Relax Rancho Mirage :: Rancho Mirage Buzz

Sunnylands Opening Soon
January 27th, 2012 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Rancho Mirage is home to some of the most magnificent private palaces in the Palm Springs Valley, and I’m counting down the days until one of the most famous family fortresses of all opens its doors to the world for visits by the public. Of course, I’m talking about Sunnylands, the sumptuous 200-acre winter home of the late Ambassador Walter Annenberg and his lovely wife, Leonore. Designed by A. Quincy Jones and built in the mid-‘60s, this spectacular abode has hosted many a memorable guest, including plenty of presidents, kings and queens, assorted style-makers, and titans of... >more

Modernism Week in the Palm Springs Valley
January 25th, 2012 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

As a guy who likes to put his own designs on a thing or two in the Palm Springs Valley, I’m a huge fan of one of the winter season’s true treasures: Modernism Week. Being held this year from February 16 – 26, this popular extravaganza will boast dozens of events taking place throughout the valley, bringing in thousands of design lovers to bask in the clean, simple lines and elegant informality of the mid-century desert modernism modality. www.modernismweek.com I’ve been following it since its early days, when it began as the Modernism Show in 2001. Rechristened as... >more

Kraft Nabisco Championship Presents the Best Lady Golfers in the World
January 24th, 2012 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Kraft Nabisco Championship Presents the Best Lady Golfers in the World March 26 – April 1, 2012 Who’d have thought that Rancho Mirage would ever be known for its water? But in March, water is a primary ingredient in golf history as golf lovers and sports fans are treated to one of professional golf’s most-prestigious and highly-anticipated events, the Kraft Nabisco Championship at Mission Hills Country Club. With the promise of “Instant History, Just Add Water” golf’s FIRST major brings the finest women’s golfers on the planet to the desert for an event that houses... >more

Betting on Birba in Palm Springs
January 23rd, 2012 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

Living in Rancho Mirage—the very heart of the Palm Springs Valley—I like to think that I have my finger on the pulse of all the great things the desert communities have to offer. But sometimes I just miss out on something that it seems everyone knows about except me. And that was the case with the amazing indoor/outdoor restaurant in Palm Springs called Birba. www.birbaps.com Sister eatery of Cheeky’s, www.cheekysps.com, one of my favorite breakfast and lunch haunts, Birba was a revelation on my first of what I’m sure will become many visits to this new favorite dinner and... >more

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio
January 20th, 2012 - Activities - by Diana Dodge

My latest obsession is the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio. Living right smack in the center of the Palm Springs Valley in Rancho Mirage makes it so simple for me to experience all the area has to offer. I’m so super excited I can barely contain myself! This may be a bit hard to believe, but since I was a teen I’ve been a tried and true lover of all things to do with all kinds of music. And that’s why “Coachella” is my kind of place. I’ve been frequenting the festival almost every year since it began back in 1999. ... >more

Make Haste for the Kraft Nabisco Open Plans
January 20th, 2012 - Accommodations - by Potter Palma

As my readers know, playing golf has never been my forte. But going to fun events and watching people enjoy themselves has just never gone out of style with me. And for the past few years, with a gaggle of mostly female friends, I’ve attended numerous outings revolving around LPGA’s Kraft Nabisco Championship Golf Tournament at Rancho Mirage’s Mission Hills Country Club. www.kncgolf.com Played for 40 years at the same venue, this golf event is still often called “the Dinah Shore,” as she founded it all those years ago. Before we blink it’ll be time again for one of the... >more

Rancho Mirage Spa Programs
January 11th, 2012 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

Everyone knows that spa therapy is good for both body and soul, and that Rancho Mirage’s first-class resorts offer residents of and visitors to the Palm Springs Valley top-notch options in that department. And while sessions now-and-then are better than none, the smartest among us go for the generous and affordable spa programs available at Aqua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, Rancho Las Palmas, and the Westin Mission Hills. At Sunstone: The Spa at Agua Caliente, the Taking of the Waters pass includes access to the facility’s fitness center, outdoor mineral pools, main swimming pool,... >more

PNB Paribas Tennis Championship In Indian Wells
January 11th, 2012 - Activities - by Diana Dodge

I’ve been playing tennis since I was a squirt, but never competitively. I was devoid of the discipline needed to deliver the goods on the court day-in and day-out, which is why I’ve always appreciated the pros as I watched them both on the tube and in person at championship matches. Thankfully the Palm Springs Valley is blessed to have one of the most magnificent tennis facilities—AND tournaments—in the country right down the pike from my place in Rancho Mirage. The PNB Paribas Open, taking place this year from March 3-18 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is one of the most... >more

Palm Springs International Film Festival
January 11th, 2012 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

What with those wild winter holidays safely behind us, it can only mean one thing: It’s time for me to head down the 111 from my home in Rancho Mirage to the theaters of Palm Springs for the positively fabulous Palm Springs International Film Festival. As my former-Angeleno neighbor Nancy reminds me, the drive is as short as it is from Beverly Hills to the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. And I’ll gladly zip down the highway to experience this amazing event. The 23rd annual festival opened on Thursday, January 5th this year and runs through Monday the 16th. As usual, the opening... >more

A Day at the Rancho Las Palmas Spa
January 10th, 2012 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

Everyone who knows me—or reads me—knows that I’m all about the finest of the finer things in life, and that my pampering predilections include regular trips to the spa. While a full-body rubdown is always a special treat, I try not to forget to also schedule routine treatments above the neck, such as the 50-minute Gentlemen’s Hot Towel Facial at Spa Las Palmas at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. “I have had many clients that are surprised just how soothing a facial is,” says Spa Las Palmas Lead Esthetician Randall. “Several have confided that it is... >more

Shopping on El Paseo
January 5th, 2012 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Residing in Rancho Mirage gives me all kinds of shopping opportunities in the Palm Springs Valley, including The River, which is right down the road from my abode. But there are times when I require a wider variety of retail routes, and for that, I head over to the storied shops of El Paseo, down the 111 in Palm Desert. www.elpaseocatalogue.com Few imagined when Cliff Henderson bought 1700 acres of desert scrub in 1946 that his vision of a first class shopping street would ever result in the world-renowned collection of shops, restaurants, galleries, and professional and personal... >more

The Cheesecake Factory at The River in Rancho Mirage
January 4th, 2012 - Dining - Nightlife - by Potter Palma

With a name like The Cheesecake Factory, this chain known for copiousness doesn’t exactly attract a crowd expecting dietetic fare. But on my last foray to this Rancho Mirage eatery at The River, I got quite a surprise. I’ve been a hearty eater all my life, so big portions are always welcome. Sure, I’ve been known to take home a doggy bag on occasion so as to have a quick and easy lunch of leftovers the next day. But it’s not uncommon for me to clean my plate, even if I’m not all that hungry. Thankfully, The Cheesecake Factory has recognized that, in this era of health... >more

Festival of Lights in Palm Springs
December 23rd, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

The fabulous Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs gives “family fun” a whole new meaning! Where else can you go to hang out with 80,000 of your new best friends and see some of the most fantastically illuminated floats in the universe?! Voted one of the best events in the Palm Springs Valley, the 2011 incarnation included humongous, highly anticipated helium balloons for the second year in a row. Eat your heart out, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Carried by members of the city’s neighborhood organizations, yours truly was asked to join my old pals Don and Woodrow on... >more

Walk of the Historic Inns In Palm Springs
December 22nd, 2011 - Activities - by Diana Dodge

As winter approaches and the days get shorter and shorter, annual holiday events like the Walking Tour of the Inns of Palm Springs http://www.walkingtouroftheinns.com/ bring warmth and wonder to a festive time of year. Just a short drive down the 111 from my abode in Rancho Mirage, there is a collection of amazing historic inns in the heart of Old Palm Springs that must be seen to be believed. And once a year the public is invited—for free, no less!—to visit some of these resorts when they open their doors to show off what normally lies behind locked gates to all but their paying... >more

New Year’s Eve in Rancho Mirage
December 22nd, 2011 - Dining - Nightlife - by Potter Palma

Making a decision about what to do on New Year’s Eve just keeps getting easier and easier the older and wiser I get! Home parties can be great, but I get lazy about throwing them and just want to go out. Thankfully, there are so many places only a stone’s throw from me in Rancho Mirage that I barely have to figure cab fare into my budget. Great restaurants with special multi-course prix fix meals abound. You know my affinity for Shame On The Moon http://www.shameonthemoon.com/ , and its four- or five-courser with prices ranging from $65 to $85 is a great place to start before... >more

Rendezvous at Agua Caliente
December 18th, 2011 - Dining - Nightlife - by Potter Palma

Those secret rendezvous in Rancho Mirage are officially a thing of the past. With a sleek, sexy, sophisticated new cocktail lounge just steps away from the gaming floor at the Agua Caliente Casino, Resort, and Spa, you can now come out and be proud to be seen at the latest hotspot no matter who you’re with. And, not coincidentally, it’s called Rendezvous. Making its debut in November, Rendezvous already has quite the following. I fell upon it the week after its opening when a client suggested we have a celebratory drink following our final design consultation. Arriving at... >more

Shame on the Moon is a great place for the holidays
December 17th, 2011 - Dining - Nightlife - by Potter Palma

I have many a favorite restaurant in Rancho Mirage, but the one I come back to the most is invariably Shame On The Moon. Patrons travel from all over the Palm Springs Valley to eat the amazing food prepared by Chef Jorge Villabona and his more than competent staff. I had dinner there last week with my friends Dana and Hedge. After a warm greeting by hostess-with-the-mostest Ginger Carter , we were seated at a primo table in the packed dining room. My companions were surprised to see such a convivial crowd on what they considered a “quiet Wednesday,” and equally amazed that... >more

Indio Tamale Festival
December 16th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Deciding what to do in December in the Palm Springs Valley is easy when you remember that the first weekend of this holiday month starts off with the amazing Annual Indio Tamale Festival, a short drive from my abode in Rancho Mirage. And there is no denying it, Diana Dodge loves the delicious delicacies of the tamale world almost as much as…well, I can’t divulge ALL of my secrets! Celebrating its 20th year of taking tasty tamales to the masses—160,000 strong this year!—the festival is the ultimate in family fun. Taking place in downtown Indio on a multi-block square with four... >more

LULU California Bistro Unveiled in Palm Springs
December 15th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

The wait is over yet the buzz continues. Officially open for mere hours as I write, LULU has already been christened the “sexy Palm Springs sis” of Rancho Mirage’s insanely popular, award-winning Acqua Pazza at the River. Situated downtown on the enviable corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Arenas Road, the new eatery is in fact a sight to behold. Brilliantly reincarnated by architect David Christian and interior designer Jeffrey Jurasky (with the exquisite assistance of graphic designer Gary Wexler and celebrity photographer Michael Childers), the gargantuan, multi-leveled space... >more

Golf at Westin Mission Hills – Overcoming Fear of the Dimpled Ball
December 9th, 2011 - Activities - by Potter Palma

Few things in my life have intimidated me more than golf—even though I live in the Palm Springs Valley, where this game is the game of choice for a huge number of residents and visitors, young and old. I’ve jumped out of airplanes, eaten rattlesnake and roasted termites, scaled dizzying mountain peaks, and even given into love a few times. But hitting a little dimpled ball? No way. But there comes a time in one’s life when one needs to overcome an irrational fear—and in my case, realize that golf is a social exercise that often involves business deals! Thankfully, I... >more

Annual Indio Powwow – Cabazon Band of Mission Indians
December 7th, 2011 - Activities - by Diana Dodge

I love the annual Indio Powwow, hosted by the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians each Thanksgiving weekend at the Special Events Center of Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino. Having grown up in the Palm Springs Valley and now living in Rancho Mirage, I’ve always had great reverence and deep appreciation for the Native Americans who’ve called this area home for centuries—and for their rich cultural heritage. That’s why I’m such a frequent fan of this exciting event. Powwows are traditionally a family meeting. Over the years they’ve evolved into an opportunity to get... >more

Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse in Rancho Mirage
December 5th, 2011 - Dining - Nightlife - by Potter Palma

My ferocious appetite for meat is well-known, so a visit to Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse in Rancho Mirage puts me squarely in hog heaven. Founded by the late Donald W. Callender (yes, the same gent who brought us the now-ubiquitous Marie Callender’s restaurant chain) in 2002, this eatery has had me worshipping at the altar of the roasted pig religiously since day one. And under Arthur L. Vasquez’s expert direction as general manager and executive chef, Babe’s couldn’t be in better hands. Serving lunch and dinner, as well as an extensive “bar-b-que to go” menu,... >more

No Wedding Blues at Rancho Las Palmas
December 2nd, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

I’ve rarely been more delighted than to be graciously invited to the beautiful wedding of the daughter of my dear friends Deborah and Devon at the divine Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa . Delilah—whom I’ve known since the day she was delivered into this wonderful world—was marrying Frank (hey, we can’t all be lucky enough to have “D” names!), and I was only too happy to be included in the fabulous festivities. I recently met the ever-effervescent Lisa Acosta, the Rancho Las Palmas Director of Catering, at another event at the resort. She was raving about all the... >more

Wild Lights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
November 30th, 2011 - Activities - by Diana Dodge

A holiday tradition taken to the nth degree is my idea of fun, and the WildLights Holiday Festival at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens never fails to deliver. Although this world-class collection of desert plantings and animals is a delight during the day, the evenings come alive during December with this annual event. Best friend Freddie often comes out from Los Angeles for the occasion, and this year was no exception. Reluctantly leaving Phalin at home (“I’m 15—and too old for that!”), she brought Farnsworth and Fronkie, who are always game for a fun and interesting... >more

Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente – A Recommendation
November 29th, 2011 - Activities - by Potter Palma

Professional massage therapist Sam, of Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, knows that some of you may be intimidated by the bodywork experience, whether you’re first-timers or connoisseurs. And if you’re tense or nervous when you lie down on his table, it kind of defeats the entire purpose of treating yourself to one of the greatest pleasures in life: a massage from an experienced, educated expert. Sam—who was born and raised in the desert, who has practiced the art of massage for almost 13 years, and who has been at Sunstone Spa since its inception... >more

Snow Birds in Rancho Mirage
November 28th, 2011 - In the News - by Rex Masterson

From bed I watched the dawn light slowly illuminate Reba’s lovingly manicured Mediterranean garden and the mountain beyond - blissfully grateful for the Eden we call home. The first rays of light sparked on the oranges just turning golden against the deep green leaves of the trees. Hummingbirds zipped through the dewy foliage searching for a first taste of nectar. Yesterday’s light afternoon rain left the palm trees glistening and Mount San Jacinto dusted with snow. Today, blue sky overhead, promised a picture postcard perfect day in paradise. For the first time this fall I tugged... >more

Palm Springs Follies
November 27th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Fantastic fun for family members of all ages can be had at the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. But let’s face it, those in their forties, fifties, and beyond will especially get a kick or two out of the special blend of nostalgia, vaudevillian-style acts, and unapologetic patriotism that is on display nine times each week, seven months of the year. When most performers fear being put out to pasture, the “long-legged lovelies” and the “Follies Gentlemen” parade the stuff they love to strut with pride in Palm Springs, where impresario Riff Markowitz only hires performers over... >more

Jennifer’s Kitchen and Catering in Rancho Mirage
November 26th, 2011 - Dining - Nightlife - by Potter Palma

Jennifer’s Kitchen and Catering in Rancho Mirage recently saved my life. Well, not literally, of course, but in a way for which I will forever be grateful. For months I had been planning the big birthday dinner of my BFF Tom—a special meal with a special menu chosen for just a very special group of friends. But then it happened—I got the call from my favorite client who just HAD to have her guest rooms redone tout de suite. Turn down work in this economy? I don’t think so. So I moved to plan “B.” There was no other option for me than to call on Jennifer Johnson,... >more

The Rancho Mirage Art Affaire
November 26th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

There are few things more delightful to me than having an Art Affaire on a spectacularly sunny Rancho Mirage Sunday afternoon. More than 100 award-winning artists—chosen by an esteemed group of judges—displayed their wares in beautiful Whitewater Park on this past November weekend. Although Saturday’s soiree was soaked with rain, many still attended, mostly clustered beneath the huge tent, listening to the music of Matt Marshak as he rifted on his guitar, or huddled under umbrellas as they acknowledged the accomplished artists. Sunday’s clear skies brought out thousands who... >more

25 Years of Palm Springs Pride
November 18th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Palm Springs Pride is the perfect opportunity for people of all walks of life to partake in what I like to call rockin’ and rollin’ rainbow revelry! What started out 25 years ago as a simple gay pride parade—partly as a way to respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and also as a way to fight for visibility and equal rights for the LGBT community in the desert—has turned into a party that invites all to participate. And participate, they do! My, how times have changed. The Pride Parade marching up Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs is by far my favorite part of the weekend. ... >more

Thanksgiving in Rancho Mirage
November 16th, 2011 - Dining - Nightlife - by Potter Palma

The eternal Thanksgiving dilemma: Cook and eat in, or go out and give up turkey leftovers? While traveling, it’s a no-brainer, unless you’ve happened to be invited for a homecooked meal. But while sticking close to mi casa in Rancho Mirage, I’ve found plenty of great places to indulge in the highest caloric meal of the year where I don’t have to cook, and even better, don’t have to clean up! Although a number of my favorite haunts—including Shame on the Moon and Roy’s—give their staff Thanksgiving day off, there is a long list of restaurants and resorts that will... >more

5 Rancho Mirage Fast Tips for Putting Together a Picnic and then enjoying it at Joshua Tree National Park
November 12th, 2011 - Activities - by Reba Masterson

Is the family feeling a little cooped up at a Rancho resort? Kids need an outing? Here are five tips to get going fast and enjoy a day of fun in the unparalleled Joshua Tree National Park. Head to Bristol Farms on the South east corner of Country Club and Monterey. In the deli section ask the server to make and cut up into quarters a couple of sandwiches. Select two salads. While waiting for the sandwiches and salads have the bakery box a cupcake per person. In the produce department bag a bunch of grapes and some apples. Grab 2 bottles water per person, some paper... >more

A Pet-Friendly Visit to Rancho Mirage’s The River
November 11th, 2011 - Activities - by Diana Dodge

There are very few places more attractive to pet owners than Rancho Mirage’s sprawling The River—a perfect place where man and beast can meet. On any given day while stopping off for coffee at my local Starbucks, I see dogs walking their owners around this complex, enjoying each other’s company and occasionally taking a break for a snack or a treat. I often run into Carol Ann Zale, The River’s general manager for the last six years, as she surveys her domain. “We’re pet-friendly because more and more people like to go places with their animals,” she says. “Their... >more

Pamper Your Wheels at Rancho Mirage Auto Spa
November 9th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

The Rancho Mirage Auto Spa takes resort pampering of Palm Springs Valley guests and residents one step further—it spoils your car! Hiding in plain sight across the street from Rancho Mirage City Hall at the corner of 111 and Frank Sinatra Drive, this emporium of automotive pleasure will have your car smiling from bumper to bumper. Even before becoming a regular, I was given a hearty welcome by manager Jerry, co-worker Terri, and the rest of the hardworking team. But now, it’s like they can read my mind. Most often I’m there for just a weekly deluxe wash to keep my beloved... >more

Wacky Halloween in the Palm Springs Valley
November 7th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Few holidays are more festive than Halloween, and year after year those of us from Rancho Mirage and the rest of the Valley celebrate it in grand style on the streets of Palm Springs, centered on Arenas Road. My posse and I presented ourselves as people other than who we usually are by dressing up in costumes and monkeying around with makeup that transformed us from our usual staid beings into various creatures of the night. Yes, it’s true, I dressed as Zorro the Zombie! Celebrators popped in and out of the many surrounding bars and restaurants waiting for the annual costume... >more

Images of America: Rancho Mirage
November 2nd, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Rightfully so, Rancho Mirage ranks right up there with some of the most amazing resorts around. And as a result, I was resplendently happy to recently stumble upon a book that revealed my adopted city through a retrospective of remarkable photographs. In a word, “Images of America: Rancho Mirage” rocks! Just Fabulous (an emporium of art, books, greeting cards, and gifts at The Corridor in Palm Springs) hosted author Dr. Leo Mallette, an aerospace engineer and faculty member at Pepperdine University who lives with his wife in Irvine and Rancho Mirage. He has assembled a... >more

Roy’s Hawaiian Restaurant in Rancho Mirage
November 1st, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

One sip of my Original Hawaiian Martini told me precisely where I was—smack dab in the middle of paradise! The sweetness of pineapple, the aromatic hint of vanilla, the essence of coconut rum mingled with Skyy Vodka put me in major vacation mode and reminded me of some of my favorite tropical cruises as I scrutinized the menu of Roy’s in Rancho Mirage . Part of the empire begun on Oahu by James Beard Award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi 23 years ago, the chain of 31 restaurants on the mainland United States, Hawaii, Japan, and Guam is now operated by OSI Restaurant Partners. The... >more

Why Jeanine of The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Loves Her Job
October 31st, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

We all know that great service is a top requirement of a stellar dining experience. But how can a server—or any hospitality employee, for that matter—be expected to provide exquisite assistance if he or she loathes his or her job? I’m always chatting with service industry professionals and thought it might be fun to explore why they adore their nine-to-five (or their five-to-the-wee-hours). Recently I visited with Jeanine, dinner server at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa’s The Steakhouse. Born in Playa Del Rey and raised in Big Bear, Jeanine emigrated to the desert... >more

Larry Ellison Purchases Porcupine Creek property in Rancho Mirage
October 30th, 2011 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

Larry Ellison recently purchased the 246-acre Porcupine Creek property in Rancho Mirage for the deeply discounted price of $43 million. This high Cove property, recently owned by Tim and Edra Blixseth, was a gaudy mix and match mess. Ellison, founder of Oracle Corp., is estimated to have a net worth of $33 billion, so you can imagine that, after months of refurbishment, the software billionaire’s desert digs are state-of-design dazzling and ready for family gatherings and celebrity entertaining during the 2012 BNP Paribus Open tennis tournament held annually at nearby Indian... >more

Westin Mission Hills Resort – Golf Deal in December
October 30th, 2011 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

How about one last golf get-away before the Holidays? Here’s a value added idea for golfers that’s fun and with an edge of kook that will make for a memorable get-away just before the Holiday crunch takes over. Plus you and your partner will have the BEST Holiday dinner stories to regale the other guests while pushing Aunt Martha’s dry turkey bits from one side of the plate to the other. It’s offered only on the weekend of December 9 – 11 by The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa. The package includes: Rates from $140 per night – minimum 2 night stay required... >more

Cinema Diverse The Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
October 30th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Perhaps due to my dear old dad’s ties to Tinseltown, film festivals have always been high on my fun list. I frequent them as often as I can; just can’t seem to get enough of them. And although I don’t mind hopping a plane to feed my film frenzy, I’m lucky to live in the Palm Springs Valley, where the celebration of all things celluloid is a common occurrence. The grand-daddy of them all, of course, is the Palm Springs International Film Festival, held every January. But there are others, including the Palm Springs Film Noir Festival, the Palm Springs International Short... >more

The Rancho Mirage Bighorn Institute
October 30th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

All my life, I’ve had an abiding affection for animals. This affinity for four-legged friends expectedly extends to my beloved, beautiful bighorns. When I was a little girl, driving around the Palm Springs Valley with Mother, I used to spy them grazing on the country club fairways—or wandering around the grounds of The Ritz. They were such a visible, vibrant part of Rancho Mirage life until a million-dollar fence was built along Highway 111 to keep them out of harm’s way. A 1975 vote by the City Council made the bighorn the official Rancho Mirage mammal mascot. These mythic... >more

Eisenhower Medical Center
October 29th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

Marc and Cara have been snowbirds for the past few winters, luxuriating in their gorgeous Rancho Mirage condo while friends and family suffer through Chicago winters. They arrived even earlier than usual this year, and we got together for a late lunch soon after they settled in. Moments after sharing a slice of New York cheesecake slathered with strawberries, Cara complained about not feeling well. Marc is usually the dramatic one, so we knew to take Cara’s concerns seriously. Dizziness, sweating, and a rash on Cara’s arms and legs gave way to severe nausea. A newfound... >more

Taste of Palm Springs
October 28th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

The Palm Springs Convention Center was recently the site of a fundraiser for a great organization that provides nutritional help to men, women, and children from the Palm Springs Valley who are living with HIV/AIDS. And I was happy to attend with a gaggle of pals. On September 14, AAP—the AIDS Assistance Program—gathered more than two dozen area restaurants and caterers who offered samples of some of their favorite dishes for a small contribution. As opposed to other years, there was no entrance fee. Donation cards were purchased before entering and then punched by volunteers... >more

Stellar Service Staff at Westin Mission Hills
October 28th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

Sorry to borrow a bit from Diana’s beloved alliteration with the above headline, but had such a phenomenal experience during my last stay at this deluxe Rancho Mirage resort that I just can’t contain myself. Of course, this excellent encounter had everything to do with the Westin Mission Hills ’ incomparable people. Now, let me remind you that in my last quarter-century of traveling to the far reaches of our planet, I’ve encountered some pretty fantastic employees at exclusive adult playgrounds from Cabo San Lucas to French Polynesia. The fine men and women toiling at the... >more

The Spa Life at Rancho Las Palmas
October 28th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

I’m the kind of guy who’s never met a spa he didn’t love. I seek out these soothing experiences everywhere I go, whether I find myself overnight in L.A., on a cruise to Hawaii, in Vegas for the weekend, or overseas at a five-star European hotel. Offer me steam, dry sauna, hot jacuzzi bubbles on my aching back, and I’m there. When I’m feeling flush, I make it a point to spring for the exquisitely decadent trio of massage, body treatment, and facial. Yes, there are princely sums attached, but they make me feel like a king. And I’m well worth it. One of my preferred... >more

Paul and Pancakes at The Rancho Mirage Holiday Day Inn Express
October 28th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

I don’t know about you, but I just don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like pancakes. My friend Paul—a corporate road warrior from Seattle—loves them almost as much as he loves his regular business trips down to the Palm Springs Valley. Such is his devotion to his favored flapjacks that he won’t stay anywhere else but at Rancho Mirage’s Holiday Day Inn Express. Why? Because one of the amenities this property provides its patrons is the Holiday Inn Express Hot Pancake Machine, with which guests do-it-themselves, hit a button, wait about 60 seconds, and are treated to two... >more

Whiling Away the Day at Whitewater Park
October 28th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

I’m so sincerely thankful to live in such proximity of a park as precious as Whitewater Park , mere moments’ drive from the famous pink pachyderm that advertises the Elephant Car Wash on 111 in the heart of Rancho Mirage. Right next to the wash, this special seven-acre swath of green—the city’s premier park, dedicated in ’83—greets guests with ample parking, clean facilities, and enough opportunities for fun and games to satisfy even the pickiest of people. I’ve been known to knock a ball or two over a net on a few occasions, and sometimes there’s nothing better than... >more

Tulip Hill Winery – Rancho Mirage
October 28th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

It’s no secret that I love to enjoy life. I get immense pleasure from eating wonderfully prepared food, traveling to exotic (or mundane) locations, meeting fascinating people, and imbibing elixirs as simple as sun tea with Meyer lemon and honey, or some of the most exquisite wines and spirits in the world. But even with my travels throughout South America, Australia, South Africa, and Europe, I never forget the amazing grapes of the good old U.S. of A. While hanging out at The River , a.k.a. “Downtown Rancho Mirage,” I love to stop into the Tulip Hill Winery ’s Tasting... >more

Thai Smile of Rancho Mirage
October 27th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

The prodigious pink pachyderm parading down the pike in front of the Rancho Super Car Wash isn’t the only big beast in town. Driving down Highway 111 a bit further to Bob Hope Drive, you’ll come to one of the best Asian restaurants in the Palm Springs Valley, Thai Smile of Rancho Mirage . Its logo of an elegant elephant with a sweet and goofy grin welcomes you to a meal that’s sure to tickle those taste buds and have you returning with regularity. While shopping ’round Rancho Mirage with my friend Felicia, we had a hankering for all things Thai. Frankly, there’s no finer... >more

Reba has tips for hiking in the Palm Springs Valley
October 27th, 2011 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

My husband Rex heads out of the house with just the clothes on his back (barely) and a smile. Perfect for a jaunt to The River, but when hiking in an arid climate “BE PREPARED” is the best policy. So I make sure that my fanny pack is stuffed with provisions for our frequent desert forays. Plus I pack Rex’s pack with the heavy bottles of water and our lunch and hand it to him as we get out of the car at our hiking destination. He always looks at me, smiles and says “What would I do without you”. My response, “Getty-up boy!” A little planning ensures that you... >more

Trekking in the Sky – The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
October 27th, 2011 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The Mount San Jacinto escarpment upsurges 8000 plus feet from Palm Springs to an aerie cantilevered high above the valley floor. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway delivers sky bound thrill seekers to the top in ten jaw dropping minutes. Here restaurants, a bar, shops and a mini museum are relished annually by thousands of visitors and residents that collectively agree that this is California’s E Ride attraction. The views of the Coachella Valley, past the Salton Sea and to what seems infinity, are breathtaking. Here most perch, munch, sip and idle away a few hours in the cool air... >more

Gambling on a Good Time at the Agua Caliente Pool Party
October 27th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

I’ve always been one to gamble on a good time. Like the first time I took that flying leap out of a single-engine airplane without really knowing how to pull my ripcord, or when I got a little too close to that hungry rhino when I was showing members of my African safari tour how bad the eyesight is for these amazing beasts. Thankfully, both wagers paid off. They always do, don’t they? Which is why I thought it might be win-win to visit the weekend evening pool party at Agua Caliente Resort Spa and Casino . No, I’m not the youngest ball on the beach, but mercifully the... >more

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa – Casino Royal
October 27th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

When I’ve got a yen to spend a few bucks at the slots—but don’t cherish driving up Highway 15 to Vegas—I stop by Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage . Of all the gaming houses in the Palm Springs Valley, I think Agua (as my friend Marie and I affectionately call it) feels most like The Strip. Last Monday, I joined my gal pal there for a little gambling fun. Being a much higher roller than I, Marie enjoys the benefits of the Red card—the highest level one can earn in the casino’s Paradise Rewards Club. So while she went off to try her... >more

Rancho Mirage Public Library – Mind-boggling Books But So Much More
October 27th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

One of the things I absolutely adore about living in this gorgeous resort community is the complete embarrassment of riches available to both visitors and locals alike. As a library-lover for as long as I can remember, I cherish the happy memories of moments when Mother would take me to choose books to borrow. Each would whisk me away to another world. As an adult, I now take full advantage of the striking Jeffrey A. Scherer-designed City of Rancho Mirage Public Library in the heart of town. Opened in 2005, the building boasts quiet-inducing cork floors, walnut and chestnut wood... >more

Amici Italian Trattoria – Fine Dining in Rancho Mirage
October 26th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

It all started out with a bad back, and ended up with a renewed, sure-to-be long-lasting gastronomic relationship. After whining and complaining a bit too much for my friends Harper and Addison’s liking, they gently threw me into their car and drove me over to the Mattress USA store on 111. Within minutes I had found my “baby-bear-just-right” mattress, and we were out the door. But that was just the beginning of the blast we had. Spying Amici Italian Trattoria right next door, Harp and Addy insisted we celebrate the end of my sleepless nights with a nice midday meal out.... >more

The Face of the Moon – Shame on the Moon – Rancho Mirage
October 26th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

“It’s consistency, consistency, consistency,” affirms velvet-voiced Ginger Carter, night manager of Rancho Mirage’s Shame on the Moon , when, upon my last visit, I ask her about the award-winning restaurant’s enduring allure after being in business for more than a quarter-century. “And that’s in all areas: the quality of the food and service, the place looking nice...” As any regular knows, Ginger herself is part of the stability of which she speaks. She’s been with Shame on the Moon since the very beginning, toiling first as a server before being promoted. She... >more

Meet Lori Mantz – Director of Fun – Westin Mission Hills Resorts and Spa
October 26th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

Lori Mantz’ business card really does say “Director of Fun,” and when she informs people of her position at Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa , I’m sure most of them think, “Come on, get a real job!” But indeed, Director of Fun is genuine full-time employment for Lori—a post that only two other people in the entire Westin empire have, and certainly the only occupation of its kind among those in the hospitality industry in the Palm Springs Valley. “The Director of Fun position is interesting because ‘fun’ encompasses a lot of different things,” says the native... >more

Rolling at The River – Rancho Mirage
October 26th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Even in our peaceful Palm Springs Valley, desert life can get pretty hectic, what with the myriad balls we all struggle to juggle and keep high in the air. Which is why I’m all for one-stop shopping—and a big fan of any place where I can park the Jag just once then hop out and add minutes to my cell phone account, strike some items off my shopping list, meet a pal for a bite to eat or a Happy Hour potion, and wind down the day catching the latest greatest flick. In Rancho Mirage , that place is called The River , and it’s a one-of-a-kind spot. While it’s only been in... >more

Always a Sweet Finish at The Den – Westin Mission Hills
October 26th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

I’m a darn good cook, if I say so myself, and relish every opportunity to whip up a great meal for friends and family at the drop of a hat. Yet I’m also a sucker for being served. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I’m putty in the hands of a competent wait staff in a top-notch restaurant. This being the case, it doesn’t take much convincing to get me out of the kitchen. My friends Pat and Chris from Denver were staying at the Westin Mission Hills last week, and after a day of spa treatments and shopping they invited me over to The Den for one of the bar’s infamous... >more

Desert European Motorcar Zooming in Extravagant Style
October 26th, 2011 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

One of the greatest pleasures of traveling the world is being granted the opportunity to window shop in various unique, exclusive retail establishments. It’s been said that if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it. But if you know you’re not going to buy it in the first place, you can daydream admiringly with impunity. A favorite Palm Springs Valley spot in which to indulge in this favored pastime of mine is Rancho Mirage’s own Desert European Motorcars. I initially encountered the dealership’s committed, expert staff when my beloved Audi required service. Once... >more

Welcome Wonderful Water – Splashtopia in Rancho Mirage
October 26th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Suffice it to say that the closest thing I have to a sister is my sweet, sassy friend Freddie, who happens to be one of the most marvelous mothers I know. Visiting for the weekend from her wonderful West Hollywood home last month, she brought her brood to bask in the desert heat and play at one of our fave resorts, Rancho Las Palmas . Phalin (14), Farnsworth (5), and Fronkie (4)—hey, don’t blame me, I didn’t name ’em—found the slip-and-slide lifestyle of RLP’s Splashtopia sensational. This family-friendly water park of pools, falls, slides (and even a sandy beach for... >more

A visit to the Rancho Mirage Super Carwash
October 25th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Face it, when you get to be a citizen of a certain age, elephants in rooms are inevitable. Copious cocktails combined with embarrassing encounters with exasperating exes are enough to elicit said jumbo Dumbo. To witness a tusker sans tequila, just drive down Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage. The beast of which I speak resides above the Rancho Super Car Wash . He—she?—hovers high over the popular full-service enterprise, where hard-working technicians keep my pretty Porsche pristine. But what’s happened to one of our most loved landmarks? The pinkness of the people’s... >more

Rancho Mirage’s Betty Ford Center Carries On Late, Great First Lady’s Legacy
October 25th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

Feisty, feminist, former First Lady. Controversial cancer conqueror. Pro-choice pacifist. Award-winning addiction advocate. There are so many wonderful words to describe the late, great Elizabeth Ann Bloomer Warren Ford. But here in the Palm Springs Valley, our Betty is best beloved for co-founding, in 1982, alongside Ambassador Leonard Firestone, The Betty Ford Center, a non-profit residential chemical dependency recovery facility adjacent to Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage. When Ford died of natural causes at age 93 on July 8, 2011, the loss was palpable... >more

Jamming with the Jazz-lovers in Idyllwild
October 25th, 2011 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

I’m such a sucker for a super fundraiser—especially one as fantastic as the “ Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines ” event. Not only have the organizers done a heck of a job for the past 17 years raising money for the Idyllwild Arts Academy and all their ancillary summer activities, but the festival also foists a truly American art form front row center and celebrates the joys of Jazz. As a tot, Mother occasionally took me out of the desert and up the mountain to expose me to the bliss of the crisp, clean alpine air, and I’ve loved it ever since. For me, Jazz in the Pines is a great... >more

Little Boys, Model Trains and Rancho Mirage
February 11th, 2011 - Rexs Reviews - by Reba Masterson

Just had my niece and her daughter in town for the weekend with a high energy two year old baby boy in tow. He’s a cutie but wound up like a top, and needs a lot to keep him focused on the positive. You know the challenge, we’ve all been there. By accident I stumbled into the Mother Lode of entertainment for little boys. We headed to The Living Desert thinking that the animals might be a fun distraction. On the way to the Giraffes we strolled by the model trains. BONANZA! Two hours latter we were still ensconced on a bench overlooking the model train display while our little guy... >more

In Search of the Elusive Fan Palm
February 11th, 2011 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Reba and I recently returned form a two month sojourn in France . Every moment of the holiday abroad was sublime, but as we were landing at the Palm Springs International Airport , we caught a glimpse of the groves of California Palms that crown the Indian Canyons , and we agreed that a hike was in order to remind us why we have settled in Rancho Mirage in the Heart of the Palm Springs Valley . California Fans Palm (Washingtonian Filifera) are indigenous to the desert oases of the U.S. Southwestern deserts . In good conditions, they can grow to an impressive height and... >more

New APP for Rancho Mirage and the Palm Springs Valley
December 17th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

I have just discovered that a new Rancho Mirage APP has been created to make it easy for residents and visitors to access information about shopping , dining and recreational activities in Rancho Mirage and the Palm Springs Valley from hand-held communication devices. The APP is described as an interactive transactional yellow pages that can be used anywhere and anytime to book a golf tee time, check movie schedules, make a restaurant reservation and so much more which makes playing and staying in Rancho Mirage easy and fun. The Rancho Mirage APP can be accessed and... >more

Rancho Mirage’s Mascots
December 10th, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

Just found out that my city, Rancho Mirage , has three “official mascots”. Seems appropriate; flora and fauna surround us and in some cases live among us. So it must have been difficult to select only three to single out for the honor. Roadrunners jet through my garden. Coyotes skulk along the Whitewater Wash. Jack Rabbits cavort under Smoke Trees . Chuckwallas and all types of other lizard family creatures can be seen feasting in the spring on flowering desert bushes. But indeed three of our natural world have been nominated, vetted and finally after much... >more

Master Photographer Peter Lik Opens Rancho Mirage Gallery
December 10th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Australian master photographer Peter Lik , with a global gallery network, has opened his latest at The River in Rancho Mirage . Step into the beautifully designed and luxurious appointed space and you are transported to the far exotic corners of our natural world. Using a medium format Linhof 6x17 Camera for most of his work, the photographer captures breathtaking moments of transcendent sublimity. Panoramic images leap off the gallery walls. Dramatic forms, vivid colors and a focus so sharp that the result is often above the reality that the average human eye can... >more

Giraffe Feeding at The Living Desert is a Family Fun Home Run!
December 3rd, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

So you tell your guests that you’re taking them to The Living Desert to feed the giraffes. The reaction is tepid at best. Everyone is distracted and chattering as they gather their gear and load into cars for the ten minute drive from Rancho Mirage to the attraction in Palm Desert . Your guests push through the entry turnstile still chattering and unfocused. Together you stroll past the miniature trains and up a slight incline to the giraffe enclosure. And suddenly there they are! Right in front of you - Reticulated Giraffes. The enormous heads of the elegant... >more

Old Fashioned Fun at The Living Desert
December 3rd, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

My niece, her children, son-in-law and adorable grandchild visited us the day after Thanksgiving. What to do that would please the group that spanned all generations was the question of the day? The Living Desert was the answer and sure enough we had a wonderful time. It’s a beautiful place. The way that the animal enclosures are spaced far apart amidst a dramatic desert landscape is unique. Vast vistas across pristine desert scapes contrast dramatically with sightings, through dense underbrush, of cheetahs lounging in patches of sun makes it all seem as if you are on safari... >more

Thanksgiving and Miss California USA
November 26th, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

The 2010 Miss California competition was held in Rancho Mirage at The Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa this week. Alyssa Campanella from Hillsborough won the crown. She’s lovely, probably smart and hopefully not a star of an underground porn film that has yet to be released. I rooted for Miss Santa Monica , Desiree Lee Cuchiara who sported a red punk Mohawk type hairdo with black rat tails down the back of her neck. The “do” perfectly complimented her leopard print form-fitting bustier and hoop skirt ensemble made perfect by black ankle high lace up... >more

Snow on San Jacinto Welcomes the High Season in Rancho Mirage
November 26th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The Bentleys at the Elephant Car Wash are stacked up around the block. Folks are back from the four corners of the globe for the season and while the gents get their cars detailed, the ladies are at the Rancho Mirage Florist buying vast quantities of orchids to decorate their manses. Rancho Mirage Restaurants are booked solid by those who believe that mixing a martini is the absolute maximum cooking chore they will endure while on holiday at their second home. Yet turkey birds are flying out of Bristol Farms by the thousands. As I write this Reba is massaging one in... >more

Huntington Beach family Wins Free Rancho Mirage Weekend
November 19th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Lou and Sherri Boyer and their two children, 8 year old Chance and 3 year old Cirrus won an all-expense-paid family get-away vacation in Rancho Mirage . The Boyers visited Rancho Mirage in the summer 2010 as a result of the City's Family Fun Get-Away Promotion that thousands of Southern California families took advantage of in order to get away from the summer costal gloom and enjoy some fun in the sun. Through out the summer of 2010 Family Fun guests benefited from free kid's breakfasts, free kids dining at 12 Rancho Mirage restaurants and free kids admissions to 3... >more

Family Fun in the Palm Springs Valley
November 19th, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

Lots of my L.A. friends think that Palm Springs and in particular Rancho Mirage is " Gods Waiting Room" . This couldn't be farther from the truth. As a matter of fact Rancho Mirage resorts have spent millions in the last few years making their properties family friendly. Splashtopia at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is a multi-million dollar water park that has to be experienced to be believed. The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa's and The Westin Villas feature multiple pools, water slides and grottos that attract families like magnets; especially in the... >more

Lindsay Lohan Gets Back her Sparkle in Rancho Mirage
November 12th, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Rancho Mirage

Last Saturday night two of my L.A. girlfriends and I went to dinner at Acqua Pazza at The River in Rancho Mirage . Just outside the entrance to the restaurant we discussed sitting inside in a booth or dining al fresco on the patio over-looking the lake. Willie Rhines , restaurant manager and friend came over to us and was helping us select a table when a fresh faced pretty young woman left the restaurant and walked by our group. If you’ve lived in LA for years you develop finely-tuned celebrity radar. The skill helps me not to ask the embarrassing question "Did we go to high... >more

A First Peek at the Armenian Cathedral in Rancho Mirage
November 12th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Reba and I attended the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert's 4 th annual Armenian Cultural Festival last weekend. The event was an auspicious one for the Armenian community. During the four-day festival, guests were given a sneak peek of their new house of worship that will not officially open until February of next year. Built in traditional 7 th Century style the 60 plus foot copper domed and travertine wrapped exterior of the church looms majestically against the Santa Rosa Mountains . This edifice echoes the splendid history of the Armenian people and the... >more

The Skinny on Spa.
October 29th, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

Do it with or with out hubby or girlfriends? Solos's fine. You deserve it! Reba tells you how to get rubbed the right way. Sunstone the Spa is a sleek gleamingly new retreat poolside at the skyscraper Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa . To get your groove back you might request the Sundance Sugar Scrub followed by a Garnet Calming Massage . A Balancing Shirodara treatment promises to stimulate insight and wisdom. Sounds like something we all need. Sunstone also houses a full service salon, private relaxing pools, luxe lounges and a shop featuring an array of unique... >more

Joshua Tree National Park
October 29th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Ominous black clouds banks threatened our caravan of cars loaded with Living Desert volunteers as we drove up Highway 62 from Palm Springs for a day hike in Joshua Tree National Park . Dave and Sue Valentine had announced the first hike of the season a few weeks prior without the slightest idea that an October rain would challenge our excitement. Over the long hot summer only mad dogs and Englishmen and intrepid Germans - brave the blaze to hike in the California Desert . Weekly the T.V. news relates the rescues and shows beet-red faces recounting tales of frying alive.... >more

Forget Presents This Year. Give an Experience
October 15th, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

Stuff is out. Making memories in. Here's Reba's Holiday ideas that keep on giving. Seventy days 'til Christmas. Yikes! Our best ever were when our son was in college at USC and Rex got the idea that we needed a more grown up way of dealing with the Holidays . I was resistant. What about our traditions? Would I have to transport presents? I couldn’t imagine our Holiday dinner in a restaurant. I should have known better. Rex Masterson is a genius at planning trips and activities - he could have been a cruise director at 10 years of age with out a minute of training. We... >more

Fall at the Top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
October 15th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The tram is open again after it's annual servicing and the weather holds a touch of fall at the 8000 + altitude at the top of the ride. Let's go. What a great time to experience the Palm Springs Valley' s top attraction . The Swiss made tram cars ascend the mountain in 8 spectacular revolving minutes. But what eight unforgettable minutes they are! Ottmar Liebert's guitar music is on the speakers, and though it sounds a bit corny, the music adds just the right touch to the every up and up breathtaking assent. The car seems to hug the granite cliffs at times, but like the many... >more

Three Romantic Hikes.
October 8th, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

Hold his hand and lead that man just where you want him to go. Reba will tell you how to hike your way to romance in the Palm Springs Valleys. Tahqutiz Canyon will always be my top choice for romantic hiking . This hike is more of a walk and within a mile you end up at the beautiful and deeply mysterious fall. Sit with your man on one of the giant boulders; take in the beauty while slowly calibrating your frequencies to the love channel. This walk is a perfect pre-brunch outing. I'd pick La Vallauris in Palm Springs for brunch. Tram ride to the sky is at the top of... >more

Camera West in Rancho Mirage is a Photographers Mecca
October 8th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Camera West is a California based business with two locations in the Golden State. The original store is located in Walnut Creek in Northern California. Now a second shop has been opened in Rancho Mirage in the heart of the Palm Springs Valley. What a shop it is! Camera buffs come from far and wide for the selection of high-end cameras and accessories as well as the expert team of sales folks that delight in answering the most challenging technical questions. Camera West was established in 2000 by Sean Cranor. He and his professional staff are passionate about photography and have... >more

Romance on the Run. Grab Hubby and Get-Away.
October 1st, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

Romantic life a little on the wilted side? Reba tells you how to get hubby to respond and then again in Rancho Mirage . First Move: Convince him to get-away. Break the routine and steal three days and two nights in Rancho Mirage . Plan to leave the kids with someone they love and commit to rekindling yours. Second Move: Book a room at a Rancho Mirage resort by going to www.RelaxranchoMirage.com. Third Move: Reserve a couple's spa treatment at one of Rancho Mirage's spas . Check out the spas via the above website. Fourth Move: Pack two bottles of Veuve Clicqout and two... >more

THUNDER & LIGHTENING in the Palm Springs Valley
October 1st, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

WOW! Last Sunday Reba and I attended the 20th Annual Thunder & Lightening Pow Wow presented by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Sunday morning we lazed around the house reading the New York Times and wondering if it would be worth getting dressed and going to the Pow Wow. Reba, who is 1/16 Native American (her mother's middle name was Little Heart), finally gave the command and we saddled up and drove to Morongo. So glad we did. The drum beat beckoned us into the gigantic air conditioned tent set up behind the super deluxe sky-scraper casino. Once inside, another world envelops.... >more

Rancho Mirage Fender Bender
September 24th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Clear blue sky, cool morning air; a picture perfect paradise early Saturday morning in the Palm Springs Valley . Needed a stamp for my sister's birthday card so I jumped in my Acura TSX and headed up the street to The River . Grabbed a Starbucks - Iced Cafe Americano - then drove to the far side of the complex to the Gerald R. Ford Post Office - named after one of our most illustrious residents. Fiddled with the stamp dispensing machine and left feeling pretty smug that I got it to work. Yea, well it's a generational thing. Thinking: Reba would appreciate a Starbucks... >more

Make that Girlfriend Get-Away Memorable – 5 Fun Tips.
September 24th, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

Your turn to plan the BFF get-away? Here are Reba's tips on how to make yours the BEST EVER. Book a Cabana Perfect little environments for catching up, sipping bubbly and laughing like there's no tomorrow. Three Rancho Mirage resorts offer this little extra luxury with full pool-side service. They are: Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa , The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa and Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa . Get Rubbed the Right Way The spas at the same three resorts are fabulous. Spa Las Palmas at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa and the... >more

Child with a Temp or Worse? Here’s What to Do.
September 17th, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

Baby aspirin to EMERGENCY; Reba's got your backing Rancho Mirage . 911 gets you paramedic care in less than 5 minutes and if transport to Emergency at Eisenhower Medical Center is needed, and the service is provided by a Rancho Mirage paramedic team, it's FREE in Rancho Mirage . Need Aspirin , Ipecac or a prescription filled? Here's two Rancho Mirage drugstores within minutes of your hotel : Walgreen's 72027 Dinah Shore Dr (S.E. corner of Bob Hope and Dinah Shore ) Ph: 760-321-4892 CVS Pharmacy 42370 Bob Hope Drive (N.E. corner of Bob Hope... >more

Hats. The Rancho Mirage Attitude
September 10th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Sat behind an old gent as we jeeped to see the San Andres Fault. His pate was as bald as a baby's behind. It looked as if he'd been doing head stands on his BBQ grill. No other way to describe his scalp - it was scab infested. Yikes! Come to find out he's now paying the price for decades of sun exposure. Pre-cancerous growths sprout on his pate like mushrooms. He has to visit his dermatologist monthly for harvesting. You can imagine the effect. I asked the gent "Why no hat"? "Never wore one. Gives me a head ache". Humm... seems like his head is aching a LOT these days. I wear hats when... >more

Forgot Something? Get It Fast in Rancho Mirage.
September 10th, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Rancho Mirage

Didn't pack toothpaste, a bathing suit, a bottle of wine? Need some sunscreen? Forget the resort gift shop. Here's where to pick up what you forgot in Rancho Mirage . Drugs Walgreen's 72027 Dinah Shore Dr (S.E. corner of Bob Hope and Dinah Shore) Rancho Mirage (760) 321-4892 CVS Pharmacy 42370 Bob Hope Drive (N.E. corner of Bob Hope and Highway 111) Rancho Mirage (760) 568-9437 Swimsuits Diane's Beachwear at The River (N.W. corner of Bob Hope and Highway 111) 71800 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage 760-340-9990 Bottles of Wine Pavilions 36101 Bob... >more

Rancho Mirage’s Cancer Survivors Park
September 3rd, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

"There is no such thing as false hope for a cancer patient. Hope is as unique with each individual as a fingerprint . For some it is the hope to make a complete recovery. But it might also be the hope to die peacefully; the hope to live until a specific event happens; the hope to live with disease; the hope to have their doctor with them when needed; the hope to enjoy today." Richard Bloch Located just east of the Rancho Mirage City Hall at the intersection of Highway 111 and Frank Sinatra Drive is a one-acre park dedicated to cancer patients and cancer survivors. The... >more

Girlfriends Searching for Salads and One Sweet Finale in Rancho Mirage
September 3rd, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

BFF restaurant requirements - See if you agree... - atmosphere - luscious wines by the glass - menu loaded with unique tastes - Friendly service - Valet parking So here are five of my favorites: bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa Sleek contemporary room but best tables are on the patio overlooking the golf course - swaying palm trees, view of the mountains, live resort music all add to the luxury resort ambience. THE SALAD : BLT Wedge combines crisp iceberg lettuce, vine ripened tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon and blue cheese crumbles finished with a roasted... >more

Island in the Sky
August 6th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Day hiking in the San Jacinto Mountains takes a little planning. You need a pair of sturdy hiking boots, a couple of layers of light weight clothing, a hat, sunglasses, two bottles of water, some sunscreen, a snack - peanut butter sandwich, some trail mix and a couple of apples fills the bill nicely - and a fanny pack to hold your supplies. Intrepid hikers pack a lot more including: a change of socks, a compass, field guides for identifying flora and fauna, whistles to attract the attention of search parties, pocket knives, band aids for blisters (don't wear new shoes on a hike), some... >more

Tulip Hill Winery
July 30th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Rancho Mirage is a verdant oasis located in the Palm Springs Valley on the edge of the vast California Desert . It is the last place you'd expect to find a tasting room for a northern California winery. Yet, at The River , a shopping and dining destination that some claim to be Rancho Mirage's downtown, there is a wonderful shop where lovers of the grape can experience some of California's finest wines. Tulip Hill Winery , with vineyards in central and northern California and a headquarters on the north shore of Clear Lake , operates the only tasting room in... >more

The SHOW at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
July 23rd, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

As you stream across the California Desert on I - 10 there are many sights in the Palm Springs Valley that catch your eye but none are more eye-popping than the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa snuggled right next to the freeway. Towering over the desert floor this resort, casino, spa, dining and entertainment destination is a $375 million WOW! The vast desert views from the luxurious guest rooms are unparalleled. The gaming action is non-stop, the dining opportunities scrumptious but the sleeper is THE SHOW . Here in a state-of-the-art, 2200 plus seat performance venue,... >more

Tolerance Education Center
July 16th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The minute you walk into the Tolerance Education Center you'll meet the charming and informed Anne Phillips , Director of Programs and Education for the Center. The space is small but the mission of the organization is profound and touches us all. I highly recommend a visit. As we toured the brand new facility Anne told me about the Centers founder, Earl Greif , a Holocaust survivor. Following World War 11 Earl moved to the United States where he became a very successful businessman. Now retried and living in Rancho Mirage , Earl is passionate about educating young... >more

It’s Not Just Play, It’s Serious Fun at the Children’s Discovery Museum
July 9th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Rancho Mirage has been occasionally referred to as "God's Waiting Room". It is true that the average age of the year round population is above sixty. But most of the folks living here that I know are not waiting around for God or the plumber. That's what the help's for - right? Active, engaged, smart, successful and happy defines the Rancho Mirage attitude and vibe of the residents. Mustn't forget generous! The Children's Museum of the Desert is a perfect example of the largess of the residents. The Annenberg's gave the land; Gerald and Betty Ford lent their name and... >more

Kid’s Camps at The Westin and Rancho
July 2nd, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

If you are concerned that the kids might get bored hanging out at a Rancho Mirage resort this summer - think again. Two resorts are presenting a host of fun activities for youngsters and adults and the choices are exciting and varied. The Fun Team at The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas offers a free program featuring arts and crafts sessions, pool games , golf contests , pool slide competitions and family fun bingo nights. A newly implemented Name that Tune competition is widely popular with kids and adults vying to demonstrate who's the smartest when it... >more

The Smoketrees are Blooming
June 25th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

First time I saw a Smoketree in bloom I almost ran the car off the road. For most of the year they are scrubby pale gray-green shrubs that colonize washes and vacant lots around Rancho Mirage . Many can be seen south of Highway 111 across from The River and a couple of blocks to the left and right behind the Bank of America along Sahara Road. For an even more impressive stand of trees follow Sahara Road west until it dead ends at Mirage Road. Turn left noting the Smoketrees lining the west side of the road until you reach the entrance to the Blixseth Mountain Park... >more

Lucky and Bangkok 5
June 24th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Reba and I have always loved Thai food and last evening we headed out with a friend to find some. Good news! Rancho Mirage boasts two Thai restaurants . Both are wildly popular. But last evening we knew exactly where to go for impeccable service, a serene environment and scrumptious fare. Bangkok 5 , on Highway 111, is a slice of Thai refinement and hospitality. The minute you step through the doors and are welcomed by owner, Lucky Teachanarong, you'll know that you are in for a treat. Ensconced in a cozy booth we noted the restrained decor, lovely verdant garden... >more

Morongo Shopping Mecca
June 18th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

On your way back to the Southland, just 20 minutes from Palm Springs headed west on Highway 10, there is a not-to-be missed shopping Mecca . It is worth a stop. Obviously thousands that stream by to and fro the Palm Springs Valley and points east know about the outlets. I'm not much of a shopper so recently on an exploratory mission to check out the outlets I was dumbfounded to observe busloads of Chinese shoppers frantically engaged in impulse capitalism at the Gucci and Dulce & Gabbana stores. They were having a blast. Chairman Mao would have blown a gasket. High end... >more

Car Washing with Elephants-Pink Ones
June 11th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

So how do you cap a perfect get-away vacation in beautiful Rancho Mirage ? The answer is obvious - you wash with elephants - pink ones - before you head back to town. You're relaxed. You have a smile on your face. You've played golf , slept in, luxuriated at a spa and enjoyed some great dinners with your significant other. Now it's time to return to reality. But your sedan has been sitting out-of-doors and Mother Nature has left her calling card on the windshield. You can't go back to town without looking as good as you feel. Since your wheels are an extension of your So. Cal.... >more

Hiking in the Altitudes
June 4th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

June in the Palm Springs Valley guarantees three digit temps. Love the heat. Early morning walks, afternoons holed up with books that you've been meaning to read since they were unwrapped at the Holidays and nightly swims under the stars. Rancho Mirage resort guests are into summer too. They chaise lounge alongside our resort pools - all June Gloom immigrants - getting their attitudes readjusted and their tans jumped started. Tee shirts, board shorts, flip flops, movies in the afternoon ( Girl with the Dragon Tattoo a wow yesterday), top down on the car at night, white wine... >more

Escape June-Gloom to the Sun and Kids Eat Free
May 28th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Escape that coastal gray gloom. Head for Rancho Mirage in the heart of the Palm Springs Valley for a little Family Fun summer in the sun. School's out and your kids want to swim and play out doors. Where better to jump start the summer than at a Rancho Mirage resort only a half a tank of gas and less than a 2 hours drive from any Southern California driveway. Rancho Mirage resorts are offering some of the best rates ever. Mid-week rates are a steal! Plus upon check-in at five participating resorts kids, twelve and younger, receive a Family Fun Passport that... >more

Llyn Foulkes at The Palm Springs Art Museum
May 21st, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The Palm Springs Art Museum is not any mid-sized museum. The renovated brut building huddled at the base of the soaring San Jacinto Mountain smack downtown Palm Springs has been updated with flair and intelligence by director Steven Nash and his posse. Many eye filling modern and contemporary works here. Sleek installation design and a smart juxtaposition of pieces make an excursion through the changing exhibitions and permanent collections edifying and fun. No moment is more eye-popping than finding Llyn Foulkes' provocative rant on the fallacy of American's Manifest Destiny... >more

Rancho Mirage at a Glance
May 14th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

With only 17,000 year-round residents Rancho Mirage is a small town. Yet in its 37 year history it has been a powerhouse playground for Hollywood celebrities and American Presidents . For a taste of this history visit Rancho Mirage's City Hall and explore the galley of archival photographs that line the walls of the public spaces. City Hall is located on the south east corner of Highway 111 and Frank Sinatra Drive - the names of the streets in our town provide a clue to the players that helped mold our City. Frank Sinatra's famous compound built to entertain Jack... >more

May-Gray Family Fun in the SUN
May 7th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Summer is just around the corner. Kids are itching to get out of school and play. Swimming, bar-b-ques in the backyard, popsicles, family vacations all contribute to the fun and lazy daze of summer. Yet along the Southern California coast Mother Nature always surprises us with her mantel of May Gray and June Gloom . A wise strategy to keep the coastal desert moist for the first part of the summer, but for kids it makes for pool-side goose bumps and shivering B-B-Qs. Where's the hot chocolate! Come on Mom. It's time to pack up the kids and head for Rancho Mirage in the Heart... >more

The Coziest Bed in Town
April 30th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

By now I'm sure you know that not all bedtime is for catching ZZZZs. But whatever happens on the divan at home, where most of us spend a third of our lives, we want it to be cozy. Snuggle in and read a book, convince the cat to cuddle and purr, sip a jigger of scotch while watching a rerun of Rockford - and all the rest of the activities that make for a rich and personal private life. Hotel beds can be about something altogether different and we each have our own fantasies about them and how we like our get-away beds to be. Cozy is a desirable factor but a bed at a resort should have an... >more

Hiking in the Palm Springs Valley
April 23rd, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

I've been hiking a lot lately. Spring has arrived this year with a particular vividness. Wild flowers and cactus are blooming in profusion. The azure sky is dotted with billowy clouds scudding eastward. Snow mantels the high peaks. The temperature in the mid to high 70's degrees Fahrenheit is perfect for hitting the trails. All you need is a good pair of hiking boots, comfortable loose fitting clothing and a hat. I use a hiking pole-holiday gift from my son-mostly for show and swagger but it occasionally comes in handy on a steep incline. Bottled water is a must. Three bottles for two... >more

Giraffes Birth Surprises Zookeepers
April 16th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

HOW'S IT POSSIBLE? Weighing in at one hundred and forty-one pounds a baby giraffe hit the ground like a seismic event at The Living Desert on March 10! In the middle of the night with no warning a giraffe gave birth to a yet unnamed bull calf. In the morn, zoo keepers found the five feet and eleven inches new-born dry, nursing and walking around in the holding yard with Mom Dadisi , Dad Hesabu , and "Uncle" Pona . The giraffes were unfazed. The zoo keepers stunned. "Our staff suspected that Dadisi may have been pregnant because she was gaining weight, but we were not sure..." Ah the... >more

Thriving at Coachella and Stagecoach
April 9th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The Coachella Music & Arts Festival (April 16th, 17th and 18th) and the Stagecoach County Music Festival (April 24th and 25th) are upon us. Got tickets? Bet you do. Now's the time to think about some of the things that can make or break your fun. It'll be HOT and COLD! Bring lots of bottled water and drink it. Keep the water flowing 'cuz when you're thirsty you're already dehydrated. Nothing can spoil the experience like a trip to the emergency room for sunstroke. And if you get it you won't get back to rocking for a few days so expensive tickets will be wasted.... >more

Furniture Redux Luxe
April 2nd, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Rancho Mirage is home to many fine furniture stores. So many in fact our little city is often touted as the home and office design center of the Palm Springs Valley . The Rancho Mirage Furnishings Associates mission is to promote awareness of the rich diversity of shopping opportunities in this category. In a future blog I plan to write about this segment of our community's businesses. However, a less obvious and perhaps more interesting aspect of this shopping segment to visitors are the numerous furniture consignment stores that populate Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage. Many... >more

Spring Break Family Style
March 26th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Reba and I are empty nesters but in our day when spring break rolled around we'd pack up the kids and head for a resort for much needed R&R and family bonding. A little bit of luxury and full service amenities were a requirement. A laid back attitude that made the kids feel comfortable was also a must for any resort we'd select. Why Rancho Mirage never hit our radar I'll never know but as an expert at making wife and kiddies happy on a get-away, I'm here to tell you that the Palm Springs Valley and particularly Rancho Mirage is just about the perfect destination for family... >more

Cool Pools
March 19th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Summertime is my favorite season of the year in Rancho Mirage. Hot? Yes it's hot but think of it this way - summer is our winter. We get up early and play, hole-up in the middle of the day to read a book and emerge in the evening for more enjoyment. No snow to shovel, no salt damage on our cars, no bundling up to go out - just tee shirts, shorts and flip flops needed here. And it's peaceful! Summer time is POOL TIME! Floating on my back with the night stars blazing overhead, the moon rising over the distant mountains and a gentle breeze swaying the palm tree fronds is heaven for this... >more

Moon Worshiping in Rancho Mirage
March 12th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

This morning I slipped out of bed in the pitch black, pulled on my walking gear and pushed out the front door. Mocking birds were beginning to salute the dawn. In the far distance a dog yelped his glee. Otherwise the cool dark quiet of the pre-dawn morn enveloped me and as always, I looked to the sky to greet her. Full and radiant, the moon's grace illuminated the landscape. A perfect orb she hung suspended above the Santa Rosa Mountains . Her everlasting splendor filled me with peacefulness and a sense of connection to all of Mother Natures wonders. Palm trees swayed ever so slightly in... >more

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
March 3rd, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an officially designated Rancho Mirage HOT SPOT. In 2010 guests staying at Rancho Mirage resorts receive a VIP Access Privilege Card that provide adult admission discounts at four Palm Springs Valley HOT SPOT attractions The ride of a lifetime. From desert floor to the top of Mount San Jacinto the incline steeps 10,834 feet straight up. The " Jig-Back Tramway" ascends the granite cliffs from the Valley Station at 2,643 feet to the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet in 10 spectacular rotating up, up and up minutes. Step into the Swiss... >more

Typical Winter Day in Rancho Mirage
March 2nd, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Video by Joel Hochberg I'm writing poolside. Stretched out on a chaise lounge with my lap top, a glass of iced tea and K. D. Lang on disk crooning in the background. There's a dusting of snow on Mount San Jacinto. The palm trees in the foreground are glistening in the morning light and swaying ever so slightly in the gentle breeze. The temperature is in the mid 70's and my only worry is keeping the shadow of palm tree from blocking my sun. My sister in Raleigh North Carolina is house-bound with sleet and freezing winds whipping around her home. Her daughter in Buffalo, New York snow... >more

After Hours in the new Rancho Mirage
February 26th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

As the sun dips behind the Santa Rosa Mountains and the palm trees sway and rustle in the evening breeze, happy hour percolates in Rancho Mirage. Smile as you glide on to the patio at bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa . Order you favorite libation, settle into a cushy lounge chair and let the smooth sounds of pianist Rick Ross (Wednesdays) or the rich soulful harmonies of the John Stanly King Band (Thursdays) get you in the mood for a night on the town. Friday's feature The Smooth Brothers , Saturday's guitarist Bobby Moses and Friends and on Sunday's, trumpet... >more

Palm Springs Art Museum: Epicenter of the Desert Cool
February 19th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The Palm Spring Art Museum is an officially designated Rancho Mirage HOT SPOT. In 2010 guests staying at Rancho Mirage resorts receive a VIP Access Privilege Card that provide adult admission discounts at four Palm Springs Valley HOT SPOT attractions. Just so you know - I'm crazy about museums. Make a point to stop in at any museum I encounter and I've encountered a lot in all corners of the world. For fourteen years of my career I was the director of a contemporary art museum. OK, OK - full disclosure - I have a masters degree in painting, maintain a studio and I'm married to an... >more

Golf Togs Like a Sheik – Rancho Mirage Pro Shops
February 12th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Play like a pro and dress like a slob. Not good Rancho Mirage form in-season when the hotshots fill the town and everyone puts on the dog day and night. They say clothes make the man. Maybe. Depends on the man or the lady for that matter. A little distinction wouldn't hurt when you're hooking and slicing your way through 18 of the best we've got. Try dressing like a pro if you play like a slob. Leave the Dockers at home and outfit yourself with a little panache for your next round at one of Rancho Mirage's purveyors of fine golf duds. For ladies the ground zero of golf attire can be... >more

Kraft Nabisco Championship Tickets Are Now On Sale!
February 10th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Tickets for the 2010 Kraft Nabisco Championship, the first LPGA major of the year, are now on sale. This year, golf fans can make a major contribution of their own by supporting the charity of their choice. One hundred percent of the proceeds from advance ticket sales will be donated to charity. Tickets and can be ordered online at http://www.kncgolf.com/ . When ordering tickets online, purchasers will be asked to designate a charity to receive the proceeds from the sale. Currently, more than 40 charities have signed up to participate in the program. The tickets are priced at $25 for... >more

The Indian Canyons: Palm Springs’ First Downtown
February 5th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The Indian Canyons is an officially designated Rancho Mirage HOT SPOT . In 2010 guests staying at Rancho Mirage resorts receive a VIP Access Privilege Card that provide adult admission discounts at four Palm Springs Valley HOT SPOT attractions. Since the beginning of time, long before Hollywood discovered the desert, a thriving community of people lived in the vicinity of what we know today as Palm Springs . Snow melt from the Santa Rosa and Santa Jacinto Mountains feed gushing streams that in turn nourish lush palm oasis at the foot of the mountains. In and around these oasis... >more

Snow Capped Surround
January 29th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The recent rains have capped our mountains with snow. What a sight! The Palm Springs Valley is surrounded by snow-topped peaks. With a cobalt blue sky overhead, palm trees swaying in the foreground and golfers dotting the emerald green fairways of our courses I imagine that this must be what paradise looks like. RM >more

Kraft Nabisco Championship Hot Tips
January 29th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Along with the Masters Tournament at Augusta , the Kraft Nabisco Championship has enjoyed the longest continuous run of any Major. This LPGA tournament was founded by Dinah Shore and today the $2,000,000 purse attracts the top lady golfers in the world to the California desert each spring to duel it out for the championship and opportunity to take the winners leap into Poppie's Pond . This is Rancho Mirage's signature event and the town pulls out all the stops to welcome the players, international media and visitors from all over the world. Balmy weather, palm trees glistening,... >more

The Living Desert
January 29th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The Living Desert is an officially designated Rancho Mirage HOT SPOT . In 2010 guests staying at Rancho Mirage resorts receive a VIP Access Privilege Card that provide adult admission discounts at four Palm Springs Valley HOT SPOT attractions. Anytime there's a cheetah involved I'm there. Loved these streamlined felines ever since I first experienced them in Nairobi National Park on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital. They'd leap up and loll on the hoods of cars. Pressing their faces against windshields their purring would rattle the glass and something primeval, deep in my bones.... >more

Rub Me the Right Way: Rancho Mirage Spa Experiences
January 22nd, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

The Egyptians did it with rare oils, the ancient Chinese mastered it with discipline, the early Greeks and Romans couldn't get enough of it and the Swedes perfected it as a treatment for tension. In the new world the Huichol Indians, descendants of the Aztecs, made it as part of their Shamanistic practice. Today, massage incorporates techniques refined over the centuries and is enjoyed by millions of world-worn travelers. They know how to rub away the throb of aching muscles, relieve the tensions of work and for a heavenly hour or two, ease the cares of the world. We seldom remember the... >more

Rancho Mirage: The River Runs Through It
January 15th, 2010 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Downtown was never so much fun. The River is Rancho Mirage's town square...but square it's not. Designed by John Jerde of City Walk fame this life-style destination draws the crowds and celebrities. Go for a bite, to shop, enjoy a flick, to groove to live concerts in the amphitheater on weekends or just hang out by the fountains and cascading waterfalls that meander through-out the complex. Check out the Bobby Chan shop where the latest in resort wear can be found. Don't miss BLONDE for women's, men's and children's hottest fashion looks. Both shops have the perfect duds for the many... >more

Potter Palma
January 2nd, 2010 - Potters Reviews - by Potter Palma

It is our distinct pleasure and honor to welcome a new blogger to Relax Rancho Mirage. Born in Buenos Aires, the last of five children (oops!) to a Texas High Society mother and a wealthy Argentinean businessman father, bilingual Potter was at an early age shipped off to the best boarding schools in Europe, and summered at various Israeli kibbutzim. He finally came Stateside to earn a Harvard MBA, but despite his Ivy League education (and over his fiery parents’ strenuous objections), he yielded to his burning desire to travel and joined the ranks of none other than Pan... >more

Diana Dodge
January 2nd, 2010 - Dianas Reviews - by Diana Dodge

It is our distinct pleasure and honor to welcome a new blogger to Relax Rancho Mirage. The love child of a mid-century silver screen legend whose identity has always been kept a mystery, Diana was born in Palm Springs and raised by her single mother, a cocktail waitress at the Palm Springs Racquet Club. After graduating from Palm Springs High School, Diana fled to Hollywood. Seeking to follow in her famous father’s footsteps, she dabbled in a series of odd jobs—extra, make-up assistant, receptionist—on various studio lots. When an unexpected (and surprisingly large)... >more

Reba Masterson
January 2nd, 2010 - Rebas Reviews - by Reba Masterson

Reba has always had a luxurious mane of auburn hair. However, as the years have passed her hair has become increasingly red. She always had the attitude - you know what I mean? Her first memory was of bouncing along a rutted dirt road in a yellow Cadillac convertible with a kindly old man who kept stopping and getting out of the car to check some dusty pipes. Years later when attending the gala opening of the Getty Center in Los Angeles it dawned on Reba that the old man in the Cadillac was none other than J. Paul Getty who, at the conclusion of his oil lease inspection tour, rewarded... >more

In Pursuit of the Perfect Margarita
December 28th, 2009 - Rexs Reviews - by Rex Masterson

Love those Aztecs for inventing North America's first indigenous distilled spirit. No wonder they were so willing to lose their hearts with Tequila, the preferred drink of the day. Centuries later, 300 million blue agaves a year are harvested northeast of Guadalajara to produce the nectar that makes Margarita's irresistible. A Mexican barman of genius is credited for inventing the sweet and tart combination of Tequila, Triple Sec and lime with a circle of salt on the rim of a glass in the 1930s. Give the man a Nobel Prize! Rancho Mirage provides a plethora of watering holes where you... >more