Sunday, June 22, 2014

I-40 Alternate Endings

     Just because Interstate 40 ends at Barstow doesn't mean your trip has to!

     Follow any of the following three finales, and you'll have an adventure all your own to add to your wonderful memories of I-40 and the many things you did along the way!


    Option 1:      Sizzle’n Side Trip to Death Valley

3 hours north of Barstow, and situated at 282 feet-below-sea-level, the desolate landscape boasts some of the highest temperatures in the continental U.S. The Furnace Creek Visitor Center & Museum is open daily for information, permits and book sales.

www.nps.gov/deva

  • Do:  Scotty’s Castle: Visitors will enjoy tours led by costumed park rangers of the castle’s richly furnished interior. Legend has it that a prospector named “Death Valley Scotty” built this Spanish-style mansion from the gold out of his fictitious mine. The elaborate castle was actually the 1920s vacation home of Albert and Bessie Johnson, the couple that befriended Scotty and brought his dreams of a desert mansion to fruition.

  • o   Stay:  at Stovepipe Wells Village, the Wild West town located inside of Death Valley National Park complete with a unique hotel, rustic restaurant and saloon. 
              www.escapetodeathvalley.com
                 Rates from $95
                 #760-786-2387


  • o   Eat:  enjoy a fine meal in the dining room at the ritzy Furnace Creek Resort, grand views complimentary.
                    www.furnacecreekresort.com
                               

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            Option 2:      Relax in the desert oasis of
                                 Palm Springs at CASA CODY


       
Palm Springs, with its relatively simple beginnings, is today considered one of the most glamorous towns in America. 

     www.visitpalmsprings.com

      It started as a grassy Indian village with small huts, home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians who had lived there for over two-thousand years. 

     
At the turn of the century, it was a destination for TB
     and other respiratory problem sufferers who came to the dry, desert location for their health. 

     Many more came searching for a better place to live and work, a healthier climate and an exciting new start. 

     Harriet Cody, the beautiful cousin of the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, first came to Palm Springs with her ailing husband—who happened to be a gifted architect. 

     While he rested and attempted to recover, she busied
     herself with finding a solution to their financial situation.

     In the early 1920s, she founded an inn which became popular among Silent Film Era stars. Many movies were made in Palm Springs because the topography was so diverse (sand, desert, mountains), and it quickly became the playground for early screen stars like Charlie Chaplin.




Considered to be the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, Casa Cody maintains a very historic atmosphere, with mature landscaping and quiet courtyards. 

      www.casacody.com
      Rates from $79
      #760-320-9346


Two of the most beautiful suites on the property are the Winter’s House and The Adobe, Harriet’s original home.

The Winter’s House, a quaint cottage filled with deep reds and dark woods, provides a restful repose for a short weekend or even an extended stay. 

     A full set of amenities including a kitchen, dining room and private patio with grill lend the property an air of ease and convenience. 

     Exquisite antiques fill the suite with historic charm, and the rooms are wrapped in traditional paneling and custom trim accents. 


·         The Adobe:  Old wooden doors awash in faded hues of green welcome you into the original, white-washed adobe that once housed the Cody family.



     Entering the agave-colored doors, you will step back in time to a cottage filled with quaint, rustic charm. Intricately carved wooden furniture from India frames the room, and low, beamed ceilings stand out against the smooth white walls and linens. Rock floors lead into the sleeping quarters, while the familiar creek of wooden slats carries you into a charming den and dining area. Clean lines lend a refreshed feel to the historic home large enough for a family to enjoy comfortably. 

     In Palm Springs, you’ll be transported back in time; the town maintains an old, nostalgic old Hollywood feel, and reminiscent night shows abound! 



   
 Weather is perfect near year-round, though the summer
     months are the hottest with temps reaching over 100’. 

     The solution? Take the Aerial Tramway to the top of the mountain and wander the pristine trails of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park Wilderness area. 

     Refreshingly cool, pine-scented air awaits you high above the town 
     where summer temperatures are a good 30-degrees cooler!

                                        www.pstramway.com
                                        (military discount available)


 While you’re in the area, enjoy:

  • ·         Joshua Tree National Park (1-hr drive)
  • ·         Street Fair on Thursdays
  • ·         Natural Oasis (closed in summer months) is a fun location; many sheik movies were filmed there.

Eat at:


For a fun, evening show, go to the “world famous, fabulous FOLLIES OF PALM SPRINGS” and  Let the Good Times Roll!  www.psfollies.com

Or, take in a live performance at The Starlite Lounge.  www.psriviera.com/starlite-lounge

 Take your time, relax and enjoy cool, classic, sunny Palm Springs!

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          Option 3:    Trace Route 66 all the way to the Pacific!


     
Route 66 enthusiasts will want to follow the Mother Road all the way to its end at the shimmering Pacific Ocean. 

    The route across Los Angeles, now marked by prominent beige road signs as Historic Route 66 1935-1964, is almost completely intact, following Santa Monica Boulevard through the hearts of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. 



     Route 66 merges into Sunset Boulevard for the long, winding drive to downtown L.A. before it finally ends at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Walk out onto the:


Santa Monica Pier, where a brass placard designates Route 66 as the Will Rogers Highway (Will Rogers, an American cowboy, vaudeville performer, humorist, social commentator and motion picture actor, was mayor of Beverly Hills in the late 1920s). 


The pier holds a small amusement park and a lovely old carousel which was made famous in the movie The Sting.

The surrounding streets, including Santa Monica Place and Third Street Promenade provide ample shopping opportunities. Strollers, street performers, and side-walk café people-watchers all culminate in this lively spot. The area has multiple parks, like Palisades Park and Chess Park, where spectators are always welcome and open tables are free for public use. 

    • Stay:  Two options stand out. First, for a little 1950s time-travel, stay at the art deco gem SEAVIEW HOTEL. It’s one block from the pier and the most affordable hotel by the beach.                          www.seaviewhotel.com  Rates from $88, #310-393-6711

    • Or, choose THE CHANNEL ROAD INN, a rare West Coast Colonial Revival home near the beach. Craftsman accents and cozy rooms will charm you, while extra amenities like afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres will fully satisfy!                                  www.channelroadinn.com  Rates from $195, #310-459-1920

    • Eat:  Choosing is the hard part, but the following are definite winners:
      • Mélisse:  Beverly Hills glam (www.melisse.com)
      • The Lobster:  A legend in its own right, diners come for the food but love the view! (www.thelobster.com)
      • Monsoon Café:  a personal favorite, this outstanding restaurant provides a gorgeous Asian setting and reasonably priced food. (www.monsooncafe.us)
      • Loteria Grill:  intimate taco bar near the beach. (www.loteriagrill.com)

Well, partner, we’ve reached the end of the road. Enjoy the journey, live the life, love the road!

HAPPY TRAILS . . .



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