Vine + Table: Pamper Mom in French Lick, Indiana
This year, give mom the gift of luxury, relaxation and pure pampering at a nearby vacation destination (for both of you) that doesn't even require airline tickets.

Outside of West Baden Springs Hotel – the famed "Eighth Wonder of the World"

With Mother's Day right around the corner, I've been reminiscing on the gifts I gave my mother when I was younger. The sweet poems I'd write (they always made her cry) and how she lovingly displayed bouquets of hand-picked ragweed and dandelions from the field, or beautiful tulips picked innocently from the neighbor's yard. They were simple gifts, but I know how much they meant to her.

Now that I'm older, and closer to having a family of my own, I've come to understand and appreciate the sacrifices my mother endured to give my brothers and me a magnificent life. If you are anything like me, perhaps you, too, have been pondering more grown-up gift ideas for Mother's Day; something that says, "Mom, you are amazing and this gift is just for you – enjoy!" Well, I have the perfect gift idea that won't break the bank, but will blow her away – a luxury spa weekend at West Baden Springs Hotel at French Lick Resort. My girlfriend Amanda and I planned a girlfriend getaway there, and I am absolutely refreshed, rejuvenated and still awestricken at the fact that this incredible resort is right in our backyard and It's taken me this long to know it exists. A mere three hour drive from Cincinnati, French Lick Resort, made up of two world-class hotels, the West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Springs Hotel – both are historical marvels, replete with all the trappings of a Mother's Day dream-come-true, including rich history, a world-class spa, lavish gardens, gourmet dining, luxury amenities and a Vegas-style casino!

Originally built in 1902, West Baden Springs is part of the famed French Lick Resort. Situated on the 12-acre estate, it's domed silhouette can be seen from miles away, amid tall trees of the beautiful area known for the healing powers of its natural mineral springs. West Baden Springs Hotel is on the National Historic Landmark (NHL) and back then, visitors dubbed it the "Eight Wonder of the World." Upon checking into the hotel, your eyes can't help but to be drawn to the great room, where natural light floods in from the six-story high domed ceiling. The majesty of this hotel is just breathtaking.

Surrounded by architectural elements fit for a queen, there are pieces of Cincinnati history nearly everywhere you look; from the hand-laid tile floor, all the way to the grand atrium fireplace made completely from Rookwood Pottery stone. At the time, the Casinni Co. hand laid more than 12 million marble mosaic tiles, costing the hotel a penny per tile in the 1900s. Only a portion of the original tile work still remains. The massive Rookwood fireplace design depicts a scene of the area's mascot, an elf named Sprudel, pouring magic dust into the springs that flow to the well houses of the resort. The fireplace is said to be valued in the millions and an "irreplaceable" piece of art.

It was the famed mineral springs, and their believed healing and medicinal powers, that originally attracted guests from all over the world in the early 1800s. Today, 150 years later, the mineral baths are still a big attraction for guests, young and old. In fact, you can treat your mom to the world-class spa services at The Spa at West Baden, where she can bathe in the famous mineral springs or spoil her with any of their European spa services. One service I just know she will love is their pomegranate scrub – slough away a season of dry winter skin with this rejuvenating treatment. The pomegranate body scrub is a natural anti-oxidant, enriched with pomegranate extract, honey, and grape seed exfoliating beads. Blended with pure almond and soy bean this scrub leaves your skin feeling balanced and energized. Other first-class spa treatments include Swedish and stone massages, soothing facials, body wraps, hydrotherapy, Vichy capsule showers, microdermabrasion, light therapy, manis, pedis and more. The spa is situated in a two-level Natatorium (indoor swimming area) where you'll also find the hotel's salon, fitness center, hot tub, indoor lap pool and outdoor relaxation pool.

I can't think of a better way to finally tell mom about all of your wild teenage adventures than over a spicy Bloody Mary or other signature cocktails at the hotel's atrium bar – Ballards. The two of you can dine in luxury at any of the resort's 12 restaurants, which range from casual to elegant fare. Once you've had your fill of fabulous epicurean delights, go "all in" at the 51,000 square foot Vegas-style casino and try your hand at the high-rollers table (I hope you have better luck than I did).

Before you leave, take a stroll among the resort's gardens and be sure to take a historical tour where you can learn all about the history and mystery of the Eight Wonder of the World. It will be a weekend that you and your mother will remember forever!

"As Diane Sawyer said when she brought her mother here, "Everyone in America should see West Baden Springs Hotel,'" says Dyan Duncan, Public Relations Manager. "An easy three hour drive from Cincinnati, the resort destination offers plenty of mother/daughter activities including afternoon teas, spa experiences, historic tours and more."

Contact the hotel to learn all about their mother's day specials:
French Lick Resort
 8670 West State Road 56
French Lick, IN 47432
(812) 936-5861

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