Last but not least, my girlfriend Shauna and I left the hills of Temecula and drove over for a 2-night stay in the lovely and colorful Palm Springs a city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California. This is probably the 3rd time I have been to Palm Springs and I discover and learn more about this unique oasis in the desert with every visit. Today I will share our jammed packed dining and adventures that Visit California planned for us.
PALM SPRINGS CALIFORNIA
The town with the well-known retro vibe is known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. I am in love with its many fine examples of midcentury-modern architecture of course the shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive featuring vintage boutiques, interior design shops, and restaurants. If you want to experience the great outdoors then head out to the surrounding Coachella Valley where you can hike, bike, and ride the trails on horseback.
LIMON PALM SPRINGS
When I travel I always want the best place to stay that aligns with my lifestyle and budget. The very yellow LIMON PALM SPRINGS was right up my wheel house! This totally cool mid-century modern boutique hotel has 14 rooms that surrounds the swimming pool and it has a beautiful kitchen with dining table that can be used for your entertaining. I can just imagine how fun this hotel would be for a family reunion, bachelorette weekend, wedding or just a fun girls trip. Shauana and I actually had the whole place to ourselves so we frolecked all around taking photos and enjoying the gorgeous mountainess backdrop.
WILLIE’S MODERN FARE
After we unpacked and checked out our digs we dressed for dinner and headed to WILLIE’S MODERN FARE. Walking in I felt the elegance of fine dining but yet not stuffy. General Manager and chef treated us to a classic cuisine with a modern twist, along with and a carefully curated wine list. DELICIOUS!!
PALM SPRINGS ARIEL TRAMWAY
Our first day we drove halfway up the mountain to ride the PALMSPRINGS ARIEL TRAMWAY up to the top of the Chino Canyon. I never got to do this adventure on my previous trips and boy it is worth it!! This Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car that travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. It takes only 10 minutes but because the tram rotates slowly all passengers get picturesque and spectacular views. When you reach the top at 8,516 feet in elevation, you can enjoy the observation decks, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, gift shop, over 50 miles of hiking trails and 2 restaurants. Shauna and I warmed up on a cup of delicious hot chocolate before heading back down the mountain.
Photo above by Palm Springs Ariel Tramway
LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO
Having worked up an appetite after our tram ride we drove back down to the valley to enjoy a fantastic lunch at LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO. Right as you walk in the door, you will be wowed by it’s colorful mid-century decor. Their motto is “There’s Always a Party at LULU!” Also, something on the menu for everyone. Be sure to have a piece of their chocolate cake for dessert. Our host Joe, joined us so Shauna and I made a fast new and really cool friend!! He was the perfect lunch date sharing so many stories about Palm Springs with us. Voted BEST OF THE BEST. I give LULU a 10 out of 10!
AGUA CALIENTE CULTURAL MUSEUM
After lunch we walked over to the AGUA CALIENTE CULTURAL MUSEUM for an informational and educational journey through the history and culture of the Agua Caliente People. I had no idea what I was going to see and experience. This museum is divided into five exhibition areas giving you a glimpse of the Agua Caliente story. You will totally have a deeper understanding of when, where and how the Cochella Valley evolved into this popular desert oasis.
REFORMA
We had a couple of hours left before dinner so we drove around and found some well-known hotels and restaurants. The Avalon, The Ace, The Saguaro Palm Springs and the Parker Palm Springs are just a few that embody that colorful mid-century vibe.
Palm Springs offers so many different restaurants but none like REFORMA which is a bar, nightclub and a restaurant with an elevated, Latin inspired menu. I had my first chips since our trip started so I was in heaven!!
WILMA & FRIEDA
One can’t take a vacation without having a great breakfast/brunch. I cannot even begin to tell you how good WILMA & FRIEDA is!!! Voted BEST OF THE BEST Best Breakfast this restaurant is named after two grandmothers, Wilma and Frieda. Wilma was a character known for always wearing cat-eye glasses while Frieda was best known for her amazing ability to make dinner for 20 people in a heartbeat.
So, because of these two classy and sassy grandmother Wilma and Frieda, they serve comfort food with a twist. Many of our favorite dishes from childhood with a grown-up flavor profile, are in their farmhouse café. Did any of you grow up on Pop Tarts or how about French Toast? Oh and just let me tell you that I think I ate the best homemade biscuits ever!!
Hidden upstairs off the popular Pasaeo Dr, you will emerse yourself into a foodie coma!! Another 10 out of 10!!
IN CONCLUSION
Thanks to the best tourism group VISIT CALIFORNIA for this amazing trip to 3 very diverse unique towns in Southern California. There are many other things to see and do but we hit some great highlights, especially if you have never been.
If you missed my recaps then go to Road Trip | Visit Oceanside and Beautiful Temecula. Our itinerary would be a great way to explore the diversity that California has to offer. Again a 10 out of 10!! VISIT CALIFORINA
REFERENCE LINKS FOR OUR PALM SPRINGS EXPERIENCE
- VISIT PALM SPRINGS
- VISIT CALIFORNIA
- LIMON BOUTIQUE HOTEL
- PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
- LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO
- AGUA CALIENTE CULTURAL MUSEUM
- REFORMA PALM SPRINGS
- WILMA AND FRIEDA
GO HERE~~>TO VIEW MY PALM SPRINGS VIDEO
SHESHE’S TIDBITS
I am finally back home in Houston and it feels so good to start catching up and being home for at least 7 weeks before I go again. Rodeo Houston kicks off next Tuesday with the one and only cool guy Blake Shelton headlining the entertainmen. Of course, we are going and I have the cutest outfit already to go. There will be a repeat party at B & B Butcher which has a wonderful pop up restaurant located inside Reliant Park. We had a blast last year so I am excited to dust off the boots and maybe sparkle just a little.
As always, we would love to hear your feedback!!
*CHECK OUT MY LTK INSTAGRAM SHOP TO SHOP ALL OF MY INSTAGRAM LOOKS
*YOU CAN ALSO DOWNLOAD THE LIKETOKNOW.IT APP AND FOLLOW ME ON IT BY CLICKING HERE. Go here for our LiketoKnow.It tutorial.
* STAY IN THE KNOW: SUBSCRIBE HERE to receive exclusive sale alerts, helpful style tips, and fabulous giveaways, AND GET ACCESS TO MY VIP ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS!
