Southern Indiana’s Eighth Wonder of the World

Check into the French Lick Springs hotel or the magnificent West Baden dome hotel, Indiana’s crown jewel for hotels and relax in a rocker on the front porch. A must see is Hinshaw’s Rock and Gem, a Publisher’s favorite, where you will meet Merrill Hinshaw. named by Lapidary Journal as one of the top ten lapidary stone artists in the nation, then head over to the French Lick winery for an award winning wine tasting and lobster ravioli.

DAY 2 

Enjoy a relaxing massage at one of the world renowned spas. For a historic treat, try the onsite historic tour of West Baden hotel. Relax at the pool in the afternoon, before heading to dinner at 1875 Steakhouse where Tommi, the bartender, will make you a Moscow Mule made with her own homemade ginger beer. Don’t call it a night until you’ve hit the 51,000 square foot casino and put your pennies in a slot machine.

DAY 3 

Start your day with a freshly made omelet at the Grand Colonade breakfast buffet before heading to Orleans where you’ll find a host of antique stores and amish country markets. Visit the Lost River then back to downtown French Lick where you can find more antique stores and the French Lick Artisans Trail. If golfing sounds better than shopping, you can choose from one of two championship golf courses, the Pete Dye Golf Course or the Donald Ross Golf Course.

DAY 4

Paoli Peaks is great for both downhill skiing as well as their Arctic Blast Snow Tubing with nine lanes of 700 foot snow covered slopes. Then to warm up, head over to the 40,000 square foot Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park at Valley of the Springs Resort or the French Lick West Baden Indoor Karting. Enjoy a train ride at the Historic French Lick Scenic Railway with seasonally themed train rides. Then Pizza and bowling in the evening at Pluto’s Alley back at the resort.

DAY 5 

Horseback riders might want to hit the trail at either the stables at West Baden which offers a variety or rides—or the nearby 1100-acre Wilstem Guest Ranch featuring cabins for overnight accommodations. If hiking or biking is your thing, bring your bikes and boots for plenty of outdoor adventure. Dinner at Hagen’s Restaurant overlooking the Donald Ross Championship Golf Course.