Post #771954 by Tavarua Tiki on Wed, Jan 11, 2017 10:35 PM

Get ready for one of the best Tiki events of the year. I agree with Loki, having been to every Caliente as well, try to stay as close to the Caliente Tropics as possible. There are many hotel options within a 5-10 minute walk. Rory limits wristband sales to a limited number to keep the event from being too crowded. Having said that, in past years, there have always been a few wristbands available for sale at the event for those last minute stragglers. The first few years I stayed on property, but as pricing went up I found neighboring hotels sufficient to lay my foggy head. The money I save I use to support the awesome group of vendors that Rory assembles. I recommend getting the event mug, in the past the amazing talents of Doug Horne, John/Janet Mulder and of course Rory's direction culminate to create a rare memento that can only be bought at the event. The musical entertainment always kills it. Some previous standouts are Tikiyaki Orchestra, Kitty Chow and the Fisherman, The Martini Kings, The amazing Spike and The Hula Girls, Marty Lush as "Don Who" and you can't miss the late night lobby bands which was dominated by Jason Lee and the RipTides last year, seriously if he returns again this year don't miss it.

There is usually a Palm Springs excursion to M Modern Gallery, or to the Shag store for a limited gallery release - prints/pins/mugs/bags all incredible art from the brilliance of Josh Agle. While downtown don't miss Bootlegger Tiki - pound for pound the best little tiki bar there, (it's roots are a legendary Don The Beachcomber). Tonga Hut is also a must see...and drink, there is a great speak easy through a secret door, (good luck finding it) the back patio also has a killer/original witco bar. If you favor Mexican food Las Casuelas is always tasty. I never miss a great steak dinner at the best local steak house within walking distance to the host hotel "Lyons", back before they remodeled it was like stepping back in time to a Rat Pack era steakhouse complete with piano and live music. Now it's "Mr Lyon''s and the steaks are still incredible but it lost its old time charm.

Sorry back to the event...Don't miss the room crawls, various attendees devote their creative rooms and tiki recipes to help you attain a great tiki drink buzz late into the wee hours. Always a favorite are the folks at Zen Tiki Lounge that broadcast their Podcast and pour drinks for the lucky guests . The natives vote for best crawl room/drink and sadly I don't remember who won last year but John and Janet Mulder made a standout beverage a few years ago.

It's a totally laid back time to hang at the pool with your new tiki friends during the lazy warm and sometimes just unbearably hot days, and then party the night away making great memories. I look forward to seeing there!