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Tiki Cocktail, Bars, and Travel BLOG

Featured Destination: Palm Springs (Full Guide)

8/26/2020

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Autumn and I were supposed to travel to the Cook Islands in September, but due to COVID-19, our trip was cancelled and put on hold for the time being.  Feeling disappointed, we decided to take a week-long trip to beautiful Palm Springs, CA.

Palm Springs has been one of our regular weekend getaways for the past two years now, providing a much-needed escape from the city life of Los Angeles and long hours spent at the office.  Warm weather, an abundance of pools, and appreciation for everything retro and nostalgic make it the perfect desert oasis getaway for those seeking an easy and accessible escape.

​The following suggestions are based solely on our personal experiences, so there may be some additional things that are worth seeing.  Be sure to do your own research as well – that’s half the fun of traveling!
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Palm Springs - Brief History and Influence on Tiki

The following history of Palm Springs was heavily informed by the Palm Springs official city website (link here) and Wikipedia (link here):

For thousands of years, the Coachella Valley was home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. During the winter months, they established their village around the natural hot mineral springs (current site of the Spa Resort Casino). In summer, to escape the extreme temperatures of the desert floor, the small band moved to the canyons where it was more comfortable because of the higher elevation.

In 1884, Judge John Guthrie McCallum of San Francisco and his family became the first non-Indians to settle here. McCallum, with the assistance of local Indians, built a 19 mile stone-lined ditch from the Whitewater River into Palm Springs bringing in pure, precious water for irrigation. 

Dr. Wellwood Murray, of nearby Banning, opened Palm Springs' first hotel, called the Palm Springs Hotel, which was conveniently located directly across the road from the Indian bathhouse where his guests could take advantage of its warm, curative waters.  In 1909, Dr. Harry and Nellie Coffman started their sanitorium, The Desert Inn, which was originally a place for those suffering from tuberculosis. The Inn later became a world-renowned resort hotel catering to the very wealthy, which included captains of industry and well-known millionaires such as the Vanderbilt and Hearst families.

Hollywood discovered Palm Springs as early as about 1919. The desert was considered a choice filming spot for many silent films, and stars such as Rudolph Valentino, Ernest Torrence, and Theda Bara could be easily spotted in town. Since then, Palm Springs has become known as "The Playground of the Stars." Many have had homes in the city or have stayed at famous places such as the El Mirador Hotel and Charles Farrell's Racquet Club.

Post-World War II, architectural modernism flourished within the city.  Inventive architects designed unique vacation houses, such as steel houses with prefabricated panels and folding roofs, a glass-and-steel house in a boulder-strewn landscape, and a carousel house that turned to avoid the sun's glare.  Palm Springs architecture became the model for mass-produced suburban housing, especially in the Southwest. This "Desert Modern" style was a high-end architectural style featuring open-design plans, wall-to-wall carpeting, air conditioning, swimming pools, and very large windows.

In addition to architecture, Hollywood values permeated the city of Palm Springs as it combined celebrity, health, new wealth, and sex. As Lawrence Culver (2010) explains: "The bohemian sexual and marital mores already apparent in Hollywood intersected with the resort atmosphere of Palm Springs, and this new, more open sexuality would gradually appear elsewhere in national tourist culture." 

​Serving as a desert oasis escape for celebrities and Los Angelenos, Palm Springs flourished around the same time as the tiki craze which was taking over Hollywood in the mid-19th century.  As a result, many of the local hotels and bars were heavily influenced by the movement, some of which still stand to this day (see below for some of those tiki bars and resorts).
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When to Go

​We suggest taking your trip in late spring/early summer (April, May, or June) or late summer/early fall (September or October), when the weather is ideal for walking around the city or enjoying a drink by the pool.  The height of summer (July, August) is also a fantastic time to visit, but the weather is sure to be on the hotter side (around 115 degrees Fahrenheit or so).

​Additionally, the following local festivals occur annually in Palm Springs.  You may want to consider planning your trip around one of these events:
  • Tiki Caliente (May)
  • Palm Springs Pride (November)
  • Palm Springs International Film Festival (January)
  • Palm Springs Art Festival (January)
  • Dixie Jazz Festival (March-April)
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Where to Stay  

​Where you stay heavily depends on the type of trip you are looking for:  Weekend escape, rest and relaxation, or downright party vibes.  We typically look for a relaxing and tropical atmosphere, opting to stay at Airbnbs or one of the local hotels. 

Here are some of our top suggestions:
  1. Airbnb ($$$) – We usually stay at Airbnbs when visiting Palm Springs, as they make ideal getaways (whether it be romantic, or a weekend with the guys, girls, or family).  Palm Springs has an abundance of homes to choose from on Airbnb, and they tend to provide a quieter, private setting for a vacation.  Here are two that we stayed at and really loved:  Sun-Time Villa (Link) and Hummingbird Oasis (Link).
  2. Caliente Tropics Resort Hotel ($$) – In its 1960s heyday, the Caliente Tropics (then known as just ‘The Tropics’) attracted the celebrities of the era who lived and vacationed in Palm Springs (even including members of the Rat Pack). The front of the resort held a Sambo's coffee shop. In later years, the Cellar bar was closed, and the Congo Room became the Reef Bar (which still stands today).  The hotel was completely renovated in the early 2000s, maintaining its Polynesian aesthetic.  Its expansive grounds, impressive pool, and on-site tiki bar makes it a great tiki-themed Palm Springs escape.
  3. The Saguaro Palm Springs ($$$) – This Instagram-friendly hotel is the perfect union of retro and modern.  There's plenty of sunshine, a buzzing pool scene, and lots of local flavor (in other words, it’s a bit of a “scene” hotel). The 244-room hotel has multiple restaurants, bars, and meeting spaces -- all of which surround a stunning pool location. Designed to reflect the colorful vibrant spirit of the Coachella Valley desert, the bold color palette is the work of renowned architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat, who have infused the property with hues that reflect indigenous desert flowers.
  4. Ace Hotel & Swim Club ($$$) – Similar to the Saguaro, the Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a very trendy and Instagram-friendly hotel.  This unique boutique hotel offers contemporary guestrooms with free wifi, a spa and an on-site restaurant and bar.  The property also features two outdoor pools and an outdoor fireplace. After a workout in the fitness center, guests can relax with a massage in the hotel's full-service spa.
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What to Do

​Our trips to Palm Springs are typically meant to be an escape from work and city life, so we frequently spend our time near a pool with a cocktail in hand.  However, the city has a lot to offer when it comes to both relaxation and stimulation.  Here are some of our favorite things to do (however, many of these activities are currently closed due to COVID-19, so be sure to check the websites if you are planning a trip soon):
  1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – the world’s largest rotating tram car—travels over 2.5 miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During your approximately ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque and spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. Once you reach the Mountain Station — elevation 8,516 feet — enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails.
  2. Palm Springs Art Museum – Palm Springs Art Museum has a wide-reaching and growing permanent collection of over 12,000 objects rooted in modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design that has developed from Palm Springs’ unique history and culture.
  3. Palm Springs VillageFest – VillageFest takes place in downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive every Thursday night. The street is closed to vehicle traffic and is transformed into a festive, pedestrian street fair.
  4. Shop or walk around downtown – Downtown Palm Springs offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.  On any given trip, we will dedicate at least one full day to walking up and down the single-street city center.  See below for our recommendations for dining and drinking, and check out the shops here.
  5. Relaxing by the pool – This activity should probably go without saying, but be sure to reserve ample time to relax and soak up some sun by the pool (preferably with a tiki cocktail in hand).
  6. Hiking in Palm Springs Mountains or Joshua Tree – If hiking is your thing, check out the local trails in Palm Springs Canyons (the Airway Tram mentioned above provides access to many trails), or nearby in Joshua Tree.  I’m particularly fond of bouldering near the Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree.
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Where to Eat

​Palm Springs plays host to a large variety of wonderful restaurants, providing dining options for just about any eater.  There are plenty of upscale restaurants if you are looking for an especially memorable meal or event, as well as an abundance of no-frills eateries for a quick-but-satisfying bite to eat. 

Here are some of our suggestions:
  1. Spencer’s Restaurant ($$$$) – A bit on the upscale side, Spencer’s has a fantastic breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menu (as well as an impressive wine and cocktail list).  Their outdoor patio is gorgeous and guaranteed to make the meal memorable.  I took Autumn here for her birthday dinner, and we still talk about it to this day.
  2. Woody’s Palm House ($$$) – Great place to grab dinner, drinks, and listen to some live music.  Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, Woody’s serves primarily upscale American food (steaks, seafood, burgers, etc.) and has a tempting happy hour.
  3. The Tropicale Restaurant & Coral Seas Lounge ($$$) – VERY Palm Springs-y place to enjoy breakfast or brunch.  Fantastic food, service, and a breakfast cocktail menu.  Ask to sit at their outside patio, which is beautifully landscaped.
  4. Elmer’s ($$) – Elmer’s has a very personal feeling, and you are very likely to meet the owner (who makes her way around the tables greeting diners).  This would be one of our top picks for breakfast/brunch while visiting Palm Springs, but you really can’t go wrong with any meal at Elmer’s.
  5. Ernest Coffee ($) – An adorable coffee shop located directly next to Bootlegger Tiki bar (they are actually connected).  This is one of our go-to spots for early morning coffee (they serve Stumptown) and pastries.  
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Where to Drink

​Palm Springs has a thriving enthusiasm for all things retro and nostalgic, including tiki bars which were popularized right as Palm Springs grew into its own.  In many ways, Palm Springs seems perpetually locked in the 1960s, which provides a perfect backdrop for tropical drinks and bars, making it an ideal destination for tiki-enthusiasts.

Here are some of our favorite tropical bars from our trips (however, this is just the tip of the iceberg):
  1. Tonga Hut Palm Springs – This is an absolute MUST if you are looking for a tiki bar in Palm Springs.  Located in the heart of downtown, Tonga Hut PS is a spacious and beautifully decorated tiki bar with an upstairs patio looking over the bustling streets below.  The drinks are superb, and they often even have live music outside.  Definitely GO HERE.
  2. The Reef – Located in the Polynesian-themed Caliente Tropics Resort Hotel, the Reef is another Palm Springs tiki staple.  Great atmosphere, live music, and access to the hotel pool make this the perfect spot to sip on a perfectly-crafted tiki drink (or grab some food).
  3. Pool Bar @ the Saguaro Palm Springs – If you happen to stay at the Saguaro while in Palm Springs, I highly recommend checking out the Pool Bar.  The unique cocktail and small bites menu make the perfect companion for soaking up some sun at their impressive pool.
  4. Bootlegger Tiki – I have never personally visited Bootlegger Tiki (as it was closed due to COVID-19 when we visited), but it has been on my list for some time.  With that said, they have an impressive menu with a mixture of tiki classics and modern concoctions.  Give it a try, and let us know what you think!
 
We hope you enjoyed our guide to Palm Springs - please share your own travel tips or suggestions in the comments section!
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Wayward Spirits
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Featured Destination: Belize (Full Guide)

4/14/2020

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​In May of 2019, Autumn and I had the pleasure of visiting the small Central American country of Belize.  What we found was an adventurous tropical paradise – home to beautiful beaches, reefs for snorkeling/ scuba diving, dense jungles, Mayan ruins, caves for exploring, and so much more.  If you are planning your next exotic getaway, I highly recommend Belize as a port less traveled. 

​The following suggestions are based solely on my personal experience and trip, so there may be some additional locations and attractions that are worth seeing.  Be sure to do you own research as well – that’s half the fun of traveling!
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Belize - Brief History and Influence on Tiki:

The history of Belize is equal parts mysterious, unique, eclectic, and downright chaotic.

Belize was early home to the Mayans, who built a powerful and sophisticated civilization throughout Central America and in neighboring countries of modern-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.  The Mayan civilization peaked in the 6th - 8th century, but mysteriously vanished around the 14th century (not long before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century).

For a brief period, Belize was inhabited by the Spanish as they explored the new world and established ports throughout the Caribbean and central Americas, however, English and Scottish privateers posed a challenge to this rule in the 17th century, settling in Belize for its rich resources and fruitful jungles.

In 1789, Britain officially gained full control of Belize from Spain after defeating the Spanish Armada off St. George's Caye. While the United States was embroiled in Civil War, Great Britain declared Belize to be the colony of British Honduras.  This colonization lasted for nearly 200 years, with self-governance being granted by the British government in 1964, and Belize gaining full independence in 1981.
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With its long history of colonization, Belize was heavily influenced by foreign cultures in the way of language, social structures, politics, trade, and agriculture.  Today, the country draws from the lifestyle and palate of many of its Caribbean neighbors – including language (Creole, English, and Spanish), rum (cane juice and coconut rums), fruits, and spices.  Belize arguably has more in common with its Caribbean island neighbors than its bordering Spanish-speaking countries. Known for its laid-back island lifestyle, vast jungles, and an underwater world of neon fish and twisted coral, Belize is a true tropical treasure.
When to Go

Many travel websites and experts will tell you that the best time to visit Belize is between the months of November and April, during the country’s dry season.

We suggest taking your trip in May, that way you can avoid the April crowds and potentially score lower prices on hotels/ activities.  Beware though, there is a slightly higher risk of rain in May, so be prepared for some potential weather.

Additionally, the following local festivals occur annually in Belize.  You may want to consider planning your trip around one of these events:
  • ​Fiesta de Carnaval (February)
  • Belize Lobster Festivals (June and July)
  • San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival (August)
  • St. George's Caye Day (September 10)
  • Belize Independence Day (September 21)

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