Valentine's Day at French Lick Springs Hotel

Celebrate the holiday of love this year at French Lick Resort. Let us count the ways you can say “I Love You” to your special someone at French Lick Springs Hotel. Enjoy a luxury hotel room, romantic dinner, live music, incredible views, a couple’s massage, a chocolate festival and so much more. No matter which activities you prefer, French Lick Resort is the most romantic Midwest Valentine’s destination.

Thursday, February 14 through Saturday, February 16, 2013

Package includes an overnight stay for two at French Lick Springs Hotel and a $150 dinner credit for 1875: The Steakhouse. Packages priced from $289 on Thursday and $319 Friday and Saturday. Package price based on double occupancy and availability and does not include tax or gratuities.

Love is all around at French Lick Resort this February. We will be honoring “true love” with romantic dinners for two as well as chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate at the annual Valentine’s Day Chocolate Festival on Saturday, February 16th. Check the list below for other great ways to spend the holiday. 

1875 Steakhouse – French Lick Springs Hotel

Celebrate your special someone at the resort’s signature restaurant. Enjoy a delectable array of duck confit ravioli, osso bucco or Chilean sea bass. Save room for the chocolate decadence cake drizzled with mocha rum. Available Thursday, February 14th through Sunday, February 17th from 5pm to 10pm.

Sinclair’s – West Baden Springs Hotel

Savor a three-course meal that starts with scallop bisque and ends with a choice of white chocolate raspberry crème brulee or red velvet cheesecake. The entrée is one of Sea Bass, Cornish Game Hen or Filet Mignon. At $75 per person, this special menu will be available from 5pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, February 8th and 9th, Thursday, February 14th and Friday and Saturday the 15th and 16th.

Hagen’s Club House Restaurant – The Donald Ross Course at French Lick

If you prefer a cozier environment for romance, try Hagen’s Club House Restaurant and a bacon wrapped filet topped with Boursin cream sauce, lobster tail, double stuffed baked potato, asparagus and dessert for $35 per person. Served Thursday, February 14th through Saturday, February 16th or while supplies last.

St Anthony/St. Marks Mural Added to Our Town Collection Murals at the Dubois County Museum

Mural artist Kim Schroeder has completed the latest addition to the Our Town Collection Murals at the Dubois County Museum with the addition of St. Anthony and St. Marks mural. This latest addition now joins the murals of Ferdinand, St. Henry/Johnsboro, Holland, Ireland, Portersville/Boone Township, Celestine, Huntingburg, Dubois, Jasper, Haysville, Birdseye, and Schnellville. Murals artists have been Alice Kemper, Tom Schum and Mrs. Schroeder.

St. Anthony and St. Marks communities lie in Jackson Township of Dubois County. The town of St. Anthony was first called St. Joseph, but its name was changed in order to acquire a post office. Joseph Reuber entered the land on July 20, 1839. In George R. Wilson’s History of Dubois County , “It was government land. On April 4 and 5, 1860, Benj. R. Kemp, surveyed the town. The land (for the church) was donated by John Reuber, and deeded to the trustees of the Catholic Church.”. The town of St. Marks was laid out in 1872. The founder was M. B. Cox as trustee. It is located on the Southern Railroad near St. Anthony.

The museum gift shop will have available postcards of the mural series and the newest mural’s postcard. Plaques made from the postcards are available as keepsakes from the gift shop.

The gift shop also has available for sale many historical books of Dubois County towns and cities.

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00-2:00pm, Saturday from 10:00-4:00pm and Sunday 1:00-4:00pm. It is closed on Monday. The Dubois County Museum is a local non profit organization committed to the collection, preservation and interpretation of historical artifacts and information important to the citizens of the county. Museum operations are funded by annual memberships, donations and gifts from visitors, area residents and businesses. Admission is free; donations are accepted.

Local Business Investment Spurs Growth in Spencer County Tourism in 2012

As a new year begins, the Spencer County Visitors Bureau is pleased to report that investment by local businesses helped pave the way for a successful tourism season. More lodging choices, a new water coaster, some additions and improvements in historical attractions, and a new marketing promotion helped make 2012 one of the most successful years for attracting visitors to the county.

“2012 was a great year of growth and it’s wonderful to see local tourism continue to expand and improve,” says Melissa Brockman, executive director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau. “The investment made by local tourism businesses is helping Spencer County become even more popular as a family destination.”

Highlights of the past year include:

•    A new lodging facility, NorthStar Vacation Rentals, opened in Santa Claus;
•    Two new tourism businesses opened: Pepper’s Ridge Winery near Rockport and Jingle Bell Rock Family Sports Pub in Santa Claus;
•    Six additional “Rudolph’s Christmas Cabins” and 67 new golf carts were added at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort;
•    Two new cottages and an outdoor pool with a splash pad were added at Santa’s Cottages;
•    Mammoth, the world’s largest water coaster, was added at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari along with two new special events: Happy Halloween Weekends and Rock the World Christian Music Festival;
•    A new playground was added to the cabin campground area inside Lincoln State Park;
•    The Santa Claus Museum & Village completed the restoration and re-opening of the original Santa Claus Post Office, preserved and opened the historic Santa Claus Church for visitors, and hosted several new special events that were free to the public;
•    A new floating laminate floor was installed at Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum in Rockport;
•    Saint Meinrad Archabbey renovated spaces in St. Bede Hall and Newman Hall, including two large classrooms/conference rooms, 37 guest rooms, and lounge areas;
•    Santa’s Stables added a new horse barn and improved trails;
•    Lincoln Amphitheatre premiered a new signature musical about Lincoln’s Indiana boyhood years, “A. Lincoln: A Pioneer Tale”;
•    The Santa Claus Christmas Store expanded to nearly triple in size for 2012. Two embroidery machines were added to personalize stockings and tree skirts; and
•    A new seasonal campaign was launched by the Visitors Bureau. Fall-O-Weekends promoted weekend packages in September and October, resulting in more than 100 overnight visits booked.
The Visitors Bureau encourages guests to stay overnight and visit county attractions, shops, and restaurants.

For more information about Spencer County as a year-round destination, call (888) 444-9252 or visit www.SantaClausInd.org and www.IndianasAbeLincoln.org.

Also, find Santa Claus, Indiana, and Lincoln’s Indiana Boyhood Home on the Visitor Bureau’s free app for iPhones and Androids by searching “Holiday World & More!” and on any mobile device at http://m.SantaClausInd.org and http://m.IndianasAbeLincoln.org.

Snow’s On!

It’s winter so get out there and enjoy a day –or even an evening – at Paoli Peaks, in the beautiful rolling hills of Southern Indiana. The resort, nestled between the historic towns of French Lick and Paoli, is perfect for all levels of skiers, snow boarders and winter fun enthusiasts. 

Paoli Peaks offers a natural Hill with 300 Ft vertical drop with an average Grade between 10%-15%. The terrain stats are 25% Beginner, 55% Intermediate, 10% Advanced and 10% Expert Park. There’s 1 Quad Chair, 3 Triple Chairs, 1 Beginner Double Chair, 1 Rope Tow and 2 carpets.  The uphill capacity is 11,200 skiers per hour.

Snowboarders get to choose from two terrains:  For beginners, there’s The Bonk, located at the top of the hill next to the Triple Lift.  It has its own rope tow to take you back to the top if you choose not to go down to the bottom of the slopes.  Powerline has more intermediate to advanced features.   

 The resort’s Arctic Blast Snow Tubing Facilities has up to 9 lanes of snow covered, 700 foot long slopes, specially constructed inner-tubes, 400 foot Wonder-Carpet designed to get you back up the hill, and 2,400 square foot day lodge equipped with a concession area, restroom & changing room, and an indoor & outdoor viewing area.

 

Paoli Peaks also has a 45,000 square foot day ski lodge equipped with a Cafeteria-style Restaurant & Pizzeria; a Bully Bar separate from the main eating area; Ski & Snowboard Rental Shop; Pro Shop; Ski Patrol First Aid Facility; Ticket Sales Office; Ski/Ride School; and the Group Sales Office.

Skiers might want to consider the NASTAR Racing program at Paoli Peaks. NASTAR (NAtional STAndard Race) was developed by Ski Magazine in 1968 and is the largest recreational ski and snowboard race program in the world.” Their mission is “to provide a fun, competitive and easily accessible racing program that, through the development of a handicap system, allows racers of all ages and abilities a means to compare their race results to other competitors across the country regardless of when and where they race.”

Sign up now! You can register NASTAR’s website or with us the first time you come out to race.

WHEN:     Wednesday    5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

                Friday               5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

                Saturday          1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

                Sunday             1:00 pm – 4: 00 pm

WHERE:  Paoli Peaks, 2798 West County Road 25 South, Paoli, Indiana; 812-723-4696

WHAT TRAIL:   Beech Grove

HOW MUCH:  $5 = 2 Runs; $10 = Unlimited runs or get a NASTAR Season Pass:                $49 Student Pass (7-17); $69 adults (18+)

                 

 

The Battle of Corydon’s 150th Anniversary Celebration Takes Place This Summer

The Harrison County Convention and Visitors Bureau (HCCVB) is happy to announce that the Indiana State Festival Association (ISFA) has released the 2013 Indiana Festival Guide. The cover of this year’s guide features The 150^th Anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Corydon taking place July 12-14.  A reenactment is held annually commemorating the original Battle of Corydon which took place, July 9, 1863 during the Civil War. The Harrison County 450-member Home Guard attempted to delay General John Hunt Morgan’s 2,400 Confederate soldiers which resulted in a skirmish, killing 18 soldiers and wounding 50 during Morgan’s Raid of the downtown.  

This year’s Battle of Corydon Reenactment will include an additional day of activities that will kick off on Friday the 12^th with a preservation ride and period baseball game.  A town raid, ladies tea, military ball, battle reenactments and other special activities will be held in various Corydon locations on Saturday and Sunday.  All activities are free and open to the public with the exception of a $5.00 parking fee at Hayswood Park.

The Indiana Festival Guide is distributed at various locations around the state, including the Blaine H. Wiseman Visitor Center in historic downtown Corydon and is the state’s largest membership organization for festivals and events.  For additional Historic Corydon and Harrison County festival and event information, visit www.thisisindiana.org or call 812-738-2138.

Let It Snow!

The Candy Castle, Santa Claus, Indiana

Martin County

Dubois County Courthouse Jasper, Indiana

We thought we'd share some photos showcasing the beauty of winter in Southern Indiana.

Announcing Lincoln Amplitheatre's 2013 Schedule

Lincoln Amphitheatre ‘s 2013 lineup includes the second season of A. Lincoln: A Pioneer Tale along with other theatrical productions, concerts, and a Halloween event.

“We want to continue to serve our guests with a full season of event offerings from April to October,” says Dan Wilkinson, executive director for the 1500-seat, covered Lincoln Amphitheatre. “Our guests responded very positively to our 2012 season and told us clearly that they enjoyed the quality and variety of our productions. Our 2013 season is designed to continue to provide our audiences with multiple opportunities to be enriched and entertained.“ 

Celtic Spring Song and Dance

The season will kick off in April with a Celtic-themed concert titled Celtic Spring Song and Dance. It will feature the Louisville-based four-piece Celtic band Guilderoy Byrne along with Kentucky’s Rose of Tralee Annie Wright and the McTeggart Irish Dancers for two performances, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. CDT on April 14.
Tales and Scales presents Mice!

The Evansville-based Tales and Scales performing group will present Mice! Based on the Aesop’s Fable Council of Mice, Mice! tells the story of three mice and their quest to rid themselves of a frightening problem—the farmer’s new pet cat. Tales and Scales will perform twice on May 19, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. CDT, and conduct a behind-the-scenes workshop at 3 p.m. CDT. 

A.Lincoln: A Pioneer Tale

Lincoln Amphitheatre’s signature piece A. Lincoln: A Pioneer Tale will take the stage for its second season in June.

This two-act musical drama written and directed by Ken Jones tells President Lincoln’s Indiana boyhood story through theatre, song, and spectacle. A. Lincoln: A Pioneer Tale will educate and entertain audiences through Lincoln’s journey from Indiana pioneer to President of the United States.
A.Lincoln: A Pioneer Tale will premiere its second season at Lincoln Amphitheatre on Friday, June 7 and run Wednesday to Saturday evenings until June 29 with matinees on Sunday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 26. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. CDT and matinees at 2 p.m. CDT.

Godspell

The Evansville Civic Theatre and Lincoln Amphitheatre will partner for the third consecutive season in producing the Broadway classic Godspell.

Godspell derives from the Gospel According to St. Matthew and is presented in a series of skits and songs with Jesus and his disciples presented as loving clowns. This musical features a musical score of 16 songs by Stephen Schwartz.

Godspell will run Wednesday-Saturday evenings beginning on Friday, July 19 to Saturday, August 3 with one matinee on Sunday, August 4. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. CDT and the matinee at 2 p.m. CDT.

Macbeth

Lincoln Amphitheatre will host the National Players production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Macbeth is not only one of William Shakespeare’s most renowned tragedies, but also President Lincoln’s favorite play.

The National Players presentation of Macbeth will take to Lincoln Amphitheatre’s stage for two performances, September 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

Trail of Terror

Lincoln Amphitheatre will partner with the Friends of Lincoln State Park for the third annual Trail of Terror. This haunted maze features an array of fright each year in the surrounding woods of Lincoln State Park. The Trail of Terror tours will run 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. CDT on October 12, 19, and 26.

An optional homestyle buffet meal will be available for purchase to all of Lincoln Amphitheatre’s event offerings except for the Trail of Terror. Guests must make meal reservations at least three days in advance.
Season tickets on sale January 7.

Season tickets for Lincoln Amphitheatre’s 2013 theatrical season (A.Lincoln: A Pioneer Tale, Godspell, and Macbeth) go on sale January 7. Season tickets purchased before February 12 are $40 a person for individuals ages seven and up. After February 12, the price goes up to $43. Subscribers will also have the option to purchase meal season tickets at the price of $30 a person, a savings of $6. 

For more information about Lincoln Amphitheatre’s 2013 season, visit www.LincolnAmphitheatre.org or call 800-264-4223.