Barbara Kingstone is an award-winning travel/lifestyle writer.
 
 
Keeping in mind that WWW.INDULGEDTRAVELER.COM is for Seniors/Boomers who love to travel, here's a destination to think about after the COVID 19. Boomers, it's a great place for out door activity including putting your feet up and watch the sunset and rise.
By Barbara Kingstone, bk@barbara3.com

In the desert . . .

It's the four huge, stunning mountain ranges that took me by surprise. They look as though a great artist may have chiseled this wonderment surrounding the nine merging cities of Palm Springs.

I mentioned nine oasis in this part of this desert. It's difficult to know where one begins and ends since there is a thread that unites them. They all look similar Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indo & Coachelli, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs.

So now that we've talked about the mountains, art doesn't stop there. Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Picasso, Koons and the art and sculptures of that era, are superb and exquisitely mounted at the Palm Springs Art Museum, (101 Museum Drive) The museum is so easy to navigate. But leave a few hours to see the newest young crop of artists and their exhibited artwork and do visit the artsy gift shop.

SNOW BIRDS

"Snow Birds" relocate in this part of North America. The climate during the winter months is much kinder and most find this a superb area, always warm and mostly sunny.

And merchants and property owners love it for obvious reasons. The populations goes up by approximately 40,000.

GOLFERS

Golfers are in for a treat. There are 18 hole courses in most housing development where many villas sit on the edge

TENNIS ANYONE?

Then you know about BNP Baribas Open.

Hikers, adventurers, bikers, swimmer and birders, all available with or without a guide. Or just sit at one of the dozens outdoor cafes and meet the very friendly locals and also like-minded visitors. You might learn about the lectures, films, card groups.

LECTURES?

That's what both locals and "Snow Birds" look forward to and presenters are excellent, many from nearby universities.

When tickets are announced for any performance, try to get them ASAP at the McCullan Theatre. They sell out within a few days and have famed performers.

OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) is where I heard an excellent lecture on Renaissance Art in Florence. I could see myself being busy daily, with the offering of lectures.

Elizabeth & Prince. For anyone looking for luxurious and trendy togs, this is the place. And their displays say it all.There are three shops and the clothing is impeccable. Great styling. I like the sales people at the boutique in La Quinta (the busy square. Also located on El Paseo Dr.)

Another great destination is, Insanity. The name had me. 73400 El Paseo. Palm Desert

Chic styling at a good price.? Go to White House, Black Market 73199 El Paseo Dr, Palm Desert

EXQUISITE ACCESSORIES

ZENSE known in this area for their great collection of fashion jewellery from the world's famous fashion centres. Milan, Paris, Vienna and then there are their own designs made for Zenses in Europe. Ask for Melissa 73255 El Paseo Dr.

HOME ACCESSORIES

Immediately next door to Zense is the newest addition, Zense Home. So exotic, so unusual, not too many shops have these timeless, unique, unusual home accessories. 73255 El Paseo Dr., Suite 3. Palm Desert

ART GALLERIES

Just walk along El Paseo. I saw 5 galleries within a few doors of each other and surprisingly, they have up and coming artists who are truly good plus, of course, the tried and true. CODA represents the top contemporary artists. 73400 El Paseo, Suite B1. Palm Desert

TOP THEATRE

McCallum Theatre. Shows and performances from Broadway, also soloist. Buy tickets on-line.

SHOES

What woman doesn't like shoes? Charleston Shoe Company (73151 El Paseo Suite 2, Palm Desert) and H.Stephens (73575 #V1316, El Paseo, Palm Desert) immediately come to mind with their mind boggling shoe collections. Then, there is always Saks Fifth Ave.

LUNCH.

Love, Love, JAKE'S. It's fun, always full and the food is great. Eat outdoors if there is an al fresco table with the most entertaining 'noshers'. 664 North Canyon, Palm Springs

Il Sogno is a European-styled menu at this cafe. 73375 El Paseo, Palm Desert

JC's Patio serves salads and sandwiches, the perfect light lunch. 73040 El Paseo, Palm Desert

Daily Grill, an American cafe, a favourite for many locals. Dress code. . so casual. 73061 El Paseo Dr. Palm Desert

Quinta Baking Company, one of my go-to, outside cafes for that important 'cuppa' each morning and the trendy easy going dressers who love the surrounding shops. 78-395 Highway 111, La Quinta.

DINNER.

Eddie V's. Relatively newly opened and very special. Yes, and very expensive. They specialize in prime seafood. 73040 El Paseo, Palm Desert

Pacifica, is another very good seafood restaurant. It baffles the mind that there are so many seafood eateries in this desert. The Gardens on El Paseo, 73505 El Paseo, Palm Desert

Mastros is a very prime steak house. 73405 #120 El Paseo, Palm Desert

Vicky's of Santa Fe. Try for the bar area and watch the action. It is the most fun eatery. And the food is innovative and good, the band is upbeat and dancing couples do their own 'thing; So cool. 45100 Club Dr., Highway 111 & Club Drive, Indian Wells

A MUST NOT MISS

Major philanthropists, Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg's, SunnyLands Center and Gardens, built in 2012, sits on 200 acres. Now this amazing complex is known as the 'Camp David of the West' where conferences with top diplomats, politicians and CEOs of major companies, have their meetings in the splendid boardroom. Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Prince Charles, have been as have four American presidents and celebs who come just to see this mid-century architectural building and the constantly changing art. There is a tour. However, if time saving is essential, see the 20 minute film about the unique grand gardens. And this marvelous 'gift' site is great for birders. Then stop for a meal or just coffee at the really on-site fine cafe. Also, take time for this exceptional gift shop. SunnyLands makes the day. The backdrop of the mountain view is unparalleled.

MUSIC

Two words . . . Frank Sinatra . . . everywhere.

LASTING IMPRESSION

If Florida isn't your 'thing', try Palm Springs. Art is top of the list for me. And everyone is so friendly. I don't play golf, however, there's a lot to do other than schlep clubs . . . irons and wood . . . but I must admit, I love watching this great game. And the mountains still linger in my mind as does many of the really good eateries.

And no, I was not sent by the California tourist office. I did this trip all on my own.

Having been a travel writer for more years that I want to remember, people began to come to me for advice on destinations, particularly, India. I have traveled the sub continent extensively and know about the pleasures and the pitfalls of India travel. With this in mind, I began to advise people on travel to India and established India-Concierge.Guru.

India-Concierge.Guru gets to know what each person wants and needs. My associate in Delhi makes my plans happen per the demands of the clients.

Let’s talk. India is a ‘must see’. You can reach me at bk@barbara3.com, Looking forward to hearing from you.

Let’s talk. INDIA-CONCIERGE.GURU BK@BARBARA3.COM WWW.INDULGEDTRAVELER.COM

Reach me at BK@BARBARA3.COM Visit the newest India Travel website: India-Travel.Guru and and do look up www.indulgedtraveler.com under Asia/India.
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