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Written By Charlie Barrett
In Palm Springs, where “the season” is winding down as the warmer temps approach -- I stayed at two distinctively different hotels recently… 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 The Springs Resort & Spa is a newly-opened, restored 1930s boutique hotel that cannot be beat for it’s convenience to downtown and it’s 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 up 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, www.springresort.com 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 Number 1 1963 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. Charlie
Barrett, Getaways ™
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. 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. Melvyns 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.