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| Dr. William Bowles |
French Lick Resort has a history as a location for health
and wellness.
It all began in 1845 when Doctor William Bowles, a physician
from Paoli, Indiana established French Lick Springs Hotel. Dr. Bowles wanted to
encourage travelers to stop and stay while exploring the healing properties of
the mineral springs found in the area.
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| Tom Taggart |
Former Indianapolis mayor, Tom Taggart, eventual owner
of the hotel, built on the “healing springs” concept at the turn of the 20th
century when it was all the rage to “take the waters.” Taggart increased the
size of the hotel’s “spa area” and lobbied for a special spur of the Monon
Railroad to be placed near the hotel so that daily runs could be made to and
from Chicago. Guests from far and wide came to enjoy bathing and drinking from
these famous mineral springs. In fact, Pluto Water became so popular, Taggart had
a new bottling house built for his Pluto Water operation. Pluto Water was sold throughout
the United States until the 1970s when it was deemed not to be as healthful as
first thought.
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| West Baden Springs Hotel |
West Baden Springs Hotel was also built to showcase the
local mineral water and promote its healing properties. The hotel was
originally called Mile Lick but the name was changed in order to create a
tie-in to the famous mineral spas of Baden-Baden, Germany. West Baden had four mineral springs where
guest could partake of the waters. Sprudel Water became an instant hit with
turn-of-the century socialites for its “moving properties,” and for its
reputation of promoting health and vigor.
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| Fitness Center at French Lick Springs Hotel |
While drinking the mineral springs water is not suggested today (although
you can still bath in the mineral waters at both hotel spas), health and
wellness are still high on the resort’s agenda. This fall, the resort went back
to its roots of promoting health and fitness by creating wellness programs for
guests and groups. Now guests can choose from different types of seasonal
fitness events like Fall Color
Hikes, Tom the Turkey Family Walk/Run and Turkey Tabata - a high intensity
interval training session. But adults aren’t the only ones to have some fun
while getting fit. According to new fitness director Kaci Wher, “There are also
fun things for the kids to do like a Christmas Movie Workout and a Fitness
Frenzy, both designed to burn off that indoor holiday energy.”
The wellness plans are expected to take about six months to
implement and will focus on overall health and fitness. Guests, groups and
employees can take advantage of this opportunity to experience a resurgence of
resort wellness into a third century.
By Joy Neighbors
