Something to Satisfy All 5 Senses This Fall

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It’s been nice having 100% cooperation from fall so far, hasn’t it?

The first two weeks of autumn has treated us to one idyllic fall day after the next — crisp, foggy mornings, and sunny afternoons with a touch of breeze. More of that, please.

Hopefully that’s a sign of more fall left to live, because autumn here is truly a treat for all the senses. Here’s a way to enjoy each one on your much-needed getaway to French Lick Resort.

 


SMELL the campfire in the air at the Hayride, S’mores and Pumpkin Patch adventure up at The Stables at French Lick. If you do just one activity during your stay, this is definitely the one to star on your itinerary. Because it’s all the best parts of fall, bundled into one. The kids will eat it up. And it’ll bring back memories for the adult kids at heart. Plan a weekend around it – it goes every Thursday and Saturday through October.

 

SEE the canvas of warm fall colors in the Hoosier National Forest. Horseback ride or a hike, anyone? The trail system at the Resort is perfect whether you’re looking to do a shorter, flatter loop or a longer, hillier trek into the woods. The Ferguson Trail (a paved mile-long path running between French Lick Springs Hotel) less rugged, but another good choice for a quick stroll to view fall colors – and maybe some deer, especially if you go in the morning.

With cooler temps this year, the foliage should be at its most vibrant a little earlier. Expect to see peak color between October 15 and November 7.

 

TASTE one of the Hocus Pocus wine slushie flavors, all throughout the month of October at Patoka Lake Winery. When the fall colors are popping, the 30-minute countryside drive from French Lick Resort to Patoka Lake is worth making just for the sights. Never hurts when there’s wine at your destination, either.

Spiced pear, caramel apple, peach lavender and toasted marshmallow are all the Hocus Pocus possibilities. If you’d rather warm up, they have hot mulled wine – you can also pick up supplies to make your own batch at home. You can mix and match wine, slushies and hot mulled wine in a tasting session, and keep your glass as a souvenir. If you visit during the middle of the week, be sure to check out their specials.

HEAR the clip-clop of our carriage horses on the brick road during a horse-drawn ride throughout the West Baden Springs Hotel grounds. (Take note, guys: you’ll score major points surprising your special someone with a carriage ride. And the kids love it too if you’re here with the entire crew.)

Autumn is optimal carriage ride season because it delivers two different experiences depending on what time you go. Head out in the late afternoon, and you’re early enough to drink in that autumn sunshine. Or, go at or after sunset, bring a blanket from the trunk, and enjoy the moonlight vibes.

TOUCH all the fall and Halloween-related activities for the kiddos. At the Resort, you can stop by the Activities Center (outside French Lick Springs Hotel) during Halloween Week to grab a goody bag of candy and paint a ceramic pumpkin to take home.

Within a 10-minute drive, there’s more fall flavor nearby:

• The Psycho Path Haunt, where you can “shoot” zombies and dare to explore a 1-mile haunted trail and maze

• Bledsoe Farms’ corn maze and pumpkin patch – including wagon rides, petting zoo, cow train, jumper pillow and bounce houses, gem mining, apple cider, funnel cakes and more

• More Halloween weekend side trips: October Food Truck Friday (including a beer garden, live music and spooky sing-along) and Fright Night at the Museum with a costume contest and Historic Character Meet & Greet

• Fall Festival of Lights at Wilstem Wildlife Park