Girl's Weekend Getaway to French Lick

Labor Day weekend typically marks the unofficial end of summer, and my sister and I couldn't let the season pass without squeezing in one last girl's weekend getaway. We packed our bags and headed 4.5 hours south to French Lick, Indiana where we spent two nights at the beautiful French Lick Resort. It was my first time visiting and I had heard so many great things about the area, including the breathtaking history and architecture of the hotel itself. We were blessed with lots of sunshine and had two days packed full of adventure, with of course some time for a little pampering and relaxation.

Disclaimer: This trip was sponsored by Visit French Lick West Baden and French Lick Resort. As always, all thoughts and opinions about our stay are my own. Some of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase which allows me to keep sharing my adventures with you! 

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About the Resort:

French Lick Resort is compromised of two historic hotels, the West Baden Springs Hotel which was built in 1902 and French Lick Springs Hotel which was built in 1901. Both hotels offer their own unique features and are worth exploring. We stayed at the West Baden Springs Hotel which is centered around the insta-worthy atrium (snag a room with a balcony view if you can!) And the best part is that no matter which hotel you choose, there is a free trolley that runs 24/7 between the two properties which makes hopping from one to the next a breeze. During our visit, the hotel was only open to overnight guests and temperature checks were required upon arrival and each morning as indicated by a colored wrist band. With fewer guests on the grounds and masks required indoors at all times and outdoors when social distancing wasn't possible we felt very safe. 

Another one of my favorite parts about the resort was how much there was to do and see without ever having to leave the property. At both hotels you'll find fine dining, shopping, indoor/outdoor pools, and a world-class spa. Other unique amenities include the French Lick casino, the Stables with horseback riding, and three championship level golf courses. We spent the first few hours after we arrived simply wandering around the grounds and gardens because they are so breathtaking. If you're into history, I would suggest participating in a walking tour which lasts about 60 minutes and covers the rich history and natural beauty of each hotel, including some of the distinguished guests who have also visited. 

Things to Do:

Get Pampered at the Spa

What better way to start a girl's trip than with a little pampering at the world-class spa on site. The spas at both hotels offer a diverse menu of treatments to help relax and rejuvenate guests. We decided to get spa pedicures which is one of my favorite ways to treat myself. If you're looking for a more unique experience, soak in the legendary Pluto Mineral Bath which is found only in Southern Indiana. Due to COVID-19, the spa was open limited hours by appointment only, so be sure to schedule in advance. 

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Go Riding at the Stables

Located on the grounds of the hotel, don't miss the unique opportunity to explore the countryside on horseback at the Stables. Arrive early to take a tour of the facility, meet the horses, and learn more about how they care for them. Next, you'll venture through 6 miles of wooded trails on a 45-, 90-minute, or 2 hour ride. Our horses were so sweet and the ride was very leisurely led by an experienced guide. While you're there be sure to visit the goats, chickens, and other animals on site. 

Typically, the Stables also offers horse-drawn carriage rides during an evening tour but they weren't currently operating due to COVID-19 precautions. 

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Pedal a 2-Person Surrey Bike

Another fun way to explore the resort grounds is by renting a 2-person Surrey bike. It's harder than it looks when going up hills so be sure to dress more casual than I did - whoops! We pedaled around the property at West Baden and then headed down to French Lick Springs hotel. There is a nice path that runs along the side of road which made for easy riding. 

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Test Your Luck at the Casino

The French Lick Casino features one of the biggest gaming rooms in the state of Indiana with over 900 slot and video poker games and 37 live dealer table games. Even if you're not big into gambling, this is still a fun way to spend an evening and you never know, you might win big! Live entertainment is typically available on the weekends along with a bar and quick-serve dining. 

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Take a Dip in the Pool

It was 86 and sunny during our stay and the outdoor pool at West Baden Springs Hotel was the perfect place to cool off. Both hotels offer indoor and outdoor pool areas with a bar and live DJ on site during the weekends. On weekdays you can still order drinks from the bar inside the hotel and have them delivered to you poolside - my kind of service! 

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Visit Wilstem Wildlife Park

This is one activity you won't want to miss when visiting French Lick! Wilstem Wildlife Park offers so many unique opportunities to get up close and personal with exotic animals. The drive through safari is the newest attraction at the park and allows you to drive in your car and feed animals from your window - be prepared they come hungry! On the drive you'll see emu, cattle, buffalo, zebra, camels, and more. During our visit we also participated in the giraffe encounter which is both an educational experience and allows you to get up close with the amazing creatures and feed them carrots. The roos and crews barn is full of other smaller creatures including a sloth, lemurs, kangaroos, parrots and an iguana. Other encounters available for purchase are with grizzly bears and elephants. 

This was definitely the highlight of our trip and all of the staff were so amazing and knowledgeable about the animals they care for. Highly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance as they do get busy on the weekends. You'll want to plan to spend at least a few hours, all the way up to a full day, depending on how many encounters you plan to book.

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Go Wine Tasting at French Lick Winery

Southwest Michigan is home to some amazing vineyards and wineries so I was excited to try out this stop on the Indiana wine trail. While their grapes are grown off site (about 45 minutes away) the tasting experience allows you to sample 10 different wines for $15. I'm a sweet wine gal all the way and they had SO many options I didn't even get to try them all. My personal favorite was the French Lick Red which is their top selling wine and made with Concord grapes - tastes like you're drinking jam. I had to bring a bottle home with me! 

Where to Eat: 

Vintage Cafe at French Lick Winery

If you plan your wine tasting visit around lunch or dinner don't miss the chance to dine at the Vintage Cafe located at the winery. They specialize in fresh Italian cuisine and the seafood ravioli was one of our favorite dishes from the whole trip. If you don't want to taste, you can still order a glass of your favorite wine at the table and pair it with their charcuterie board. 

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1875: The Steakhouse

This is the signature restaurant at French Lick Springs Hotel, and the place to go for a fine dining experience. Reservations are recommended and seating overlooks the scenic gardens and iconic gazebo. Multiple people had recommended the Chipotle Barbecue Wagyu Steak Burger to us so we had to give it a try - yum! The baked lobster Mac and cheese was also a favorite of ours. If you're a fan of steak, you can't go wrong with one of their classic cuts of meat. 

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33 Brick Street 

Located in downtown French Lick, you can ride the trolley from West Baden Springs Hotel and make the short walk across the street to dine here. 33 Brick Street offers a casual dining atmosphere with American fare and lots of sports memorabilia. We had the shrimp pasta and fish tacos - both of which were very good. We also always start our girl's trips with margaritas and this was the perfect spot to cheers together.

​If you're in search of dessert, French Licks ice cream is located directly across the street. Be sure to check the hours as they had closed by the time we were done eating dinner. 

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Xandu Coffee & Creamery 

This was our go to spot for coffee and breakfast both mornings of our stay. Located inside West Baden Springs Hotel, they serve Starbucks coffee along with grab and go breakfast options including bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and yogurt parfaits. The coffee shop is located off the front porch of the hotel and it was so peaceful to sip our coffee while sitting in the rocking chairs overlooking the gardens. 

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Still in search of more fun? Add these activities to add to your French Lick itinerary:

• Hike the trails at French Lick Resort
• Play nine holes of FootGolf 
• Go bowling or play in the arcade at Pluto's Alley
• Golf The Pete Dye Course or The Donald Ross Course 
• Ride on the French Lick Scenic Railway
• Take a scenic nature cruise on Patoka Lake
• Test your luck at Escape! French Lick