| PALM SPRINGS - California's Desert Oasis | | | | lounge bars, the singing waiters at Cafe Italia plus |
| Basking in the heat of the California desert lies one of | | | | numerous professional bands and singers are on hand |
| America's most alluring vacation playgrounds. Nestled | | | | to delight one and all. But the most unique |
| in a vast fertile valley surrounded by lush and ancient | | | | performers on stage are the world renowned |
| palm groves, banked by steep ravines and mountain | | | | Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. Celebrating the music of |
| peaks, the village of Palm Springs is no mirage as it | | | | the 30s, 40s and 50s in Vaudeville style with a cast |
| proves to be a real desert oasis. | | | | ranging in age from 55 to 85 years old this show will |
| Some of the original residents included Frank Sinatra, | | | | delight audiences of all ages. |
| Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, President Gerald Ford, Roy | | | | Whatever you might think don't be misled by the age |
| Rogers and Gene Autry just to name a few. This | | | | of these cast members because you will be dazzled |
| resident ancestry plus the subsequent Mayor and | | | | by their agility, their strong voices and their stamina. |
| later Congressman Sonny Bono led to the | | | | And if that's not enough the spectacular costumes, |
| development of a vibrant community which evolved | | | | creative sets and guest performers will all leave you |
| to provide an escape from the frenetic pace of life in | | | | mesmorised by the end of the three hour |
| Hollywood. | | | | spectacular. |
| Times have changed and today the community has | | | | The Fabulous Plam Springs follies have become a local |
| become a year round destination for those seeking a | | | | institution since they were founded and now in their |
| vacation in the sun. With an average annual rainfall of | | | | second decade of continuous performances---like its |
| only six inches you are almost guaranteed a hot and | | | | cast members---shows no signs of slowing down. |
| sunny holiday---a claim which very few places can | | | | Another Palm Springs institution---The historic Plaza |
| promise. Whether you are a golfer, tennis player, | | | | Theatre opened in 1936 and located on Palm Canyon |
| enjoy horseback riding, can't wait to shop, take a | | | | Drive---is home to the Follies and it is fitting that this |
| hike in the wilderness,or just want to relax poolside | | | | history-making show takes place in a charming, neon |
| with a cocktail soaking up the rays, this desert | | | | encrusted, storybook renovated old movie house. |
| sanctuary proffers everything for a perfect escape. | | | | Performances are five days per week from late |
| Plam Springs is one of nine adjacent cities that | | | | October to mid-May and this season's theme is a |
| comprise the Coachella Valley sheltered by the Little | | | | salute to the legendary road Route 66 in song and |
| San Bernadino Mountains to the north, the Santa | | | | dance routines. |
| Rosa Mountains to the south and The San Jacinto | | | | Each year the show grows in popularity and one of |
| Mountains to the west. This affords spectacular | | | | the reasons for this growth is the sheer |
| mountain views in every direction creating amazing | | | | extravagance of the production's costumes which |
| sunrises and sunsets that vary every day and never | | | | have to be seen to be believed. Costume creation |
| disappoint. When you leave Palm Springs to visit one | | | | begins about eighteen months prior to each season's |
| of the other desert communities you are considered | | | | opening night and cost up to $35,000 each. Amazing |
| to be "going down Valley" and this journey provides | | | | as this sounds you have to see them to believe it! |
| plenty of new vistas to explore. | | | | Producers Riff Markowitz---who is also the evening's |
| It's a true paradise valley boasting an average 354 | | | | host and comedian---and Mary Jardin have discovered |
| days of sunshine each year with winter temperatures | | | | a winning combination of amazing talent and unique |
| which average a daily high in the 70's Fahrenheit rising | | | | entertainment from times gone by which they turn |
| to over 100 degrees during the summer months. | | | | into dazzling spectaculars each season. All of the |
| Patios are open year-round and outdoor activities | | | | performers have enjoyed a career on stage, in |
| never stop for the change in seasons. That's why it's | | | | television, in commercials or other live performances |
| a golfers dream destination. | | | | and Markowitz and Jardin have found a way to keep |
| In addition to all the daytime outdoor activities the | | | | them busy in their years which might normally be |
| vibrant nightlife and gourmet dining promises you will | | | | retirement. And you can see that all the cast |
| definitely feel as though you have discovered | | | | members enthusiastically love their new roles. |
| paradise. | | | | Even the Guinness Book of World Records has |
| Just ask any of the four hundred thousand plus | | | | recognised the Palm Springs Follies' performer |
| valley residents why they never want to leave. | | | | Dorothy Kloss at 85 years old as the "Oldest 'Still |
| GETTING THERE: | | | | Performing' Showgirl in the World." As a precocious |
| Palm Springs airport is located in the center of the | | | | Chicago teenager Dorothy taught a young Bob Fosse |
| city and is served by ten major airlines with | | | | how to tap dance and she is still tap dancing today! |
| approximately 100 flights daily. This includes direct | | | | So make a date with the legendary long-legged |
| flights from Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton via | | | | chorus line and performers that will entertain you, |
| Westjet plus connections to and from other major | | | | make you laugh and leave you stunned by their |
| Canadian cities. Upon arrival at the airport it is easy to | | | | sensory extravaganza. Miss this at your own folly! |
| rent a car and drive to the other communities within | | | | RECREATION IN THE DESERT |
| the Coachella Valley or utilise public transportation to | | | | When you are patiently waiting at the baggage claim |
| your final destination. | | | | in Palm Springs Airport you will suddenly realise that |
| Driving times from nearby major cities are | | | | there are more golf bags than suitcases or |
| approximately three hours from San Diego,just under | | | | passengers. Instantly you become aware that you |
| two hours from Los Angeles and slightly further with | | | | are visiting the premier world destination for golfers. |
| five hours from Las Vegas or Phoenix. | | | | And they are in town to spend their leisure time at |
| It's understandable why this desert oasis has become | | | | one of the two-hundred plus world class golf courses |
| so popular given the close proximity to many other | | | | in the Coachella Valley. Or perhaps the reason you |
| major tourism destinations plus convenient airline | | | | are here is because you are the owner of one of |
| connections. | | | | the golf bags. Either way it's impossible to escape the |
| FAST FACTS ON The Coachella Valley and Palm | | | | fact that with the guaranteed sunny climate and lack |
| Springs: | | | | of rainfall this truly is a year-round golfers' paradise. |
| The Coachella Valley is in Riverside County, California | | | | Even though Palm Springs and the whole desert |
| and is comprised of nine cities with approximately | | | | region is world-renowned for this particular reason |
| four hundred thousand residents. The desert cities of | | | | the desert valley has much variety to offer for |
| Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Rancho | | | | holiday recreation. |
| Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Indio, Coachella, and | | | | Celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bob |
| Desert Hot Springs make up most of the resident | | | | Hope with their passion for golf probably inspired the |
| population plus the native reserve lands. | | | | early development of Palm Springs as a golf resort |
| The major San Andreas Fault runs down the Valley's | | | | and today their legacy lives on and has multiplied |
| east side. Because of this fault the Valley has many | | | | several hundred fold into a golfing mecca. Throughout |
| natural hot springs. | | | | the entire Coachella Valley there seems to be a golf |
| More than two hundred golf courses blanket the | | | | course around every corner and each with |
| valley making it one of the world's premier golf | | | | spectacular mountain views and an abundance of |
| destinations. | | | | water keeping the greens in perfect condition. Many |
| The most renowned mayor of Palm Springs was | | | | of the clubs are semi-private and allow for visitors to |
| Sonny Bono and his statue can be found in the heart | | | | have equal access with the members creating |
| of Palm springs on Palm Canyon Drive. | | | | sufficient tee times for all. |
| The average annual temperature ranges from a high | | | | Although this isn't Hollywood's Palm Springs anymore |
| 108 F degrees in July to a low 70F degrees in | | | | there are still some nice gentle courses with Palm |
| January. | | | | trees galore and mountains at a safe distance for an |
| The average annual rainfall is less than 6 inches and | | | | easy round of golf. But there are now plenty of |
| overall there are 354 days of sunshine throughout | | | | score crunching devilish courses to lay claim to the |
| the year. The perfect vacation climate. | | | | reputation as one of the most challenging golf regions |
| DINING IN THE DESERT | | | | in the world. The PGA West TPC Stadium Course is |
| After a round of golf, hiking in the mountains and | | | | the hardest course in the region and perhaps |
| canyons or a few sets of tennis you are sure to | | | | anywhere in the world. Ten different golfers could |
| have a healthy appetite. For this reason there seems | | | | play this course and come up with ten different holes |
| to be an abundance of hearty steak offerings at | | | | which destroyed their scorecards and still have a |
| most restaurants throughout the desert valley. But | | | | smile on their faces. |
| you might also be surprised to know that this desert | | | | The Palm Springs Golf Guide assists with seasonal |
| also claims some excellent seafood restaurants | | | | rates, course descriptions and online reservations and |
| offering 'straight from the ocean' freshness. This is | | | | many other individual clubs offer online reservations |
| mainly due to the proximity to the Pacific coast and | | | | and information. |
| the fact that fresh fish can be in the desert | | | | But recreational activities in this desert vacationland |
| restaurants within just a few hours of being caught in | | | | are not just restricted to golfers and many options |
| the ocean. Of course you can rest assured the locally | | | | exist for outdoor adventures. Perhaps you might |
| grown produce lends itself to excellent salads with a | | | | choose a natural high with a trip up the aerial |
| wide selection of choices everywhere you dine. Palm | | | | tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto,elevation |
| Springs and the other desert communities are | | | | 8,516 feet, where hiking trails abound in the State |
| renowned for their gourmet dining options and | | | | Park. Or you might enjoy renting a bicycle and taking |
| choosing the best restaurant can be a challenging | | | | one of the cycling tours around Palm Springs using |
| search so here is a list of ideas for a positive | | | | the map of suggested routes published by the City |
| experience. | | | | of Palm Springs. There is also the Indian Canyons |
| PALM SPRINGS: | | | | walking trails which provide nature lovers with |
| The Falls Restaurant in the heart of Palm Springs is | | | | pleasant walks and ranger-led interpretive hikes into |
| simply unforgettable. It is located at 155 South Palm | | | | the serene beauty of the canyons. |
| Canyon Drive on the second level overlooking the | | | | For those seeking a less strenuous activity Celebrity |
| heart of the city. With private balconies for two or | | | | Tours will take you around the city in comfort to |
| four people and a wrap around terrace you are | | | | learn about the famous past and legacy of the stars |
| guaranteed a great view. Here you can enjoy Tapas | | | | that discovered this desert oasis and started to |
| and a cocktail or a complete dinner of steaks or | | | | make it a vacation paradise. |
| seafood with excellent service and ambiance. From | | | | DESERT SPA EXPERIENCES |
| oysters on the shell to steamed mussels plus a house | | | | Believe it or not the hot, dry desert has certain |
| specialty of grilled stiletto sirloin steak or mustard and | | | | similarities with the cold, dry winters in |
| herb crusted lamb rack, the extensive menu even | | | | Canada---parched skin problems. And what better |
| has vegetarian and kids dishes. The Falls Smokin' | | | | way to discover the cure for this northern curse |
| Martinis or Classic Cocktails will sharpen your appetite | | | | than to experience a spa treatment designed |
| and make the perfect end to a day of physical | | | | specifically to moisten a male body's surfaces using |
| activity. Reservations recommended especially for | | | | local desert remedies. I set out to compare a couple |
| the private balconies. They also have a second | | | | of these special treatments and judge their |
| location in LaQuinta. | | | | effectiveness for myself. |
| The Chophouse located at 262 South Palm Canyon | | | | First I visited Spa Terre at the Riviera Resort & |
| Drive is a sanctuary for steak aficionados who enjoy | | | | Spa. After explaining my major reason for the visit |
| a tender moment with their meals. The array of | | | | my therapist recommended the Native Desert Sage |
| USDA Prime aged steaks and chops includes Kansas | | | | treatment and massage. He assured me that this |
| City Bone-In New York, Bone-In Filet Mignon, | | | | would not only solve my skin problems but it would |
| Cowboy Rib, and Porterhouse steaks, as well as | | | | enlighten my senses and lift my spirits. First I enjoyed |
| double pork chops and rack of lamb. All meats, | | | | the hot pools and developed a nice warm glow all |
| butchered in-house, are grilled the classic way at | | | | over before the treatment began. Once on the |
| lower temperatures longer, allowing juices, | | | | massage table my workout began with a gentle |
| tenderness, and flavors to develop fully. With | | | | exfoliating body polish which was followed by a |
| outstanding service and a delightful patio, dinner here | | | | warm shower without soap. When I returned to the |
| is for lingering enjoyment and people watching in the | | | | massage table heaven and the angels enveloped me |
| heart of Palm Springs. They also have a second | | | | as the aromatic massage began using a rare desert |
| location in Palm Desert. | | | | sage oil for effect. I gently slipped into a lower level |
| Reservations recommended | | | | of consciousness as strong hands worked the magic |
| The Fisherman's Market and Grill is known throughout | | | | oils into my parched skin. It seemed to last forever |
| the valley as the place to choose your fish and have | | | | but when his hands ceased their marvellous work it |
| it cooked just the way you like it. Or simply buy the | | | | felt like it had only lasted for seconds and I wanted |
| fish and take it home to prepare in your own kitchen | | | | more. Alas it was over! It was time for me to return |
| or on the barbecue. From traditional fish and chips to | | | | to normal levels of awareness, head to my room and |
| swordfish steaks or local specialties this truly is a fish | | | | prepare for dinner. However, I was definitely moving |
| market and the chalkboard with the catch of the day | | | | slowly and in the mood for a nice long, relaxing dinner |
| specials denotes this. With the choice of patio or | | | | at the Falls Restaurant. Whatever the excuse I could |
| inside air-conditioned dining and take-out services this | | | | easily become very accustomed to this kind of |
| market caters to every fish lover's desires. Additional | | | | pampering. |
| locations in La Quinta, Palm Desert and Banning. | | | | My second experiment took place at The Spa in the |
| Blame It On Midnight is a unique place to dine or | | | | Spa Resort Casino. I began with their signature |
| enjoy the cabaret entertainment and circular bar. | | | | service Taking of the Waters. This proved to be a |
| The recent new owners created a new menu which | | | | truly incomparable combination of steam, sauna, |
| offers a wide range of American cuisine with grand | | | | Eucalyptus inhalation followed by a therapeutic, |
| sized appetizers and entrees that include soup or | | | | relaxing ten minute soak in my own private sunken |
| salad. Some popular menu items were retained (like | | | | tub filled with the Spa's famous hot mineral waters. |
| the Chicken Breast Supreme and Baby Back Ribs). | | | | Then it was time for my aromatherapy one hour |
| Others had their recipes upgraded (all their steaks are | | | | therapeutic massage with a custom-blended pure |
| now 100% certified Angus beef), and some new | | | | essential oil designed to soften and moisturise my |
| items are quickly becoming customer favorites. For | | | | skin. Here the emphasis was placed upon the |
| example, the Osso Buco is outstanding. Located at | | | | massage and when it was over every muscle in my |
| 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way reservations are only | | | | body seemed to have completely stopped |
| accepted for parties of six or more so you may | | | | functioning as total relaxation set in. After a few |
| have to enjoy a cocktail at the bar while you wait | | | | minutes resting on the massage table I was able to |
| for your table. However, you may call ahead for | | | | move again in order to shower, dress myself and |
| smaller parties and be placed on their VIP list for that | | | | head off to the Fisherman's Market and Grill for a |
| evening. | | | | light luncheon of my favorite Halibut and chips. |
| Dinks Restaurant and Ultra Lounge is a brand new | | | | Well now to my conclusions. I've been home for |
| restauarant housed in its own recently constructed | | | | several weeks and instead of my usual immediate |
| stand-alone building at 2080 North Palm Canyon Drive | | | | re-acclimatisation to the winter atmosphere with |
| and is already a very popular local bar and restaurant. | | | | instant itchiness and dry finger tips I can almost say |
| You might recognise the name from the expression | | | | my skin feels like a baby's bottom. That might be a |
| "Double Income No Kids" and this is exactly the | | | | slight exaggeration with my advancing years but all |
| crowd to which Dinks caters. And they are doing it | | | | things are relative and I can feel like a baby if I want |
| extremely well. Experience flavors from around the | | | | to. Without a doubt these desert spa therapists have |
| world in portions that are meant to be shared with | | | | some magic potions and they know how to make |
| friends. But the generous drinks, martinis, mojitos and | | | | you feel rejuvenated. |
| specialty cocktails are just for you. Add to this the | | | | SHOPPING PALM SPRINGS |
| best in nightly entertainment and a staff that holds a | | | | Today almost all resort towns offer a veritable |
| passion for what they do in creating the ultimate | | | | smorgasbord of shopping experiences to both |
| night on the town enjoying a unique, hip and cool, | | | | residents and tourists alike and Palm Springs including |
| indoor and outdoor setting. | | | | the valley townships are no exception. Throughout |
| PALM DESERT | | | | the Coachella Valley there are numerous shopping |
| Cafe Italia is perhaps the most unique and | | | | malls which offer not only multiple shopping options |
| entertaining restaurant in the entire Valley and is | | | | with major retail store chains and small boutiques but |
| guaranteed to make for a night to remember. The | | | | also air conditioned respite from the unrelenting |
| unassuming small cafe is located at 74901 USA Hwy | | | | desert heat. |
| 111 in a shopping mall. But once you step inside the | | | | However, there are also some very unique |
| doors you are likely to be greeted by an operatic aria | | | | alternatives to the kind of shopping experience which |
| or one of your favorite songs from an Andrew Lloyd | | | | you are familiar with in your own home town. |
| Webber musical performed by a member of the | | | | Just a short drive down the valley to Old Town La |
| talented serving staff. The small cosy atmosphere is | | | | Quinta and you will feel as though you have stepped |
| complemented by perfect northern Italian cuisine and | | | | back in time to an old Spanish town with beautiful |
| fine wines. With unique salads, classic Italian dishes | | | | white 18th century style Spanish architecture. The |
| and decadent desserts plus the talented professional | | | | shops, restaurants and services will provide a |
| singers this will be a dinner full of memories to last | | | | pleasant leisurely shopping experience or a self |
| longer than your vacation. Reservations are almost a | | | | indulgent visit to one of the day spas. The town is |
| must here. | | | | very proud of its artistic residents and local jewellers |
| Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe at 73595 El Paseo in | | | | plus arts and crafts galleries are a highlight of this |
| the heart of the fashionable 'Rodeo Drive' district | | | | community. There is no rushed or pressured shopping |
| offers a colonial plantation style ambiance with | | | | here just relaxed shopping enjoyment. |
| Caribbean Island inspired cocktails and cuisine. Fruity | | | | If you're looking for the Rodeo Drive luxury in the |
| drinks come complete with umbrellas and are perfect | | | | Valley then head to El Paseo Avenue in Palm Desert |
| with appetizers like Big Island Goat Cheese, Loki-Loki | | | | where you will find approximately 300 specialty |
| Tuna Poke, Crab Calloway or Tommy's famous | | | | boutiques, day spas, fine jewellers and the likes of |
| Coconut Shrimp. Entrees include Ocho Rios Roasted | | | | Gucci, Theodore of Beverly Hills and Ralph Lauren. |
| Chicken, Port-Au-Prince Pork Chop, Little Palm Island | | | | Plus when you need to rest your feet, enjoy a |
| Pasta, or Tommy's Rib Rack just to give you the hint | | | | beverage or some great food you can enjoy indoor |
| of Island menu selections plus many daily specials. | | | | dining, patio dining and cocktail lounges at Tommy |
| The key lime pie for dessert is to die for! The | | | | Bahama's Tropical Cafe and Pacifica Seafood. Both |
| relaxed Island attitude makes dining a leisurely | | | | promise a gourmet delight and exotic décor |
| pleasure and the friendly staff complete the great | | | | for a pleasant respite from the hard task of |
| experience. | | | | shopping. |
| Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is designed for those who | | | | Also, The Gardens on El Paseo is a collection of small |
| have worked up a really hearty appetite and are | | | | boutiques, cafes and services plus Sax Fifth Avenue |
| ready for dinner with perhaps the largest portions | | | | and Tiffany & Co. situated in an open air lush |
| and best steaks to be found anywhere in the desert | | | | tropical garden and parkland with unique sculptures by |
| valley. This famous chain of restaurants is renowned | | | | local artists. You will probably find this to be the most |
| for its consistently good food and impeccable service | | | | laid back shopping experience you have ever |
| and here in Palm Desert is no exception. Located at | | | | partaken. You might even forget to spend money |
| 74-740 Hwy 111 reservations are recommended. | | | | and just enjoy the tropical gardens, flowers and |
| Pacifica Seafood on El Paseo is perhaps the premier | | | | scenery. |
| seafood restaurant in the valley with fresh fish every | | | | Perhaps the most unique shopping experience in Palm |
| day from San Diego. With rooftop seating, cabanas | | | | Springs is the VillageFest when every Thursday night |
| and the finest view of El Paseo and the mountains | | | | from 6PM to 9PM the main street Palm Canyon Drive |
| this is the perfect setting for a seafood feast and of | | | | is closed to traffic for about ten blocks in the heart |
| course something from the International Vodka Menu | | | | of downtown. A diverse array of artists, artisans, |
| or the award-winning wine list. Sunset dinner specials | | | | entertainers, and purveyors of fresh fruits and |
| run nightly from 3PM to 5:45PM and will be the most | | | | vegetables, flowers, jewellery, snacks and sweets all |
| romantic experience of your vacation. Try the beet | | | | set up booths on the street to sell their wares. The |
| salad, swordfish steak and one of the wonderful | | | | regular retail stores stay open late and the |
| chocolate dessert creations as the sun sets for a | | | | restaurants, bars and cafes welcome the crowds. |
| perfect end to your day in this desert paradise. | | | | This is one of Southern California's most popular |
| Rattlesnake at The Classic Club is definitely a case of | | | | festivals and it is a weekly tradition with local |
| saving the best for last and this will be the special | | | | residents and visitors to get out and enjoy the |
| treat for the highlight of your visit to the desert | | | | Festival. It provides a unique opportunity to purchase |
| region. Here you will enjoy the valley's most awarded | | | | unusual and distinctive gifts to take back home to |
| cuisine by premier Chef Jimmy Schmidt featuring the | | | | friends and family. |
| freshest organic and sustainable ingredients from the | | | | If you have just purchased your new vacation |
| Coachella Valley. Enjoy exquisitely presented food | | | | property somewhere in the valley then some home |
| and wine pairings plus dessert creations which are out | | | | furnishings might be needed and there are plenty of |
| of this world. All this while seated on the terrace | | | | stores ready to help you to furnish your new home. |
| overlooking the beautiful cascading waterfall and the | | | | In Palm Springs the unique store Room Service can |
| golf course with views framed by the mountains. The | | | | offer you modern furnishings, accessories and interior |
| friendly staff deliver impeccable service and complete | | | | design assistance. Also, the Galleria of Palm Springs is |
| the perfect experience for the discriminating | | | | a mid-forties California original arcade, with ten unique |
| gourmand or those who simply desire a perfect | | | | shops featuring 20th century art, design and fashion |
| dinner. This is a must visit at least once and you may | | | | from Europe, Asia, Africa and the America's. |
| find yourself returning as often as you can. | | | | When you're ready for a break from the suns rays |
| ENTERTAINMENT: | | | | at the pool or need some time away from the |
| With a history steeped in Hollywood traditions you | | | | greens then shopping can be a most enjoyable time |
| would expect Palm Springs and the entire Coachella | | | | out from the desert heat. This is a true nirvana for |
| Valley to be overflowing with great performances. | | | | shoppers no matter what you are looking to buy. |
| You won't be disappointed as talented pianists in | | | | |