The Amazing French Lick Resort

BY ALICE & DANNY SCOTT

NESTLED IN

The

HOOSIER

National

FOREST of southern Indiana, French Lick Resort has a long history and promising future. Once a French trading post, the valley attracted visitors for the mineral springs which left a residue of salt, licked by the deer and buffalo, hence the name French Lick. In 1845, French Lick Springs Hotel was first built as a modest two-story inn, inviting guests to “take the miracle waters.” Fast forward through the decades with several owners, and today French Lick Resort presents three hotels with 747 rooms and suites, fine and casual dining options, and room service. Guests can enjoy two fullservice spas, 24/7 gaming at French Lick Casino, six lanes of bowling at Pluto’s Alley, horseback riding, shooting ranges and more activities, especially golf on two championship courses and one nine-hole layout.

French Lick Springs Hotel is stately with rocking chairs on the outer veranda, a spa with stained glass windows, pools, bowling alley and restaurants. 1875: The Steakhouse commemorates the first Kentucky Derby for an exquisite culinary experience.

West Baden Springs Hotel opened in 1902 and was hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” for its enormous atrium dome. From 5-9pm, musical acts by the atrium bar set the mood for a promenade around the perimeter to the spa, shops, and eateries. Bedroom balconies evoke a sense of royalty overlooking the circular expanse below and the intricacies above.

Valley Tower is the newest hotel with modern décor complementing the first two, and access to all the French Lick Springs Hotel amenities. A rail trolley chugs passengers between the hotels while shuttles transport guests to golf courses and other attractions like French Lick Winery and 33 Brick Street restaurant, where hometown hero Larry Bird’s memorabilia is displayed. Scenic venues and high capacity make French Lick ideal for conferences, concerts, and events.

Golf

be one of the late Hall of Famer’s most diabolical designs and one of his most spectacular settings. It is visually stunning atop one of the highest points in Indiana with panoramic views extending 40 miles. On a bright sunny day, the geographical dimensions are extraordinary. Narrow fairways follow strips of ridgelines often leading to zero-edge greens, like infinity pools. The patio of the magnificent clubhouse serves libations and a striking view to review the memorable round.

The Donald Ross Course at French Lick was built in 1917 and has been restored to its original glory where the 1924 PGA Championship was held. Golf purists will enjoy the quality layout that is synonymous with Donald Ross. No gimmicks, no frills, just pure golf at its finest. It plays fairer than the Pete Dye Course but with Ross’ signature false front greens.

French Lick’s Pete Dye and Donald Ross Courses have been placed #1 & #2 in Indiana for 12 straight years in Golfweek’s “Best You Can Play,” and top 100 nationally for 10 straight years in Golfweek’s “Best Resort Courses.” Check out the website to view course flyovers.

Valley Links Course is a short, walkable nine converted from the original 18 with Scottish fescue and the addition of church pew bunkering. It is a nice warmup for the more challenging 18s and the French Lick Golf Academy is comprehensive for honing skills.

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Meriting the Best Historic Resort award by USA Today readers, French Lick Resort is an hour and a half from the airport in Louisville, Kentucky, a great city to explore.

www.frenchlick.com

Sultan’s Run Golf Club in nearby Jasper was designed by Tom Liddy, a disciple of Pete Dye, for a bonus round.

French Lick Resort ensures the “wow” factor for all visitors. At no extra charge, Experience Designers help customize vacations for parties under ten, arranging everything from archery or sporting clays shoots, horseback rides, hotel tours, massages at the spas, dinner reservations, signature events and more. Concert goers will love the intimate setting to hear the best talent like Bret Michaels, a quick sellout in February. Onsite concierge is happy to further assist, and Group Sales is ready to create a personalized conference for larger teams.