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Discover Palm Springs in the Summertime

by J. L. Pentrack

 

It’s hot in Palm Springs in the summer, no doubt. It’s hot in a lot of cities during the summer; hot and humid in many places. If you stay home, your air conditioning bill is outrageous, traffic is unbearable, and crankiness abounds. Planning a vacation to a cooler destination is attractive but often (oh so) expensive. And then there’s the crowd factor… do you really want to squeeze into a tiny spot of sand on a crowded beach or fight your way onto congested sightseeing tours—all while paying top-dollar for the dubious privilege of doing so? Relax! There is an alternative.

 

How about this year rather than trying to beat the heat—embrace it! That’s right… embrace it; and what better place to enjoy some healthy dry heat than Palm Springs, California? With its new Summer Splash program Palm Springs is launching itself to the forefront of top places to visit during the summer months.

 

Do the Math

 

With [deeply] discounted room rates at participating resorts, you can pay a visit to the desert at a substantial savings. Many of our 35+ gay properties are part of the Summer Splash program so you’ll find exactly the right place at just the right price for your summer vacation. In addition to the low room rates, (this is where the math comes in), the resort you visit is paying the A/C bill! So chill baby! Many resorts are pet-friendly, so you’ll be able to bring Fido along for a nice vacation too.

 

And with a list of participating resorts that includes the “who’s who” of Palm Springs area properties—CCBC, Century Palm Springs, East Canyon Hotel + Spa, Desert Paradise, El Mirasol, The Hacienda at Warm Sands, Santiago, Terrazzo, Tortuga del Sol, Triangle Inn, and Warm Sands Villas—you’re sure to find a perfectly cool place to spend some hot summer nights!

(Keep your calculator handy.)

 

Several local restaurants are participating in the program as well which means you’ll also enjoy discounted dining rates at some of the finest restaurants in the desert. Local bars and clubs are jumping into the mix with special nights and events dedicated to the Summer Splash theme.

 

For dining fit for a king (or queen), gather up a hearty appetite and head for Angelina’s Italian Kitchen, Copley’s, The Falls, Hamburger Mary’s, Matchbox, Nicolino’s, Pomme Frite, Spencer’s, and Tootie’s Texas BBQ. The list grows daily so you’ll want to check out www.PalmSpringsSummerSplash.com for information on participating businesses.

 

Cool Doings

 

Experience the Canyons

 

Mornings in Palm Springs are glorious. With Mt. Jacinto rising dramatically over 8500 feet from the desert floor the views from almost every resort offer you an unparalleled glimpse into the very canyons where generations of American Indians thrived.

 

Listen closely and you’ll hear the gentle whisper of the wind caressing the mountains; almost cloud-like, the face of the canyons change as the sun moves across them creating a variety of shapes and forms. Perhaps you’ll glimpse the silhouette of a wise Indian Chief or the nasty witch who is said to appear when the sun allows. Venture out for an early morning hike and experience the quiet splendor of the desert landscape.

 

 

For a cool hike venture up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway where you’ll find temperatures 20° to 30° cooler. The 8.5 mile ride up to the peak of the San Jacinto Mountain takes about 15 minutes and the views are breathtaking. Take a stroll along the nature trails, grab a quick bite at one of the two restaurants, and just enjoy the panoramic view that, on a clear day (and there are lots of them), stretches to Mount Charleston in Las Vegas.

 

 

Stage and Screen

 

The Palm Springs Gay & Lesbian Film Festival begins July 24th and runs through July 27th. Presented by the Cinema Diverse, the Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will present a varied combination of feature films, documentaries and short films created by and/or about thematic issues related to the LGBT community.

 

Also coming to town this summer is the Palm Springs Short Film Festival & Film Market from August 21 – August 27. The Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films & Short Film Market, also known as Palm Springs ShortFest, one of the most acclaimed short film showcases in the World, is scheduled August 21-27, 2008 at the Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs. Visit www.psfilmfest.org for more information.

 

The Thorny Theater located at 2500 North Palm Canyon Drive features a great line-up of plays—some “very adult only”—and is located just minutes from downtown. Frank-Lee My Dear, billed a “stupid/sexy comedy” runs from May 23rd to June 15th; Cloud 9, “a rowdy, raucous and raunchy comedy is slated for the Fall of 2008. Visit them online at ThornyTheater.com for a complete list of upcoming shows.

 

If you’re looking for something indoors to do (besides the obvious), Copy Katz Showroom and Backstage Bistro is a great choice for some quality entertainment. Michael Jackson, Reba, Barbra Streisand, Carol Channing, and Bette Midler appear before you so believably that you’ll check your glasses to be sure that what you’re seeing is for real. Each week the visiting “celebrities” change so you can see the show a few times while you’re visiting. Check them out at copykatzentertainment.com.

 

The Camelot Theater located near downtown specializes in screening the finest art, foreign and retrospective films. The Theater also boasts the popular Cinema Lounge where you can enjoy a bite to eat and a refreshing cocktail (which you can take with you into the theater). Beats the heck out of popcorn! For a schedule of current movies checkout Camelottheatres.com.

 

What Happens in… Palm Springs?!?

 

Palm Springs and surrounding areas serve as a gambling paradise for those who enjoy a more tranquil and serene setting than the gnarled traffic and throbbing crowds often found in Las Vegas. A visit to Palm Springs area casinos in the summer is an experience that you’ll definitely want to shout about.

 

The Aqua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa recently completed a 30 million dollar expansion and features 314 Deluxe Guest Rooms, 24 Executive Suites, and 2 Presidential Suites. The Casino gives you 1800 different video and slot machines to choose from and a variety of table games. The Sunstone Spa occupies over 10,500 feet and offers a full compliment of world-class spa treatments including “couples” therapy. The spa also offers a revitalizing sauna, jetted spa tub and steam room experiences, including a full vanity area complete with accessories. HotWaterCasino.com.

 

The Spa Resort Casino is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and also offers an impressive hotel, casino and spa. The Spa's signature service is the "Taking of the Waters," an unparalleled experience that leaves your mind and body thoroughly refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated. An incomparable experience, this is a must-do on your visit to Palm Springs. SpaResortCasino.com.

 

Ahhhhh! Off to the Spa

 

For most gay folks, Palm Springs is most famous for the 35+ resorts catering the GLBT community. Next on the popularity list would be our reputation for world-class spas.

 

Most of the larger hotel properties have expansive spas to indulge their guests and you can find them easily online. Some are more gay friendly than others so be sure to include this question when you inquire into their services. In addition to the major hotel spas, there are literally hundreds of day spas to choose from offering nearly every treatment known to man.

 

One of my favorites are the East Canyon Hotel + Spa located minutes from downtown. This Luxury Gay Men’s Resort offers a massage, body treatment and facial menu rivaling a New York Deli; the East Canyon Spa is a favorite with locals and visitors alike and garners rave reviews from folks who stay there. EastCanyonPS.com.

 

The Viceroy Hotel, while not an exclusively gay property caters to a mixed clientele and its’ Estrella Spa features aromatherapy, facials, massage, reflexology and indoor and outdoor treatments. A favorite with visiting glitterati, the Viceroy also features the charming and delicious Citron Restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. ViceroyPalmSprings.com.

For an expansive list of area spas, visit palm-springs.org.

 

Give Me the Night

 

Summer nights in Palm Springs are among the finest in the world. With temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s and a no-frills, laid back attitude, you can dine, nightclub and stroll in your favorite pair of shorts, T-Shirt and flip-flops without feeling a bit out of place. For fine dining attire you’ll need a Tommy Bahama Shirt, Ralph Loren khaki shorts, and Gucci sandals.

 

On Thursday’s, Palm Canyon Drive comes alive with Village Fest, a weekly celebration of local food, art, talent and creativity. Vendors line the street, musicians entertain you and the whole town comes out to mingle, shop and enjoy the evening.

 

Chilling at the Clubs

 

There is no shortage of nightlife in Palm Springs and this year several new venues have entered the scene.

 

Mixie’s Boy Bar, located in the heart of Palm Springs on South Palm Canyon Drive, opened on December 7th and quickly became a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Their expansive patio overlooks downtown and offers a welcome respite from the hot summer days with cool drinks and a misting system to make the warm daytime temperatures pleasant. The club has an urban feel with a large dance floor, video monitors inside and out, and great music. Lunch and light snacks are also served. Look for Summer Splash specials all throughout the summer months. MixiesBoyBar.com.

 

The popular Azul Palm Springs—a Tapas Inspired Lounge and Patio—located on North Palm Canyon Drive offers a wonderful dining menu and is set to open Georgi’s Alibi Palm Springs, their new nightclub located upstairs above the restaurant. Their patio is a popular spot to gather with friends and enjoy great cocktails. For great dining and an exciting club experience be sure to check it out. Azultapaslounge.com.

 

If you’ve never visited Palm Springs, you’ll also want to check out Toucan’s Tiki Lounge, Hunter’s Video Bar & Dance Club, Spurline, Streetbar, Barracks, Sidewinders, Oasis and Toolshed. Gay nightlife is abundant here, so pack your dancin’ sandals and prepare to rock.

 

…Meanwhile, Back at the Resort

 

After an exciting night on the town, head back to your hotel for one of the best experiences visiting Palm Springs during the summer months provides—a midnight swim under the star-studded sky. Strip off your clothes (if your resort allows) and dive into the cool blue water. And as you gaze into the midnight sky feeling relaxed, refreshed and pampered, you’ll understand completely why summer nights in Palm Springs are so special.

 

For more information and a free Gay Guide to Palm Springs, visit Palm-Springs.org, PalmSpringsGayInfo.com, or gaytravelpalmsprings.com. For more information on Summer Splash, visit PalmSpringsSummerSplash.com.

 

Article Source: GayLinkContent.com

 

© 2008 J. L. Pentrack; All Rights Reserved.









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