Rip Van Winkle Gardens cafe reopens after recent severe storms
NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) -- Rip Van Winkle Gardens reopened its cafe doors Saturday after being closed for a month due to damage from severe storms.
Amy Gary, garden tour guide, said they made some renovations, including painting and remodeling the cafe. She said there is no date for when the garden will be reopened, but she looks forward to beautifying the garden once again.
"Right now it's really just not a safe place to be because they're still working on getting all the trees down and stuff," Gary said. "But once they get all that settled we'll be ready to go."
The storms damaged several historic oak trees, gardens and buildings. On Saturday, the facility reopened its cafe, Cafe Jefferson.
Gayle Guidry says it was her and her husband's first time visiting the garden. She describes the garden as one of a kind.
"There's lot of good places to eat in South Louisiana," Gayle said. "We all know that if you're from this area, but this is a little jewel that should not be missed."
Gayle's husband, Lynn Guidry, said the staff at the garden are hardworking, and calls the food phenomenal.
"Only thing better than the environment is the food... the food was wonderful and so it was just a totally great experience for us," he said.
Staff at Rip Van Winkle Gardens says they are hoping to having to grand reopening once all buildings are completed.