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September 2024: When planning your itinerary for a visit to Greater Palm Springs, remember to include time for El Paseo, the “Rodeo Drive” of Greater Palm Springs.
The time here will seem to fly by …there are so many designer shops, restaurants, art galleries, and interior designer showrooms. From November to May, on the first Friday night of each month, they also showcase events such as live music and art receptions. You can also find popular local brands, such as The Body Deli’s flagship store. The shop is filled with many varieties of skincare products which use only natural and organic products. Be forewarned that you will have a hard time selecting just a few favorites...
After spending the day shopping and eating, one of my favorite things to do to unwind is to walk to the nearby Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden. The four-acre garden features 14 outdoor sculptures and over 60 desert plants and is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Such a great way to end a perfect day!
August 2024: Have you ever heard the name of a place, and instantly wanted to go there? That's what happened when I heard about the new art installation that was unveiled in Indio back in April aptly named "Happy Alley . If you are in Indio, enjoying the other outdoor art installations and wall murals, make sure to add "Happy Alley" to your list. It is tucked in an alley near gift shops, a coffee shop, and a vinyl record shop. The bright umbrellas and several new wall murals will instantly put a smile to your face. If you schedule your visit on a Friday, you can also experience the fun weekly evening tradition in Indio, "Food Truck Fridays ", and get a taste of local food and drinks.
July 2024: It is a well-known fact that Greater Palm Springs is a hiking paradise. But did you know that you can spend the whole day on top Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains enjoying an unforgettable hiking experience filled with stunning vistas, diverse ecosystems, and trails for every skill level? A 12-minute-long ride on the aerial tramway will bring you to the top of the San Jacinto National Park where you find endless blue skies looking down at the dense forests of pine, cedar, and oak trees. The moment you step off the tramway car all you can feel and taste is the crystal clean and crisp air filled with every fragrance of the wilderness stretching in front of your eyes. It is virtually impossible to find a more peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life at 8500 feet above Greater Palm Springs. As you follow one of the hiking trails and make your way through the lush forest, keep an eye out for wildlife, including mule deer, bobcats, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. If you happen to do a hike in the spring, then you are certain to be mesmerized by the vibrant wildflowers which add countless splashes of bright colors to the landscape. Hiking in the San Jacinto Mountains is more than just a physical challenge, it is a journey into the heart of nature’s beauty. Add this to your explore list – you won’t be disappointed!
June 2024: I learned a new word: "Omakase". It is a Japanese phrase, used when ordering food in restaurants, that means "I'll leave it up to you". When ordering omakase style, the chef will prepare you an innovative and surprising selection of dishes, and the meal can be likened to an artistic performance. In Greater Palm Springs, our new Shorebird Restaurant in Palm Desert is offering this unique culinary experience. In their upper-level loft dining area, Chefs will prepare and present an off-menu 15-course tasting experience. Shorebird's Omakase dinner events are held once monthly, and the menus will be different with each one. Call ahead for reservations, and then "leave the rest up to them".
May 2024: Many people are surprised to hear that agriculture is a major industry in Greater Palm Springs. It is hard to believe that farms can thrive in the hot desert. But it is a true fact that the farmland here is among the largest crop growing regions in California. The Coachella Valley is renowned for its dates, citrus, grapes, bellpeppers, melons, corn, lettuce, carrots, and broccoli.
Are you thinking about adding a sustainable or educational element to your Greater Palm Springs visit? There are many farms that you can visit while you are here. One such farm is the Temalpakh Farm , which is run by the Augustine Band of the Cahuilla Indians. They use sustainable organic farming practices, and their mission is to provide sustainable products easily accessible to the community.
You can contact the farm for tours, and also plan events such as a farm to table lunch. Last year, they also opened the Temalpakh Farm Education Center, where you can work with them to plan educational programs to learn about important topics such as climate change, and things we can all do in our everyday lives to make improvements in our environment. Before you leave the farm, be sure to stop by their market to shop local produce, and gifts. Don't forget to try one of their delicious smoothies as well!
April 2024: Horsepower comes in many forms and in the Eastern portion of the Coachella Valley, two modes of power are on full display. While many people are familiar with the Thermal Club and BMW Performance Center where horsepower is unleased from high performance sports cars, there is another type of horsepower thundering across the sand at the Desert International Horse Park . With nearly 1.6 million square feet of competition and riding space, this is one of the largest equestrian facilities in North America. Competitors, including former Olympic gold medalists, from across the globe descend on Greater Palm Springs vying for millions of dollars in prize money. More than 15,000 horses compete across a broad range of disciplines from October through May. Whether you’re a lifelong horse enthusiast or just looking for a great way to spend a day with your family and friends, the Desert International Horse Park truly offer something for everyone.
March 2024: Greater Palm Springs is renowned for its glamorous lifestyle, upscale resorts, and vibrant cultural scene. However, beyond the glitz and glamour lies a natural oasis waiting to be discovered - The Indian Canyons . Not too long ago, I went on a tour of these stunning canyons, located just a short drive from downtown Palm Springs. The canyons offer a captivating blend of Native American history, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor adventure. The Indian Canyons include Andreas, Murray and Palm Canyons. While each canyon is very different, they at the same time offer a profound sense of history dated thousands of years and connection to the indigenous people who called this area home. As Spring is knocking on our door, it paints the canyons with a kaleidoscope of colors of wildflowers and fills the air with the spring bloom of wild grass, herbs and trees gently swaying in the wind against the rugged desert backdrop. The famous Palm Canyon is a jaw-dropping display of over 3000 California fan palms creates a feast for the eyes landscape that feels and looks almost surreal against the stunning rock formations and surrounding desert terrain shaped by eternity. And as you get closer to the middle of the canyon, where the palms congregate, you will hear the soothing sounds of flowing water from Andreas Creek. It is like a melodic soundtrack to accompany you along your journey through the canyon.
February 2024: Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. No, I'm not eating a snack - that is the distinct and beautiful sound of each footstep as you hike one of our 51 amazing trails here in Greater Palm Springs. From one end of the Valley to the other, you can enjoy some of the most invigorating hikes, from easy to challenging; from lush palm oases and waterfalls; to hikes that feel like you are on the surface of another planet. If you are fortunate to be visiting during a full moon, one of my favorite hikes to do is a Full Moon Hike. Grab a flashlight, and our Friends of the Desert Mountains organization will guide you along the way, as your Moonshadow will be as distinct as your shadow at high noon. Friends of the Desert Mountains posts a full monthly schedule of their guided hikes. The hikes are free, buy you do need to register via their website. Hiking maps are also available here in our Visitor's Center - so come grab a map, and get "crunching"!
January 2024: Who would have guessed that the fastest growing sport in the United States for the past five years is pickleball?! Before my first encounter with pickleball last week, I would not have believed it. Pickleball was invented in 1965, and the first known tournament was in 1976, but it seems only recently that I started hearing about the sport. Pickleball is popular in the United States, and although the number of players in 2022 doubled to 8.9 million, it is not as well known in other countries yet. It is said that the reason why pickleball is so popular is that it is easy to pick up, it is social, and you can play it without being in great shape. I became a "pickler" for the first time last week when I had a group visiting from Japan. I can attest that the three reasons why the sport is so popular is true.
The group I was hosting had never heard of pickleball before, but within minutes of the clinic with Jim Leupold, the Director of Tennis at the JW Marriott Desert Springs , we were already playing a simple round robin tournament, laughing a lot, and having a great time. If you are looking to try pickleball, Greater Palm Springs has plenty of courts to play on....come and find your "pickleball oasis"!
For our team's archived blog posts, check the links below: