love to hear what you thought!

If you had a different fairy tale destination in mind, we want to hear about that too! Please go ahead and tell us about it on our nomination page.

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5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560, USA