PALM SPRINGS ROCKS
Not just a haven for celebrities
This desert oasis east of Los Angeles has long been a hot spot for celebrities, but you’ll also find one of America’s biggest music festivals, quirky shops and breathtaking nature spots. Here’s a look at some great things to do in the Palm Springs region .( visit greater palm springs. com) Let there be music: The annual Coachella Festival in the town of Indio features dozens of alternative rock, hip hop and electronic bands, as well as large art installations. This year’s event runs April 15- 17 and 22- 24 and features such musical acts as Guns N’ Roses, Calvin Harris, LCD Soundsystem and Ice Cube. ( coachella. com) The Stagecoach Country Music Festival is in Indio from April 29 to May 1, with acts such as Carrie Underwood and The Do obie Brothers .( stagecoachfestival. com) You’ll find several cabaret- style music spots in town. One fun option is to hear Bill Marx ( son of Harpo from the Marx Brothers) play piano at AJ’s on the Green, a restaurant at the Date Palm Country Club. ( ajsonthegreen. com) Hit the heights: The Palm Springs Aerial Tram is a fantastic way to get a sense of the Coachella Valley as a whole. You’ll go from the valley floor to an elevation of 2,595 metres in just a few minutes, an elevation change of some 1,830 metres. The views of the craggy rock canyons are marvellous on the way up. Once on top, try one of the many walking trails in the area. The sweet smell of pine and the cool mountain air are a great respite from the valley heat. Tickets are $ 25 for adults, with discounts for seniors and kids. ( pstramway. com) For the kids: The Living Desert is something of a nature centre/ zoo, where you can find out about odd plants like the scarily named Shindagger and watch slithering desert snakes. You’ll also find cheetahs, giraffes and an indoor space with hundreds of birds. There’s a tram if you don’t want to walk around the park, which is quite large. ( livingdesert. org) Hollywood stars: The likes of Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe spent a good deal of time out here. The local historical society gives walking tours that combine architectural details with gossip about such stars as Michael Douglas and Lucille Ball. You also might pass a home that is said to have been purchased by Oscar- winner Leonardo Di Ca pr io.(ps historical society. org) Shopping spots: There are nearly 200 outlet shops at Desert Hills in nearby Cabazon, including Dolce & Gabbana and Jimmy Choo. In Palm Desert, El Paso is an elegant street with high- end shops and cuttingedge galleries. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs proper has a ton of small, independent stores. The Best of St. Tropez sells soap from Provence or try Destination PSP for awesome, mid- century design drinking glasses and serving trays. Hiking glory: Head out to the Indian Canyons state park, preferably in the morning or late in the afternoon when the shadows take effect. The hike in Andreas Canyon starts along a creek that winds its way under a towering overhang of deep yellow/ orange rock. The valley broadens out a bit further on, with views of snow- capped mountains and a creek bed lined with hundreds of palm trees. ( indian- canyons. com) Sleeping: The Chateau at Lake La Quinta is a 24- room spot in a quiet setting southeast of Palm Springs. There’s a good restaurant with a patio overlooking a lake. Rooms are beautifully appointed, there’s a nice pool and they’re pet- friendly. Rates start at $219 per night .( thechateaulake la quinta. com) The Monroe Palm Springs is a few blocks north of the downtown action, with a small but pretty pool and helpful staff. Rooms from around $ 130. (the monroe palm springs. com) Dining: Lulu is a bright, fashionable spot downtown, ( lulupalmsprings. com), while, in El Paso, Tommy Bahama serves up fantastic seafood. ( tommybahama. com/ restaurants/ palm- desert) Deal of the week: British Airways has a deal for anyone flying across the pond from Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal or Calgary. Buy your BA ticket and get two nights’ accommodation in London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Rome, Paris or Barcelona. Flights must be purchased by March 21 for travel by Sept. 30, 2016. ( britishairways. com/ en- ca/ offers/ special- offers)