West Baden Springs Hotel

On Saturday Michael and I took a day trip to French Lick, Indiana and got to see the newly renovated West Baden Springs Hotel. It is often referred to as the "eighth wonder of the world" for it's natural mineral springs and for the incredible dome in the hotel. It is/was the largest dome in the world and was built in a year's time. This hotel is incredible. I couldn't help but gush when I saw it. It is enormous, breathtaking, and slightly eerie. Even though it was bustling with people, it was deathly quiet in the hotel and on the grounds. It gave off an eerie sort of Overlook Hotel vibe (check out "The Shining"). All the rooms circle the dome and many people had balconies facing the dome and doors that were wide open. Michael even commented that he expected to see a jumper fall from a window. The hotel was incredible, but creepy nonetheless. After the hotel we went to the casino. Evidently in order to meet criteria for having a casino in the state of Indiana you must be on water. So what did they do? The put in a tiny man-made pond and parked the casino in front of it. Yeah, a bit weird, but an ingenious way around the rules.

After that excitement we had to check out the Winery. I was impressed that it was so good for a small town. Not only did they have the winery, but they put a restaurant and a store in the warehouse as well. Overall, French Lick is well worth the gas it took to get there.