Birdie Picks
The Quick Getaway: Two Nights in French Lick
Inside ChirpTips and takes for your trip
Book ahead: The Chuckwagon Cookout, your trail ride, and dinner at Sinclair's.
Pack: Something casually nice for dinner, sturdy closed-toe shoes for riding, a swimsuit and a good book.
Togetherness tip: Leave one afternoon completely unplanned. Some of our favorite moments happened when we had nowhere to be.
We tried it, liked it, and would do it again. From quick bites and standout experiences to places worth planning a trip around, these are the picks that earned a spot on our list.
Best for: Couples who want history, a little adventure and real downtime, all in one weekend.
Where to stay: West Baden Springs Hotel, for the dome and the quieter, mostly adult pool scene.
Day 1: Check in and take a few minutes to just look up. Spend the afternoon poolside, then ride the hay wagon out to the Chuckwagon Cookout at The Stables for a fireside dinner, live music and lawn games.
Day 2: Morning trail ride at The Stables. Afternoon by the pool (order the burger). Walk the gardens before dinner, dress up for Sinclair's, then end the night with jazz in the library.
Day 3: Take the long way home. Drive around Patoka Lake, stop for a tasting at Patoka Lake Winery in Birdseye, then grab pizza and house-made ice cream at French Licks downtown.
Have more time? Stay three or four nights so you never have to choose between horseback riding and the pool. A vacation should not require sacrificing pool time unless absolutely necessary.