story by GLENDA WINDERS
Think “French Lick,” and what comes to mind? Historic resorts, elegant spas, casinos, museums, inspired cuisine, and effortless getaways may top the list. This timeless destination offers all that and more, including an inviting collection of venues for life’s special occasions. Throughout Orange County, memorable settings provide the perfect backdrop for gatherings of all kinds. Planning a shower, birthday party, wedding, corporate retreat, family reunion, meeting, or milestone celebration? Decide on the atmosphere you want, then discover a venue to match. From distinctive spaces to experienced professionals ready to help with the details, Orange County makes planning your next event part of the experience.
The iconic resorts are a natural place to begin your search. Together, West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Springs Hotel create a premier Midwest destination, offering an impressive range of spaces, amenities, and services to accommodate nearly any type of event you have in mind.
From relaxing guest rooms to glittering ballrooms, versatile meeting spaces, catering, and all the details that go into a first-rate event, you’ll find an impressive array of options. The resort spas offer the perfect opportunity to pamper brides, corporate guests, family members, or anyone ready for a little well-deserved indulgence. Guests can soak in the mineral waters, following a tradition that dates to the 19th century, or unwind with a relaxing massage or invigorating facial.
If “elegant” is what you’re going for, the 110-acre Blueberry Hill Estate in Paoli is another appealing choice. Choose a wedding setting amid the manicured gardens or atop a scenic hill, then host anything from a grand gala to an intimate affair. The estate house has room for 32 people and can accommodate ceremonies and receptions of up to 400 guests.
Patoka Lake Marina and Patoka Lake Winery combine waterfront views with easy access to boating, lodging and outdoor recreation, all in a relaxed southern Indiana atmosphere. The size of your gathering will help you decide which venue to select. At the Event Center, which accommodates up to 225 guests, your rental will include tables and chairs, a warming kitchen, fireplace, dance floor, small stage and porch area with breathtaking views of Patoka Lake.
The Meeting Room accommodates up to 72 people and includes an attached kitchen with tables and chairs for indoor use. The Overlook Deck will seat 100 participants, and picnic tables and extra chairs make certain that everyone you have invited will have a seat. The Barrel Room is perfect for intimate assemblies of up to 36. Whichever you decide on, arrange for a winery tour during the down times between meetings to entertain and delight your group.
French Lick Winery provides an intimate setting for private events and small celebrations such as rehearsal dinners. They can accommodate groups of up to 100 people for wine-tasting and large groups (up to 50 guests) for dining and enjoying local wines and spirits during business hours. Their “After Hours” option welcomes 30 or more guests for evening festivities.
A venue of a distinctly different kind is The Loft at Wilstem, a unique venue overlooking Wilstem Wildlife Park that offers a one-of-a-kind setting with opportunities to incorporate wildlife experiences into your occasion if you’d like. Your event will take place in the loft of their “Big Red Barn,” which accommodates up to 250 people and is accessible to everyone. The non-smoking space features a dance floor, kitchen area and restrooms. Tables and chairs are included, and the owners can suggest some catering options, too. The views here will most likely be of giraffes and elephants, and you can arrange animal encounters, horseback riding and zip-lining for members of your group.
Like the barn idea? Another possibility is The Event Barn at The Stables back at the French Lick Resort. This rustic yet refined venue is surrounded by the beauty of the horse stables and countryside — and it has a storied past that guests will be talking about long after they have parted company. The original barn was built about 40 miles away in Springville at about the same time the resort was established in the mid-1800s. With an eye to repurposing this piece of history, resort officials had the barn disassembled on its old site and transported here. Pieces of the original structure were used in the construction of the new Event Barn, which can host up to 250 guests for special happenings.
French Lick Farms sprawls over 80-plus peaceful private acres of rolling countryside while still being located just 10 minutes from downtown French Lick. They have room for small group events with a large rustic-modern main lodge, a treehouse and outdoor/RV spaces, allowing families or wedding parties to stay directly onsite.
Bledsoe Farms is a charming rural venue that combines enchanting landscapes, rustic elegance and picturesque farmland to create the ultimate backdrop for what you have planned. They welcome both intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations and promise exceptional service. Depending on the season of your event, guests might be able to pick a pumpkin from their patch or take part in the fall festival.
Regardless of the time of year, all of these venues provide appealing places to hold successful events. Getting married? Hosting a conference? Orange County already has the welcome mat out for you.
For more information visit: timelessfrenchlick.com
