When one drives into Palm Springs from the west just off I-10 on the second exit, the desert heat picks up, the mountains become more dominant, and the most dazzling display of wind turbines covers the horizon! California is one of the leaders in natural energy development and this field is just one example. If we want to keep our skies blue, we have to take more care of our environment in the same way we do our bodies and the foods we consume.
Once inside the city, the desert turns into a graceful, beautiful, green oasis with small, family owned boutique shops lining the verdant streets. The juxtaposition of civilization with the vast desert is a beautiful experience: and anything green becomes more pronounced with the desert hues as a backdrop. The dry air and heat also make a very significant impression!
The Riviera Palm Springs
The Riviera Palm Springs is one of the great oldies! Old Blue Eyes himself frequented the pool! Very recently updated, it enhances and maintains the original classic style of Palm Springs: a moderized version of mid-century modern at its best!
The Bon Vivant Gourmets spent a great deal of time in the pool - at night! With evening temps just beginning to descend across the century mark, it's the only safe way to swim in the dessert! It's also a great way to meet the most interesting people! One Bon Vivant spoke more French in Palm Springs than an entire year at home!
The entire point of going into a hot desert in summer is to see the natural beauty, which is in full bloom. Palm trees are a given and one of the reasons to go to Palm Springs, but vivid flowers, ripe fruits, and a sense of pure air bring forth a sense of relaxation.
The lobby and bar provide the first impression at the Riviera and they make a spectacular one! If meeting new friends or travel companions, this is where a proper evening begins. The service is prompt and impeccable; a keen eye is kept on drinks to make sure one is never absent of one or in need and it is nice to be addressed as "sir" or "Ma'am" again! To go further, a special request was made - a bon vivant wanted a corkscrew to pop a bottle for guests in the room - "It's yours sir, keep it." That is not to say they give away corkscrews! It just implies - return it if you remember to, without obligation. As we have many similar in every luggage (except the one we used this trip! :( it was a kind gesture and one not expected). It is the unexpected kindness that leaves a lasting impression on a hotel guest. Support in simple needs.
Remaining true to the traditional culture, the walk from the lobby to the rooms and pool has intimate little nooks, each as though they were their own little rooms. One can not but feel in a separate place in time.
La Quinta
Old Town La Quinta isn't that old, but it is very nice. We first made a visit a decade ago and found it to be very charming and wanted to revisit an old Hollywood jewelry shop that sold classic jewelry (now gone). However, each trip to old town yields new rewards.
Just wondering around the area with a sense of curiosity brings forth new gifts...
La Quinta Olive Oil Company is our new source for aged vinegar! Each vinegar is aged a minimum of 18 years and they have some aged 25 years. They have a huge selection of choices, more than we have ever seen for vinegar. We were informed that all of the vinegars are direct source from Italy. They also have a massive source of olive oils.
Indio
Shield Date Garden owns acres of palms for date harvest. The date palm is something to behold and yields a naturally, sweet date. There are many species of dates available (Medjool, Abadda, Barhi, Deglet, Halawi, and others). One is able to acquire these dates from the source at Shield, who uses the date palms for harvest.
Their shop offers more than dates and one should not forget to try the date shake!
Palm Desert
The Marriott Palm Desert - to revisit an old arch nemesis, "Cowboy!"
Cowboy is a Macaw hybrid and when i first met him, he was....well....a cowboy! He lacked manners, was rude to people, and quit frankly, if not caged, would feel wonderful attacking everybody! He was a true cowboy and it takes one to know one.
I was enthralled that the hotel had and has in its lobby - cages full of exotic birds everywhere - having grown up with a bird loving mother. I introduced myself to Cowboy (I now capitalize his name out of respect as an adversary).
I met Cowboy twelve years ago.
I introduced myself, "Hello Cowboy, I love you!" in a sweet voice.
Cowboy introduced himself by saying, "Asshole!"
What!....What did he just say?
I laughed, thinking...a bird is just repeating what he hears......
Not in the case with Cowboy: I asked him, "Did you just call me an asshole?"
He said, "That's right!" and ran across his perch to the other side of the cage to get as far away from me as possible! I have witnesses!
I was half enraged but laughing too hard to complain!
I was enthralled that the hotel had and has in its lobby - cages full of exotic birds everywhere - having grown up with a bird loving mother. I introduced myself to Cowboy (I now capitalize his name out of respect as an adversary).
I met Cowboy twelve years ago.
I introduced myself, "Hello Cowboy, I love you!" in a sweet voice.
Cowboy introduced himself by saying, "Asshole!"
What!....What did he just say?
I laughed, thinking...a bird is just repeating what he hears......
Not in the case with Cowboy: I asked him, "Did you just call me an asshole?"
He said, "That's right!" and ran across his perch to the other side of the cage to get as far away from me as possible! I have witnesses!
I was half enraged but laughing too hard to complain!
This is my new friend, "Cowboy." He is twelve years older, softer, nicer, and more gentle. We talked about the past and he felt shy, humble. I asked him if he remembered me and his head went up and down (maybe he wanted food). I said I thought he was a cool dude and that i forgave him.....then he started climbing on the cage. We made friends.
These are Cowboys' neighbors...Scarlet, the redhead, is extremely intelligent.
The grounds are that of a proper resort with gondola tours.
Each morning we awoke, we experienced a spectacular display of palms to the horizon.
Be sure to take a ride on the gondolas - the conductors know a great deal about the property, right down to the species of fish and wildlife that live in the area...and not to be afraid, but there is a giant catfish somewhere under the water, at least 4 1/2 feet in length! We have seen him! He surfaces outside the restaurant, hoping for food!
One of the best pool areas of any resort!
The Palm Springs Art Museum
Once in town, don't avoid the art museum! They have all kinds of interesting exhits, some temporary and others more permanent!
Chihuly
This couple wasn't very talkative....so most people just walk on by. At a closer glance....they aren't exactly sociable at all!
