Weekend at West Baden (or how I took my beloved away and found a new love)

We started out the weekend on Friday afternoon by stopping for lunch in Paoli at this restaurant on the square. Any time we head south we try to time it so we can eat a meal there.

And, to drink a margarita. (I wasn't driving.)

In December, I received a coupon for "buy one, get one night" for one of the two hotels at French Lick. I chose West Baden because I had never stayed there. Duggles didn't know where we were going. For years they have called it "The Carlsbad of America."

Beautiful interior of the dome... Nothing like roses to say welcome on Valentine's weekend...

This guy was comfy while he was chattin' it up. I love to spy on people through my lens.
The dome by night. It gradually changes colors.
Our room.I loved this unique lamp with the clock in it. It kept perfect time. I've never seen anything like it before. Wouldn't it be fun to own one? Two huge windows with lovely gauze shades. Plenty of lady bugs to keep us company. I don't know if that means spring isn't far away or if it is just part of the experience of staying in a hotel in southern Indiana. Duggles bought a lady bug jibbitz charm to wear in one of my crocs to remember them by. Little frig beneath.
Vanity. It was lovely, but too dark to see. Even with the light-up make-up mirror. Everyone needs a phone in the bathroom. I suppose it might come in handy if you want to order a pizza or if you fall and can't get up...

Colorful live flowers. On Saturday afternoon, Duggles and I played backgammon, enjoyed a bottle of wine and had a little picnic of bread and cheese in the atrium.
While this young lady played soothing harp music for us.

I thought this was lovely. It hung over the stairs on the way to the pool.

On Saturday morning, we swam and enjoyed the hot tub. Whenever I go swimming I think "why don't I do this more often?"

At the spa.

Intriguing light fixtures everywhere.

Old trains on the grounds. One account found here regarding Pluto Water.

Before heading home on Sunday afternoon, we drove around the countryside exploring. We had a very tasty pulled pork barbecue sandwich at this place near Patoka Lake. For those of you who haven't enjoyed food from a road side gas station/convenience store...don't knock it till you try it!
My new love. This amazing shower head. Ahhhhhh.... I also never slept on a more comfortable mattress, either. I actually pulled back all of the blankets to see what kind of mattress it was. The hotel was spotless. Except for the lady bugs. Aren't they supposed to be good luck?

Bill Cook donated over four hundred million to restore West Baden and it is on the register of national historic places. Thanks, Bill. It is absolutely lovely.