Itching to pack your bags after weathering winter’s dark, chilly monotony? We hear you.
Having a trip to look forward to is one of life’s little pleasures that resonate with us now more than ever. And French Lick Resort checks all the boxes for the type of getaway you may be needing right about now.
Somewhere unique and memorable that still keeps guest health and safety top of mind: Check.
Somewhere that feels like a getaway while conveniently situated in the Hoosier State: Check.
Somewhere you can enjoy no matter who’s along for the ride — significant other; family; or you and your girlfriends. Check, check and check.
So what can a French Lick escape look like for you?
Coming with the Whole Family
Go bowling, chow down on pizza and play arcade games at Pluto’s Alley inside French Lick Springs Hotel. Of the resort’s three hotels, French Lick is the best family-friendly choice with everything a kid would want: three pools, a cafeteria-style breakfast buffet, fire pits for s’mores on the weekend, even a jumbo video game board. And don’t leave without completing a round of FootGolf, a perfect activity for the whole family to do together.
Saddle up for a horse or pony ride up at The Stables at French Lick Resort. They’re perfect for any kid taking a first ride, as The Stables staff matches each guest a horse that is the best for them. Horse rides are for age 8 and up; pony rides are for younger than 8.
Get out and enjoy nature on more than 10 miles of wooded trails winding through the Hoosier National Forest. Watch for birds, owls, deer and other Hoosier wildlife on four different wooded trails varying in length and challenge.
Board the historic rail trolley, which pings back and forth between French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels throughout the day. A ride on this restored rail trolley will be the highlight of the trip for any train-obsessed kid. Mom and dad will love it, too, because all rides on this trolley are free.
Venture out and experience endless adventures all within a 10-minute drive of the resort. Give an elephant a bath or see grizzly bears up close at Wilstem Wildlife Park. Play all day at Big Splash Adventure indoor water park. And with go-karts, mini golf, laser tag and escape room also nearby, the kids will be surprised that vacationing in Indiana is this much fun.
Planning a Romantic Escape
Savor the view from your own private balcony at West Baden Springs Hotel. It’s a truly breathtaking experience the first time you open the French doors from your guestroom and step out to the balcony for a bird’s-eye view overlooking the sprawling hotel atrium. Take room service out to the balcony in the morning; hear the live jazz music wafting up to your balcony in the evening. The two of you will both fall in love with this view.
Make reservations for two at the resort’s pair of fine dining restaurants: Sinclair’s Restaurant (in West Baden Springs Hotel) and 1875: The Steakhouse (in French Lick Springs Hotel). If you’re celebrating an anniversary, mention it when you book and you might get treated to a sweet surprise to top off dinner. This is a classy date night done right.
Slow down and take a stroll together on the Ferguson Trail, a 1-mile paved path connecting French Lick and West Baden hotels. These hotels both originated more than 100 years ago as retreats where guests could relax and rejuvenate. And some things are best left unchanged, as a nice morning or evening walk remains a favorite way for couples to enjoy themselves.
Stop for a drink (or maybe a couple drinks) at French Lick Winery and Sprits of French Lick Distillery, located together in the same building not far from the hotels. Try a wine tasting featuring their Traminette wine (highlighting Indiana’s state grape), or sip on the Lee W. Sinclair Bottled in Bond Bourbon on the rocks — bourbon authority Fred Minnick named it his Best Non-Kentucky Bourbon of 2020. Take home some of your favorites, as they also sell their wine and spirits by the bottle.
Try something new at one of West Baden Springs Hotel’s signature wine and culinary events, offered on select Fridays. Sip and savor a five-course menu at Wine Pairings, or satisfy your sweet tooth at Wine & Dessert Soirée featuring three decadent house-made desserts.
Celebrating a Girlfriends’ Getaway
Do a night out at French Lick Casino, featuring hundreds of new and classic slots, progressive jackpots, table games and sportsbook. And once the fun and games are done for the night, you never have far to go. The casino is adjacent to both French Lick Springs Hotel and Valley Tower for walkable access, and 24/7 shuttle service is available to West Baden Springs Hotel.
Sit under the majestic West Baden Springs Hotel dome for an evening of cocktails and good conversation. You can spend hours here, simply soaking in the ambiance while you catch up. This kind of view will have you wondering, “are we really still in the Midwest?”
Get pampered with a manicure or pedicure at the world-class spas located at both French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels. For an experience unique to the area, soak in a famous Pluto or Sprudel bath. These baths use the same mineral water that made these hotels nationally famous as early as the 1800s. If your itinerary doesn’t include a spa day, both hotels have indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs that hit the spot for relaxation.
Rent a surrey cart, which is sure to provide some laughs for everyone as you explore some of the resort’s 3,200 acres together. Paved paths and sidewalks make for easy riding.
Raise those pinkies at Afternoon Tea, and live out your childhood tea parties as grown-ups. Tea is offered every Saturday (along with Wednesday in conjunction with a tour of the hotel) as you’re treated to your choice of gourmet tea served alongside a tower of sweet and savory treats. With live harp music providing the soundtrack and the West Baden Springs Hotel atrium as the stunning backdrop, this is a royal treatment like none other.
To plan your French Lick Getaway visit frenchlick.com
