I finally know where Coachella is. Every spring I have heard about Coachella Music and Art Festival in California. For some reason I thought it was the name of the festival. I had no idea it is a valley and Palm Springs lies right in this valley along with 6 other little towns that include Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City and Palm Springs. These little towns are all connected by Highway 111.
I have been to Palm Springs, but it has been at least 30 years so it really has changed. When we flew in, it was a reminder how it really is an oasis right in the middle of the desert. Some go to Palm Springs and don’t even see some of the beautiful natural environments that are within a comfortable drive to see.
We stayed in Indian Wells at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa Resort. It is about 30 minutes or so to get to Palm Springs because you have to drive through 4 little towns. One day we wanted to see the nature side of the area so we went to the Living Desert. It is gardens and animals from the desert. The locals call it a zoo. Very interesting! A must see if you have time to explore the area. It is located within a mile of the upscale shopping area called El Paseo. This is their answer to Rodeo Drive. I will share more in another post.
Some other outdoor places to visit in the COACHELLA VALLEY:
Joshua Tree National Park www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/things2do.htm Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. 25 miles East of Indio. Beautiful desert trip.
Jeep Tours by Desert Adventures www.red-jeep.com For real desert experiences
Shields Date Garden www.shieldsdates.com Dates, the valley’s main crop in the town of Indio.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway www.pstramway.com A 360 degree valley and mountain views!
Sunnylands Center & Gardens www.sunnylands.org One of the main highlights in Rancho Mirage and all of the valley, most known as “Camp David of the West.” In its 50 years, Sunnylands has hosted eight U.S. presidents, royalty, celebrities and etc.
Tahquitz Canyon www.tahquitzcanyon.com Hikes and museum/gift shop on the Cahuilla Indians Reservation.
Indian Canyons www.indian-canyons.com Explore 3 different canyons with a hike and museum/trading post on the Cahuilla Indians Reservation.
The Living Desert zoo http://www.livingdesert.org/1,200 protected acres of desert environments with over 500 wild animals, hiking trails, & tranquil gardens.
SHOP MY LOOK
On this day I was wearing a cute fringy poncho top by a new brand “A Piece Apart” with destroyed skinny jeans and a suede fringe bootie. Perfect for a day in the desert.
My statement necklace piece is the Layne c/o www.mignonnegavigon. I will be highlighting many of her unique and beautiful pieces in my next few posts. They are an outfit in themselves so the investment is long term, not one or two seasons. They can be styled in so many ways for many years to come.
My cute fringe poncho top by A Piece Apart, a new up and coming brand designed mostly in New York City and is designed by Laura Cramer and Starr Hout. APIECE APART is a line of elevated basics building block pieces that are as versatile
as the woman wearing them. The idea of this concept was born on the designers 30th birthday trip to West Texas.
I hope you have enjoyed learning about the Coachella Valley and the inspired line A Piece Apart. I would love your comments. Maybe you have been to the Palm Springs area or you have purchased an item from A Piece Apart. We all love to read other points of view. Happy Travels with great Style!!
