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Desert Fashion: Palm Springs Shopping Areas

Desert Fashion: Palm Springs Shopping Areas

By Skip Davis

Palm Springs places just as much emphasis on shopping as it does recreation and leisure. With numerous shopping centers (River at Rancho Mirage and Westfield Palm Desert) and shopping districts (El Paseo and Old Town La Quinta), fashionistas everywhere will discover that Palm Springs' purchasing opportunities are limitless. Don't forget the consignment shops strewn along Palm Canyon Drive or the outlet malls in Cabazon, a 20-minute drive west of Palm Springs.

Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs The heart and soul of Palm Springs' shopping is in the downtown area. Hundreds of well-known designer brands and local boutique shops along Palm Springs' main downtown street, Palm Canyon Drive. You can also find colorful, flamboyant shops on Arenas Street, just a couple of blocks east of Palm Canyon. Downtown Palm Springs is also home to one of the area's most beloved shopping experiences, VillageFest. This weekly event happens on Thursday nights along Palm Canyon and features some of the best deals for arts and crafts, clothing and food in the California Desert. Uptown Design District Just a little drive north of downtown Palm Springs is the Uptown Design District. Fashionistas who love stores with a flair for Modernism will love the Uptown's shops, which include local boutiques, art galleries and novelty shops. Uptown is not as large as downtown Palm Springs, but its light crowds and great selections gives you the feeling of being in Palm Springs shopping's “in-crowd.”

El Paseo

El Paseo is commonly referred to as the “Rodeo Drive of the California Desert.” Located in Palm Desert, El Paseo is strikingly similar to its Beverly Hills counterpart with one main road surrounded by high-end designer stores such as Louis Vuitton and Brooks Brothers. In some ways, El Paseo is better than Rodeo Drive – especially in terms of parking availability.

Old Town La Quinta

Get a taste of the old California Desert lifestyle by checking out the shops at Old Town La Quinta. Old Town La Quinta is perhaps the most historically preserved district in the Palm Springs area. The district's shops are in adobe-style buildings to pay homage to the city's cultural heritage. Most of Old Town La Quinta's businesses are restaurants and cafes, but you will also find nail salons, art galleries and clothing apparel stores along Main Street.

Cabazon Outlets

The nearest outlet stores to Palm Springs lie in Cabazon, an approximate 20- to 25-minute drive west of Palm Springs. Cabazon's outlet stores have deals on clothing, jewelry, accessories, electronics and outdoor recreation equipment at wholesale rates. The two outlet malls in Cabazon are the Cabazon Outlets and Desert Hills Premium Outlets. Both outlet malls also have dining options in case you need to sustain yourself after long shopping sprees.

Shopping Centers

The River at Rancho Mirage The most extravagant shopping center in the Palm Springs area is The River at Rancho Mirage. This outdoor mall is home to unique shopping experiences at the Tulip Hill Winery – home to Palm Springs only wine tasting room – Cohiba Cigar Lounge and Bobby Chan. The River is also home to a bevy of beauty salons and health spas. Westfield Palm Desert Westfield Palm Desert is the largest indoor shopping center in the Palm Springs area. Standard retail and department stores – JC Penney, Sears and Macy's – are part of the Westfield shopping experience.

Palm Canyon Consignments

Wonder what ever happens to furniture if they are not sold at Palm Springs estate sales? While many are purchased at the time of the estate's auction, many furniture and artwork pieces end up at the consignment shops located along Palm Canyon Drive. Palm Canyon's consignment shops are full of great deals on large furniture pieces, clothes antiques and visual art.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Desert Fashion: Palm Springs Shopping Areas
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/palm-springs/shopping/;

Author: Skip Davis

March 26, 2012

Golf and Tennis: Palm Springs Sports Scene

Golf and Tennis: Palm Springs Sports Scene

By Skip Davis

When describing the sports scene in Palm Springs, two words come to mind: golf and tennis. Palm Springs is perhaps the “King of West Coast Golf” with over 120 golf courses. And with an abundance of annual tournaments and events, Palm Springs rivals any golfing destination, including The Grand Strand in South Carolina or Hawaii. All the while, Palm Springs has a strong tennis heritage with the legendary Historic Tennis Club near downtown Palm Springs.

Golf

Clubs and Courses Palm Springs boasts 125 golf courses, more than any other destination on the West Coast. Many of the courses were designed by golfing legends, including the Desert Dunes Golf Course – a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. masterpiece – and the self-named Greg Norman Golf Course at PGA West. Many of the courses are open to the public. (read more) Events As the epicenter for West Coast golfing, Palm Springs is home to many PGA-sanctioned events. The desert city also features other golf-related events, including a golf caddy parade and celebrity tournament. Due to the city's consistently dry climate, Palm Springs hosts golfing events throughout the year. (read more) Caddy Rentals You can bring your own golf caddy to Palm Springs or rent one from the club where you are playing. All of Palm Springs golf clubs provide caddy rentals to drive around the golf course. Check with each club for prices and availability.

Tennis

Historic Tennis Club The Historic Tennis Club was developed in the 1920s and the first of its kind in Palm Springs. Since that time, the Historic Tennis Club has become one of Palm Springs most elite neighborhoods, but the tennis club is still hosting morning tennis matches. Be sure to have breakfast and brunch at Spencer's before playing a match. Indian Wells Tennis Garden With an attendance capacity of 16,600 spectators, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is the second-largest tennis stadium in the world. The Tennis Garden hosts some of the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA) most prestigious events such as the BNP Paribas Open – previously known as the Pacific Life Open. You may purchase a membership and play tennis at the Garden during the week. Indian Wells Tennis Garden 78200 Miles Ave. Indian Wells, CA 92210 760-200-8400 ‎iwtg.net Other Tennis Clubs Tennis courts are located at country clubs throughout Palm Springs and the surrounding towns of Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Indio. Fees for using the courts vary between clubs.

Lessons and Clinics

If you are a novice at tennis or golf, do not let that stop from seizing Palm Springs courses and courts. The majority of Palm Springs' golf and tennis clubs provide private or group lessons for a nominal fee. Golf instructors are usually members of the clubs and can also make suggestions on what golf courses beginners should tackle first.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Golf and Tennis: Palm Springs Sports Scene
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/palm-springs/sports/;

Author: Skip Davis

March 12, 2012

Desert Hot Springs: Restorative Mineral Springs

Desert Hot Springs: Restorative Mineral Springs

By Skip Davis

Just northwest of Palm Springs are the luxurious mineral springs spas at Desert Hot Springs. Receive the ultimate in pampering at Desert Hot Springs spas, which provide treatments such as watusis, massages, mud baths and extremely soothing hot springs. Thanks to Desert Hot Springs consistently warm climates, the mineral hot springs are open throughout the year.

Luxurious Spas

At present moment, Desert Hot Springs' two most well-known hot springs spas are Two Bunch Palms and the Spring Resort. The mineral water springs at The Spring Resort is considered to be one of the best in the United States, according to Travel+Leisure magazine, while Two Bunch Palms is among Spas of America's Top 30 Spas. Here are list of some Desert Hot Springs spas: Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 760-329-8791 twobunchpalms.com The Spring Resort and Day Spa 12699 Reposo Way Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 760-251-6700 the-spring.com Bella Monte Hot Spring Resort and Spa 68111 Calle Las Tiendas Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 760-676-5125 bellamonteresort.com Living Waters Spa 13340 Mountain View Road Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 760-329-9988 livingwatersspa.com *Living Waters Spa is a clothing optional resort. Swiss Health Resort 66729 8th Street Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 760-329-6912 swisshealthresort.com

A Medicinal Alternative?

During the 19th and 20th centuries, experts in Western medicine recognized mineral hot springs as an alternative source of health benefits. The practice of using mineral hot springs for medicinal purposes became known as “balneology,” and the application of balneology is balneotherapy. Some forms of balneotherapy are using moving water for massages and wading through cold or hot water. Balneotherapy is a commonly sought after treatment for patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia or any condition that causes muscle fatigue or soreness.

Drinking Water

Desert Hot Springs' mineral water is not only restorative, but also delicious and nutritious to drink. The Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Awards declared Desert Hot Springs' water to be “The Best Tasting in the World.” In the present, the mineral springs supplies all the drinking water in Desert Hot Springs.

Getting There

Desert Hot Springs is easy to get to from Palm Springs. Palm Desert and La Quinta vacationers should hop on Interstate 10 and just head west. Take the Palm Drive exit, or Exit 123, for the quickest route to Desert Hot Springs' spas. Another route is taking the Gene Autry Trail from Palm Springs to Desert Hot Springs. Either way, expect your trip to Desert Hot Springs spas to be about 20 to 25 minutes.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Desert Hot Springs: Restorative Mineral Springs
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/palm-springs/attractions/desert-hot-springs/; http://www.the-spring.com/hot_springs_mineral_water.html;

Author: Skip Davis

February 24, 2012

Dining in Palm Springs

Dining in Palm Springs

By Skip Davis

When it's time to whet your appetite between golf rounds or shopping, Palm Springs offers a variety of restaurant choices for all meals of the day. A typical Palm Springs day for culinary tastes may go like this. Start your morning off with a hearty brunch, treat yourself to a tasty burger for lunch and let your dinner be filet mignon or seafood. Of course, the diversity of Palm Springs restaurants allows you to mix and match however you please.

Top-Rated Restaurants

Dining at one of Palm Springs top-rated restaurants gives you bragging rights with your friends for years to come. Some of Palm Springs' top-rated restaurants are in the same pack as upscale Southern California restaurants in Los Angeles and San Diego. (read more)

Breakfast and Brunch Places

Before you venture out to Palm Springs outdoor attractions, tennis courts or museums, treat yourself right by having breakfast or brunch. The breakfast and brunch places in Palm Springs range between elegant and cheap but good eats. (see more)

Asian Restaurants

Palm Springs' residents and visitors can get a taste of the Far East by dining at one of the city's Asian restaurants. The ambiances at Palm Springs' Asian eateries ranges from trendy to casual to elegant. (read more)

Burger Joints

If you're tired of dining out at fancy schmancy restaurants and just want to sink your teeth into a juicy burger, the Palm Springs area has a couple places for you. Palm Springs is home to joints with reasonably priced hamburgers. (read more)

Healthy Restaurants

For all you Palm Springs' fruit and vegetable lovers, the desert city has an ample amount of health-conscious restaurants. Vegans and vegetarians alike will find what they like at these Palm Springs eaters. Even carnivores can find healthy selections of fish, seafood and chicken at the Palm Springs health-conscious restaurants. (read more)

Theme Restaurants

Themed restaurants have the ability to transport its patrons into a different time and place while they enjoy their meal. Palm Springs' themed restaurants tend to reflect the area's reputation as a paradisaical getaway from the trappings of big city life. (read more)

Seafood Restaurants

While Palm Springs is not anywhere near the Pacific Ocean, the desert city has an ample selection of seafood restaurants. Many of Palm Springs seafood restaurants offer fresh marina fare such as fish, eel, crabs, lobsters and other crustacean delights. (read more)

Fine Dining

Feel like wearing fine clothing and dining in an elegant setting? Palm Springs is home to some of the finest restaurants in Southern California, ranging from establishments with outdoor garden settings to places with an exotic flair. (read more)

Steakhouses

Want to bite down into a juicy steak? Palm Springs obliges you with some of the top steakhouses in the California Desert. (see more)

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Dining in Palm Springs
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/palm-springs/dining/;

Author: Skip Davis

February 17, 2012

Mt. San Jacinto/Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: The Top of Palm Springs

Mt. San Jacinto/Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: The Top of Palm Springs

By Skip Davis

Outdoor enthusiasts from throughout Southern California and the American Southwest flock to Mt. San Jacinto State Park for hiking, climbing and camping activities. Standing at 10,834 feet, Mt. San Jacinto is one of the tallest mountains in California. And everyone in Palm Springs knows the best way to the top is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Getting to the Top

One of the most popular methods of accessing Mt. San Jacinto State Park is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The Tramway is on the eastern edge of the park and lifts visitors over 8,500 feet above sea level. The ride on the Tramway is also entertaining as an audio guide offers information to the lift's passengers. All the while, the Tramway spins in a 360-degree motion, giving the passengers multiple views. The top of the Tramway, known as the Mountain Station, features Peaks Restaurant, a mountaintop restaurant that serves American cuisine for lunch and dinner. The Station also has a gift shop and a banquet hall for weddings and luncheons. Hikers can also use the Mountain Station as a starting point for hiking on Mt. San Jacinto. The Tramway and Mountain Station are open from 10 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.

A Nice Place to Picnic

Outdoor picnic opportunities are available at the Long Valley Ranger Station, which is a 15-minute walk from the Mountain Station. Long Valley Ranger Station features picnic areas with barbecue grills and restrooms. Hiking trails near the picnic area allow visitors to view local fauna, including purple asters, crimson columbine and yellow monkey flowers. During the winter, these trails are used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Mt. San Jacinto State Park also provides chances to spot wildlife in their native habitat. Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, mule deer, bobcats and red-tailed hawks are some of the many species of animals found on the mountain. Wildlife sightings are more likely if you visit areas further within the borders than the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Camping

Primitive and RV camping sites are present at campgrounds throughout Mt. San Jacinto. Little Round Valley, Tamarack and Strawberry Junction are among the campgrounds in the park. Most of Mt. San Jacinto's campgrounds are accessible from Palm Springs via the Pines to Palms Highway. If you want to camp at Mt. San Jacinto, the California Department of Parks and Recreation suggests you make reservations at least four weeks in advance if you wish to get a site. (see References 1)

For Your Consideration

Regarding safety concerns, visitors at Mt. San Jacinto must be aware that temperatures become much colder as they ascend the mountain. Be sure to wear warm clothing, even if it is over 80 or 90 degrees in Palm Springs. Also, wearing sun block is advisable since a higher exposure to ultraviolet radiation exists near the top of the mountain.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Mt. San Jacinto/Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: The Top of Palm Springs
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/palm-springs/attractions/san-jacinto/;

Author: Skip Davis

January 25, 2012