LOUISIANA, (KLFY) -- The Louisiana Office of Tourism has launched a new Hot Sauce Trail, aiming to boost tourism by showcasing the state's unique flavors and communities.

The Hot Sauce Trail includes stops from Avery Island, home of the Tabasco factory, to small-town kitchens across North Louisiana. This initiative is designed to highlight the diverse culinary offerings and attract visitors to explore different parts of the state.

"We always look for new ways to move people around Louisiana from city to city and highlight things that will attract them," said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. "And surely Tabasco, Avery Island is a big draw."

Each stop on the trail offers its own unique flavor experience, from factory tours to tasting rooms and local restaurants that showcase how Louisiana turns up the spice.

In Tabasco, visitors can try Tabasco ice cream and sauces that are exclusive to local restaurants. In Monroe and Lake Providence, tourists can visit farms and factories to participate in tastings and tours.

Nungesser emphasized that the trail is also a way to boost rural economies by encouraging visitors to take scenic routes and support local businesses across the state.

"When we can get people to go off the beaten path into these communities with all the trails that we do in Louisiana, it's a great boost to the local economy," Nungesser said.

As for his personal preferences, Nungesser has been loyal to two Louisiana classics since childhood: Crystal and Tabasco hot sauces.

"Crystal and Tabasco," he said. "And it depends on what I'm eating. I try a little of both of them, but those are my two that I've used growing up my whole life."

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KLFY. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KLFY staff before being published.

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