Dancing the Day Away on Catalina

Many people once danced and romanced in the world-famous Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island. Now others who have heard of it but were never there in the glory days will get their chance to hoof it while looking out on Avalon Bay.

A special Tea Dance at the Casino, Nov. 19 from noon to 4 p.m., will feature the music of the Big Band era. Performing will be the Catalina Casino Dance Combo, featuring vocalists singing old favorites from the 1930s and ‘40s.

Cost per person will be $15, which includes a deli-style luncheon. For those who wish to attend the dance only, the cost is $7 per person.

The timing of the dance and luncheon makes it convenient for a day-trip to the island. But for those who wish to stay overnight or longer, individual and group packages are available that include boat transportation, hotel accommodations and sightseeing.

A senior group package (usually 20 or more) can be especially attractive. They also include transportation, sightseeing tours and accommodations. The Pavilion Lodge, in the center of Avalon and near the beach, is a favorite of seniors because half of the hotel is on the ground level with no steps to climb.

For more information on the Tea Dance, call Santa Catalina Island Co. toll-free at (800) 428-2566 or (213) 510-2500.

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The Las Vegas Advisor Recommendations is a perky little four-page newsletter that’s always on the lookout for the best shrimp cocktail, buffet lunch and other specials for its readers.

This month’s issue zooms in on mature travelers, with an informative column filled with discounts, special rates and other helpful information for the senior Las Vegas visitor.

The Tropicana, says writer Anthony Curtis, offers more in the way of valuable discounts than any other Las Vegas hotel property for mature travelers who are 60 or over, or at least members of one of the nationally recognized senior organizations such as AARP.

The Tropicana’s best deal, notes Curtis, is a 25% discount on the hotel’s lowest prevailing rate, as well as a similar discount for the hotel’s Folies Bergere show and the Tropicana buffet. You can also get $10 off on a round of golf, $10 in gaming chips and two free dollars for the dollar slot machine.

Another good deal for seniors, says the newsletter, is offered by the Bourbon Street Hotel/Casino, which has started its own SuperSeniors Club.

Curtis also saw good value in the Hilton Hotel chain’s Senior HHonors plan, which gives a good discount for those age 55 and retired, or just age 60.

Another seniors tip offered by the newsletter: a Las Vegas Transit bus discount may be bought by those age 65 and older; 10 rides cost $3.85 and transfers are 15 cents. You can get a free route schedule of the city by writing to LV Transit, 1550 S. Industrial Road, Las Vegas, Nev. 89102.

There’s more, such as 30% discounts at Gold Coast theaters, Caesars Palace Omnimax or the Liberace Museum, plus a list of places to play bingo or find a “Big Band Bash.”

The consumer-minded newsletter’s standard features include the show and entertainment guide, toll-free reservation numbers and weather forecast for the month.

A sample copy is $2 (mature travelers should ask for the October issue) and an annual 12-month subscription is $20. Write to Huntington Press, P.O. Box 28041, Las Vegas, Nev. 28041.