PALM SPRINGS - California & # 39; s Desert Oasis
Basking in the heat of the california desert lies one of America 's most alluring vacation playgrounds. Nestled in a vast fertile valley surrounded by lush and ancient palm groves, banked by steep ravines and mountain peaks, the village of Palm Springs is no mirage as it proves to be a real desert oasis.
This resident ancestry plus the consequential Mayor and later Congressman Sonny Bono led to the development residence included Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, President Gerald Ford, President Gerald Ford, Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. which evolved to provide an escape from the frenetic pace of life in Hollywood.
With an average annual rainy of only six inches you are almost guaranteed a hot and sunny holiday --- a claim which very few places can promise. Whether you are a golfer, tennis player, enjoy horseback riding, can not wait to shop, take a hike in the wilderness, or just want to relax poolside with a cocktail soaking up the rays, this desert sanctuary proffers everything for a perfect escape.
Plant Springs is one of nine adjacent cities That's the Coachella Valley sheltered by the Little San Bernadino Mountains to the north, the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south and the San Jacinto Mountains to the west. This affords spectacular mountain views in every direction creating amazing When you leave Palm Springs to visit one of the other desert communities you are considered "going down Valley" and this journey provides plenty of new vistas to explore.
It 's true paradise valley featuring an average 354 days of sunshine each year with winter temperatures which average a daily high in the 70' s Fahrenheit rising to over 100 degrees during the summer months. Patios are open year - round and That & # 39; s why it & # 39; sa golfers dream destination.
In addition to all the daytime outdoor activities the vibrant nightlife and gourmet dining promises you will definitely feel as though you have discovered paradise.
Just ask any of the four hundred thousand plus valley residents why they never want to leave.
GETTING THERE:
Upon arrival at the Palm Springs airport is located in the center of the city and is served by ten major airlines with approximately 100 flights daily. airport it is easy to rent a car and drive to the other communities within the Coachella Valley or use public transportation to your final destination.
Driving times from nearby major cities are nearly three hours from San Diego, just under two hours from Los Angeles and slightly further with hours from Las Vegas or Phoenix.
It 's understandable why this desert oasis has become so popular given the close proximity to many other major tourism destinations plus convenient airline connections.
FAST FACTS ON The Coachella Valley and Palm Springs:
The desert cities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Indio, Coachella, and Desert Hot Springs make up most of the resident population plus the native reserve lands.
The major San Andreas Fault runs down the Valley & # 39; s east side. Because of this fault the valley has many natural hot springs.
More than two hundred golf courses blanket the valley making it one of the world & # 39; s premier golf destinations.
The most renovated mayor of Palm Springs was Sonny Bono and his statue can be found in the heart of Palm springs on Palm Canyon Drive.
The average annual temperature ranges from a high 108 F degrees in July to a low 70 F degrees in January.
The average annual rainy is less than 6 inches and overall there are 354 days of sunshine through the year. The perfect vacation climate.
DINING IN THE DESERT
But it you have a healthy appetite. For this reason it seems to be an abundance of hearty steak offerings at most restaurants throughout the desert valley. But you might also be surprised to know that this is desert also to some some seafood restaurants offering "from from ocean" This is mainly due to the abundance to the Pacific coast and the fact that fresh fish can be in the Palm Springs and the other desert communities are renamed for their descending from within the ocean. Of course you can rest assured the locally grown produce lends itself to excellent salads with a wide selection of choices everywhere you dine. gourmet dining options and choosing the best restaurant can be a challenging search so here is a list of ideas for a positive experience.
PALM SPRINGS:
With Falls Restaurant in the heart of Palm Springs is simply unforgetable. It is located at 155 South Palm Canyon Drive on the second level with overlooking the heart of the city. With private balconies for two or four people and a wrap around terrace you are guaranteed a From oysters on the shell to steamed mussels plus a house specialty of grilled stiletto sirloin steak or mustard and herb crusted lamb rack, The Falls Smokin & # 39; Martinis or Classic Cocktails will sharpen your appetite and make the perfect end to a day of physical activity. Reservations recommended especially for the private balconies. They also have a second location in LaQuinta.
The Chophouse located at 262 South Palm Canyon Drive is a sanctuary for steak aficionados who enjoy a tender moment with their meals. The array of USDA Prime aged steaks and chops includes Kansas City Bone-In New York, Bone-In Filet Mignon, Cowboy Rib , and Porterhouse steaks, as well as double as pork chops and rack of lamb. all meats, butchered in-house, are grilled the classic way at lower house, possible juices, tenderness, and flavors to develop fully. With outstanding service and a delightful patio, dinner here is for lingering enjoyment and people watching in the heart of Palm Springs. They also have a second location in Palm Desert.
Reservations recommended
The Fisherman 's Fisherman' s Market and Grill is known through through the valley as the place to cooked just the way you like it. Or simply buy the fish and take it home to prepare in your own kitchen or on the With traditional fish and chips to swordfish steaks or local specialties this really is a fish market and the chalkboard with the catch of the day Additional locations in La Quinta, Palm Desert and Banning.
Blame It On Midnight is a unique place to dine or enjoy the cabaret entertainment and circular bar.
Other recently owned created a wide range of American cuisine with large sized appetizers and entries that include soup or salad. Other popular menu items were retained (like the Chicken Breast Supreme and Baby Back Ribs). Located at 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way reservations are only accepted for parties of six or However, you may call ahead for smaller parties and be placed on their VIP list for that evening.
Dinks Restaurant and Ultra Lounge is a brand new restauarant housed in its own recently created 2080 North Palm Canyon Drive and is already a very popular local bar and restaurant. You may recognize the name from the expression "Double Income No Kids "and this is exactly the crowd to which it is exactly clubtails are just there. Experience flavors from the the world in part it is shared with friends. But the generous drinks, martinis, mojitos and specialty cocktails are just For you. Add to this the best in nightly entertainment and a staff that holds a passion for what they do in creating the ultimate night on the town enjoying a unique, hip and cool, indoor and outdoor setting.
PALM DESERT
Cafe Italia is perhaps the unassuming small cafe is located at 74901 USA Hwy 111 in a shopping mall. But once you step inside the doors you are The small cozy atmosphere is complemented by perfect northern Italian cuisine and fine wines. With unique salads, classic Italian dishes and decadent desserts plus the talented professional singers this will be a dinner full of memories to last longer than your vacation. Reservations are almost a must here.
Tommy Bahama & # 39; s Tropical Cafe at 73595 El Paseo in the heart of the fashionable & # 39; Rodeo Drive & # 39; district offer a colonial plantation style ambiance with Caribbean Island inspired cocktails and cuisine. Fruity drinks come complete with umbrellas and are perfect with appetizers like Big Island Goat Cheese, Loki - Loki Tuna Poke, Crab Calloway or Tommy 's famous Coconut Shrimp. Entrees include Ocho Rios Roasted Chicken, Port - Au - Prince Pork Chop, Little Palm Island Pasta, or Tommy & # 39; s Rib Rack just to give you the hint of Island menu selections plus many daily specials. The relaxed Island attitude makes dining a leisurely pleasure and the friendly staff complete the great experience.
Ruth & # 39; s Chris Steakhouse is designed for those who have worked up a really hearty appetite and are ready for dinner with perhaps the largest portions and best steaks to be found anywhere in the desert valley. Locally at 74-740 Hwy 111 reservations are recommended.
With roofop seating, cabanas and the finest view of El Paseo and the mountains this is the perfect setting for a seafood feast and of course something from the International Vodka Menu or the award-winning wine list. Sunset dinner specials run nightly from 3PM to 5:45 PM and will be the most romantic experience of your vacation. Try the beet salad, swordfish steak and one of the wonderful chocolate dessert creations as the sun sets for a perfect end to your day in this desert paradise.
Here you will enjoy the valley 's most awarded cuisine by premier Chef Jimmy Schmidt featuring the freshest organic and sustainable ingredients from the Coachella Valley. Enjoy exquisitely presented food and wine pairings plus dessert creations which are out of this world. All this while located on the terrace overlooking the beautiful cascading waterfall and the golf course with views framed by This friendly staff deliver impeccable service and complete the perfect experience for discriminating gourmand or those who simply desire a perfect dinner. This is a must visit at least once and you may find yourself returning as often as you can.
ENTERTAINMENT:
With a history steeped in Hollywood traditions you would expect a Palm Springs and the whole Coachella Valley to be overflowing with great performances. You will not be disappointed as talented pianists in lounge bars, the singing waiters at Cafe Italia plus numerous professional bands and singers are on Czelebrating the music of the 30s, 40s and 50s in Vaudeville style with a cast ranged in age from 55 to 85 years old this show will delight audiences of all ages.
And if that 's not enough, I will not be the one who will be misled by the age of these cast members, they are dazzled by their agility, their strong voices and their stamina. And if that' s not enough the spectacular costumes, creative sets and guest performers will all leave you mesmorised by the end of the three hour spectacular.
Another Palm Springs institution --- The historic Plaza --- The Fabulous Plam Springs follies have become a local institution since they were founded and now in their decades of continuous performances --- like its cast members --- showing no signs of slowing down. Theater opened in 1936 and located on Palm Canyon Drive - Making show taking place in a charming, neon encrusted, storybook renovated old movie house. Performances are five days per week from late October to mid-May and this season 's theme is a salute to the legendary road Route 66 in song and dance routines.
Costume creation begins about eighteen months prior to each season 's costumes which has grown in the sheer extravagance of the production & # 39; s costumes Opening night and cost up to $ 35,000 each. Amazing as this sounds you have to see them to believe it!
Producers Riff Markowitz --- who is also the evening & # 39; s host and comedian --- and Mary Jardin have discovered a winning combination of amazing talent and unique entertainment from times gone by which which turn turn into dazzling spectaculars each season. And you can see that all the cast members enthusiastically love their new roles.
"Even the Guinness Book of World Records has recognized the Palm Springs Follies & # 39; performer Dorothy Kloss at 85 years old as the" Oldest "Still Performing" Showgirl in the World. "As a precocious Chicago teenager Dorothy taught a young Bob Fosse how to tap dance and she is still tap dancing today!
So make a date with the legendary long-legged chorus line and performers that will entertain you, make you laugh and leave you stunned by their sensory extravaganza. Miss this at your own folly!
RECREATION IN THE DESERT
And you are patiently waiting at the baggage claim in Palm Springs Airport you will suddenly realize that you are more than golf bags than suitcases or passengers. Either way it 's impossible to escape The fact that with the guaranteed sunny climate and luck of rain this really is a year-round golfers "# Even though Palm Springs and the whole desert region is world-renovated for this particular reason for holiday recreation.
Celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bob Hope with their passion for golf probably inspired the early development of Palm Springs as a golf resort and today their legacy lives on and has multiplied several hundred fold into a golfing mecca. Through the entire Coachella Valley there Many of the clubs are semi-private and allow for visitors to have equal access with the members creation sufficient tee times for all.
But this is not Hollywood & # 39; s Palm Springs anymore there are still some nice gentle courses with Palm trees galore and mountains at a safe distance for an easy round of golf. But there are now plenty of score crunching devilish courses to lay claim to to The PGA West TPC Stadium Course is the hardest course in the world and somewhere anywhere in the world. Ten different golfers could play this course and come up with ten different holes which destroyed They scorecards and still have a smile on their faces.
The Palm Springs Golf Guide assists with seasonal rates, course descriptions and online reservations and many other individual clubs offer online reservations and information.
Perhaps you might choose a natural high with a trip up the aerial tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto, elevation 8,516 feet, where hiking trails Abound in the State Park. Or you may enjoy renting a bike and taking a tour of the Palm Springs using the map of suggested routes published by the City of Palm Springs. There is also the Indian Canyons walking trails which provide nature lovers with pleasant walks and ranger-led interpretive hikes into the serene beauty of the canyons.
For those seeking a less strenuous activity Celebrity Tours will take you around the city in comfort to learn about the famous past and legacy of the stars that discovered this desert oasis and started to make a a vacation paradise.
DESERT SPA EXPERIENCES
Believe it or not the hot, dry desert has certain similarities with the cold, dry winters in the colada, --- parched skin problems. And what better way to discover the cure for this northern curse than to experience a spa treatment specifically designed to moisten a male body & # 39; s the use of local desert remedies. I set out to compare a couple of these special treatments and judges their effectiveness for myself.
First I visited Spa Terre at the Riviera Resort & Spa. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 0 When I return to the massage warm glow all over before the treatment began. once on the massage table my workout began with a gentle exfoliating body polish which was followed by a warm shower without soap. When I returned to the massage table heaven and the angels enveloped me as the the massage began using a rare desert sage oil for effect. It seemed to last forever but was his hands ceased their marvellous work it felt like it had already rented for. I wasted more. Alas it was over! It was time for me to return to normal levels of awareness, he I was definitely moving slowly and in the mood for a nice long, relaxing dinner at the Falls Restaurant. Whatever the excuse I could easily become very accustomed to this kind of pampering.
My second experiment took place at The Spa in the Spa Resort Casino. Taking of the Waters. This proved to be a truly incomparable combination of steam, sauna, Eucalyptus inhalation followed by a therapeutic, relaxing ten minute soak in Here the emphasis was placed for my aromatherapy one hour therapeutic massage with a custom-blended pure essential oil designed to soften and moisturize my skin. upon the massage and when it was washing after my body seemed to have fully stopped functioning as total relaxation set in. I was able to move again in order to shower, dress myself and head off to the Fisherman & # 39; s Market and Grill for a light luncheon of my favorite Halibut and chips.
Well now to my concluding. I 've been home for several weeks and instead of my usual immediate re-acclimatisation to the winter atmosphere with instant itchiness and dry finger tips I can almost say my skin feels like a baby & # 39; s With out a doubt these desert spa therapists have some magic potions and they know how to make you feel feel rejuvenated.
SHOPPING PALM SPRINGS
Today almost all resort towns offer a veritable smorgasbord of shopping experiences to both residents and tourists alike and Palm Springs including the valley townships are no exception. Throughout the Coachella Valley there are numerous shopping malls which offer not only multiple shopping options with major retail store chains and small boutiques but also air conditioned respite from the unlenting desert heat.
However, there are also some very unique alternatives to the kind of shopping experience which you are familiar with in your own home town.
The shops, restaurants and services will will a pleasant leisure shopping There is no rushed or pressured shopping here just relaxed shopping enjoyment.
If you 're looking for the Rodeo Drive luxury in the Valley then head to El Paseo Avenue in Palm Desert where you will find 300 specialty boutiques, day spas, fine jewelers and the likes of Gucci, Theodore of Beverly Hills and Ralph Lauren. Plus when you need to rest your feet, enjoy a breakfast or some great food you can enjoy indoor dining, patio dining and cocktail lounges at Tommy Bahama & # 39; s Tropical Cafe and Pacifica Seafood. Both promise a gourmet delight and exotic décor for a pleasant reply from the hard task of shopping.
Also, The Gardens on El Paseo is a collection of small boutiques, cafés and services plus Sax Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. located in an open air lush tropical garden and parkland with unique sculptures by local artists. You most even forget to spend money and just enjoy the tropical gardens, flowers and scenery.
A diverse array of artists, artists, entertainers, perhaps the most unique shopping experience in Palm Springs is the Village Fest when every Thursday night from 6PM to 9PM the main street Palm Canyon Drive is closed to traffic for about ten blocks in the heart of downtown. The regular retail stores stay open late and the restaurants, bars and cafés welcome the crowds. This is one of Southern It gives a unique opportunity to purchase unusual and distinctive gifts to take back home to friends and family.
In Palm Springs the unique store Room Service can offer you modern furnishings, Also, the Galleria of Palm Springs is a mid-forties California original arcade, with ten unique shops featuring 20th century art, design and fashion from Europe, Asia, Africa and the America.
This is a true nirvana for shoppers no matter what you you are most awesome time out from the desert heat. are looking to buy.
