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Joe Lee III
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One More Time
A commentary by Joe Lee III
If you are looking for an easy to get to, extremely relaxing and pleasant weekend retreat, try the River Inn of Harbor Town in Memphis.
The Boss of the House and I stayed there for the first time recently. It is a small “boutique” hotel with only a 28 rooms and suites.
Though some of the larger suites can put a much bigger dent in you pocketbook, the standard room, which we had, is quite adequate and was about $200, including complementary wine at arrival and an excellent breakfast. Parking is free, as is Wifi.
The breakfast, incidentally, is at Paulette’s, which has closed its Overton Square facility and moved to the River Inn. This is not very recent news, but the BOH and I are just now making the discovery!
We also had a delicious evening meal at Paulette’s, after which we enjoyed sitting by the fireplace in the lobby and listening to an excellent piano player.
Sometimes for our weekend “escapes” we go to the Hampton Inn or the Embassy Suites on Shady Grove, just off Poplar at I-240, and eat at either Frank Grisanti’s in the Embassy or Ruth’s Chris a few paces away. In addition to top-notch main courses, Grisanti’s has an excellent Oysters Rockefeller appetizer -- only the Half Shell on Mendenhall is in the same class. Of course, the Memphis Ruth’s Chris’ steaks, service, and ambiance are second to none.
Once we settle in, we only go to restaurants to which we can walk, so that limits our Shady Grove stay to the two previously mentioned.
The Embassy, offers two-room suites, an arrival reception, and free breakfast, but sometimes on the weekend the atrium centered architecture combined with energetic kids can be a bit noisy and active for old folks like us. It has an indoor pool, which makes it a fine place to take kids.
The Hampton next door is usually a little more quiet, also due largely to architecture.
Back at Paulette’s in Harbor Town (on Mud Island), the BOH had a filet and crabcake. She said it was delicious -- and when it comes to crabcake, she is an expert!
I ordered the filet, which ended up being two excellent cuts of meat. It was all great, but we had more than old folks ought to eat. I think next time we will split the crab and filet, order another potato -- she’ll take the crab, and I’ll take the beef.
Paulette’s is reasonably priced and seemed to have a number of local regulars who live in Harbor Town, in addition to hotel guests. There are also of other restaurants in walking distance of the hotel, for those who might want a more casual setting.
Each floor in the River Inn has a library sitting area just outside the elevators that is very comfortable and well stocked with interesting books. Off to the side is a computer room and a game table well-suited for work or even a couples’ game of Rook or Bridge. The door can be closed to avoid disturbing other guests.
The roof features a bar and sitting area with a great view of the river, but it is closed right now because of the cold weather.
All in all, the River Inn is an extremely relaxing getaway for older folks like us, and would be an excellent “romantic weekend off” for a young couple, if grandparents are up to keeping the offspring that long.
Publisher@GrenadaStar.com
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