Palm Springs - California'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 antique palm groves, banked by steep ravines and mountain peaks, the hamlet of Palm Springs is no mirage as it proves to be a real desert oasis.
Aged Beef Steaks
Some of the original residents included Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, President Gerald Ford, Roy Rogers and Gene Autry just to name a few. This resident ancestry plus the subsequent Mayor and later Congressman Sonny Bono led to the amelioration of a vibrant community which evolved to provide an fly from the frenetic pace of life in Hollywood.
Times have changed and today the community has come to be a year round destination for those seeking a vacation in the sun. With an median each year rainfall of only six inches you are practically guaranteed a hot and sunny holiday---a claim which very few places can promise. Either you are a golfer, tennis player, enjoy horseback riding, can't 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 all things for a perfect escape.
Plam Springs is one of nine adjacent cities that contain the Coachella Valley sheltered by the puny 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 marvelous sunrises and sunsets that vary every day and never disappoint. When you leave Palm Springs to visit one of the other desert communities you are determined to be "going down Valley" and this journey provides abundance of new vistas to explore.
It's a true paradise valley boasting an median 354 days of sunshine each year with winter temperatures which median a daily high in the 70's Fahrenheit rising to over 100 degrees during the summer months. Patios are open year-round and outdoor activities never stop for the turn in seasons. That's why it's a golfers dream destination.
In increasing to all the daytime outdoor activities the vibrant nightlife and epicurean dining promises you will by all means; of course 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:
Palm Springs airport is placed in the center of the city and is served by ten major airlines with practically 100 flights daily. This includes direct flights from Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton via Westjet plus connections to and from other major Canadian cities. Upon arrival at the airport it is easy to rent a car and drive to the other communities within the Coachella Valley or utilise public communication to your final destination.
Driving times from nearby major cities are practically three hours from San Diego,just under two hours from Los Angeles and slightly further with five hours from Las Vegas or Phoenix.
It's understandable why this desert oasis has come to be so beloved given the close presence to many other major tourism destinations plus favorable airline connections.
Fast Facts On The Coachella Valley and Palm Springs:
The Coachella Valley is in Riverside County, California and is comprised of nine cities with practically four hundred thousand residents. 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 habitancy plus the native retain lands.
The major San Andreas Fault runs down the Valley's east side. Because of this fault the Valley has many natural hot springs.
More than two hundred golf courses blanket the valley manufacture it one of the world's premier golf destinations.
The most renowned mayor of Palm Springs was Sonny Bono and his model can be found in the heart of Palm springs on Palm Canyon Drive.
The median each year climatic characteristic ranges from a high 108 F degrees in July to a low 70F degrees in January.
The median each year rainfall is less than 6 inches and whole there are 354 days of sunshine throughout the year. The perfect vacation climate.
Dining In The Desert
After a round of golf, hiking in the mountains and canyons or a few sets of tennis you are sure to have a healthy appetite. For this surmise there 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 desert also claims some perfect seafood restaurants gift 'straight from the ocean' freshness. This is mainly due to the presence to the Pacific coast and the fact that fresh fish can be in the desert restaurants within just a few hours of being caught in the ocean. Of policy you can rest assured the locally grown furnish lends itself to perfect salads with a wide selection of choices anywhere you dine. Palm Springs and the other desert communities are renowned for their epicurean dining options and choosing the best bistro can be a absorbing hunt so here is a list of ideas for a confident experience.
Palm Springs:
The Falls bistro in the heart of Palm Springs is naturally unforgettable. It is placed at 155 South Palm Canyon Drive on the second level overlooking the heart of the city. With incommunicable balconies for two or four habitancy and a wrap nearby terrace you are guaranteed a great view. Here you can enjoy Tapas and a cocktail or a unblemished supper of steaks or seafood with perfect aid and ambiance. 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 whole menu even has vegetarian and kids dishes. The Falls Smokin' Martinis or superior Cocktails will sharpen your appetite and make the perfect end to a day of physical activity. Reservations recommended especially for the incommunicable balconies. They also have a second location in LaQuinta.
The Chophouse placed at 262 South Palm Canyon Drive is a sanctuary for steak aficionados who enjoy a tender occasion 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 duplicate pork chops and rack of lamb. All meats, butchered in-house, are grilled the superior way at lower temperatures longer, allowing juices, tenderness, and flavors to organize fully. With outstanding aid and a delightful patio, supper here is for lingering enjoyment and habitancy watching in the heart of Palm Springs. They also have a second location in Palm Desert.
Reservations recommended
The Fisherman's market and Grill is known throughout the valley as the place to choose your fish and have it cooked just the way you like it. Or naturally buy the fish and take it home to get ready in your own kitchen or on the barbecue. From original fish and chips to swordfish steaks or local specialties this truly is a fish market and the chalkboard with the catch of the day specials denotes this. With the selection of patio or inside air-conditioned dining and take-out services this market caters to every fish lover's desires. further 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.
The up-to-date new owners created a new menu which offers a wide range of American cuisine with grand sized appetizers and entrees that contain soup or salad. Some beloved menu items were retained (like the Chicken Breast consummate and Baby Back Ribs). Others had their recipes upgraded (all their steaks are now 100% certified Angus beef), and some new items are fast becoming buyer favorites. For example, the Osso Buco is outstanding. placed at 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way reservations are only accepted for parties of six or more so you may have to enjoy a cocktail at the bar while you wait for your table. However, you may call ahead for smaller parties and be placed on their Vip list for that evening.
Dinks bistro and Ultra Lounge is a brand new restauarant housed in its own recently constructed stand-alone building at 2080 North Palm Canyon Drive and is already a very beloved local bar and restaurant. You might recognise the name from the expression "Double earnings No Kids" and this is exactly the crowd to which Dinks caters. And they are doing it extremely well. Touch flavors from nearby the world in portions that are meant to be shared with friends. But the kind 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 possibly the most unique and absorbing bistro in the whole Valley and is guaranteed to make for a night to remember. The unassuming small cafe is placed at 74901 Usa Hwy 111 in a shopping mall. But once you step inside the doors you are likely to be greeted by an operatic aria or one of your beloved songs from an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical performed by a member of the talented serving staff. The small cosy climate is complemented by perfect northern Italian cuisine and fine wines. With unique salads, superior Italian dishes and decadent desserts plus the talented pro singers this will be a supper full of memories to last longer than your vacation. Reservations are practically a must here.
Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe at 73595 El Paseo in the heart of the fashionable 'Rodeo Drive' district offers a colonial plantation style ambiance with Caribbean Island inspired cocktails and cuisine. Fruity drinks come unblemished with umbrellas and are perfect with appetizers like Big Island Goat Cheese, Loki-Loki Tuna Poke, Crab Calloway or Tommy's renowned Coconut Shrimp. Entrees contain Ocho Rios Roasted Chicken, Port-Au-Prince Pork Chop, puny Palm Island Pasta, or Tommy's Rib Rack just to give you the hint of Island menu selections plus many daily specials. The key lime pie for dessert is to die for! The relaxed Island attitude makes dining a leisurely pleasure and the cordial staff unblemished the great experience.
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is designed for those who have worked up a easily hearty appetite and are ready for supper with possibly the largest portions and best steaks to be found anywhere in the desert valley. This renowned chain of restaurants is renowned for its consistently good food and impeccable aid and here in Palm Desert is no exception. placed at 74-740 Hwy 111 reservations are recommended.
Pacifica Seafood on El Paseo is possibly the premier seafood bistro in the valley with fresh fish every day from San Diego. With rooftop seating, cabanas and the finest view of El Paseo and the mountains this is the perfect setting for a seafood feast and of policy something from the International Vodka Menu or the award-winning wine list. Sunset supper specials run nightly from 3Pm to 5:45Pm and will be the most romantic Touch of your vacation. Try the beet salad, swordfish steak and one of the marvelous chocolate dessert creations as the sun sets for a perfect end to your day in this desert paradise.
Rattlesnake at The superior Club is by all means; of course a case of rescue the best for last and this will be the special treat for the highlight of your visit to the desert region. 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 seated on the terrace overlooking the beautiful cascading waterfall and the golf policy with views framed by the mountains. The cordial staff deliver impeccable aid and unblemished the perfect Touch for the discriminating epicurean or those who naturally 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 Palm Springs and the whole Coachella Valley to be overflowing with great performances. You won't be disappointed as talented pianists in lounge bars, the singing waiters at Cafe Italia plus numerous pro bands and singers are on hand to pleasure one and all. But the most unique performers on stage are the world renowned marvelous Palm Springs Follies. Celebrating the music of the 30s, 40s and 50s in Vaudeville style with a cast fluctuating in age from 55 to 85 years old this show will pleasure audiences of all ages.
Whatever you might think don't be misled by the age of these cast members because you will be dazzled by their agility, their strong voices and their stamina. And if that's not sufficient the spectacular costumes, creative sets and guest performers will all leave you mesmorised by the end of the three hour spectacular.
The marvelous Plam Springs follies have come to be a local institution since they were founded and now in their second decade of continuous performances---like its cast members---shows no signs of slowing down. Someone else Palm Springs institution---The historic Plaza Theatre opened in 1936 and placed on Palm Canyon Drive---is home to the Follies and it is fitting that this history-making show takes 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.
Each year the show grows in popularity and one of the reasons for this growth is the sheer extravagance of the production's costumes which have to be seen to be believed. Costume creation begins about eighteen months prior to each season's occasion night and cost up to ,000 each. marvelous as this sounds you have to see them to believe it!
Producers Riff Markowitz---who is also the evening's host and comedian---and Mary Jardin have discovered a winning composition of marvelous talent and unique entertainment from times gone by which they turn into dazzling spectaculars each season. All of the performers have enjoyed a vocation on stage, in television, in commercials or other live performances and Markowitz and Jardin have found a way to keep them busy in their years which might normally be retirement. And you can see that all the cast members enthusiastically love their new roles.
Even the Guinness Book of World Records has recognised the Palm Springs Follies' 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
When you are patiently waiting at the baggage claim in Palm Springs Airport you will suddenly realise that there are more golf bags than suitcases or passengers. At once you come to be aware that you are visiting the premier world destination for golfers. And they are in town to spend their leisure time at one of the two-hundred plus world class golf courses in the Coachella Valley. Or possibly the surmise you are here is because you are the owner of one of the golf bags. Either way it's impossible to fly the fact that with the guaranteed sunny climate and lack of rainfall this truly is a year-round golfers' paradise. Even though Palm Springs and the whole desert region is world-renowned for this particular surmise the desert valley has much collection to offer for holiday recreation.
Celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bob Hope with their passion for golf probably inspired the early amelioration of Palm Springs as a golf resort and today their legacy lives on and has multiplied some hundred fold into a golfing mecca. Throughout the whole Coachella Valley there seems to be a golf policy nearby every angle and each with spectacular mountain views and an abundance of water keeping the greens in perfect condition. Many of the clubs are semi-private and allow for visitors to have equal way with the members creating sufficient tee times for all.
Although this isn't Hollywood's Palm Springs anymore there are still some nice polite courses with Palm trees galore and mountains at a safe distance for an easy round of golf. But there are now abundance of score crunching devilish courses to lay claim to the credit as one of the most absorbing golf regions in the world. The Pga West Tpc Stadium policy is the hardest policy in the region and possibly anywhere in the world. Ten dissimilar golfers could play this policy and come up with ten dissimilar holes which destroyed their scorecards and still have a smile on their faces.
The Palm Springs Golf Guide assists with seasonal rates, policy descriptions and online reservations and many other individual clubs offer online reservations and information.
But recreational activities in this desert vacationland are not just restricted to golfers and many options exist for outdoor adventures. possibly 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 might enjoy renting a motorcycle and taking one of the cycling tours nearby Palm Springs using the map of recommend 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 charm of the canyons.
For those seeking a less strenuous activity Celebrity Tours will take you nearby the city in comfort to learn about the renowned past and legacy of the stars that discovered this desert oasis and started to make it a vacation paradise.
Desert Spa Experiences
Believe it or not the hot, dry desert has confident similarities with the cold, dry winters in Canada---parched skin problems. And what best way to witness the cure for this northern curse than to Touch a spa treatment designed specifically to moisten a male body's surfaces using local desert remedies. I set out to assess a merge of these special treatments and judge their effectiveness for myself.
First I visited Spa Terre at the Riviera Resort & Spa. After explaining my major surmise for the visit my therapist recommended the Native Desert Sage treatment and massage. He assured me that this would not only solve my skin problems but it would enlighten my senses and lift my spirits. First I enjoyed the hot pools and developed a nice warm glow all over before the treatment began. Once on the massage table my workout began with a polite 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 aromatic massage began using a rare desert sage oil for effect. I gently slipped into a lower level of consciousness as strong hands worked the magic oils into my parched skin. It seemed to last forever but when his hands ceased their marvellous work it felt like it had only lasted for seconds and I wanted more. Alas it was over! It was time for me to return to normal levels of awareness, head to my room and get ready for dinner. However, I was by all means; of course absorbing gently and in the mood for a nice long, relaxing supper at the Falls Restaurant. Anything the excuse I could easily come to be very accustomed to this kind of pampering.
My second experiment took place at The Spa in the Spa Resort Casino. I began with their signature aid Taking of the Waters. This proved to be a truly incomparable composition of steam, sauna, Eucalyptus inhalation followed by a therapeutic, relaxing ten puny soak in my own incommunicable sunken tub filled with the Spa's renowned hot mineral waters. Then it was time for my aromatherapy one hour therapeutic massage with a custom-blended pure vital oil designed to soften and moisturise my skin. Here the emphasis was placed upon the massage and when it was over every muscle in my body seemed to have wholly stopped functioning as total leisure set in. After a few minutes resting on the massage table I was able to move again in order to shower, dress myself and head off to the Fisherman's market and Grill for a light luncheon of my beloved Halibut and chips.
Well now to my conclusions. I've been home for some weeks and instead of my usual immediate re-acclimatisation to the winter climate with instant itchiness and dry finger tips I can practically say my skin feels like a baby's bottom. That might be a puny embroidery with my advancing years but all things are relative and I can feel like a baby if I want to. Without a doubt these desert spa therapists have some magic potions and they know how to make you feel rejuvenated.
Shopping Palm Springs
Today practically all resort towns offer a veritable smorgasbord of shopping experiences to both residents and tourists alike and Palm Springs together with the valley townships are no exception. Throughout the Coachella Valley there are numerous shopping malls which offer not only many shopping options with major retail store chains and small boutiques but also air conditioned respite from the unrelenting desert heat.
However, there are also some very unique alternatives to the kind of shopping Touch which you are customary with in your own home town.
Just a short drive down the valley to Old Town La Quinta and you will feel as though you have stepped back in time to an old Spanish town with beautiful white 18th century style Spanish architecture. The shops, restaurants and services will provide a pleasant leisurely shopping Touch or a self indulgent visit to one of the day spas. The town is very proud of its artistic residents and local jewellers plus arts and crafts galleries are a highlight of this community. There is no rushed or pressured shopping here just relaxed shopping enjoyment.
If you're seeing for the Rodeo Drive luxury in the Valley then head to El Paseo Avenue in Palm Desert where you will find practically 300 specialty boutiques, day spas, fine jewellers and the likes of Gucci, Theodore of Beverly Hills and Ralph Lauren. Plus when you need to rest your feet, enjoy a beverage or some great food you can enjoy indoor dining, patio dining and cocktail lounges at Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe and Pacifica Seafood. Both promise a epicurean pleasure and exotic décor for a pleasant respite from the hard task of shopping.
Also, The Gardens on El Paseo is a collection of small boutiques, cafes and services plus Sax Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. Situated in an open air lush tropical orchad and parkland with unique sculptures by local artists. You will probably find this to be the most laid back shopping Touch you have ever partaken. You might even forget to spend money and just enjoy the tropical gardens, flowers and scenery.
Perhaps the most unique shopping Touch in Palm Springs is the VillageFest when every Thursday night from 6Pm to 9Pm the main road Palm Canyon Drive is terminated to traffic for about ten blocks in the heart of downtown. A diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, jewellery, snacks and sweets all set up booths on the road to sell their wares. The regular retail stores stay open late and the restaurants, bars and cafes welcome the crowds. This is one of Southern California's most beloved festivals and it is a weekly tradition with local residents and visitors to get out and enjoy the Festival. It provides a unique occasion to buy unusual and distinctive gifts to take back home to friends and family.
If you have just purchased your new vacation property somewhere in the valley then some home furnishings might be needed and there are abundance of stores ready to help you to furnish your new home. In Palm Springs the unique store Room aid can offer you modern furnishings, accessories and interior organize assistance. Also, the Galleria of Palm Springs is a mid-forties California original arcade, with ten unique shops featuring 20th century art, organize and fashion from Europe, Asia, Africa and the America's.
When you're ready for a break from the suns rays at the pool or need some time away from the greens then shopping can be a most enjoyable time out from the desert heat. This is a true nirvana for shoppers no matter what you are seeing to buy.
Palm Springs Desert Oasis
