Rare Chance to See a Film at Hearst Castle

Savor dinner on the Casa del Mar sunporch and enjoy a vintage movie in the San Simeon landmark's private theater.

RARE FUN AT HEARST CASTLE? You'd be forgiven if your mind immediately alights upon the landmark property's two iconic swimming pools, when hearing those words. We're speaking of the Neptune Pool (that's the swimming hole found under the stars) and the Roman Pool (that's the tiled wonder found indoors), two features typically closed to the public, at least for swimming. The celebrated splash spots have, however, opened to members of the Foundation At Hearst Castle who purchased a once-in-a-lifetime ticket to don a bathing costume and go wading. Now another once-in-blue-moon moment has come along, and, yes, it is again directed toward foundation members. But? You can join the foundation, oh yes, and memberships begin at $42 per month. Good? Great. Now feast your eyes on this dinner-and-a-film fantasy, one that gives you the chance to join an...

"INTIMATE, SEATED DINNER... on the sunporch of Hearst Castle's Casa del Mar cottage." That is quite the bee's knees, as rare events go, and should provide you quite the lifelong anecdote. But wait: the anecdote-tastic opportunity continues, for after dinner? You'll swan your way into the castle's "private" theater to enjoy a film, the sort of silver-screen treat that guests of William Randolph Hearst may have enjoyed during the destination's long-agoheyday as a getaway for Hollywood stars. Are the walls of the gorgeous cinema covered in red damask? Oh goodness, they are. Shall "golden goddesses" stand sentinel as you settle in for some cinematic splendor? They are a fabulous feature in the room, which contains a very cozy number of seats (50 in all).

FOUNDATION MEMBERS... may book their fall spots now. The dates? They aren't plentiful, so best act fast if you're intrigued: Oct. 6 and Nov. 3 are the squares to circle on your calendar (indeed, they're both Sundays). And you may act faster when you learn that each event will be capped at 15 guests. The cost? It's a $950 donation, which goes to supporting the foundation's dedication to "conservation and restoration" of one of California's best-known treasures. The hope is to soon grow the castle's "... youth programs for underserved middle school students" as well as a full-time team devoted to conservation.

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