A trip back in time

During BBAW week, you may have heard me bemoaning the fact that I had scheduled a vacation during the busiest week of a book blogger's year. I did manage to sneak in computer time when my husband's head was turned. But I didn't suffer too much...I wanted to show you where we went.

Have you ever heard of French Lick, in southern Indiana? (No rude comments, please.) Where Larry Bird grew up? Actually, we were right outside French Lick, in a town called West Baden (named after Wiesbaden Germany). This area is known for their mineral springs. Located right off a railroad, our resort was originally built in 1852 as a swanky place for the wealthy to come and stay to enjoy the healing powers of the springs. After a fire in the early 1900's, the owner decided to expand big. He built what would be the largest unsupported dome in the US until the Houston Astrodome was built in the '60's, and was deemed by some as the Eighth Wonder of the World. But the Great Depression forced the facility into financial ruin. The property was used as a Jesuit seminary and a private college over the years, then fell into disrepair. In 1992, a wealthy businessman from Bloomington Indiana invested a half billion to restore West Baden Springs Hotel to its former glory, as well as the French Lick Springs Hotel, located right down the road. Today the area not only attracts tourists to these two hotels, but a casino and a mecca for golfers (us!). In 2009, AAA recognized this resort as one of the top 10 historic hotels in the US.

It was truly like a trip back in time. You could almost close your eyes and imagine yourself in the early 1900's, strolling arm-in-arm through the gardens in our fancy, tailored clothes and fancy hats.




The entrance into the West Baden Resort property. You can see the old railroad tracks at the bottom of the picture.



The steps leading to the front entrance.



The lobby is beautiful, but is really just a tiny little appetiser leading up to the main attraction...



The infamous dome that makes your mouth hang open, idiot-like, when you first see it.

At night, the ceiling of the dome glows, changing colors and mesmerizing anyone hanging out in the bar. On the weekends, there is a gentleman that entertains by playing soft piano music, but during the week, you can almost hear a pin drop in this room.

The world's most comfortable lounging chair, located in the dome. Good for reading or sleeping - we witnessed both.



Our hotel room



The sunken gardens outside the hotel. These were refurbished to their original design.





Graveyard of the Jesuit priests

Some friendly resident goats, looking for a piece of food or clothing to nibble. The resort has horses too, but they were off frolicking when we walked back to the stables to visit.

And I saved the best for last...the library. I left my husband standing at the front desk, and wandered in here like a zombie in a trance...

They had an amazing selection of antique books. This particular book was published in 1817, appeared to be titled "The London Essayists", and contained various letters dated in the early 1700's. It was in its original leather-bound cover. I'm wondering if I should have even been touching it.

We also managed to squeeze in a couple of rounds of golf while we were there too. The terrain is very hilly in southern Indiana, making the game a little challenging. Nothing that a cold Stella Artois on tap couldn't cure, however.

Amazing, eh? You would never imagine such a haven of peace in the middle podunk Indiana, but there it is. If by some miracle you ever have the chance to visit, this is not to be missed!

For more information on the West Baden Resort, click here for UpTake's website.