Spring Into Old Palm Springs
Palm Springs, California, USA
By
Charlie Barrett
In Palm Springs, where "the season" is winding down as the warmer temps approach, I stayed at two distinctively different hotels and even managed to find time to catch the fabulous Palm Springs Follies, a visually stunning song and dance stage show that captures the nostalgia of yesteryear, yet remains timeless in its appeal and entertainment value.
Mel Haber's Ingleside Inn is just a block off the main drag of Palm Canyon Drive. The Spanish Mission-styled Inn is a classy glimpse into historic Palm Springs, the days when moviestars like Greta Garbo, Errol Flynn or maybe Frank Sinatra would flock to the desert hideaway to relax away from Hollywood. You can experience this glamour of ole Palm Springs by visiting the Ingleside Inn, with its fabulous restaurant, Melvyn's (named after owner/operator Mr. Haber, of course). The Inn's bar has the best martini in town. I saw couples dancing in the Inn's atmospheric Casablanca Lounge. Their Sunday afternoon jazz jam sessions are legendary in the area. Melvyn's eatery, which is moderately priced, is a local gathering spot for those that still appreciate classic dishes like Steak Diane (they prepare it tableside), comprising medallions of filet mignon with shallots, French mustard and red wine. The menu also has classics like Fresh Filet of Sole Piccata, Veal Oscar and Roast Rack of Lamb Bouquetiere for two - dishes to balance with their well-rounded wine list that includes Stag's Leap Syrah. Indulge yourself - check into one of the Inn's delightful suites with their own private patio for a stay in PS you will never forget. The Ingleside Inn, 200 West Ramon Rd., Palm Springs, 800-772-6655.
The Springs Resort & Spa is a newly-opened, restored 1930s boutique hotel that cannot be beat for its convenience to downtown and its appeal as an affordable, family friendly property. A breakfast buffet of freshly brewed coffee, fresh fruits, pastries, along with OJ, is included in the room price. Some top end rooms have spa tubs and fireplaces. If you are in the mood for a simple meal of pasta and meatballs, lasagna or maybe cannelloni - walk down Indian Canyon Drive a few blocks from the hotel and dine at Livreri's, a family-owned, local landmark. The Springs Resort & Spa is smoke free. The property has an inviting pool, too. The Springs Resort & Spa, 227 No. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 416-1388.
Beginning again in November is the renowned Palm Springs Follies - a visually stunning stage show comprising retired showgals and showguys from Radio City Music Hall to Vegas. Jack Benny did many of his 1930s radio shows from The Plaza Theatre, home of the PS Follies. Headliners this past season included singers Bill Hayes (late of NBC's soap Days of Our Lives) who had a big hit in 1955 with The Ballad of Davy Crockett and Little Peggy March, who had the 1963 number one hit song, I Will Follow Him. The Follies "long-legged lovelies," as the hilarious and rib tickling MC Riff Markowitz refers to them, are proud to have among their number Ms. Trina Parks, who starred in the James Bond movie Diamonds are Forever. The Palm Springs Follies, The Plaza Theatre, 128 So. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 327-0225.
About the Author
Charlie Barrett is an LA-based travel writer and radio reporter for Cable Radio Network heard each Tuesday morning from 8-8:30am on 100 radio stations coast to coast.
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