palm springs... beyond hooville

[Guest DuchessIvanaKizznhugg]

A few additional suggestions with embedded links for more info

 

-Drive the Palms to Pines Highway.

The Palms to Pines Highway, following California highways 243 and 74, is exactly that—a sinuous sixty-six-mile-long highway that climbs from the palm-studded lowlands of the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs to lofty pine forests that cling to the steep, rocky slopes of the San Jacinto Mountains.

On a nice day (most days in PS) it's a thrilling ride, with great vistas. If you don't want to do the entire route, there are lookout locations along the way that are well worth the trip. It's a wonderful geographic confluence.

 

-Visit Kimberly Crest in Redlands, California.

I think it's about a 30 minute drive heading north-west towards LA....you'll pass the huge discount mall that Epigonos mentions above, and I think you'll also pass a Casino.

At any rate, it was the southern home of the Kimbery-Clarke (as in Kleenex) magnate and is a real snapshot of a time gone by. Incredible to think it was there in 1897. It's not a full-day excursion, but a nice break from lounging by the pool.

 

-Sunnylands, the Walter Annenberg Estate in Rancho Mirage will be worth a visit I'm sure at some point in the future. I think it's not slated to open until November of this year.

 

-Some of my friends think it kitschy, but I like

for dinner one evening. Mammoth margaritas and a roaming mariachi band under the stars and twinkling lights.

 

Whatever you do get up to, I hope you enjoy that area as much as I have.

[NYTomcat]

A few additional suggestions with embedded links for more info

 

-Drive the Palms to Pines Highway.

The Palms to Pines Highway, following California highways 243 and 74, is exactly that—a sinuous sixty-six-mile-long highway that climbs from the palm-studded lowlands of the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs to lofty pine forests that cling to the steep, rocky slopes of the San Jacinto Mountains.

On a nice day (most days in PS) it's a thrilling ride, with great vistas. If you don't want to do the entire route, there are lookout locations along the way that are well worth the trip. It's a wonderful geographic confluence.

 

-Visit Kimberly Crest in Redlands, California.

I think it's about a 30 minute drive heading north-west towards LA....you'll pass the huge discount mall that Epigonos mentions above, and I think you'll also pass a Casino.

At any rate, it was the southern home of the Kimbery-Clarke (as in Kleenex) magnate and is a real snapshot of a time gone by. Incredible to think it was there in 1897. It's not a full-day excursion, but a nice break from lounging by the pool.

 

-Sunnylands, the Walter Annenberg Estate in Rancho Mirage will be worth a visit I'm sure at some point in the future. I think it's not slated to open until November of this year.

 

-Some of my friends think it kitschy, but I like

for dinner one evening. Mammoth margaritas and a roaming mariachi band under the stars and twinkling lights.

 

Whatever you do get up to, I hope you enjoy that area as much as I have.[/color][/size][/font]

 

Palms to pines sounds like a day trip to make. I love that mix ill find some things along the path to see as well. The vista sound incredible. Ok im good with kitsch and mariachi bands under twinkling lights works for me. Perhaps Tuesday when we arrive.

 

Kimberly crest is a must. I love the manors here in the Hudson valley. That long past lifestyle is a passion of mine

[NYTomcat]

I think I have been successful in avoiding anything that would cause someone to identify me as stereotypically gay. (OK, I have degrees in English literature, I love opera, address old friends as, "My dear," and I live in Palm Springs with a man I refer to as my 'partner,' but all that aside....) However, I recently adopted a miniature poodle from a shelter, and he has a FLOWERED COLLAR! I've been thinking of wearing butch cowboy boots when I walk him, to confuse onlookers.

 

Funny thing is charlie... when I was living str8 I always had little poodles and cockapoo. Now that im out. A Boston bull with spiked collar and yeah. I.have motorcycle boots lmao

[jawjateck]

Really good info in this thread. Thanks guys for giving me some ideas to ponder for my fun-filled frolick in the desert.

 

Last year's trip was way way way too short, unfortunate, but unavoidable, so I want to enjoy the extra days I allocated for this year's Hooville sojourn.

[+ Charlie]

Idyllwild is on the Palms to Pines route, so you kill two birds with one stone. If you do the whole circle, stopping in Idyllwild for lunch, it takes about a half day. By the way, this is winter in Idyllwild, which is several thousand feet high, so be prepared for a possibility of ice and snow up there. Before descending back down to Palm Desert, be sure to stop at Cahuilla Tewanet, and just listen to the sound of nature around you. Kimberley Crest is also worth the visit; you can do it as a detour from P to P, but be prepared to make the whole combo a full day outing. Other possible excursions up into the mountains are Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear Lake, but you have had enough winter in NY, so why leave the desert sun? The Annenbergs' Sunnylands may be open by next year's PSW.

[KMEM]

I think I have been successful in avoiding anything that would cause someone to identify me as stereotypically gay. (OK, I have degrees in English literature, I love opera, address old friends as, "My dear," and I live in Palm Springs with a man I refer to as my 'partner,' but all that aside....) However, I recently adopted a miniature poodle from a shelter, and he has a FLOWERED COLLAR! I've been thinking of wearing butch cowboy boots when I walk him, to confuse onlookers.

 

I don't think you are stereotypically gay, only what my straight friends call, "very happy".

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[leigh.bess.toad]

Really good info in this thread. Thanks guys for giving me some ideas to ponder for my fun-filled frolick in the desert.

 

Last year's trip was way way way too short, unfortunate, but unavoidable, so I want to enjoy the extra days I allocated for this year's Hooville sojourn.

 

Speaking of which JJT, inquiring minds everywhere are curious. When everyone was announcing who they were bringing you hadn't decided yet. Want to give us any hints or are you going to make us wait?

[leigh.bess.toad]

I've actually been planning to rent a houseboat and do lake Powell. Sometime in the next few years. Did it with the kids im now just deciding what the debaucherous daddy's style trip might be like. 5 clients 5 escorts on a 14 person houseboat in the middle of nowhere with nothing but crystal clear water private beaches and... ok I think that desert heat is beginning to creep in here

 

Uh, TC. Put my name on the list.

 

Puh-leaze!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest countryboywny]

Adam I do love that. And you and rick for it lol.

 

Joshua tree for a day is a must I love the desert. And dessert. Lmao

 

I've actually been planning to rent a houseboat and do lake Powell. Sometime in the next few years. Did it with the kids im now just deciding what the debaucherous daddy's style trip might be like. 5 clients 5 escorts on a 14 person houseboat in the middle of nowhere with nothing but crystal clear water private beaches and... ok I think that desert heat is beginning to creep in here

 

Note to self.. schedule a vacation with Tom.. he's got GREAT ideas!!

[jawjateck]

I have procured the services of a hottie Hoovillain to accompany me for the weekend. He will be a fine asset to add to our gathering.

 

Coyfully yours,

jjt

[Bosguy]

I will likewise be spending addional time in PS from 3/15 to 3/23. I will be with my guest the 18th to the 21st.

 

A great website for all that's going on in PS is http://www.visitpalmsprings.com Everything is broken down by categories/interests and directs you to desired websites relating to those categories.

 

So much to do, so little time.

 

See you in PS.

 

Bill K.

[Bosguy]

TC

 

Count me in. Sounds like my kind of adventure. Hot and romantic.

 

That's my idea of WS.

 

Bill K

[leigh.bess.toad]

I have procured the services of a hottie Hoovillain to accompany me for the weekend. He will be a fine asset to add to our gathering.

 

Coyfully yours,

jjt

 

Methinks me knows but I guess I'll just have to wait. I guess I was the type who always went searching for the Christmas presents and shook them to no end. And the last page of the murder mystery is there for a reason.

 

But I look forward to having the mystery revealed and meeting you there JJT. Maybe we can get Ryaan and Dane and the four of us can teach the others on how to speak Southern.

 

Four weeks from today. Hot damn.

[Mark450]

If you are looking for some entertainment, try the McCallum Theatre. I'm on their email list and I am always surprised at how many different entertainers they host there. http://www.mccallumtheatre.com/

[Bosguy]

If you are looking for some entertainment, try the McCallum Theatre. I'm on their email list and I am always surprised at how many different entertainers they host there. http://www.mccallumtheatre.com/

Looks like an excellent idea, plus 3/17 (St.Patrick's Day) they have a great show. Being Irish and from Boston, hopefully I can get my friend who lives in PS. to go.

Thanks,

Bill K.

[SFViking]

NYTomcat,

 

Would you be willing to share your restaurant list? I'm visiting friends next weekend (& so will miss Hooville weekend) and would like to take them out for dinner as a thank you. The restaurants I've seen in PS seem a bit unadventurous (but then I am from San Francisco, so my tastes may be a bit out of tune with other parts of the country.)

 

Anyone,

 

I'm planning on taking two days to drive from SF to PS and back. I want to stop along the way in different locations coming and going. I stayed in Santa Barbara the last time I did this kind of trip. It was pleasant, but very straight. Any recommendations for stops along the way?

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions anyone might have,

SF Viking

[Epigonos]

SFViking I’m afraid that I have to agree with you regarding the limited “interesting” dinning possibilities in Palm Springs and I’m from L.A. Last year the Hooville group had dinner at Trio. Thus I have eaten there only once but found it quite good. Here is its web address: http://www.triopalmsprings.com/

[leigh.bess.toad]

SFViking -- I have asked Oliver to share the list as well. I have never been to PS so this should be an adventure and I'm dying to find out what restaurant was chosen for the Saturday night dinner. However, I will tell you that in looking at PS restaurants, Trio is the top rated restaurant in PS according to TripAdvisor.com but they don't do very well at another website I use. One of the other really good "customer-review" restaurant websites is urbanspoon.com. I've found quite a few really good places on there. If you want to see what they say about EVERY Palm Springs restaurant, here's their link http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/254/29516/Palm-Springs-restaurants. But they have reviews for most cities in the country I know of.

[+ Charlie]

I have eaten a number of times at Trio, and had a good experience each time. Everyone at last year's weekend commented that it was the best restaurant of any we have used over the years. For Belgian bistro food, I'd recommend Pomme Frite on Palm Canyon. Kiyosaku on South Palm Canyon is a tiny family Japanese restaurant with excellent sushi. Monsoon on Sunrise Way can be uneven, but on its best nights it has very good Indian food. Le Vallauris on West Tahquitz Way is rather pretentious, but many people consider it the best restaurant in town (it's the place to go if you really want a $1000 bottle of wine with lunch). Spencer's is the place for power lunches and dinners with the movers and shakers of Palm Springs (including occasional entertainment figures). The best place for cheap Mexican is Mirasol on South Palm Canyon (male porn figures can occasionally be seen). Sherman's on Tahquitz is standard Jewish deli, always packed. The best seafood is at Fisherman's Market on Indian Canyon. There are also a number of good restaurants farther downvalley in Rancho Mirage, such as Amici, Cuistot, Piero's Acqua Pazza, or Babe's.

[nate_sf]

NYTomcat,

 

Anyone,

 

I'm planning on taking two days to drive from SF to PS and back. I want to stop along the way in different locations coming and going. I stayed in Santa Barbara the last time I did this kind of trip. It was pleasant, but very straight. Any recommendations for stops along the way?

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions anyone might have,

SF Viking

 

I used to drive once or twice a month from SF to Phoenix so know this drive pretty well and would always do an overnight along the way. I agree with your thoughts on Santa Barbara, very beautiful and definitely very straight. I'd say the same for other destinations along the way. Paso Robles has been getting swanky as part of the Central Coast wine country (partly thanks to the movie Sideways I'm sure), and Pismo Beach is a lovely spot on the coast between the inland stretches of 101.

 

San Luis Opispo might be worth checking out. I don't know it very well, but know lots of people who went to college there and love it. Since it is a college town it might have a bit more queer sensibility, but I can't say for sure. Apparently they have a great evening market (I think on Thursday nights) that is supposed to be really great.

 

Through the Central Valley, I-5 is one of the dreariest drives I've endured anywhere, but since it is significantly faster than 101 I've taken it many times out of necessity. Usually I'll just go for efficiency and plop down at one of the roadside motels along the way. Harris Ranch is an upscale hotel and restaurant, but I don't get the feeling it is very friendly to gay people so don't bother with it.

 

Having said all that, I was in Fresno this past week for my day job and was surprisingly impressed. Fresno gets a bad rep as a city, but the Tower District centered on the Tower Theater on Olive Avenue is quite hip and cool. I had dinner there and really liked the vibe of the neighborhood. Fresno appears to have about a half-dozen gay bars - I didn't have a chance to check them out, but one that I went by had a good number of people milling around out front and it seemed like a friendly, jovial crowd for a Wednesday night. If you end up stopping in Fresno you'll take Hwy 99 at least part of the way, which I find more interesting than I-5 because it goes through towns.

 

There is also an alternate route up through the Mojave desert that avoids going through LA completely. Instead you go through Bakersfield, Mojave and Barstow, then come down the hill and hook up with the I-10 in San Bernardino. There is some nice scenery along the way including joshua tree cacti, and also the airplane graveyard in Mojave is a pretty spectacular sight in its surrealness.

 

OK, there's my crazy travelogue! Hopefully something in there will appeal.

[+ Charlie]

The best meal I have had in the past two years was at the Ballard Inn just outside Solvang, in the aforementioned wine country from the movie "Sideways." It's only a few miles east of the 101 exit at Buellton. From experience I can assure you there is no place special to eat on the Bakersfield/Mojave/Barstow route.

[Epigonos]

If you are a carnivore there are two great restaurants I can recommend on the drive south along 101. The first is Jocko’s Steakhouse in Nipomo. Now where the hell is Nipomo you ask? It is about midway between Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria in the middle of nowhere. Years ago it was a major kick-ass field hands bar that just happened to serve great steaks. There were fights in the place almost every night. It has tamed down considerably but still serves great steaks. The only problem is that at lunch they don’t have the outside wood burning grill going so the steaks are grilled in the kitchen on a gas grill. The second restaurant, and one of my favorites, is the Hitching Post II (http://www.hitchingpost2.com/) in Buellton. It is the restaurant that was featured in the film Sideways. It serves great steaks and has a fabulous wine selection both by the bottle and by the glass. The only drawback is that it is only open for dinner. Believe it or not I have been know to make the drive north from L.A. to have dinner there and tour some of the many surrounding wineries. In Buellton there is a nice Marriott where you might want to consider spending the night. Buellton is very near Solvang a very phony Danish village tourist attraction. Avoid the place unless you are desperate for something to do. From Buellton the drive the next day to Palm Springs would be around five or six hours.

Neither of these steakhouses are the typical chain steakhouses like Flemings or Ruth Crist’s. They are each unique and certainly make no attempt at being elegant or trendy.

[+ deej]

The Hitching Post's menu is worth a chuckle. (I'll agree it's a great place to eat!)

 

The menu features midwest corn-fed beef and gulf shrimp????? Really? Nothing from CA? There's nothing in the NAPA valley worth eating????

 

It's just a chuckle. It's a lot like going to Vegas (or Palm Springs) and ordering lobster. Ummm.... you do know it isn't exactly local, right?

[Bosguy]

I have the privilege of spending 3 days with Tyger in PS next month.

 

Since he loves outdoor "activities", I was wondering if there were any hiking areas where we could venture to explore nature and ouselves and save these memories on film?

 

I also was thinking about another activity. As Sophia would say "Picture this. Palm Springs. March of 2011" Outdoors, riding on a wild stallion, attired in chaps, the feel and smell of leather. Of course, I was referring to horseback riding!! RIGHT.

[NYTomcat]

I have the privilege of spending 3 days with Tyger in PS next month.

 

Since he loves outdoor "activities", I was wondering if there were any hiking areas where we could venture to explore nature and ouselves and save these memories on film?

 

I also was thinking about another activity. As Sophia would say "Picture this. Palm Springs. March of 2011" Outdoors, riding on a wild stallion, attired in chaps, the feel and smell of leather. Of course, I was referring to horseback riding!! RIGHT.

 

Omg first off. Do we think alike. Oh my sunburned cheeks. I hope. Lol

 

Plus to quote Sophia petrillo doing it. Priceless

 

But I do think the whole outdoor sex thing has me jumpier than a virgin at a prison rodeo!