Saturday, June 16, 2007

Desert and Mountain—what a difference

TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY June 5-6—We’re tempted to lie around the JW Marriott’s pools all day (which of the five should we choose?). But we don’t give in to temptation and head out to check out some of the area’s sites. First Stop: The Living Desert, with more than 400 desert animals in their natural habitat. We especially loved the giraffes, camels and ostriches. There are also mountain lions, bobcats, and more as well as a model train garden that careens through ghost towns and frontier towns of the old west and a Wildlife Hospital where kids can watch through the glass window as vets give the animals check ups! The kids will especially like the petting corral and everyone will appreciate the strategically placed misters that help keep everyone cool.  It’s a great place for kids to learn how these creatures survive in the desert. http://www.livingdesert.org

On Wednesday, we leave the desert for the mountains—via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway that, in 10 minutes, takes us from 2,643 feet elevation up to 8,516 feet.  It’s so cool up here we wished we’d brought sweatshirts. We have our pick of hiking trails—more t than 54 miles worth at Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area.  It’s nearly 40 degrees cooler up here than the 100-plus desert heat below. Hike a little more than 5 miles to the peak of San Jacinto or take a mile-long nature walk. There’s back-country camping—just remember you need a permit. And in winter, you can go snowshoeing or cross country skiing. The tram is cool too—it slowly revolves so that the view is constantly changing as you head to the top. What an engineering fete! http://www.pstramway.com

Another way to beat the heat is to go to Knott’s Soak City.  There’s also a Children’s Discovery Museum in Rancho Mirage (http://www.cd.mod.org) and the Palm Springs Air Museum, home to one of the biggest collections of flying WWII aircraft. (http://www.palmspringsairmuseum.org) But that’s if you can get the kids out of the pool—wherever you’re staying. We loved hanging out at the JW Marriott Pool late in the afternoon and then watching the sun go down as we chowed down at the resort’s Sea Grille overlooking the mountains. (The lobster pot pie was a winner, my daughter said.

The best part—a couple of days in a beautiful part of the country totally different from where we live in New England with nothing to do but have fun with each other, learning a little about the desert in the process. And whether you love the outdoors, golf, tennis or spa treatments, you’ll have your pick here.

Most of those families who come here are from southern California, I’m told, but I also think Palm Springs area could prove a good respite for multigenerational families looking for a Thanksgiving getaway or fall trip with young kids. (Tip- fall is still low season. Book during the week for the best deals).  Just bring plenty of sun screen! 

Coming next week:  Disney’s First European Cruise with my niece

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