RIP VAN WINKLE GARDENS

Yes, Rip Van Winkle is a beautiful place. I’ll start off that way. But today we went to take my little sisters senior pictures and were met with a very rude, highly offensive and inappropriate worker there. Admittedly, we were not informed of the photography rules that are set in place at Rip Van Winkle, but the way we were corrected today was absolutely disgusting. As a family not from New Iberia, we had heard of how beautiful this place was and wanted to take some pictures there for my sister’s senior session. We did not realize we had to call ahead in advance and we do know that in hindsight that may have been a wise option. When we arrived, gates were open, signs saying “welcome” and “open 7 days a week, 9-5pm” and no where were there signs saying “private property”, “no unapproved photography” or “no photography, there is a wedding today”. As we walked around trying to decide which beautiful scenery to take pictures near, a short haired, raspy voiced, older lady came RUNNING out, SCREAMING at us to get off the property and SCREAMING that we cannot take photos. Shocked and embarrassed, we obeyed her rude requests and walked down to the parking lot immediately. She continued to scream at us across the yard, extremely rudely to us saying “This is private property, no photography”. We had not once seen any indication that Rip Van Winkle was private property, nor any indication that we could not take photos. To our knowledge this was a beautiful garden open to the public from 9am-5pm per their signs out front. The impolite worker then said that we cannot take any photos due to a wedding taking place. It was then she decided to finally give us reasoning to her yelling. Mind you, there was also no indication of a wedding near where we were as we were not even close to the venue and we also saw 5 other families dressed in work clothes and casual clothing taking pictures with their kids and walking about the gardens. We told the lady we were sorry and had not known, and she scoffed at us and continued to shoo us into the parking lot. We stood up for ourselves saying “We are sorry , but we do think you could have said it nicer”. She said “You can’t just walk onto private property.” As to which we replied “we were unaware, but you could have said it nicer.” She rolled her eyes and started walking away. My mom looked over to me and said “Wow, that was so odd.” And the lady then scoffed once again and said “Yeah, wow, that’s right, wow.” After that, we went to our car and drove away. I am still in disbelief with the encounter we had with that lady. I wish I would’ve gotten her name as I believe she needs a talking to about how to treat guests. We were more than willing to comply with all rules, had we been informed properly. I’m not sure I would recommend going to this place without stalking their web page, digging deep into media, or studying each and every rule at Rip Van Winkle, because it seems that is what you must do or you will get screamed at across the garden from their rude employee. If there is a manager or owner that needs me to specifically describe this woman to you, it would be my pleasure. That was the most unpleasant woman I have ever encountered in a professional establishment. I truly hope she does not get away with treating other guests this way. People like her are what make beautiful places like Rip Van Winkle lose money and wither away because it leaves such a bad taste in guests mouths.

Such a peaceful and beautiful place! Lots of improvement going on at the site right now. We strolled through the gardens, greeted the peacocks and enjoyed all the enormous oaks with Spanish moss. Don't miss the photos displayed at the gift shop & sign on the lake shore to learn the fascinating history of the lake! It will blow your mind. The gift shop has a lot to offer as well.

Would be beautiful to visit when everything is in bloom.

Paradise

This place is absolutely beautiful!! Our stay was on September 1, 2023. From the Grounds to the Peacocks to the People... I can not say enough great things about the place! We stayed one night in Cooks Cottage and it was perfect. We fell in love from the moment we drove onto the grounds. This place has so much beauty and peace in it. And once you go into the gift shop (office/headquarters) & talk to the staff you'll experience even more beauty, because they are super friendly and welcoming.
I spoke with Miss. Rachel a few times a we booked our absolutely last minute stay, judt 2days before. We were very fortunate that they even had an opening!! Anyways once we arrived Miss Rachel remembered me and was just as friendly as she was over the phone. Oh & the lady who did our house tuor was absolutely wonderful! Oh & the food at Jefferson Cafe was delicious!!
I look forward to returning, when the Peacocks have their long beautiful feathers- even though we did find lots of beautiful feathers, & I recommend this place to everyone.