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desert stores and dining options almost everywhere you turn. For shoppers and collectors, the antiques are dramatically different from other areas, and surprisingly affordable. There is designer shopping and a swimming pool nearly everywhere you look, often abutting one of the area’s championship golf courses.
Why Palm Springs is at the Top of My Annual Escape List BY STACIE STANDIFER PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM NICHOLS
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t’s hard to put the allure of the desert into words. Being a long-time visitor to both northern and southern California (and loving every single part), it wasn’t until a few years ago that I made my first jaunt to Palm Springs and Palm Desert. The best way I can describe it is love at first sight. That’s why at least a couple of times each year, I plan an escape to soak up the desert sun and enjoy all that the region has to offer. While Nashvillians are typically headed to the Gulf Coast for their long weekends and holidays, savvy Los Angeles residents take off to this special destination on a regular basis. There is so much appeal to visitors, no matter what your interests or age. Architecture and design buffs will be completely enthralled by the tours of mid-century modern homes tucked away in canyons and on private residential streets. There’s even a museum catering especially to this style. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers fall in love with all of the serenity that Joshua Tree National Park offers, which is just a short drive outside of Palm Springs. There’s no shortage of nightlife, with Palm Springs hotels, bars and performance venues constantly hopping with talent, music and flowing cocktails. The wellness scene is above and beyond with many top-rated spas, retreats and health-oriented
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What I love about the area is the vibe. The air is clean, the mountains are beautiful and the people I’ve met here have their own flair. Spending time in Palm Springs is like stepping back in time, where classic cocktails rule and dressing well is the ultimate form of sophistication. It’s a bit Old Hollywood mixed with Mad Men-esque appeal. The area has long been known for attracting movie stars seeking refuge, most famously classic screen stars like Cary Grant, Dinah Shore and Frank Sinatra, all of whom had homes here. That “escape to the stars” label still applies today as actors and musicians flock to the inviting hotels and homes nearly every weekend for a bit of unwinding, desert-style. While I love a beach vacation as much as the next person, it’s the unique combination of style, wellness, the past and the present that puts a Palm Springs vacation at the top of my list. It’s a place to reflect and focus, but it also provides outlets for an all-out party and indulgent trip. The cultural attractions are as varied and inviting as the retro diners and classic cars rolling down the palm treelined streets. And the bonus? Arriving and leaving aren’t even a hassle. Direct flights into the most charming airport in the state make the actual travel portion enjoyable. Instead of long, crowded concourses, you’re welcomed by outdoor courtyards and cafés where you can wait in comfort for your bags or to board your plane on the way home. If you’re toying with the idea of planning your own adventure to the desert, don’t plan it during mid-summer when temperatures are soaring if you aren’t big on intense but dry heat. Winter is the high season due to the mild weather, but fall and spring are also delightful times to visit. Whatever time of year you go, be sure to explore and embrace all that the destination offers.
