The Tale of Our Trip to Palm Springs
Dear
Polite Travelers,
At
least 5000 years, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
inhabited Palm Springs before white people came to claim large portions of it
for themselves. Due to presidential
decree, they are—again—considered the largest landholder of the land they
previously roamed unincumbered.
This
back and forth of the land, people, and culture are
just three of the unique qualities of this majestic, dramatic site. And I couldn’t resist a visit, especially
since tourist information boasted its measures to curb Covid. For me, this was a let’s-travel-slam-dunk.
Information Stop
Our
first stop was the visitors center right off highway 111. It’s a small historic building with a
dramatic San Jacinto Mountains backdrop.
I was looking for information about the Rat Pack I
grew up with from the early ‘60s. Yes,
I’m that old. We learned their influence
was everywhere, especially concerning Marilyn Monroe. Other than that, this center was more of a
gift shop. Feel free to skip this stop
unless you need a restroom.
First Impressions Can Be Deceiving
The
freeway quickly becomes Palm Springs’ downtown main street, Palm Canyon Drive. Our first glimpse was an LA-sized tourist
crowd. Yikes! Most were sans-mask. Frightening.
This was not the warm and fuzzy feeling I anticipated. As I watched in terror, I imagined this would
be the norm of the trip. Since this was Sunday, I held hope for fewer people
the remainder of the week and was rewarded the next day with a sunny crowd-free
day.
Attractions? Let’s
Begin with Famous Names.
Because
we had so few days and didn’t want to drive ANYWHERE after such a long drive
from Northern CA to SoCal, we decided to only choose nearby attractions. Most are out of town, like Joshua Tree, but
there are a few notable must-dos within walking distance of our hotel.
One
of my favs is strolling downtown on the search for Palm Springs Walk of Stars. All are found on Palm Canyon Drive, Tahquitz
Canyon Way, and Museum Drive in Downtown.
Our walks were like adult scavenger hunts. I nearly squealed when I found Bob Hope’s
star.
Digging into History at the Palm Springs Historical Society
Found
right in the heart of downtown, the Historical Society is housed in The McCallum Adobe. Flanked by the Cornelia White House
Museum and a small museum that was closed, it is the
oldest building in Palm Springs. Both are
a must-see while visiting. Check out all
the old photos, stories, and memorabilia.
Best yet, ask for a tour with the docent. You’ll learn how women shaped what you see in
Palm Springs now.
Appling Our Newly Acquired Knowledge with a Tour of the
City
Touring
with a docent is one of the best methods of learning the most about a
place. Our “Heart of the City” tour
was no different. Some of what we
learned indicated what and how our cities grow and change today. Not all is positive for those who are not uber-rich. Some were positive, like Cornelia White’s story. She and her sisters were brave pioneers,
didn’t need men, and helped create a living history.
Pro-Tip
When
visiting any town, city, country, etc., engage those who offer you service,
like Starbuck partners. I always ask how
their day is going when ordering my favs.
In return, they smile more, and I find out much more about the
environment—and of course their lives—than if I hadn’t been...well, nice.
Next Up, The A & D Museum
On
most lists of ‘must-dos’ is the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design
Center. I say, “Skip it!” Oh my!
Unless your passion is old chairs... I mean, really. A room full of old chairs?? At least entry only costs $5 each.
Note
Check
with the museum before skipping.
Exhibitions change and could be your cup of ....
Not
all Art is Inside The Palm Springs Art Museum
World-class
and the gem of Palm Springs, this museum is a must-see. Please visit this page
to read more about it.
Don’t Miss The Thursday Night Village Fest!
We
were lucky enough to be in Palm Springs on a Thursday when the city held its
Village Fest. For roughly four blocks of
Palm Canyon Drive. It’s a rain-or-shine
festival of food, entertainment, and crafts.
It appeared the entire city showed.
Fun!
Will We Return?
Perhaps
we will but with the wonderous places to explore in our few remaining years...
I doubt it. Precious little time left
for we two aging explorers.
Covid
Note
We
traveled to Palm Springs due to their strict Covid guidelines. We felt this would be safe, even with Omicron
surging. Vaccines are required as well
as masks. Unfortunately, at least 20% of
on the street refused to wear masks. No
one enforced wearing masks, so we didn’t always feel safe.
More by the Polite Traveler
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Icons of the CA Desert: Grand Central & Tropicale of Palm Springs
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