For his 12th birthday a couple weeks ago, Nathaniel
had a world of options at his disposal.
Nathaniel’s parents let him steer the ship for any birthday
vacation he wanted. Touring a big city. Lounging on the beach. Day away at a theme park. Nathaniel had something better in mind.
Chicago was an option and Panama City would’ve been
Nathaniel’s go-to for a beach vacation, but his first choice?
“Here. On this couch,” Nathaniel says as he stretches out on
a sofa in the West Baden Springs Hotel atrium.
Nathaniel’s parents Mike and Tracy Ruth began a tradition a
few years back of making a New Year’s Day trip to West Baden Springs Hotel with
the whole family including Nathaniel, who has autism. And over the years,
nothing has captured Nathaniel’s attention quite like taking a seat on the
historic rail trolley — an experience that got kicked up a notch for his
birthday visit.
Nathaniel always makes sure to grab a seat closest to the
front to see the sights on the trolley, which takes guests on a free scenic
ride as it winds along the mile-long path between West Baden and French Lick
Springs Hotels. This time, Nathaniel received a surprise promotion from passenger to
conductor. After getting handed a lanyard badge designating him as honorary
conductor, Nathan got to step to the front of the trolley and help man the controls
(and toot the horn) alongside the real conductor for one of the midday loops
from West Baden to French Lick and back.
Of course, you’re not officially a trolley operator until
you’ve got the attire to match.
“When you drive the trolley, you’ve got to have a hat,” the
conductor tells Nathaniel, handing him a conductor’s hat to wear.
The fit?
“Perfect,” Nathaniel confirms.
Nathaniel’s a man of few words. But he knows exactly what he
likes.
He always gets a balcony room so he can step out and see
everything going on below in the atrium, including the checkers table (also a
favorite). Chilling out and listening to the atrium’s live music was even more
special this time since the piano player took one of Nathaniel’s requests and
played the “happy birthday” tune for him as well.
And ask him what’s the best time of day in the atrium, and
you get an instant response.
“Night,” a smiling Nathaniel says, “because it’s so quiet.”
Worth staying up late to soak in, too.
“How late were we here last night in the atrium?” Mike asks.
“Till 1 a.m.,” Nathaniel affirms.
“We shut it down,” Mike says.
“He wanted to sleep in here,” Tracy adds with a laugh.
And it’s why Nathaniel had his heart set on West Baden,
after all.
“Because this is relaxing,” says Nathaniel.