Weekend In Palm Springs

Not long ago my stereotyped images of Palm Springs includes polyester-clad duffers puttering around in electric carts or over-tanned B stardom boozing up the pool, interrupted only occasionally shoot. Granted, these people are swathed in an endless sun, but it was not enough to get me to join them anytime soon.

However, after hearing so much about the origin of Palm Springs as a developing tourist mecca, and once again a trendy place for vacation, I decided to visit during the period of post-Easter week, when the ticket was accidentally plopped into my lap is a dear friend , who was to join me, of course.

Alaska Airlines flies directly from Seattle to Palm Springs' airport luke.More gorgeous garden of green appeared below us as we landed and taxied to the terminal as a new Jetsons. Palm Springs takes pride in its reputation as the "capital of modernity" and more recently to the public in the field has focused on the remaining shows vintage modern architecture and design.

737 Stepping off my senses were immediately seduced. I expected to feel the impact of heat, of course, but the air is gentle, almost aromatherapeutic experience, a harmonious blend of millions throughout the blooming flowers and fruit trees. I was immediately impressed by the vision of an oasis in the desert, a city blanketed with thousands of gardens. They feed mostly underground sources that contribute to the city name and meets almost all needs for water.

During a short wait for my luggage I was looking putters at the airport putting green. Then I was suddenly in the cab for five minutes to my destination, Hacienda at Warm Sands.Toplo sand resort enclave near the heart of the city pensions. Spring is considered the season and there is only one room remaining when to book several weeks in advance.

We were warmly welcomed by Managing Director Steven Siehl and escorted to our apartment the past, tropical landscaping, two sparkling pools. Without gushing I'm hard-pressed to describe the entry into this oasis for the first time. Our suite featured a stunning piece of exotic hardwood furniture, including rare old teak, two brushed cotton sofa, full entertainment centers in both living room and separate bedroom, and high-speed wireless internet. There is a complete kitchen, plantation shutters, which opens to the pool, and cool sautillo tiles (which also covers the entire pool area) and a beautiful living room with fireplace. That night we discovered the most divinely comfortable king bed, luxuriantly adorned with chenille blankets, down pillows (chosen from a pillow menu!) And comforts.

Ok, so I was willing to spend the whole trip right there, but had no say in the matter, as my friend and guide me funny off the village, just blocks away, for villagefest-weekly Thursday night street fair with hundreds of vendors, artists and musicians on the famous Palm Canyon Drive, and an absolute smorgasbord of people watching and shopping. We just walked on hot sand, which is near the Inn Historic District, and many of the city's most trustworthy locales.Pustinja Museum, the new Spa Hotel and Casino, fine restaurants and clubs, nightlife, hiking and the bikes can be found within few minutes walk away.

During our walk we passed a quaint shops with tacky T-shirt emporiums one expects to find in a tourist town. But Palm Springs is obviously made ​​an effort. Many historic buildings remain, and recent amendments appear to be in line with the Spanish and wilderness aesthetics.

After buying some locally grown lemons and a few little things to show we headed back to the Mexican restaurant we noticed a meandering - a beautiful open-air street party affair called Blue Coyote - and settled in for a wonderful evening tostados, fajitas and margaritas. Holding hands gay couples, many of whom, breezed by the most conservative look of tourists without notice. Mild misters keep us cool and refreshed. As night fell, millions of twinkling stars appeared in the desert sky. Palm Springs has strict lighting code to the magical views of the night alive.

before going to sleep we went for a swim ponoći.Hacienda Clothing is optional and it is easy to sneak a few to reach the hot tub. This was my sign that is relieved of all restrictions, including my underwear. There is something so genuine about swimming naked under the desert sky.

In the morning we rose to the brilliant Sun After a delicious breakfast in the courtyard we rented convertible to a nearby rental cars (convertibles are everywhere), and we were off Palapas, the famous art of gardens. Located in the picturesque bay of Araby Palapas is a unique hands-on artist colonies. It is also the area's oldest nursery. Tricking waterfalls and colorful trees provide ideal conditions, has become a premiere destination Palapas. But today we have practically self, and we enjoyed watching the artists demonstrate glass blowing, weaving, marble-sculpture and oil painting, I was fascinated with one of the sculptor who created the sinks and fountains from the boulders. On the screen is a completed example of a large bathroom sink that has spent several weeks making.

Palapas After we returned to the hacienda for a delicious catered lunch and spent the rest of the day lounging by the pool making new friends that evening we ate in St. James, an absolute world-class Cal-Asian restaurant in the city center. We finished the day just a block away at the Hunters, a popular pub on the street Arenas, the main drag club then casually strolled back to our rooms.

The next day, our final one, started with another great sunrise. We planned to spend the whole day in the Indian canyons, ancestral homeland of Agua Caliente Cahuilla (pronounced Kaw-wee-ha) Indians. For centuries they have developed complex communities in Palm, Murray, Andreas and Tahquitz Canyon above Palm Springs.

Many remnants of their society are still evident, including rock art, house-pits and foundations, dams, reservoirs, and trails. Today, the remaining members of this small tribe (only about 300 members) succeed in this field, through a savvy business management of real estate and gambling interests.

After picking up picnic supplies we found a car port at the southern end of Palm Canyon Drive, which also accommodates hikers, bikers, and those on horseback. Just past the tollbooth ($ 6 per person) the road forks and you'll have to choose between Andreas and Palm Canyon. If you do not plan to do serious hiking, but you can go around the base of the canyon in a single afternoon. We started in Andreas, where a free informational tour was given Ranger. We were shown the rock art, the foundation of the plaster and metates are used for food preparation. Our guide us on a short travel where we get a feel for what it might be like to climb the magnificent canyon. He explained that not much remains to be giant waterfalls and swimming holes (where the locals know to go) created by the melting snow above. He said the indigenous flora and fauna, and we are excited with the possibility of seeing wild horses, Bighorn Sheep (Endangered Species) and mountain lions.

Next we drove the short distance to Palm Canyon. Standing under the towering red-almost the size of the trees we learned we were the largest natural palm grove in the world - the grove of more than 2000 years. Fifteen miles long, the canyon, with its rich lush palm trees, winds up in the mountains as much as you can vidjeti.Pješačka leads to the creek near shopping, where dozens of hummingbirds flooded feeder. While enjoying our picnic at one of the tables under the monstrous trees have become fascinated by the beauty and wondered why this otherworldly place is rarely mentioned when Palm Springs was discussed.

It was hard to leave, but with darkness approaching, we bought some Indian artifacts in the post grizzled owner and returned to our place for another night of skinny-dipping under a peaceful sky.