A Weekend Getaway to PALM SPRINGS!

if you don't golf, you aren't retired or you're not flamboyantly gay, then you probably wouldn't think of Palm Springs as the perfect getaway.

However, unbeknown to 20 something year old hollywood hipsters, Palm Springs IS the perfect getaway, especially for a young couple.  

Viceroy Main Pool

Viceroy

HOTELS

*Best Boutique Hotel - The Viceroy.  Old hollywood glamour with modern accents make this gorgeous hotel my Palm Springs favorite.  I also love the slightly more affordable, but still fabulous, Colony Palm Hotel.  The Moroccan accents create a tranquil atmosphere.  Spring for the casitas and you'll have a private sun deck with a soaking tub for two! 

JW Marriot

Best Resort - JW Marriot, a gorgeous property with everything you could ever want in a hotel from private tennis instructors to a man-made lake with ferry rides.  A picturesque mountain backdrop makes even the most simply decorated rooms feel luxurious. 

Best Family Hotel - Rancho Las Palmas.  Just as nice as the JW, but do not stay here if you aren't totting children. There's a huge family pool with slides that keeps kids squealing from 7am until dark. 

ACTIVITIES

Thursday street fair - there is something for everything at this weekly festival.  I love the local artists, the jewelry, the free samples of everything from beef jerky to local strawberries.  BUT what keeps me coming back is the Calipop kettlecorn.  Honestly, I didn't even know I liked kettle corn until I stumbled across their booth.  The perfect mixture of sweet and salty, freshly cooked right in front of your eyes.  There are two kettlecorn stands, make sure you go to Calipop over the organic guys (who are also good, but no comparison!)   

Aerial Tram - amazing views and great hiking.  There is a small restaurant at the top, but it is too pricy for the low quality food they churn out.  I suggest bringing a picnic instead (perhaps some kettle corn from the fair if you have any left!).

Boutique Shopping downtown and the Cabazon Outlets

Rent a cabana at the Riviera hotel pool & let the pina coladas free flow

Casino - a few great casinos call the desert their home. Agua Caliente just underwent a multi million dollar facelift but you'll have an equally good time visiting the Morongo.

Knotts Soak City - Okay I know what you're thinking, water parks are for children.  But the summer heat can be borderline unbearable. Plus it's fun to channel your inner kid every once and awhile!  ATV rentals and mini golf also fall into this category.

Food

Kaiser Grill - The food is fresh, delicious, and never disappoints.  My favorites for lunch are the homemade hummus, cranberry turkey club and the caeser salad.  

Falls Martinis

The Falls - Go here for a delicious steak dinner and fabulous martini list.  Sitting outside on the balcony is a must.  Save room for the fried dough balls dessert and three dipping sauces. 

The Purple Palm - Pricey, but well worth it. Situated in the Colony Palm Hotel the outdoor seating is right along the edge of the tranquil pool.   The portions are small, so plan on sharing an appetizer or two before your entrees.  The dates stuffed with serrano ham and blue cheese are lightly drizzled with honey and surprisingly hearty instead of sweet.  I also suggest the marinated artichoke hearts, the beat salad and the grilled caeser.   What makes this upscale trendy spot my favorite in Palm Springs is one particular dessert: the brioche bread pudding creme brulee.   Don't ask, just order it and thank me later.

The brunch buffet at the JW Marriot is also a favorite indulgence of mine - featuring fresh fruit, cheeses, an array of honeys, hams, raw bar, omelet station, pastries and the usual waffles and pancakes.  The patio seating overlooks the man made lake, where you can watch the swans and ducks lazily float by. 

Yogurt on Tap - I have done my tour of yogurt and ice cream spots, literally scouring the streets of LA, hunting out the best - and I can say, hands down, this is the best yogurt in the world. A do it yourself bar with every candy, fruit, syrup and sauce you could ever dream of immediately gives Yogurt on Tap 5 stars in my book.  But the real magic is in the rich and creamy variety of flavors they offer.   I mix half banana half carbo-lite peanut butter with locally produced toffee, mixed nuts, banana, mochi, peanut butter sauce and warm dark chocolate.  De-licious.