Travel: Palm Springs

I just got back from the HOT desert today... This week I had to work in the Palm Springs area so I went on a little road trip. It's about 2 hours and 30 minutes away ,which isn't a bad drive. I was working along the way but I saved some time for fun. On the way there are a few places to stop.

The 1st place to stop is the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon. The stores are located off I-10. It's about 20 miles away from Palm Springs. If you love a good sale they have all the top designer shops!

 

 

The 2nd place to stop is at the Cabazon Dinosaurs. These dino's are right off of I-10. If you have children this is a must. A fun fact is that these dinosaurs have been in a few movies as well as in the background of Brad Paisley’s music video, "Without Love." Possibly another reason to make you wanna stop.

There are many Casinos to visit once you reach Palm Springs. If you want to stop before reaching your destination Casino Morongo in Cabazon, is a great choice... if your feeling lucky!

 

Along your drive you will also notice many windmills.

I stayed at the Miracle Springs Resort & Spa in Desert Hot Springs. It was a great choice for a business trip. It's a somewhat large hotel about 100 rooms. With indoor and outdoor dining. The Resort also has 8 natural mineral water pools and hot tubs, a hot sauna and steam room and a Spa with many services. Below is a picture of the view I had from my balcony for a few days. Not bad.

 

One of the best things to do in Palm Springs is to laying out by the pool relaxing with a cocktail and swimming in mineral pools. While I was in town the weather was HOT like 95 degrees hot. Which is crazy because it's mid-October.  Below is a picture of me soakin' up the rays each day.

 

 

Another favorite is getting a spa treatment. There are so many great spas in the Palm Springs area. The Miracle Springs Resort & Spa has a nice spa with a LARGE selection of treatments. From Facials, Clay Body Masques, Mineral Wraps to Massages, Manicures and Pedicures they have it all. This time I got a Swedish Massage. It was wonderful.

 

 A fun thing to do with friends is champagne brunch or ordering room service if your alone. While on my business trip I ordered a Swiss cheese, ham and bell pepper omelet with breakfast potatoes on the side. It was really good. Which inspired me to make my own at home! Below is the recipe.

 

 

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Swiss Cheese, Ham and Bell Pepper Omelet

 

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 cup mixed bell peppers
• 2 slices shaved ham, torn roughly
• 1/4 cup grated low fat swiss cheese
• 1 slice swiss cheese

Directions: Crack the eggs in a bowl with the milk and mix. Set aside (Don’t let the mixture sit for too long).

Spray a small non-stick frying pan with extra virgin olive oil spray and place over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and cook for 1-2 minutes or until lightly darkened. Remove from pan and wipe pan clean. Spray pan again and return to the heat.

Pour in the egg mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes. Put the ham, bell peppers and cheese on only half the omelet, then fold over the other half and “hide” the filling. Add swiss cheese slice to top and serve immediately..

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Rosemary Breakfast Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound potatoes, skins on and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Handful of rosemary sprigs, (We’re lucky to have them in our garden)
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. seasoning or garlic salt

Directions: Blanch (put in boiling water for a few seconds in order to loosen the skin or to kill enzymes) the potatoes. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet, add potatoes and salt to pan and uncovered for about 20 min. at medium heat. Stir occasionally, until browned. Turn heat to medium-high and rosemary, and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes and serve.

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While in the mineral spa a lovely couple from Miami whom have been married for 48 years said if they could only recommend one thing to do while in Palm Springs it would be the sky tram. They Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is West of Palm Springs at 1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262. They say it is worth the $ for the spectacular views!  Visit the website for more details. http://pstramway.com/

 

If your in town during spring (season starts March 2013) or summer a fun thing to do is visit Knott's Soak City. We have one in San Diego as well. It's fun for the young or young at heart!

 

 

There are many museums to check out in Palm Springs such as, Palm Springs Art Museum, Cabot's Pueblo Museum and The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden... if that is your thing. One museum that I checked out is the Palm Springs Air Museum. My grandfather was in the air force and after walking in I knew this is something he would love.

 

 

Of course while in the desert you'll need a night out! One of my favorite places to unwind is Azul Mexican Bar & Grill in downtown Palm Springs. Good food and great atmosphere!

Until I blog again, Xoxo, Jenn