Palm Springs, Calif.
About Town: Palm Desert
By Ceri Mobley, PGATOUR.com Associate Site Producer
This week, the TOUR takes us back to the mainland. But don't be disappointed: Sure, island life was nice, but there's nothing wrong with Southern California. As the golfers take on week three of the 2008 season, they'll be competing in the Bob Hope Classic in Palm Desert, Calif.
Not the kind of desert you associate with dehydrated wanderers stumbling across the sand toward an imaginary oasis, Palm Desert is an oasis. Located amid a cluster of resort towns such as Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells, Palm Desert sits in the shadow of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. Despite the snow-capped peaks, the weather in the canyons won't have you reaching for your ski jacket; in fact, quite the opposite.
While the stunning landscape will tempt you into sleeping in the open, it's probably best to have a hotel to head home to after a long day walking the course.
SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE:
California's finest: If you want to feel like a world-class golfer while watching them play, then book a room at the JW Marriott Resort. For a desert hotel, there sure is a lot of water, and you can only make the most of it. From island-style pools equipped with a steel band (in case you're missing Hawaii) to gondola trips from inside the hotel's atrium for guided tours or simply a relaxing ride to dinner, the four-star JW Marriott can't be beaten. And only 10 minutes from the course, why would you want to stay anywhere else? Oh and they have flamingos, too, because, really, who doesn't like flamingos?
Prepare to pay: Desert luxury comes at a price, but this hotel is well worth the money. Depending on the room and the days, a stay at the JW Marriott Resort will set you back about $270-$500 a night. But don't worry, you'll relax away the stress over spending all that money right away. (Side note: In case you need a little more persuasion, my mother-in-law recommended this resort to me, and trust me, she knows what she's talking about.)
Lucy loves it: You can't deny that California ranks high on the golf-locations list, but the state is known for more than fancy fairways. Yes, we're talking the rich and famous, and you can get a taste of it at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel. Built by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as an elite, desert escape, this three-and-a-half-star resort will have you looking around for the paparazzi as you sign up for an afternoon massage. And in keeping with the golf weekend, Indian Wells Resort is less than 20 minutes from the tournament and built on the 11th green of the original Bob Hope course. How appropriate.
Prepare to pay: The resort's golf courses and sparkling-blue pools might make the place look like a million bucks, but you'll spend far less than that on a stay at Indian Wells: You're looking at about $100-$200 a night to call Indian Wells Resort your home for the week.
Stare at the stars: OK, so I usually put you up in rooms with at least four walls and a fully-functional bathroom each week, but let's try something different. How do gore-tex, rip-stop panels and a roll of toilet paper in the woods sound? Not high class I'm sure, but you can't beat the views at Joshua Tree National Park. You have several choices of campgrounds at the park, but they all share the same scenery, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. It is, however, an hour from the course -- but trying to sleep late in the woods is like trying to hit a hole in one, so you'll be up early for the drive anyway.
Prepare to pay: And here's the upside to sleeping outside and sharing your bed with nature -- it's cheap! Camping at Joshua Tree National Park starts out as low as $10 a night. If you have a large group and need a bigger site, then you'll pay up to $40 a night to pitch those tents. This will leave some money aside to purchase the essentials: bug spray and a flashlight. If you're going to embrace nature, you can't find a better substitute than the great state of California. (By the way, if the idea of strapping on some sensible shoes and trading in your signature scent for deet has you cringing, then stop reading now because this week's edition of About Town is all about the great outdoors.)
Well, you heard me (or at least read me), check your inessentials at hotel/tent door and get ready to see America at its wildest and most beautiful. But don't worry, I'll have you set up with somewhere fabulous to chow down after a dose of the great wide open.
SOMEWHERE TO SNACK:
Day one: California not only shares Italy's love for wines, the Golden State also has a hankering for Italian food. If you're in the mood for saffron fettuccine, asparagus scampi risotto or whole lobster in spicy tomato basil sauce, then Sirocco is the place for you. Located inside the Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, Calif., Sirocco offers only the finest Italian cuisine prepared by Chef Livio Massignani. Voted one of the best Italian restaurants in the area by Zagat, you'll leave Sirocco kissing your fingertips and proclaiming "delizioso!"
Day two: After two days trekking around the California countryside, you might be smelling a little ripe, but have no fear, head to the Hog's Breath Inn of La Quinta, Calif. Have a cocktail -- or a California wine -- before dinner in the patio saloon during happy hour (from 4:30 -- 6 p.m.) and then watch the sun go down over the Wild West with a "Dirty Harry Dinner."
Day three: For some of that Old Hollywood charm only California can give you, head to Bing Crosby's Restaurant and Piano Lounge in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Get the Oyster Rockefeller to start, a juicy steak in the middle, a classic chocolate soufflé for dessert and a dirty martini on the side. That's what Bing would do.
Day four: You came here for golf, so make sure you pay homage to The King by making dinner plans at Arnold Palmer's Restaurant in La Quinta, Calif. A gentleman on the golf course, and everyone's favorite champion off the course, Arnie started his restaurant to give people a taste of what he refers to as "the good life." With home-style favorites like braised ribs, beef stroganoff and warm blueberry pie, Arnold Palmer's Restaurant leaves you feeling full and satisfied.
SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT:
Day one: For a true California countryside experience, you have to trade in the steering wheel for some walking boots. Book a hiking tour in Palm Desert, and you won't be sorry. Most tour companies will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel and provide entertaining tour guides for the trip in between. Southern California is not just about spectacular desert landscapes and natural wildlife with a grand-mountain backdrop, this part of the country is rich in American Indian history and culture as well. A hiking tour will allow you to see and learn about the Golden State's outdoors up close and personal. Or, if you prefer to take it in without the help of a local expert and you are an accomplished map reader and experienced hiker, plan a route of your own. With attractions such as the San Andreas Fault, the Coachella Valley Preserve and the Mecca Hills National Wilderness Area, whichever hiking trip you choose will not disappoint. But make sure to pack sunscreen, water, snacks and a first-aid kit. No matter how much we love Mother Nature, she can be a moody mistress sometimes.
Day two: While you would expect snow-capped mountains in January, you might be surprised to find that the Santa Rosa Mountain Range often displays sugary peaks late into the spring, and that's one of the things that makes these mountains so popular. While you're here, you have to take a ride up to the top and take in the awesome views from the icy elevation. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway opened to the public in the 1960s and rises as high as 8,500 feet. The tram runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. but can be subject to change because of weather. Also, the temperature atop the range drops between 30 and 40 degrees cooler than the temperatures on the ground, so you will want to make sure you bring a few extra layers of clothing to keep you warm. Tickets range in price depending on age and whether you plan to make a meal out of the trip, too. Children under age 3 ride for free.
Day three: If you elected to make Joshua Tree National Park your accommodation for the week, then this activity will be convenient and right up your alley. If you didn't, then you should still plan to give it a try because it's certainly worth the hour drive to the park from Palm Desert. Rock climbing! Before your mind shoots to the episode of Seinfeld where inexperienced George Costanza (and his sandwiches) send Elaine's "mimbo" (and his beautiful face) crashing to the bottom of the rockface, rest assured that Joshua Tree National Park has climbing opportunities for all levels of climber. So if you dabble in the rock gym at home but don't feel comfortable with Mission Impossible-type free climbing, then don't worry; you can still try your hand at being Spiderman. Do make sure you have at least some training or experience in climbing before you head out though, because the park does not provide equipment or maintain its 8,000+ climbing routes. And wear a helmet!
Day four: Had enough of the physically-demanding tourism? Understandable. Take a break from the hiking and the climbing and enjoy Palm Desert's unmatched scenery from the sky. Hot-air balloon rides above the desert provide the perfect way to relax with a glass of champagne while still taking in the sights of the countryside. Go on and admit, you've always wanted to try it. Take a ride at sunrise or sunset and watch California unfold below you through cloudy-pink lenses. Some rides even serve full meals, and if you know anyone looking for a wedding spot, you can exchange vows up there, too. It's the perfect way to end a weekend, and hey, maybe an aerial view of the golf courses will give you that much-needed edge you've been looking for...
STICKING AROUND?
As always, a four-day golf-watching trip never leaves you enough time to sample all that the location has to offer. So if you planned for a few days in town before or after the Bob Hope Classic, then try to squeeze in these activities:
Golfing in Rancho Mirage: One of the resort towns in the canyon cluster, Rancho Mirage has some of the best golf courses in the country. Since it's only a short drive from Palm Desert, there's no need to change hotels if you plan to spend a day here working on your swing. While many of the courses are private, Rancho Mirage also offers plenty of public courses for the traveling golfer. Book a round at Rancho Mirage Country Club -- a par-70, 6,111-yard course -- and experience SoCal golf at its finest. Or, if you are up to it, play 27 holes at the Mission Hills Golf Club on its three nine-hole mini courses. Playing in Southern California may not make you a pro, but you just might feel like one.
Wine Tasting: How can you come to wine country and not expect to sample a tipple or two? You don't have to drive to Napa to swish and spit California's finest. As you would see from the balloon ride, the Palm Desert area is spotted with as many vineyards as it is golf courses. Even if you can't call yourself a wine connoisseur, you can still partake in and enjoy a wine tasting event -- just remember not to swallow it all (or at least designate a driver). Most hotel concierges can set you up with local information on wine events and even book a tasting for you; or you can just do some of your own research before you leave home and plan as you go.
Still missing the island life? See, I told you Southern California wasn't half bad.
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