BEYOND BACCARAT G A M I NG I S ON LY ON E OF M A N Y OP T IONS A T T H E SE C A SI NO R E SORT S REBECCA TREON
T
he best casino trips involve much more than gaming. Though the thrill of gambling is always a draw, the activity options are endless. Casino resorts are destinations in themselves, with shopping, spas and fitness offerings, pool decks, entertainment, dining and golf courses. Near the resorts, natural attractions feature water sports, snow sports, trails for hiking or biking, and activities coordinated just for groups. Many travelers on group tours will appreciate the variety of choices they have to explore both on and off the resorts during free time. These five casino resorts offer every type of amenity imaginable, from live concerts to horseback riding. Travelers may want to take a chartered fishing boat into the Gulf of Mexico near Biloxi, Mississippi; shoot clay pigeons in West Baden, Indiana; peruse the art galleries of Santa Fe, New Mexico; hike the trails of Lake Tahoe, California; or dance the night away at a nightclub in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With a balance between the fun group activities within the resort and the myriad options for lovers of the outdoors, these destinations offer enough options to keep groups entertained for days.
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FRENCH LICK RESORT
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FR E N CH LI CK , I N DIANA
Founded in 1845, French Lick Resort comprises two historic hotels. They were founded to draw visitors to its healing natural spring waters. The famed Pluto Mineral Bath is still a popular treatment at one of the two five-star spas at the resort. “Our hotels offer unique activities for groups,” said Hilary Burton, sales system analyst. “We have veggie races, where teams build cars out of vegetables and race them; a culinary class with a chef; an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt; bubble soccer; a selfie trail throughout the resort; wine and canvas; the Wild West Challenge with cowboy-themed activities; and group fitness options like yoga and 5Ks.” The casino offers table games like blackjack, craps, roulette and poker, plus slots and sports betting. The resort is home to four award-winning golf courses and several golf tournaments. There are nearly 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding backed up against the Hoosier National Forest, and there is a stable and bicycle rental on-site at the resort. The dual resorts have both indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, and feature an arcade with a bowling alley and video games. There are nearly 20 shopping options, from boutiques offering equestrian merchandise to artisan crafts. The numerous wide-ranging dining options include a steakhouse, a chef’s table in the kitchen, pool-side deli service and a pizzeria. A historic restored trolley and walking tours are a great way for groups to explore the resort’s history. FR E NCHL ICK .COM
WEST BADEN SPRINGS HOTEL AT FRENCH LICK RESORT Courtesy French Lick Resort
BEAU RIVAGE SHOW
FALLEN OAK GOLF COURSE AT THE BEAU RIVAGE RESORT Courtesy Beau Rivage
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GROUP T HE
TRAVEL LE ADER
Courtesy Beau Rivage
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019
