What to do in Palm Springs?

Well, I have been to Palm Springs a handful of times (despite living fairly close) but never took the time to really explore it....so now I am coming to you people, and especially chaps like Rory Wildsville and others who are from there to see what's what....

My birthday is coming up, and my twin sisters too, of course, and we decided to go and take a tour of all the MCM homes, rock hudson place, shag store, and of course the bars and restaurants...this will be in February...so....

exactly where will I find the best Mid century Modern houses? Street names? And which restaurant and bars are places you would recommend? My Mom and sister are going, and they are super highbow and hoity-toity....meaning, they like real classy food, etc...

recomendations, anyone?

Lucas, I have a Mid-Mod landmark map of PS.

I'll bring it to Don's this Saturday.

[ Edited by: JOHN-O 2013-01-17 13:13 ]

On 2013-01-17 13:12, JOHN-O wrote:
Lucas, I have a Mid-Mod landmark map of PS.

I'll bring it to Don's this Saturday.

[ Edited by: JOHN-O 2013-01-17 13:13 ]

Man, that would be AWESOME! Also, knowing you are a foodie, if you have any suggestions of places to eat....that would be appreciated to!

The place I like is called Blue Coyote, but I have rather pedestrian tastes compared to my family....have you been there?

Lyons English Grill and Melvyn's are mid-century awesome !!

Yes, Melvyn's is dress up fancy and old school and $$$$$
we went there for our last trip to PS, food is very good
Sinatra hung out there, Sherman's Deli is an old school deli (Great for lunch) where the Rat Pack used to hang
as well as all the Mid Century Architects who worked & visited PS etc.

Not sure what the status is of this place....

TikiCentral: Buddy Greco's Dinner Club

Still listings of it if you do search but no current reviews

Well, let me clarify....my family likes artsy-fartsy joints to eat at...not classy old school places, if that makes sense....like for example, my Mom never liked the Arches in newport beach, but she likes places such as Zov's Bistro.

[ Edited by: lucas vigor 2013-01-17 15:45 ]

Can't help you out with artsy fartsy.

If you want BBQ or burgers in PS, ask BTD, there's a couple of places he's always raving about but I've never been.

If you want to go on a guided Mid-Mod tour in a mini-van, the following is recommended...

http://www.palmspringsmoderntours.com

I think this is where I got that map.

And why did this thread get moved to Bilge ?? !!

How is this thread any different from all of the generic Hawaii travel threads that get posted there. Palms Springs is more "Tiki" than Hawaii is !!

How about Trio? It's artsy-fartsy. I haven't been, but my parents have.

Don't overlook the (great looking) Visitor's Center - I got a map of the Stars' Homes there a few years ago. The staff were really good - we told them what we were interested in and they marked it all out on a map for us.

I don't remember the exact names, but there are other neighborhoods with cool homes detailed here on TC; If I remember correctly, there are a bunch of Wexler homes near the Visitor Center, and a more Hawaiian-style neighborhood near the Parker Hotel (a bit East of Caliente Tropics.)

I am entirely non hoity-toity, but once had breakfast at Norma's at the Parker. It was, by far, the most expensive breakfast I've ever had. But also delicious.

On 2013-01-17 20:35, bamalamalu wrote:
Don't overlook the (great looking) Visitor's Center - I got a map of the Stars' Homes there a few years ago. The staff were really good - we told them what we were interested in and they marked it all out on a map for us.

I don't remember the exact names, but there are other neighborhoods with cool homes detailed here on TC; If I remember correctly, there are a bunch of Wexler homes near the Visitor Center, and a more Hawaiian-style neighborhood near the Parker Hotel (a bit East of Caliente Tropics.)

I am entirely non hoity-toity, but once had breakfast at Norma's at the Parker. It was, by far, the most expensive breakfast I've ever had. But also delicious.

The visitor center is something I was thinking about.

La Vallauris and Spenser's both very good.

Take them to Sunnylands Center and Gardens.
http://blog.modernismweek.com/the-guide/tours/
Designed by A. Quincy Jones in the mid 60s for Walter and Leonore Annenberg, Sunnylands is arguably one of the only purely modernist estates in the United States. Many key figures of the 20th century enjoyed relaxing as guests at Sunnylands. The list includes seven U.S. presidents, the British royal family, and Hollywood icons like Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Stewart, Ginger Rogers, and many others.
http://sunnylands.org

LV, Hope I'm not too late but I recently stayed at the Riviera hotel up at the north end of town. The lobby is pure excess 50's and the Sidebar lounge is supercool for drinks. The restaurant( I forget the name) was excellent though pricy and I think Le Vallauris never disappoints. My all time Favorite use to be Europa at the Bella Royale but they changed owners recently and Matt, the Maitre 'd at Europa is now at Melvins. I would place Melvin's and the Rivera's restaurant on the same level and I would also call it a "tie" in regard to their respective bars. Maybe a slight edge to Melvin's cuz thet have a piano and the singer was singing "standards". I didn't order tropical drinks at any of these places-just whiskies and martini's.
Have fun!

[ Edited by: nui 'umi 'umi 2013-02-11 21:36 ]

Don't bother with tropical cocktails & go with vintage/classic cocktails at any of those places

My in-laws took us to a Place In Rancho Mirage called Shame on the Moon. Worth checking out.

Rent my friends swell midcentury vacation home.

That is beautiful!

When the acquired it a few years back I asked my friend Max about it and he said it wasn't anything particularly special. But it's exactly what I imagine a midcentury Palm Springs home to look like.

They did all the interior stuff themselves. Max and his wife are set dressers (TV, film) so they frequently get to find cool stuff for themselves and make good money doing it.

Lucas, please let us know how your visit went. I'm thinking about making a similar visit there myself, hopefully in the next year or two. I have a similar agenda, minus the "artsy fartsy" part.