This last weekend I had the opportunity to do something truly unique. Born and raised here in the Inland Empire I have visited Palm Springs on many occasions. Spent time at hotels, conventions, restaurants and casinos; I’ve even been to the top of the tram.
But this weekend was truly unique.
Our host was Randy Garner, Public Relations Manager for the Bureau of Tourism. He put a truly unique group of people together that enjoyed each other‘s company while they explored PSP. PSP is the three letter code for the airport located in Palm Springs and is a destination like no other.
Food, entertainment, and weather are just the beginning of what draws people to this desert community that is known around world.
Here it is in our own backyard; “Palm Springs California, like no place else” Some of us take it for granted, some immerse themselves in it, and others know nothing about it.
When you’re looking for something to do you can find it in Palm Springs.
You may want to start with breakfast at Lulu’s where the orange juice is always freshly squeezed and happy hour is “all day.” Plus, I’ve never seen a larger menu with so many incredible dishes. “Palm Springs' hippest restaurant,” said Garner has served over 3 million guests to its bistro cuisine since August 2011.
Then you may want to enjoy shopping on Palm Canyon Drive, where the stores are full of colorful, artistic, and unique items. Don’t miss the Destination PSP store, and ask for Jeffery Bernstein he will give you a tour of the store which is a miniature tour of Palm Springs. After all that shopping you will work up an appetite.
Whether its lunch or dinner, one of the finest Mexican eateries nationwide, Las Casuelas Terraza, is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs named one of “America’s 50 Best Hispanic Restaurants” by Hispanic Magazine. This graciously restored landmark Spanish Colonial style casa prides itself in serving an extensive menu of timeless and traditional Mexican food. You will feel like you’re one of the family as you unwind inside or outside its spacious patio, enjoying live nightly entertainment and dancing under the stars.
If you’re not into shopping you may find the Moorten's Botanical Gardens is a delightful variance. Established in 1938, this privately owned arboretum was created to share the beauty and extraordinary varieties of desert plants. The featured desert plants, trees, and cacti come from around the world and range in size from miniature to giants. This living museum of desert lore has something of interest for everyone; with its glistening crystals, colorful rocks, ancient fossils, and pioneer antiques and gold mining relics. Don’t miss this special exhibition of rare plants.
Palm Springs always has something special going on... this past weekend it was the Festival of Lights parade. Held the first Saturday in December since the early 1990s it has become a much loved holiday tradition in downtown Palm Springs. Palm Canyon Drive is filled with marching bands, performing groups, Macy’s style balloons, and the parade signature floats adorned in thousands of colorful holiday lights keeps the crowds of nearly 100,000 people coming back for more year after year.
This year's grand marshal was Mary Hart.
Hart was the host of Entertainment Tonight for almost 30 years. She has received many awards including an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award. Hart will serve again as the mistress of ceremonies for the Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala coming up on January 2, 2020. “…being a part of the film festival makes me feel so much a part of Palm Springs. I’ve come to see it grow and prosper,” said Hart
Hart a legendary entertainment journalist and TV icon was also honored with her own star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on Saturday just before the parade.
Regardless of what your interests are, Palm Springs will unquestionably fulfill every want and desire in a trip, vacation or day visit. Come explore PSP for yourself and experience all that Palm Springs has to offer. For more information about Palm Springs please visit www.VisitPalmSprings.com.