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Special Events & Local Attractions
Our
visit happened to fall upon the weekend that had the most events and
festivals for the entire year! We were lucky enough to catch the 6th
Annual Palm Springs Car Classic Show that had hundreds of vintage
cars displayed along the entire length of Palm Canyon Drive. 
Hot
rod, classy and custom car owners come here to display their wheels.
Featured also with this show is an auction and a car competition. This
show is a must for car collectors and enthusiasts. Tel: 818/225-8828.
Website:www.palmspringscarclassic.com.
I
once had an ignorant ex-boyfriend tell me not to go running anymore
because I was in my late 30's and might injure myself. That guy should
have seen the babes in The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. The
minimum age requirement to be in the show for men and women is 54! The
Follies is a two and a half hour song and dance vaudeville style production,
showcasing seniors like you've never seen them-- as comedians, jugglers,
showgirls, tap dancers and more! This show will rival any Broadway production,
trust me.
The Follies is the brainchild of Riff Markowitz, 61, a former TV producer
who retired to Palm Springs in 1989 but didn't want to play golf because
he didn't like the clothes. (Can you blame him?) So instead, when the
Plaza Theatre came up for sale he jumped on it and decided to produce
one of the most successful shows Palm Springs has ever seen. The Follies
plays to sold out audiences nearly every night with Riff as emcee of
the show.
It was an inspiration to watch people in their 60's, 70's and yes, 80's,
perform song and dance numbers like they were teenagers. The show is
an all out extravaganza with opulent costuming, elaborate stage sets
and of course, the tireless performers. The show even has senior headliners.
Singer Frankie Laine (famous for the TV theme song Rawhide) starred
while we were there. (He had just celebrated his 87th birthday.) Other
headliners include Peter Marshall, Julius La Rosa and Anna Maria Alberghetti.
The finale is AWESOME. DO NOT, repeat,
DO NOT miss this! At the Plaza Theatre. Reservations are essential!
128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA. Tel: 760/327-0225. Website:
www.psfollies.com.
We Love the Nightlife, We Want to Boogie
One of the coolest places in town is Muriel's. Reminiscent of a 1950's upscale supperclub, you almost expect to see The Rat Pack walk in at any moment. Small cozy tables, comfortably cushioned chairs, good food and great entertainment make this a Palm Springs hot spot. If you're a swing dancer or just want to see some great ones in action, you're in the right place daddy-o! Swing and jazz bands frequently perform here and the night we dropped by we caught The Bill Wolfer Jazz Trio pumping out some boss tunes. There's an upstairs area that gives you a birds' eye view of the dance floor while you dine on the peanut butter veal chop or a grilled filet of beef. This is the place to see and be seen, so put on your sharkskin suit or sexy little black dress and join the smart set. 210 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA. Tel: 760/325-8839. Website: www.muriels.com.
If you prefer to be a bit more laid back and your taste runs towards the blues, check out the Blue Guitar. Owners Kal David and Lauri Bono, recording artists themselves, perform regularly at the club. They feature some of the best blues and jazz artists in the country. 120 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA. Tel: 760/3271549.
Local Lip
I asked some of the locals "What brought you to Palm Springs?" Here's what they had to say:
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And further more
I know very well that Palm Springs is famous for it's many golf courses and tournaments. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to hit 18 holes. For info about the public courses and other area attractions visit www.palmsprings.com.
You can also find out up-to-the-minute info about events, attractions and desert happenings in Palm Springs by visiting www.palm-springs.org.
Palm Springs Black and White Photo Gallery
Check out my black and white photos.
A Farewell to Palms
And
just like that, it was over. We absolutely loved this trip. On our
last day we took one more ride down Palm Canyon Drive savoring our last
moments in Le Palm. Babs and I both agreed we should have had a few
more days here...but isn't that always the case when you're someplace
you really like?
Keep some souvlaki hot for us Dino-because I know we'll be back!
Ta, till next time!
Anna Collins also writes The Lighter Side of Travel and is author of the best-selling parody Women are From Bras, Men are From Penus. Email Anna at AnnaCollins@bellsouth.net