Thursday, March 5, 2015

Desert Riviera...

...we're gonna miss this...77 degrees and sunshine in early March...

Even though we lost a day due to inclement weather and travel snafus, it's been a fabulous vacation.

Our last full day here was spent much like the previous ones...early morning hot tub and pool, coffee and breakfast, some touristy stuff in the morning, then lounging around the pool and fire pit for the rest of the day.

Today's "touristy stuff" involved a trip to a fabulous vintage shop called "Wonderama":

Not sure if the bison is for sale, but it sits outside of the shop as a unique reminder you've arrived at someplace special:

Our big find today was an original 1950's "Galanos" coat for Karen:


James Galanos was Amercia's leading fashion designer, a true "haute couturier" who designed for stars like Rosalind Russell and Marilyn Monroe, as well as leading political figures like Nancy Reagan.  He's now retired, 90 years old, and living in Palm Springs...and we found one of his creations that fits Karen perfectly at a price that didn't break the bank.  Score!

We also wandered downtown in the evening and visited the Palm Springs Art Museum:
A very cool, mid century modern building, but we were in between exhibits, so not much to see...however, we did spot this Shag "mad men" type painting, number 1 of only 200:
Shag is a famous "mod" painter who has exhibited around the world, and has a shop in Palm Springs. His painting captures my mom and dad's world back in the late 50's, early 60's...they had a sense of style and class that's largely missing from much of today's world.

One place where it's not missing in action is Palm Springs...and no place encapsulates that mid century modern vibe better...

Hate to sound like a paid advertisement, but if you're a mid century modern fan looking for someplace warm to escape the winter doldrums, you can't do better than the Desert Riviera Hotel...Judy, Steve, and Traci are the best and will do everything possible to make your stay relaxing and hassle free...and owners Rick and Martha are regularly onsite making sure their guests are comfortable and happy.  As I've said before, there may not be heaven on earth, but Desert Riviera Hotel comes pretty darn close.

We fly back to the frozen northland tomorrow, but right now I hear Arturo Fuente and Jim Beam calling me...
the green ash tray is from Wonderama, too...

Last night in paradise...

Later, mcm fans...

Desert Riviera...

...a garden resort...welcome to Day 2 of our vacation.

As mentioned in the previous post, we were finally able to wing our way from the icy climes of Michigan...
the frozen coast of Lake Michigan

...to sunny Palm Springs, California.

The accommodations at the Desert Riviera are so lovely it's tempting to just hang out at the hotel and relax...
the beautiful pool all lit up at night...
fun at the fire pit every night...

turns out the Keebler elves hang out here, too...
It's amazing what some sunshine, warm temperatures, a new hat, and some Jim Beam can do to improve your attitude...

So on day two we decided to take a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a short 20 minute drive from the Desert Riviera Hotel...

Trams head up the mountain about every 30 minutes, so we had a short wait in the stylish lobby...

...before we climbed on the stallion we rode up the mountain...

It's about a 10 minute ride up, and the floor of the car slowly rotates so you get a 360 degree view...

The view from the top is remarkably like home right now...

We received dire warnings from everyone at the hotel about how cold it is...but hey, we're from Michigan and this was like an early spring day.  The tram operator said, "It's currently 30 degrees at the top and wind chill makes it feel like 20, so good luck with that."  Really?  Come to Grand Rapids...shirt sleeve weather, buddy...

Overall a very enjoyable excursion...we enjoyed a drink at the bar...here's the view...

Impressive to think how much work it was to build the tram and the welcome center at the top of the mountain...well worth the time and money.

After that we spent the rest of the day and evening relaxing...
a Palm Springs full moon...
...and hanging out poolside...

There may not be heaven on earth, but the Desert Riviera Hotel in Palm Springs comes pretty close...

Later, mcm fans...


Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Desert Riviera Hotel...

...at last...not our smoothest journey, but the destination makes it worthwhile.

We attempted to exit Grand Rapids, Michigan two days ago, but after 8 hours of standing around the GRR airport our flights were canceled...we rebooked for yesterday, out of Kalamazoo (AZO).

That's a much smaller, friendlier, and cooler airport...less than an hour away...we'll definitely consider flying out of there again.  Here are some pics from inside the airport:



...and these random, "far side" type characters scattered hither and yon:

We were flying on American Airlines...
...and it was no picnic with many winter weather issues...bottom line, we were supposed to arrive at the hotel Sunday night around 10 pm Michigan time...after canceled flights, rebooking, and late planes, actual arrival time?  Tuesday morning at 3 am, Michigan time...

But...we're here...it's worth it...and here's why:



More to come, mcm fans...