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 | Get A Jump Start On Spring In Palm Springs |  | | | Tired of the winter weather? Can't wait for
spring? Well, the nice weather is already here in Palm Springs, with high temps
in the mid-seventies. A weekend or a week in the desert might be just what you
need to rejuvenate your spirit.
What's New
If you haven't been to Palm Springs in a while, the first thing you will
probably notice is that the airport has added a very modern, new terminal,
complete with jet ways. No more climbing down the air-stairs. This is a huge
upgrade for seniors, especially those requiring wheelchair services.
After you leave the airport you'll probably
notice that Palm Springs isn't just for the older crowd anymore. There's been a
influx of the younger generations who have finally figured out what we've known
all along, it just feels better in warm weather. But don't shy away because of
the younger folks in town. They have brought new blood to the city. In the
evenings you can find wide varieties of music to listen to and during the day
you'll notice the diversity in the clothes you see walking down Palm Canyon
Drive.
Also in new in Palm Springs is Street Fair.
Every Thursday evening the city closes off about a 1 mile strip of Palm Canyon
Drive and the local vendors line the streets. On one end you'll find kiddieland,
with moonwalks and big slides for kids to entertain themselves. If you stroll
along, you'll hear cultural music from the local area and Mexico, you can get a
10 minute massage, there are arts and crafts dealers from all over Southern
California, and the farmers from Coachella and San Joaquin valleys have their
fruits and vegetables out for sale. The mood is typically festive, but not
boisterous, and the experience is one of the most enjoyable we've had in Palm
Springs. We highly recommend that if you are planning a trip to the area that
you plan on spending a Thursday evening so that you don't miss the fun of Street
Fair.
What's Not So New
Golf, Golf, Golf. We've golfed the Carolinas, Southern California, and Hawaii,
and still we haven't found a better place to hit the lynx than Palm Springs.
With a wide variety of courses (over 100 in all) and price ranges, if you love
to golf you will find your Nirvana here. As this article is being written, the
PGA tour is here for the Bob Hope Classic at PGA West. PGA West has 6 beautiful
courses located in LaQuinta, about a 30 minute drive from downtown. One online
option is to reserve your tee time at eteetime.com or www.desert-resorts.com.
Both have a golfing guide on their websites.
Shop, Shop, Shop. We love the Desert Fashion
Plaza in downtown Palm Springs. Just walking through downtown along Palm Canyon
Drive you'll find art galleries galore, plenty of craft shops, countless
clothiers, and even an office supply superstore.
Dine, Dine, Dine. Great restaurants abound all
over the Palm Springs area. Our favorite Mexican place is Las Casuelas Terraza
which is also on Palm Canyon Drive. Dine indoors or out and listen to live
entertainment while you feast on generous portions of classic Mexican cuisine.
You won't go hungry in Palm Springs.
Where To Stay
The closer to downtown the better in our opinion. If you are looking for the
resort/spa vacation then you may be better off in LaQuinta or Palm Desert, but
for the overall experience, we recommend downtown. We stayed at the Hyatt
Regency Suites on Palm Canyon Drive and it is top-notch. Walk right out the door
and into Street Fair or right next door to the Desert Fashion Plaza. And with
their senior's discount it's a bit more affordable than you might think. They
quoted us $139 per night for a two room suite through May 31, 2000, then
dropping to $99 per night through the summer and fall months. The regular rack
rate is between $255 and $299. The Hilton and the Wyndam are also in good
locations, but not right on Palm Canyon Drive.
There are more affordable spots, as low as $39
a night with more standard types of hotel rooms like the Quality Inn and the
Comfort Inn. They are located more to the outskirts of town...still beautiful
scenery, but not as convenient. In fact, their locations could cause you to have
to rent a car...additional expense.
So if you are ready to jump start the spring or
summer seasons, a great place to look is Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Resources
Posted by PaulusMM on July 12 2004 - 22:20:16 - 0 Comments |
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