Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we could get a taste of Palm Springs without the trek to California?
Well, you can probably guess from that kind of setup that we have a suggestion for scratching that mid-century itch.
It’s called Interstate Inn in Stephenville, Texas, about 90 miles from Dallas.
We had the privilege of staying at the motel with the mostest during the property’s opening weekend this past January. We can’t wait to go back now that we can actually lounge by the pool and live out our best Mad Men–meets-Austin-Powers fantasies.
The completely refurbished motor lodge has impeccable design details throughout, including one room with a quarter-operated Magic Fingers bed and another with a wave-inducing waterbed.
No detail has been spared and the whole place delivers a retro-chic vibe from the moment you enter the spectacularly appointed lobby (complete with plush, hot-pink carpet on the upstairs landing). Then, it’s off to your room to change into a swimsuit to enjoy the last few weeks of gorgeous pool weather.
Best of all, when you stay at the Interstate Inn, enjoy the opportunity to dine at Stephan Pyles’ onsite restaurant, The Seeker. Not only is he one of the most famous gay chefs in the nation, he’s one of the most talented chefs in the world.
Fans of his last restaurant in Dallas, Stampede 66, will recognize several of his modern Texas cuisine classics from the menu of the former Uptown restaurant.
You can order signature dishes such as the Original Southwestern Caesar, SP’s Honey-Fried Chicken, lobster tamale pie, Shiner Bock beer bread, watermelon rind pickles, butterscotch pudding and Heaven and Hell Cake.
Or you can go all-in with a weekend culinary experience for $1250 per person (double occupancy) or $1500 per person (single occupancy).
It’s a splurge indeed, but you’ll be treated to several exclusive upgrades. These include a welcome reception with cocktails and appetizers, a cooking class led by Pyles in The Seeker’s Cork Room, followed that evening by a curated dinner prepared by the iconic chef. As if that’s not enough, you’ll also enjoy Sunday brunch before you head back to Dallas.
Rooms start at $275 per night on weekdays and $305 per night on weekends. Complimentary coffee, pastries and whole fruit will be delivered to your door each morning.
A trip to the Interstate Inn makes for an ideal road trip that doubles as a little bit of time travel.
Minus Michael J. Fox in his Calvins.
The Interstate Inn
811 East Road, Stephenville
theinterstateinn.com
