As a resident of the city, I find myself at one or the other of them frequently from viewing and photographing modern art inside and outside at the Palm Springs Art Museum to Happy Hour and from sipping coffee at La Jefe Coffee House to daily morning hikes through the Prescott Preserve and draft IPA beer or two at the V Wine Bar while most of the people there are enjoying glasses (or bottles) of fine wine.
The city of Palm Springs gives me all of the gusto I got. I’m just about always happy here. Indeed you will be too.
Here’s the scoop on where I go:
Palm Springs Art Museum
101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
High on your bucket list for a day of education and exercise would be the Palm Springs Art Museum. The museum is home to the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and numerous events throughout the season.
The museum was designed in 1974 by E. Stuart Williams and opened in 1976. The museum’s exterior is a trip in itself, especially for photo ops, as the building is classic mid-twentieth century modern. Two giant staircases fit for a queen take you up under a large overhang and into the glass facade entrance of the building.
Recently, I visited a preview of the restaurant Livs located on the bottom level below the Annenberg. On what is to be the restaurant’s patio two wild DJs dance their hearts out while diners munch on lobster rolls and burgers prepared by Chef Gabriel Woo.
The museum is centered right up to San Jacinto Peak. One of its best-kept secrets is that behind the museum there is a trail (Museum Trail) that winds up the mountain with spectacular views of Palm Springs below. The two-mile trail is some of the best exercise you’ll get on your visit.
Forever Marilyn Statue
Museum Drive
The 26-foot tall statue by John Seward Johnson II is right smack in the middle of downtown Palm Springs. Just a block west of Palm Canyon, the city’s main drag, a walk on the strip isn’t complete without a peek at Marilyn.
Straight from a scene in the film, The Seven Year Itch is Marilyn in all her giant glory, dress blown up, but there’s no grate. Her heels and underwear are must-sees, the latter has caused much controversy among the town’s rich folk.
This is my people-watching area, as reactions to standing under Marilyn’s dress next to her giant pumps permit me to repetitiously giggle inside.
Reactions range from shock to surprise to effusive blushing when sneaking a look up briefly at her white panties while phone cameras click and snap. The gorgeous eternally iconic figure watches over the city like a hawk.
La Jefa Coffee House
750 N Palm Canyon Dr. B, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Inside and out this unique coffee house a great selection of coffee drinks and fresh pastries, along with outside seating around a giant Airstream trailer. Can’t get more retro than that!
La Jefa’s outside area is perfect for sitting while sipping a triple-shot soy (or whatever) cappuccino. The perfect spot for pulling out my digital nomad’s laptop and getting to work writing and playing with Photoshop.
V Lounge Wine and Martini Bar
600 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Can’t beat the eclectic crowd that shows up every Monday night when Leanna sings while her husband, Miguel, plays the bongo.
This place is hopping with some of the best wine options in the city. There’s food too — lots of it — from pizza to cheese plates and the yummiest carrot cake around.
Prescott Preserve
Palm Springs between Sunrise & El Cielo
Uniquely situated in the central part of the city is the newly formed Prescott Preserve. It was a former golf course and now has magically transformed into a wildlife and botanical habitat. Tropical Storm Hilary’s abundant rainfall has turned it green.
My walks used to be rock fests as my earbuds blared with music.
That has changed.
Now I just breathe in deep meditation while looking at the giant mountain, which in this city not only calms but also orients me westward to the city of Palm Springs wherever I am in the Coachella Valley.
The desert cities of Cathedral City, Racho Mirage, Palm Desert, and Indio lie east of Palm Springs, so all that you have to do to get back to the city is to look for the mountain. For me, that is vital as my sense of direction is nonexistent without that mountain.
Are there coyotes? Yes, and lots of them. One morning at dawn I was followed by one at the Tahquitz Wash. I was afraid, turned myself around, and looked big by raising my arms and making lots of noise. The animal looked at me, puzzled. Then I turned around and walked. It walked with me until the end of the trail. Later, a ranger told me that’s just what they do. They escort you out of their territory. Now there are many signs around the preserve saying just that.
Oh, and by the way, the roadrunners that you frequently see are gorgeous and usually stop for you to take a photo.
Everybody’s jumpin’ in Palm Springs. These five outings are sure to leave you rewarded with memories that will last forever.
Comments
Post a Comment
Comments are appreciated. That is what keeps blog alive.