Happy Birthday Larry
The Hick from French Lick
In past posts, I have highlighted some small towns that love to celebrate their hometown hero. Well, there are few smaller towns than French Lick, Indiana…and few bigger hometown heroes than NBA Legend, Larry Bird. Today is Larry’s birthday. So, let’s wish Larry…”Happy Birthday”…take a look at how French Lick celebrates Larry.
Averaging over 30 points, 20 rebounds and 4 assists per game, Larry dominated at Springs Valley High school. Then, he went on to a failed year of attempting to play for Bobby Knight at Indiana U. Following that failure, he successfully brought national prominence to the previously unknown Indiana State U. During those years, he lived in the Washington Street home shown above before signing his NBA contract with the Celtics.
French Lick during the NBA
For the first years with the Celtics, Larry continued to maintain a residence in the NBA. The new house is no 10 million dollar mansion, but its likely the nicest place in French Lick.
Larry’s first NBA home has 6 bedrooms, a pool, and a tennis court. Furthermore, there is also a full basketball facility on the property where commercials and movies have been filmed. As Larry now lives in Naples, FL, and has sold the French Lick property, the condition of the basketball facility has declined. The house still looks in good shape and can be yours through Airbnb for about $1600 per night. True fact…look it up.
The Tribute Trail
As you might expect, the town of French Lick is littered with Larry Bird tributes. I visited French Lick with my good friend, Goosebuster. It was our goal to find all the tributes. Naturally, there is a street in his name and a bust near his high school/rec center.
My favorite Larry Bird tribute was the chain saw carving. They had Bigfoot too. And, I never miss and opportunity to take a picture with Bigfoot.
After an afternoon of creeping on Larry stuff, you must end your day with dinner/drinks at 33 Brick Street. Its a classic sports bar loaded with NBA paraphernalia with a particular emphasis on #33. However, 33 Brick Street does not serve PBR.
For completeness, its worth mentioning that Larry’s high school gym also has some impressive tributes to their hero. However, for reasons unclear to me, school officials would not let strange, upper-middle aged men wander the halls of their high school.
Wrap It Up
To be fair to French Lick tourism, the town is also home to a luxury resort and casino complex. So, if you are in town, the Larry Bird tribute trail is not your only entertainment option. Sadly, Goosebuster said he would get in trouble if we went to the casino. So, we never saw the inside of the resort and lodged at the Best Western Plus. Oh well. Happy Birthday Larry. Have a wonderful day. PT
I hope you have enjoyed reading “Happy Birthday Larry” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.
Here is another small town/hometown hero story https://travelingwithpt.com/newcomerstown-birthplace-of-legends/
If you want to plan you trip to French Lick, here you go https://www.frenchlick.com/blog/take-the-self-guided-larry-bird-tour-through-french-lick/
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