Summer’s gotta wind down eventually. But the good news is: a) it doesn’t have to wind down as early as you think, and b) there’s still plenty of ways to relish the last precious days of summer in and around French Lick Resort.
Here’s 10 ideas to get you started:
Labor Day Weekend
Don’t call it the unofficial end of summer; just call it a great place to enjoy the long weekend. Don’t miss the pie eating contest on Saturday and free cookies on the veranda late Sunday afternoon, plus the pool party at French Lick Springs Hotel and a cookout/cash bar at West Baden Springs Hotel. Plus, the usual attractions like live music, s’mores and lawn games at French Lick Springs Hotel, and signature West Baden events like Afternoon Tea and Wine & Canvas. (September 2-4)
Grand Funk Railroad
Speaking of Labor Day, add this to your three-day weekend itinerary
if you haven’t already. We can’t wait to (finally) have Grand Funk Railroad
here in concert as their initial 2020 show got pushed back on account of the
pandemic. It’s happening for real this time, and there’s still time to grab your tickets. (September 2)
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Vintage Week
Honoring the way things used to be, Vintage Week is a chance to get
a glimpse into the past around the West Baden Springs Hotel grounds. If you’ve
never caught a Vintage Base Ball exhibition on the hotel lawn, it’s a must-see.
Stick around for the special tours, live ragtime music, and vintage cars on display
in the hotel atrium. (September 7-14)
Craft Beer Tasting
Beer. Good friends, or that special someone. A unique
five-course tasting menu. What more do you need for a Friday night? (Oh, and
did we mention it’s under the dome with a spectacular view of the West Baden
Springs Hotel atrium?) Make plans now for Craft Beer Tasting (September
9) and give yourself a unique night out to look forward to.
And if wine is more your jam, the following day features
Cheers to Pallet Painting and Wine & Canvas, both on September 10.
Unique West Baden Springs Hotel Tours
There’s still a few opportunities to see West Baden Springs Hotel
like you never have before — the season's final Twilight Tour told by costumed characters is September 17,
or catch a Behind the Scenes Tour on September 8 or 22.
Small-Town Festivals
It’s festival season in our local communities, and you’ll want
to venture out to experience all the sights, sounds and tastes in our area:
Even if you don’t make it here this weekend, Bear Hollow
Wood Carvers located downtown is a fantastic local shop to browse and find one-of-a-kind wood-carved
items to take home.
Paoli
Fall Festival: The 10-minute drive to Paoli is worth it, for food vendors,
music, crafts, a parade and other family-friendly fun on the Historic Paoli
Square. (September 9-11)
Orange
County Pumpkin Festival: There’s a little taste of something for everyone
here, and we’re not just talking about the street food vendors. Head over to
the French Lick Town Green (just across the highway from French Lick Springs
Hotel) for everything from carnival rides to, Primitive Pro Wrestling, along
with family-friendly games and entertainment plus four nights of live music
ranging from country to rock to blues. (September 28 – October 2)
Archery
When you’re wanting to squeeze in every last bit of outdoor
time during the late summer, be sure to book an experience at our brand-new archery range. It’s kid-friendly (for most little ones 5 and older), beginner-friendly
and the perfect way to spend a few hours out in nature. (Daily, 9:00 a.m. –
3:30 p.m.)
Dinosaur Adventure Train
If the kiddos already need an escape from the school
routine, escape for an afternoon of prehistoric adventures. You’ll board the
train on the French
Lick Scenic Railway for a trip back in time to the Jurassic period, to
learn more about the age of dinosaurs and the other creatures who lived them. Once
they arrive at the Paleo Adventure Camp, young guests will discover basic
concepts in natural science, prehistoric history, and paleontology, featuring a
live reptile encounter and fossil dig. (September 10, 11, 17 & 18)
Patoka Lake Wildlife Boat Cruises
For an excellent midweek day trip, head to Patoka Lake (a 30-minute
drive from the resort) and hit the water for a Wildlife Boat Cruise. Keep your
eyes peeled for wildlife like osprey, eagles, heron, loons and beaver, and see
why USA Today named Patoka Lake best for wildlife viewing in Indiana. Afterward,
hit Patoka Lake Winery for a tasting or a wine slushie. The only tough part is
choosing. Their 16 tasty slushie flavors range from Peach Margarita to Cherry
Coke to PB&J. (Wildlife Boat Cruises every Wednesday through September
28; 10 a.m. – noon)
Patoka’s popular Sunset Wine Cruises also run from September
10 – October 22 for a more spirited way to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
Bledsoe Farms
Have you been to Bledsoe Farms yet? It just might be your
favorite new family spot outside of the resort. Their corn maze and pumpkin patch
start September 17 – there’s the big corn maze, or the smaller flower maze (on the right) for a shorter experience that’s also good for the littler kids. From hayrides
and a petting zoo to bounce houses, jumper pillow and a mega slide, the kids (or
even the big kids) could spend all day here. (Saturdays & Sundays, September
17 – October 30)
Post Up at the Pool
A bonus 11th item: our outdoor pools don’t shut
down for the season at Labor Day. They’re open through September and into
mid-late October, depending on the weather. Here’s hoping this mild August weather
stays right where it is for a few months, to allow you to soak up every last ray
of summer and then some.