Beechwod Country Inn

Located in French Lick, IN, the Beechwood Country Inn is an elegant reminder of an intriguing era of our country.  Built in 1915, the mansion was originally the private home of Charles Ed Ballard, a wealthy local entrepreneur who owned circuses companies and clubs/casinos, including the famous Great Dome Hotel in West Baden Springs during the "roaring twenties".  He entertained rich and famous notables ranging from Irving Berlin to Al Capone.  The Inn has been restored, and many of the furnishings are original pieces of the Ballards.

The restaurant offers a pleasantly quiet atmosphere and palate-pleasing cuisine attractively presented whether it is a lunch soup, sandwich, or salad  or one of the various items on the dinner.  Recently we ordered the filet.  It was very tender, cooked to perfection, and served with Potatoes Anna, and steamed Carrots and Radishes.  Salad was not included, but we ordered a Kentucky Limestone Lettuce Salad   which was delicious with edible flowers and a poppyseed dressing!  We were told that the lettuce is grown in limestone caves--hence its name!  If beef isn't your desire, there are several chicken, pork, and seafood dishes which we hope to sample eventually.  Serving hours are:

Lunch served daily Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Dinner is served daily Tuesday-Saturday from 5:30-10:00 p.m.
Sunday serving hours are 10:30 a.m. - 2:00.

Overnight accommodations feature six rooms upstairs, with period decor, each with a private bath.  And while at the Inn you might be interested in browsing their winery.  They offer free tasting and tours.  The Winery business hours are:

April 1 - December 31 --  Tue, Wed, Thur, Sun - 12-5 p.m., Fri & Sat - 11-8, Closed Mondays
Jan 1 - March 31 -- Friday, Saturday, Sunday -- 12-5 p.m.

Your visit to The Beechwood Country Inn will be a memorable one.  Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and on Sundays.