Well, I thought blogging was going to be super easy...man, it's a lot of work! If anyone has some amazing tips on how to make it easier, I am all ears!
On to more important things...like Spring, my second favorite season at the farm.
Every once in a while when guests come to visit they ask.... What can we do while we are at the farm? Do we have to leave the farm? Will we get bored? #travel
So, I thought I would take on answering this by season and provide a few of our favorite things to do when visiting. This edition is titled: SPRING.
SPRING
MARCH TO MAY
So what is there to do at the farm or around town during March, April and May?? So we purchased the farm in late May 2021 and since it wasn't really planned, we had already booked a vacation for my Birthday in late May. We basically closed on the property and left to come home, packed and flew to Salt Lake City to head out on a 12-day RV trip to explore Utah's Mighty 5. So to date, we have only spent one spring on the farm, and it has officially become my second favorite season. It's not too cold and not too hot and the summer humidity hasn't hit yet - for that reason I really love Spring!
We spent time time in April and then for my Birthday at the farm this past year in 2022.
Some of my favorite things in Spring:
Gardening: The garden was so much fun! We decided to do a salsa garden - tomatoes, jalapeños, red chili peppers, cilantro as well as some zucchini, squash, broccoli and cauliflower. Let's just say our first attempt at a garden had some wins and some losses! The tomatoes, hot peppers, zucchini and squash all did amazing! The broccoli and cauliflower - 👎! Some sort of bugs ate them up!
My favorite was probably the jalapeños! We found a great receipt and pickled them and have had them on pretty much everything since last summer. They were amazing!
Guests loved having a chance to pick fresh vegetables throughout thier stay for their meals!
We spent time at the end of May on the property despite the fact that we had a full house for the holiday. The Lodge, RV sites and Treehouse were full but we still had a chance to hike, walk and explore the property. The weather was perfect and we truly enjoyed spending all our time outside!
Fishing and Hiking: We even spent a bit of time fishing in the pond! We also did a lot of hiking and ended up having to clean up a number of downed trees. There was some weather that came through and each time we get strong winds/rain, we have some clean up work to do. The best part on the backside of that storm were some pretty amazing skys including a beautiful rainbow! But we had just as much time to rest, relax and explore so it was a perfect way to spend my Birthday weekend! #fishing #hiking #farmstay
Golf: Joe had a opportuntiy to enjoy some time with his cousins on the golf course. They took advantage of the beatuful weather and got out for a couple of rounds. The area is truly blessed with some of the most amazing courses within 10-20 minutes from the farm. Even some of the top rated courses within Indiana are about 10 minutes away. The Pete Dye course was ranked the #1 course in the country the year it opened and is a pretty special facility! The Pete Dye Course at French Lick | French Lick Resort #golf #petedye #golfing
Dogwood Festival: We had a chance to experince the Dogwood Festival in Orleans, IN. About 20 minutes from the farm, the town of Orleans is there my husband Joe grew up. It is a super cute town with no chain restaurants, family owned grocery store, a town square and some of the best Pizza around. During the festival the town pulls out all the stops including a town wide yard sale, fair rides, food, crowning the Dogwood Festival Queen, Music, silent auction, Murder Mystery Dinner and a Parade. Lots to see and do throughout the week, be sure to check out the full schedule and don't miss any events!
Arts & Crafts
Carnival Rides
Live Entertainment
Food
Parade
Dogwood Tree Viewing
Plenty of Fun Activities for the Whole Family
Spring Events: Off Property: There are a number of things to do in the area nearby in the Spring - my Spring list includes Easter events, Farmers Market Kickoff and the Dogwood festival!
Here are some things you should check out in the area:
Easter Bunny Express : French Lick Scenic Railway - Easter Bunny Express: April 1, 2023 - Climb aboard the Easter Bunny Express as it departs the French Lick Depot on a trip to the Easter Egg field. Guests 11 & under will have an opportunity to search for eggs and pose for pictures with the Easter Bunny himself. Departure times are 1:00 & 4:00pm Eastern Time.The ride lasts about 2 hours and 20 minutes, with the egg hunt. In the event of inclement weather, the Easter Bunny may decide that hunting eggs in a rainy or stormy field is not the best for safety and instead hand out eggs to the children onboard the train.
Events & Links – Historic Orleans - Orleans connunity Easter Egg Hunt. April 8, 2023 @ 10am
Events & Links – Historic Orleans - Orleans Community Wide Yard Sale
Orleans Dogwood Festival – 54th annual festival showcasing the beautiful Dogwood trees in the Indiana Dogwood Capitol! Enjoy the parade, carnival rides, music and so much more! April 22, 2023 to April 29, 2023 - (812) 865-9930
French Lick Scenic Railway - Visit the Indiana Railway Museum: Take a trip back in time at the Indiana Railway Museum. Located in nearby Jasper, the museum offers train rides, exhibits, and a chance to learn about the history of the railroad industry in Indiana.
Hoosier National Forest - Home (usda.gov) - Explore Hoosier National Forest: With over 200,000 acres of forest to explore, Hoosier National Forest is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, fishing, and kayaking are just a few of the activities you can enjoy in the park.
Hotels | French Lick Resort - Relax at the French Lick Springs Hotel: This historic hotel offers a range of amenities, including a spa, golf course, and multiple restaurants. Take a tour of the hotel and learn about its fascinating history, or simply relax on the porch and take in the beautiful scenery.
Hotels | French Lick Resort - Tour the West Baden Springs Hotel: Another historic hotel in French Lick, the West Baden Springs Hotel is known for its stunning atrium and luxurious spa. Take a tour of the hotel and learn about its history as a popular destination for wealthy vacationers in the early 20th century.
Lark Valley Ziplines - Go for a ride at the French Lick Zip Line: If you're looking for a thrill, head to the French Lick Zip Line. Soar through the treetops on one of the multiple zip lines, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding forest. (812) 295-9000 • 10400 US-150 SHOALS, IN 47581
Orange County HomeGrown - Home - Attend the Orange County HomeGrown Farmers Market: If you're visiting on a Saturday during the summer, be sure to stop by the Orange County HomeGrown Farmers Market. Local vendors offer fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
Orleans, Indiana - Opening Day Saturday May 20, 2023
Come see us every Saturday Beginning May 20th from 8 AM to 12 PM. ​
French Lick, Indiana - Opening Day Tuesday June 6, 2023
Visit us in French Lick every Tuesday beginning June 6th from 9 AM to 1 PM ​
11. Hoosier National Forest - Springs Valley Trail and Boat Launch (usda.gov) - Take a hike at Springs Valley Trail: Located in nearby Mitchell, Springs Valley Trail offers a scenic hike through rolling hills and lush forest. Don't miss the stunning views from the top of the fire tower.
12. French Lick Winery - Visit the French Lick Winery: Sample some of Indiana's best wines at the French Lick Winery. Take a tour of the winery and learn about the winemaking process, or relax on the outdoor patio with a glass of your favorite vintage. 8145 W Sinclair St, West Baden Springs, IN 47469 (812) 936-2293
Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or get your adrenaline pumping, West Baden/French Lick, Indiana has something for everyone. Book your summer vacation @FrenchLickFarms today and start exploring all that this charming destination has to offer.
Book online today @ https://www.frenchlickfarms.com/reserve
What are you planting in garden this year?