Tucked in among the Orange County hills of Southern Indiana, the beautiful resort community of French Lick/West Baden and neighboring towns of Orleans and Paoli have been welcoming guests on unforgettable Indiana getaways for more than 100 years. The area is home to the French Lick Resort, which is comprised of two historic hotels: the West Baden Spring Hotel, which was built in 1902, and French Lick Spring Hotel, built in 1901.
The resort was recently named “Best Historic Resort” by Historic Hotels of America, and it’s the perfect destination for guests searching for gracious hospitality, ultimate luxury and loads of opportunities for an indulgent vacation experience right here in Indiana.
With school back in session, cooler temperatures on the way and scenic autumn colors ready to pop, fall is a great time to plan a friends’ getaway or romantic escape to French Lick and West Baden in Southern Indiana.
The scenic resort area offers something for everyone from gourmet restaurants and wine tastings to three championship golf courses designed by Donald Ross, Pete Dye and Tom Benedelow. The area also includes a casino and variety of spas, including the Spa at French Lick, which has recently been named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Spas.
Here at Culinary Crossroads, we’re all about fall food fests, and travelers can enjoy a bounty of delicious food and art events and festivals in this scenic area. From bourbon tastings and fall foliage wine cruises to pumpkin festivals and art shows, there are events to enjoy all season long.
We try to include as many events as possible in our Culinary Calendar, but we couldn’t resist including a few more taking place in the French Lick and West Baden area. For a complete listing of events, visit www.VisitFrenchLickWestBaden.com.
Bourbon And Bites
Sept. 15
West Baden Springs Hotel Atrium – Gather your favorite bourbon-loving pals for an evening sampling premium bourbons perfectly paired with a five-course tasting menu. Hosted at the elegant West Baden Springs Hotel, the ambiance offers a cozy backdrop for a romantic night out for couples, too. $95 per person. Reservations required.
Fall Foliage Wine Cruise
Saturdays through Oct. 21
Patoka Lake Marina – Take in the beauty of the fall foliage season with a tour boat cruise on beautiful Patoka Lake and sample wines paired with hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Tours depart from Patoka Lake Marina located inside Patoka Lake State Park (state park gate fee applies). Ticket price includes five to seven tastings of wine, appetizers, dessert and two glasses of your wine of choice. Reservations required.
55th Annual Orange County Pumpkin Festival
Sept. 27-Oct. 1
French Lick – This traditional home-town festival features, crafts, food, music, amusement rides and even a Great Pumpkin parade.
Art On the Green
Oct. 13-15
French Lick Town Green – Grab your gal pals and head to the Town Green in beautiful French Lick for a day of shopping. Find amazing hand-made items like pottery, fiber arts, jewelry, lapidary, painting, photography, textiles, wood and more.
Orleans Fall Fun Fest
Oct. 14
Orleans Town Square – Enjoy a day taking in the beautiful fall colors in historic Congress Square. The Fall Fun Fest includes plenty of food vendors, a 5K run/walk, harvest fair, car show, children’s activities, live entertainment and more.
