OFF THE BEATEN PATH

10

Intriguing Stops For Your Next Southern California Road Trip

By Melissa Curtin

A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP IS THE PERFECT ESCAPE BECAUSE ROAD TRIPS ARE OFTEN MORE THAN THE DESTINATIONS. HOP IN THE CAR, HIT THE OPEN ROAD, AND HOLLER THE LYRICS TO CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’. SATIATE YOUR CURIOSITY WITH A STOP AT ONE OF THESE GOLDEN STATE WONDERS ON YOUR NEXT AUTOMOTIVE ADVENTURE.

1 SANTA BARBARA BIRD SANCTUARY

This unusual haven in Summerland rescues unwanted and displaced birds. Learn about the recovery stories of over 30 abused, abandoned, injured, and orphaned birds with a 45-minute tour from a caring docent. It’s impossible to not want to donate to these feathered friends who might even talk back or sing to you. sbbird.org

2 OJAI OLIVE OIL RANCH

4 MALIBU’S GETTY VILLA

Built by the famous philanthropist and oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, admire Getty’s personal collection of antiquities housed in a replica mansion you might find in Pompeii. The setting alone is worth a visit as this modern-day Mediterranean style villa sits on a hillside and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Walk around the gardens, fountains, and inner courtyards all within a gaze of the sparkling sea. Transport yourself to the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome by viewing mosaics, sculptures, and priceless artifacts. Docents are available to answer your burning questions. getty.edu

MELISSA CURTIN Sample olive oil at the oldest and largest extra virgin olive oil producer in the Ojai Valley. The farm boasts 150-year old olive trees, including French, Italian, and Spanish varieties with some trees over 200 years old. Today 2,500 trees plus neighboring olive groves are handpicked. After learning about the growing, harvest, and production, taste infused varieties such as basil, garlic, Ojai Pixie, lemon, rosemary, and Tuscan herbs. Bring home gifts of Ojai Olive Oil known for its polyphenols and brain health ingredients. ojaioliveoil.com

3 OXNARD’S GONDOLA PARADISO

Cruise around the Channel Islands Harbor in a Venetian gondola as a gondolier guide paddles you under bridges and through canals. Step up the romance in your own private gondola or bring along five friends for this hourlong experience where showing up with wine or your favorite beverage is totally acceptable. gondolaparadiso.com

5 TORRANCE FARMER’S MARKET

Get to know LA’s culinary diversity by walking around the largest year-round market in the Los Angeles South Bay that takes place every Tuesday and Saturday at Charles Wilson Park. Find local vendors selling fruits and veggies, Asian produce, flowers, and baked goods. Take home items from specialty vendors like Organic Bone Broth, Granola Garden, Zen’s Tea House, and Cali Dumpling Delivery. It’s easy to create your own exciting food tour by sampling from the many vendors such as Korean food, Gumbo, tacos, gourmet sausages, guava malasadas, mini Dutch pancakes, and more. torranceca.gov

6 PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY

In ten minutes, zoom one and a half miles up to a pristine wilderness in the largest rotating aerial tram. As you elevate to 8,516 feet, you ascend past forest and steep mountain cliffs with sweeping views of Palm Springs while snow may greet you during certain times of the year. Extend your time by grabbing a bite atop Mt. San Jacinto State Park or immerse yourself in nature with one of the 50 miles of hiking trails – but not before gawking at the views from the observation decks. PROTIP: Book tickets in advance. pstramway.com

California’s largest state park was awarded the first International Dark Sky Community in CA, but the stars are not the only thing that shines in this lunar landscape. Over 130 massive metal sculptures are scattered across the desert – from prehistoric animals to mythical creatures thanks to “accidental artist” Ricardo Breceda. Admire shadows cast from these large-scale creatures or pose with the 350-foot serpent that stretches across the highway. Ponder your place in the universe in Borrego Springs, a wild land that feels at times like a primeval safari adventure. parks.ca.gov

9 ANZABORREGO DESERT STATE PARK’S METAL SCULPTURES

MELISSA CURTIN

7 JOSHUA TREE’S INTEGRATRON

Release the driving kinks by rejuvenating your body and soul with a sound bath in this energy vortex north of Joshua Tree in Landers. Book a session in the domed sound chamber in the middle of the desert where quartz crystal singing bowls are played and the various frequencies wash over guests lulling even the most stressed into deep relaxation. This meditative practice may be the positive healing you need. In 2019 this unique geometric structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. integratron.com

8 LAGUNA BEACH’S 1000 STEPS BEACH

Park in the residential area off the Pacific Coast Highway and head down the long stairway, that is more like 258 steps. This stunning beach with creamy sand is bordered to the north and south by sandstone cliffs that jut into the water and can be accessed at 9th Street. One of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California, explore a sea cave and tide pools, watch for dolphins, and ogle lavish homes hanging off the cliffs. Bring sunscreen, water, and a sandwich and lounge away an afternoon on this secluded beach. visitlagunabeach.com

MELISSA CURTIN

10 CARLSBAD AQUAFARM

A one-hour farm tour educates guests on growing and harvesting mussels and oysters at this lagoon. Become enlightened about the lifespan of the local Carlsbad Blond oyster sold to restaurants and Whole Foods each week. End with a lesson on properly shucking your own oysters and slurp down as many of these homegrown briny meat mollusks as you can. v carlsbadaquafarm.com

GET THE BEST OF LIVE TV &ON DEMAND WITH

NO ANNUAL CONTRACT

GETYOURTV TOGETHER

DIRECTV STREAMDevice(sold separately)

Get HBO Max™ includedfor frst 3 months

withCHOICE™ orULTIMATEpackage. *

*Subjecttochange.HBOMaxauto-renewsafter3monthsatthenprevailingrate(currently$14.99/mo.), unlessyouchangeorcancel.Req’syoutoselectofer.

CHOICE™ PACKAGE 90+ Live TV Channels

$84 99† MO. +tax

Seebelow fordetails. • No annual contract required, No hidden fees • The best of Live TV & On Demand on all your favorite screens • Stream on 20 devices at once in your home—including your TVs, tablets, smartphones and other connected devices*

*Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream for optimal viewing. All 20 DIRECTV streams must be on the same home network and a compatible router is required. Certain channels are excluded. Limit 3 concurrent out-of-home DIRECTV streams. Restrictions apply. See directv.com/20streams for details.

Access HBO Max only through HBO Max app or hbomax.com HBO Max also includes HBO channels and On Demand on DIRECTV STREAM. Data rates may apply for app download/usage. Ofer not available to DIRECTV and U-verse TV customers switching to DIRECTV STREAM. See back for details.

Contact Your Local DIRECTV Dealer

IVS Support Holdings

833.447.0860

DIRECTV STREAM requires high-speed Internet. Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. †DIRECTV STREAM: Service subject to DIRECTV STREAM terms and conditions (see directv.com/legal/). Compatible device req’d. Residential U.S. customers only (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). Your DIRECTV STREAM service renews monthly at the prevailing rate, charged to your payment method on fle unless you cancel. Once you’ve canceled, you can access DIRECTV STREAM through the remaining monthly period. New customers who cancel service in the frst 14 days will receive a full refund. Otherwise, no refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Returning customers who disconnected service within previous 12 months are not eligible for a refund. DIRECTV STREAM: Device for well-qualifed customers $5/mo. each for 24/mos. on 0% APR installment agreement; otherwise $120 each. Applicable taxes due at sale. Non-qualifed customers must purchase devices up front. Purchased devices may be returned within 14 days for a full refund. Devices purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at directv.com/legal/directv-stream-cancellation-policy/ for more details. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. Limits: Ofers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Pricing, channels, features, and terms are subject to change & may be modifed or discontinued at any time without notice. See directv.com/stream for details. HBO Max: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per DIRECTV account holder. May not be stackable w/other ofers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit directv.com/hbomax. HBO MAX is used under license. Google, Google Play, and Android TV are trademarks of Google LLC. ©2021 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Spero Estate Living Room

Lemon Twist

BY MONIQUE REIDY

Escape to Bleisure Heaven

LOCATIONINDEPENDENT WORK IS HERE TO STAY, WHICH IS GREAT NEWS FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO TRAVEL BUT CAN’T TEAR THEMSELVES AWAY FROM THEIR PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENTS. “BLEISURE” TRAVEL, THE GROWING TREND OF BUSINESS TRAVELERS WHO ADD ON LEISURE DAYS TO A BUSINESS TRIP, IS INCREASING AS TODAY’S WORKFORCE STRIVES FOR CONSTANT WORKLIFE BALANCE. ONE SOCAL DESTINATION OFFERS AN IDEAL SITUATION TO SATISFY THE DEMAND FOR A BLEISURE GETAWAY, AND LUCKILY FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIANS, FLIGHTS ARE NOT REQUIRED.

THIS MARRIAGE OF WORK AND LEISURE WAS FORESEEN BY ENTREPRENEUR MICHAEL FLANNERY, THE MASTERMIND BEHIND ACME HOUSE AND FLANNERY EXCHANGE, BOTH LOCATED IN SUNNY PALM SPRINGS.

ACME

HOUSE

An enjoyable getaway is almost entirely dependent on one’s choice of accommodations and if a family is in tow, the most convenient option is a private home. Guests can have full use of a kitchen, a pool in which kids can play, and multiple bedrooms to provide privacy for each person.

As one of the most distinguished vacation rental companies, Acme House manages approximately 175 upscale, privately-owned properties to accommodate families and groups of any type. Each home has been rigorously screened for quality, style and sustainability, and those that pass the stringent inspection process are impeccably maintained.

The 5-star quality properties are each spectacular and unique, and range in character from minimal to magnificent. These mid-century modern residences are exquisitely decorated— some are high-end luxury, others are boho-chic, and each offer superior comfort. Rental costs vary depending on the size, level of grandeur and the amenities each has to offer guests. Single family homes or condos are available, and guests can opt for one to six-bedroom accommodations. Acme houses are located in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, LaQuinta, Rancho Mirage and some are situated in historic desert neighborhoods.

Each Acme property includes WIFI, air conditioning, and an organized manual with clear instruction on using the pool, spa, security system and other appliances featured. A listing of local events and restaurants is also supplied.

Acme properties are easily accessible to the Empire Polo Grounds and are a prime lodging option when attending Coachella and other local festivals. Friends can spend the day in the pool, enjoy a delicious backyard barbecue, and conveniently head out to attend a scheduled event.

Besides world-class entertainment, Palm Springs offers the best in shopping, arts and culture, food tours, hiking trails, golf, horseback riding, ATV rentals, and of course, the famous aerial tramway. Kids will love the Cabazon Dinosaurs, Children’s Discovery Museum, Palm Springs Skate Park and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

After a long day of fun in the desert, friends and families can return to a comfy and relaxing home and enjoy the amenities contained within. Acme House-managed properties are designed to offer and enjoyable and home-like stay so guests can leave with cherished vacation memories to last a lifetime.

For a gallery of home rentals, visit www.acmehouseco.com

The Den  Matthew Allard Courtesy of Acme House Company

Bubble Gum Modern

The Icon at Indian Canyons  Drew Metzger Courtesy of Acme House Company

Modern Luxe  Drew Metzger Courtesy of Acme House Company Pretty in Pink at the Indian Canyons  Nathan Cox Courtesy of Acme House Company

The Draves Estate  Courtesy of Drew Metzger The Majestic Estate  Drew Metzger Courtesy of Acme House Company

Fiesta In The Sun  Drew Metzger courtesy of Acme House Company

Rooftop

Lounge Hot Desk

Entrance

Office Hallway

COURTESY OF DREW METZGER (5)

Flannery Exchange

While family or friends enjoy the amenities at Acme properties, the professional in the group can break away to Flannery Exchange to enjoy a quiet workspace, conduct business over a coffee beverage, or use the conference facility for a meeting.

Located in the heart of Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District, Flannery Exchange is set in an abandoned 1981 Bank of America building that has been transformed into a swanky mixed-use space. The property features retail and event space as well as co-working and luxury offices rentals.

Flannery Exchange features private office spaces, an open co-work area and plenty of private booths. There are spacious conference rooms equipped with dry erase boards, flatscreen TVs, WIFI, shared printers, a furnished lounge, and use of a fully equipped kitchen.

The street level features Café La Jefa, a Latininfluenced modern coffeehouse that serves healthy and sustainable specialty coffee and gourmet takeout food and Savage Art, a popular gallery and vintage home accessories shop. Covet Palm Springs, a specialty boutique featuring a collection of jewelry is created in-house with materials sourced from all over the world, is also conveniently situated on site.

From the shops, cafes and rooftop deck, Flannery Exchange dispenses a creative vibe as a community of like-minded entrepreneurs gather to work and play. v

Flannery Exchange

750 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA (760) 364-9611 flanneryexchange.com

Oasis BY CAITLIN ELIZABETH PIEH SoCal’s Desert

THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRAVELERS WHEN HEADED TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY. WHETHER YOU ARE A FESTIVAL GOER, TENNIS LOVER, GOLF ENTHUSIAST, SUN BATHER, WELLNESS SEEKER OR PART OF AN “I DO” CREW, THE DESERT HAS THE PERFECT MIX OF ACTIVITIES - BOTH LEISURE AND ADVENTURE. THE GREATER PALM SPRINGS AREA INCORPORATES NINE CITIES, WITH EACH CITY PROVIDING WARM WEATHER ALMOST YEAR-ROUND. IT’S A TOUGH CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT AREA TO STAY IN, BUT LUCKILY, ALL ARE WITHIN A SHORT DRIVE.

When in need of a luxurious spa destination, Agua Caliente is the way to go. Situated in Rancho Mirage, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa (not to be confused with the two sister properties in Cathedral City and Palm Springs), blends entertainment, good eats and relaxation.

The resort casino boasts 77,000 square feet of gaming space and more than 1,500 slot machines … making it hard to resist trying your luck while you wait for a chai latte from Java Caliente across the way.

If you want to escape the bustle of the casino floor you can dive into a blissful paradise at the Sunstone Spa. Pamper yourself with top of the line treatments ranging from hair to facials to nails to scrubs and massages. The award- winning spa includes eucalyptus steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools and grounding rooms for guests to enjoy both before and after treatments.

The signature massage is a guest favorite. The full body treatment starts with an expert massage therapist exfoliating your feet and ends with a scalp massage incorporating Moroccan oil. During the massage, Sunstones are used to promote even deeper relaxation and are accompanied with essential oils to further leave guests in a magical state of euphoria.

Visiting for a romantic retreat? Sunstone Spa offers treatments for two, as well as wellness packages. Combine a facial and massage to let go of any stress and unwind.

The massages aren’t the only captivating item on the menu. The full service spa also offers salt therapy. Step into the private Halotherapy booth and prepare to awaken your senses with a unique salt shower. The tiny salt particles help to improve breathing and clear your sinuses, something that may help with the dry desert air.

After enjoying treatments, spa visitors may relax by the private outdoor pool in comfortable loungers and indulge in delicious bites and cocktails.

Still hungry? Step into The Steakhouse for an outstanding fine dining experience. The highly acclaimed eatery offers enticing appetizers, prime steaks, fresh seafood and craft cocktails. From caviar and lobster to Wagyu and filet, The Steakhouse is a top-notch foodie destination in the Coachella Valley. Not into surf and turf? The menu also includes chicken, pasta and vegetarian options. End the night with one of the many mouth-watering dessert options, ranging from the more commonly sought after butter cake to quirky items like cotton candy with pop rocks. Ready for a nightcap? Agua Caliente has plenty of options. The resort showcases legendary comedians and performers ranging from Jo Koy to J.Lo to Thunder From Down Under. After the show, head over to Pívat for top-shelf spirits and handpicked cigars.

The ideal SoCal escape, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa offers a mix of tranquility and excitement. Surrounded by mountain views, this desert oasis is the perfect spot to nourish the body, both inside and out. When your battery is feeling low, it’s time to book your stay and recharge! v