Step Back in Time at Southern Indiana’s West Baden Springs Hotel During Vintage Week
One of my all-time favorite movies growing up was the cult classic A League of Their Own. I’m not exactly a baseball fanatic, but I can’t resist nostalgic films that give me a peek into the past. I’m such a retro enthusiast that I even moonlight at a speakeasy here in Evansville. There’s something so magical about seeing people dressed in 1920s attire and really getting into the spirit of it. So when I heard about the upcoming Vintage Weekend at West Baden in French Lick, Indiana, I was immediately intrigued.
Why is Vintage Weekend a Big Deal at West Baden Hotel?
Often affectionatly called "The Eighth Wonder of the World," the West Baden Springs Hotel looks like it’s straight out of a movie. Since opening in 1852, this historic gem, named after Wiesbaden in Germany, has been a key spot for Southern Indiana tourism, hosting numerous celebrities and world-renowned guests.
From September 11-15, you can experience the West Baden Hotel in a very unique way. It’s Vintage Week, where you can immerse yourself in the charm of the past with throwback experiences, special tours, live nostalgic music, and vintage baseball exhibitions on Saturday and Sunday afternoons where you can catch teams playing the old-fashioned way, sporting classic 1800s uniforms and following vintage rules!
What's Featured at Vintage Week at West Baden Hotel?
In a recent facebook post, the hotel outlined everything that will be available that weekend:
Marvel at classic cars like the 1926 Model T and 1931 Model A in the hotel atrium, bringing back the elegance of yesteryears.Behind the Scenes Tours
Explore the hidden corners of the hotel on September 12 from 2 PM to 4 PM. Discover spaces that served the hotel’s first guests and see how they’ve been repurposed today.Bourbon & Bites
Indulge in a five-course tasting menu paired with select bourbons on September 13 at 7 PM in the atrium. A smooth experience not to be missed!Pluto Tappers Live
Enjoy a mix of ragtime, gospel, and military tunes with a bluesy twist on September 14 from 11 AM to 4 PM and September 15 from 10 AM to 3 PM at East Park.
Vintage Base Ball Games
Experience America’s pastime from its earliest roots on September 14 and 15. Enjoy free admission to games played with 1800s rules at Sprudel Field. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for comfy seating!
Pour a Glass, Paint a Craft
Unleash your creativity with a wine glass in hand on September 14 at 4 PM in the Caddy Sinclair Room. Paint a wooden door hanger to take home!
Historical Trolley Tours
Join our historian on September 16 at 11 AM for a trolley tour of French Lick and West Baden Springs.
What Else is There to Do at West Baden Hotel?
If you’ve never been to West Baden for a getaway, I highly recommend it. A couple of years ago, my husband, daughter, and I spent a weekend there, and we had a fantastic time just relaxing at the hotel and exploring its amenities. They offer a little bit of everything: indoor and outdoor pools, billiards, bowling, horseback riding, hiking, sporting ranges, biking, pickleball, yard games, movies, live music, and activities for kids, including a children’s center. Plus, there’s a historic trolley that adds a special touch to the experience! They also offer various special events and concerts.
How to Book
Visit their website to learn more.
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