A pair of historic hotels was the setting for delightful family birthday weekend.
Family Fun at a Historic Hotel
The French Lick Springs hotels were originally built around mineral springs said to cure everything from blindness to baldness. Visitors once flocked here to partake of the waters in various spa treatments as well as for rest, recreation, and a bit of then illegal gambling. Now the gambling is legal, and the water goes undrunk since testing by the EPA turned up trace amounts of lithium, (which might explain why guests were OK with cures that didn’t really work). Once again visitors are coming for the sports, shopping entertainment and gambling.
I was there with the 4 Myers girls, celebrating Pamela’s birthday. Pamela Myers is a Tony nominated actor and singer with a big voice who is apt to burst into song whatever her surroundings Her mother Virginia, never misses an opportunity for fun and always enjoys a well made martini. At 92, she appears to have given up self editing, and is a constant source of hilarity. Pam's sisters are warm and funny; Nancy surprisingly down to earth considering her intimidatingly high IQ.
The French Lick Springs Hotel as it stands today was built in 1901. The lobby, all gilt and faux marble (scagliola-a labor intensive ancient Roman technique whereby plaster is fabricated into a convincing rendition of marble) is lovely but almost oppressive in its elegance, but a short drive down the road, the newly reopened sister resort, West Baden Springs, is an architectural gem.
The Glorious West Baden Springs Hotel
The second largest self supporting dome in the entire world, the 7 story is lobby filled with dancing light. A monumental space with an intimate feel, the atrium is like Audrey Hepburn in her little black dress; a bone structure so exquisite that little decoration is needed to set off almost ethereal beauty. The lobby is luxurious in non-intimidating way, and a delightful place to sip a tasty and reasonably priced cocktail and share a laugh with the Myers girls. The 246 Guest Rooms (start at $180 per night) all overlook the atrium, some with balconies.
History You Can Wear
Browsing the shops was almost as historical as the Landmarks Foundation Tour. The Landmark shop offers assorted and interesting remakes of vintage items such as shoes from the 1930’s You can pick up an authentic straw boater or wool felt fedora. On display in the jewelry store was a lovely selection of estate jewelry including a diamond and platinum watch from the ‘20’s. Also on offer was a brand new line of reproductions of some of Jackie Kennedy’s favorite jewels. Displays included photos of the first Lady wearing the original pieces. The birthday girl picked up a high quality replica of a diamond bracelet, a gift to the First lady from Grace Kelly. There's also a sizeable display of vintage hotel related advertising and collectibles. The French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels boast glorius architecture and fabulous shopping. Oh, and there's a casino and spa there, too.
