For something in between those two extremes, consider Palm Springs.  The desert might not be the first place you think of when planning a romantic getaway, but why not?  It’s warm, there’s plenty to do, there are great restaurants, you don’t need a passport . . . the idea is starting to sound pretty good, isn’t it?

Everyone knows that if you love golf, you will be in heaven in Palm Springs.  But assuming that one or both of you is not a golf enthusiast; fear not, there’s still plenty to keep you busy.  For the active couple, consider the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which offers a beautiful view as it takes you up to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park where you can then hike, camp, or take a guided nature walk.

For something a little less active, try visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum.  Located in downtown Palm Springs, the Art Museum has an impressive permanent collection and also features special temporary exhibits throughout the year.  Another relaxing option is the theatre.  Valentine’s weekend, two talented jazz musicians will be performing at the McCalllum Theatre, just a few miles from Palm Springs in Palm Desert.  On February 13^th, you can enjoy the smooth vocals of Spencer Day.  Day’s music combines jazz, contemporary, and folk to create a gratifying sound that many have compared to that of Norah Jones, Michael Buble, and Harry Conick Jr..  Then, on Valentine’s Day, popular jazz instrumental artist, Chris Botti will be serenading audiences with his silky trumpet sound.

The most important part of your Valentine’s Day planning is your accommodations.  For a romantic getaway, definitely check out the Lake La Quinta Inn (www.lakelaquintainn.com).  Just outside of Palm Springs, this beautiful bed and breakfast offers couples a quiet retreat.  Nestled between the lake and the mountains, every window of this peaceful chateau offers a picturesque view.  You’ll love your suite so much, you might just decide to skip all the activities Palm Springs has to offer and stay indoors.

As the home of Indian Wells Tennis Garden where the BNP Paribus Tennis Open is held, as well as the Indian Wells Golf Resort which hosts the Skins Game, Indian Wells has its own surge of people throughout the year and boasts many amazing resorts.  Many people traveling to Palm Springs, especially those with young children, often schedule a visit to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, which is in Palm Desert, just outside of Palm Springs.  If you are looking for a romantic escape and seek peaceful seclusion, you can’t beat the Lake La Quinta Inn (www.lakelaquintainn.com).  This intimate bed and breakfast is nestled between the lake and the mountains offering guests peace and quiet while they are on the grounds, but this charming chateau is close enough to the tourist attractions to not miss out on any activities you choose to enjoy.

With the economy still preventing many people from being able to enjoy extended holidays to far off destinations, it’s good to know that there are still places in the United States that offer travelers a little fun, a little sun, and a lot to do.

Indian Wells, BNP Paribas Open 2010

Aside from the four grand slams, the BNP Paribas Open is the most attended tennis tournament in the world.  It is the first major U.S. tennis event of the season.  This event features over 300 of the world’s best players.  The top ranked female player is Serbian born Jelena Jankovic whose aggressive style and amazing footwork have won her a lot of attention and placed her in the top 5 WTA players.  For the men, the top ranked player at the tournament is Rafael Nadal from Spain.  Having placed high in rank for the last several years, Nadal is the first player to simultaneously hold Grand Slam titles on clay, grass, and hardcourt, though his great achievements on clay have earned him the nickname, “The King of Clay”.  The BNP Paribas Open also has an extensive list of doubles players.

While you’re enjoying the excitement of the BNP Paribas Open, consider heading a little south and extending your pleasure with a getaway to Lake La Quinta Inn.  Nestled between the lake and the mountains, there is a beautiful view from every window.  The peace and quiet at this exclusive bed and breakfast lets you escape from the rest of the world so you can enjoy an evening or two with that special someone.

As reported by us (and many others) before, Festival 8 will be a 3 day concert extravaganza with Phish performing 8 sets including a Halloween show where the band will do a musical version of dressing up in costume and perform another band’s album.  (Past albums covered include the Beatles’ White Album and The Who’s Quadrophenia.)

Festival 8 will be held at the beautiful Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.  This is a great venue with lush lawns and palm trees surrounded by mountains.  It would be hard to find a more scenic landscape to spend 3 days.

Tickets are still available and will cost you around $200 for all 3 days of the event.  The venue will provide both shade and mist tents, sinks, toilets, trash and recycling stations, on site medical and security services, ATM, a 24 hour general store, cell phone charging stations, and potable water.  Sounds like they’ve thought of everything!  Check out the Phish website for a full list of do’s and don’ts as well as a ton of other information about this awesome 3 day festival.

If you don’t want to spend 3 days cramped in your car or you’d like a place to stay to treat yourself after spending 3 days cramped in your car, consider the Lake La Quinta Inn.  It’s a beautiful bed and breakfast that is perfect for a quiet getaway after the noise and crowds of an incredible music festival.

Phish Festival 8

Past “trick-or-treat” sessions have covered  the Who’s Quadrophenia, the Beatles’ White Album, Talking Heads’ Remain in Light, and the Velvet Underground’s Loaded.  This tradition has been dormant since 1998 and there has been no mention of which album will be covered this year.  Be sure to check out the band’s website for the latest festival news as well as a list of do’s and don’ts (not to mention a few good chuckles at their irreverent wit).

Festival 8 will be Phish’s eighth festival (hence the name) but their first West coast festival.  Indio, where the concert will be held, is in the Coachella Valley, near Palm Springs.  The desert is no stranger to big events or tourists and should be an ideal location.  If you’re interested in going to the concert but the idea of sleeping in your car doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of hotels in the area from which to choose.  If you will be traveling with your special someone, there’s no better couples getaway than Lake La Quinta Inn, a beautiful bed and breakfast with an amazing view of the lake and helpful staff.  After a long day in the sun, surrounded by screaming crowds and loud music, treat yourself to a comfortable, quiet, private evening

The term Native Hawaiians refers to the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands as well as their descendents.  Hawaii is most commonly thought of as just one of the 50 states that make up the United State of America but the region has a unique history that is generally divided into four main periods: antiquity, monarchy, territorial, and statehood.

Antiquity, or Ancient Hawaii refers to the period of time before the unification of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810 by a chief who later became known as Kamehameha the Great. This period is probably the least well known to the general population.  The human history of this area began sometime between 300 and 800 AD when Polynesian explorers settled in the area and developed their own rich culture.  A full social structure complete with religion and class standings had been long established by the time Captain James Cook first made contact in the late 1700’s.

From this era until its eventual statehood, Hawaii struggled with foreign encroachment as well as local issues regarding governmental structure.  To think of Hawaii as just another of the United States would ignore its distinctive history and culture.  It is the recognition and preservation of this past and the region’s native traditions that the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum works hard to maintain.

If you are interested in supporting this cause, make your reservations to attend this year’s dinner.  The evening will begin at 5:30 with a cocktail reception followed by dinner, entertainment, and a live auction.  Seating is limited.  For more information, call Mary Perry, Associate Director of Development, at 760.778.1079, Ext. 116.

If you are coming in from out of town and need a place to stay, consider the Lake La Quinta Inn.  Its luxurious bedrooms and friendly staff make it a top choice among couples traveling to the area.

Crosby, Stills and Nash has been around since the late 1960’s.  The group is probably as well known for their in-band bickering as for their music, but maybe all that drama is part of what keeps us interested.

Crosby Stills Nash

Of course, the other, much larger part of why we love them is their music.  The trio, and sometimes quartet, has had many hits not only as a group but as solo artists.  In the early 70’s all four members released high profile solo projects.  Crosby with his album, If I could Only Remember My Name, Stills with Stephen Stills, Nash with Songs for Beginners, and Young with After the Gold Rush.  All four albums placed high on the charts.  Tours and albums followed and for a while, everything was going well.

Unfortunately, nothing that good can last.  Drugs, egos, and personal tensions between band mates lead to repeated break ups, reunions, and attempted reunions.  Though relations seem to be better nowadays, you never know when old issues might creep up so take this opportunity to see Crosby, Stills, and Nash perform while you can!

To celebrate this successful reunion, grab that special someone and make a weekend of it!  The best place for couples is Lake La Quinta Inn, located just outside of Palm Springs.  The Inn provides a quiet and romantic place where couples can escape.

Michael’s dedication to the old favorites has been the focus of his career.  From his early years helping Ira Gershwin, to his work on a Warner Home Video series that covers the history of the American popular song up to 1960.  He was also elected by the Library of Congress to the National Sound Recording Advisory Board which is devoted to protecting America’s musical legacy.

David Hyde Pierce is probably best known for his role as Dr. Niles Crane on the tv series, Frasier, but Pierce is a diverse performer having also appeared on stage in several musicals as well as on the big screen as an actor and as a voice over artist.

David’s love of music began at a young age when he developed a passion for the piano.  This interest in music stayed with him through the years lasting until he attended Yale University and discovered that he did not quite have the dedication required to be a great concert pianist.  After this realization, he changed his focus and graduated with a double major in Theatre Arts and English.

After years of theatre productions and even a failed tv show, David was cast as Dr. Niles Crane, uptight brother of Dr. Frasier Crane on the appropriately named, Frasier, which was a spinoff of the very successful show, Cheers.  From this role, Pierce gained notoriety as a talented actor.  He was Emmy nominated an amazing eleven consecutive years in the category of Best Supporting Actor and won 4 times.

David has also appeared in movies such as Little Man Tate, Nixon, Down With Love, and Sleepless in Seattle.  More recently, however, he has gone back to the theatre.  In 2005, he was in Spamalot, a musical homage to the beloved film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  The following year, he starred in Curtains which began in Los Angeles, but moved to Broadway in 2007 and earned Pierce a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.
Make sure you mark your calendar for November 22nd and don’t miss Michael Feinstein and David Hyde Pierce as they sing the night away at the McCullum Theatre, just outside of Palm Springs.  Wind down after the show and spend the night at Lake La Quinta Inn, a bed and breakfast perfect for a romantic evening alone with your special someone.

There have been many great comedy duos over the years.  Martin and Lewis, Abbott and Costello, Laurel and Hardy to name a few.

The natural tendency is to think that all great comedy duos are a thing of the past, but there’s a duo out there today who have been working together for around 30 years, written several books, appeared in movies, have their own show on Showtime, and even have their own live show in Vegas.  Who are they?  Penn and Teller, of course.

Penn and Teller

Many of you may think of the pair as just magicians but they have managed to sustain an impressive career by combining magic with comedy.  Penn and Teller fully embrace the spectacle of magic while simultaneously making fun of it.  This provides hours of entertainment which in turn has provided years of steady work for the two.

A typical Penn and Teller show (if there is such a thing) will probably involve music, some cool tricks, revealing how some of those cool tricks are done, and a little shocking violence that will most likely involve a lot of fake blood.  It’s a recipe for success, obviously.

If you’re ready to learn a few tricks of the trade and have a good laugh while doing it, don’t miss Penn and Teller at the MacCallum Theatre in Palm Desert on November 5th.  If you’re coming in from out of town, make the trip special by staying at Lake La Quinta Inn, a luxury bed and breakfast perfect for a romantic retreat.

Palm Springs Living Desert

For nearly 40 years, the Living Desert has worked hard to educate the public on desert animal and plant life.  To call them just a zoo would give the wrong impression because they are so much more.  The Living Desert was always intended to act as a permanent wilderness preserve.  From this grew several programs which developed to not only preserve the natural desert but to increase the populations of threatened plants and animals an conserve those species.

An important element to continuing the work that the founders started is educating the public on the important of preservation.  The zoo (for lack of a better word) offers daily programs where visitors can learn more about nature through interactive sessions with animals and their keepers.  A key element to the zoo’s educational outreach is making the learning easy and fun with authentic exhibits that transport you to the desert of your choosing.

At this time of year, the zoo is open from 8 am to 1:30 pm (admissions end at 1 pm) which may seem like a short day, but in the summer heat, the desert is not the place to explore in the afternoon sun.  Plan on visiting early when it’s a little cooler and the animals will be a little more energetic.

If you’re traveling with that special someone and need a place to stay, check out Lake La Quinta Inn for a romantic retreat from the heat.

Vince Gill

Though best known for his solo success, Gill’s professional career really began as a member of Pure Prairie League, a popular country band at the time.  In fact, it’s Gill who did the lead vocals on the band’s 1980 hit, “Let Me Love You Tonight.”

After three albums with the group, Gill began is solo career with his debut album Turn Me Loose which produced three chart singles, "Victim of Life's Circumstances", "Oh Carolina", and the title track, “Turn Me Loose.”  Since then, Gill has recorded over twenty albums and charted over forty hits with more than two dozen songs in the top ten.

Gill has worked with many popular musicians over the years having sung duets with Steven Curtis Chapman, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Barbra Streisand, Richard Marx, Sheryl Crow, and wife Amy Grant.  In 2006, Gill continued to display his musical talent by releasing 43 new songs on a four disc set called, “These Days,” in which features a variety of musical styles.  The set also includes performances by Diana Krall, Trisha Yearwood, Michael McDonald, Bonnie Raitt, Leann Rimes, Gretchen Wilson, and Lee Ann Womack.

Come enjoy Vince Gill’s music and his humor at the McCullum Theatre on October 11th.  While you’re in the area, why not make a weekend of it?  Stay a few nights at the Lake La Quinta Inn, a luxury bed and breakfast that’s perfect for a quiet, romantic weekend

Dana Carvey

In 1986, Carvey joined the cast of Saturday Night Live along with Phil Hartman, Kevin Nealon, Victoria Jackson, and Jan Hooks all of whom contributed to the rise in ratings for the show but it was  Carvey’s breakout characters of The Church Lady, the pious host of “Church Chat,” Hans of the duo Hans and Franz, The Grumpy Old Man who appeared on the show’s Weekend Update, and Garth Algar, the co-host of the cable access show, “Wayne’s World,” who were some of the SNL’s most popular.

During the presidential elections in 1992, Carvey starred in a prime time special where he acted as both George H. W. Bush and Ross Perot and participated in a three-way debate, with fellow cast-mate Phil Hartman appearing as Bill Clinton.  This special displayed his abilities to do amusingly accurate impressions of real people.

Carvey is back with an all new stand up show.  His unique insights and quirky humor mixed with some of his old favorite impressions will leave you in hysterics.  While you’re in the area enjoying a good laugh, enjoy a wonderful night’s stay at Lake La Quinta Inn, a romantic bed and breakfast perfect for a quiet couples getaway.

Boyz II Men

The group, originally a quintet, formed at Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts in 1986.  Three years later, in perhaps the best known successful case of harmless stalking, the boyz (oh yah, I used the z) snuck backstage at a Bel Biv DeVoe concert and told BBD member Michael Bivens to, “Check this out.” They preceded to perform an acappella version of “Can You Stand The Rain.”  Bivens was, of course, impressed and things took off from there (though this story is not intended to encourage others to try this with their favorite recording artist).

A short while later, in another display of their disregard for conventional spelling, Boyz II Men, now a quartet, released their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony, in 1991.  This album included such hits as, “Motownphilly,” “Uhh Ahhh,” and “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” and earned them a Grammy and the spot as opening act on MC Hammer’s 2 Legit 2 Quit tour.

The group has continued to enjoy success with several more #1 and Top 40 hits, more Grammys and Grammy nominations, and album after awesome album.  Do not miss your chance to hear Boyz II Men live in Coachella on September 26th.

After the show, you’ll probably be in the mood for a romantic evening with that special someone so check out Lake La Quinta Inn; this luxurious bed and breakfast will provide the perfect, quiet, private getaway.

Grand Funk Railroad

In 2000, original band members drummer and lead vocalist Don Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher recruited Max Carl for lead vocals, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, and keyboardist Tim Cashion to reform Grand Funk and those members have been touring regularly ever since.  The band has not released original material since 2002 so you’re sure to hear all your old favorites performed live which is the best way to experience this awesome rock band.

Grand Funk Railroad will be in Coachella on August 15th at the Spotlight 29 Casino.  Tickets are on sale now and range from $75 to almost $500 and can be purchased online.  If you need a place to stay and rest after the show, try Lake La Quinta Inn, a quiet bed and breakfast perfect for a romantic getaway.

The Follies consists of a cast ranging in age from 55 to 85.  Currently, their oldest member, at 85 years old, is Dorothy Dale Kloss.  Dorothy has had an amazing career that began at the age of 3.  Since her early start, she has worked with such stars as Liberace, Bob Fosse (who she taught to tap dance), Mel Torme, Frankie Laine, and Chico Marx to name just a few.  All these years later, in her 14th season at The Follies, Dorothy still has tap solos.

Though fit enough to perform in several shows a week, some of the cast has had their share of health problems.  Only five years ago, the eldest male cast member, 79 year old Dick France, had open heart surgery but what kept him focused on recovery was an eagerness to get back to the stage.

Come see the dedication and talent that this experienced cast displays in a night of entertainment you’re not likely to forget.  Their new show, “Let the Good Times Roll,” opens in late October but online ticket sales start this month.

Why not take that special someone to the show and enjoy a night of high kicks and fabulous costumes?  And afterward, maybe plan a romantic getaway at Lake La Quinta Inn, an quiet bed and breakfast not far from the theater.

Michael Jackson

Yesterday, family, friends, and fans paid tribute to Michael Jackson at his much publicized memorial service in Los Angeles.  Due to Jackson’s legendary popularity, the Staples Center was used but even that was not large enough to safely hold all of Jackson’s fans.  Because of this, a ticket lottery was set in place giving nearly 9,000 people the honor of attending the service.

After the outpouring of emotion that the King of Pop’s death brought, organizers knew that there would be huge security and traffic issues if they did not televise the event.  Most people heeded the warnings and stayed home to watch the coverage.

One person who could not bring himself to watch the service was La Quinta resident Eddie Gilreath who worked with Jackson early in the singer’s career.  Gilreath worked at Motown Records when the Jackson 5 first signed with the label and described Michael, only 10 years old at the time, as having difficulty comprehending his own fame.

Gilreath prefers to remember the good times that he had with young Michael and the other Jackson 5 members than watch the current sadness of the service.  Gilreath has only fond memories of young Michael who he considered to be a good person that genuinely loved children throughout his entire life.

Knott's Soak City

In March, Knotts Soak City in Palm Springs had its opening day, welcoming crowds of people who were eager to enjoy the cooling waters of this amazing water park.  Not just any water park either, the biggest in the desert.  Make sure you try the Pacific Spin which is a multi-person ride that takes you through tunnels, drops you 75 feet into a funnel, and takes you through 5,500 gallons of water before ending in a waterfall splash. If that’s not enough, there’s also the Tidal Wave Tower with its 7 storey speed slide, the Big Spin, and the Tower of Terror.

Knotts isn’t just a place for kids, it’s a place for everyone to escape the heat.  Adults are welcome.  If you and your significant other are traveling to the area, make sure that after you cool down at Soak City, you warm up at Lake La Quinta Inn.  It’s a beautiful bed and breakfast that provides a quiet, private, and romantic getaway.

Upcoming movies:

Bee Movie on July 11th.  Barry B. Benson is a bee who has graduated and finds himself in the familiar circumstance of choosing a career.  After befriending a florist and finding that humans eat the honey his fellow bees work so hard to produce, Barry decides to sue the human race.  What effect will this decision have on nature?  Come and see!

March of the Penguins on July 25th.  This documentary follows the journey of Emperor penguins as they brave the harsh conditions to make the journey to and from their breeding grounds.

Shrek the Third on August 8th.  The adventures of Shrek and his friends continue as Shrek, Donkey, and Puss search for the rightful heir to the throne of Far Far Away and Shrek faces the stress of impending parenthood.

Ratatouille on August 22nd.  Remy is an excellent chef.  The trouble is, he’s a rat so he is not welcome in any kitchen.  With the help of his human friend and, eventually, his family, he’s able to live his dream.

With its reputation as an amazing city for golf, you may be surprised to learn that Palm Springs has a more adventurous side.  Visitors and residents alike have the opportunity to take tours of the area in hummers, jeeps, buses, and hot air balloons.

There’s a reason the military uses Hummers.  They’re awesome.  The H-1 Hummers were released to the civilian market in the early 90’s after their popularity rose from photos of the metal monsters being used in Desert Storm.  Though these vehicles are far too large for the average driver, they are perfect for exploring places like Joshua Tree National Park.  There are tours that use the convertible soft top or “open air” H-1 Hummers as well as tours that use the smaller H2’s which, with their closed tops, offer you a view from a more climate controlled setting.  These Hummer tours as well as similar Jeep tours allow for on off-road exploration and make for a fun and memorable day.

If an aggressive ground tour isn’t your style, there is always the option of a more relaxed city tour by bus.  Whether it’s just a tour of the city’s landmarks or a celebrity tour where you’re taken by the homes and hang outs of the A-list stars, it’s sure to be a good experience.  For a little extra money and a slightly longer tour, you can even take a ride by Old Blue Eyes’ old digs.

For those of you who are sick of the ground, tired of being confined to this earth, and just want a means to escape, an enjoyable balloon ride might just be the answer you’ve been looking for.  Hot air balloons have been around since the 1700’s and still provide a great way to enjoy breathtaking views of the cities and sights below.  As with any tour, the prices and length of the ride vary so shop around.  Regular, romantic, and family rides are all available.

If all else fails, there’s always good old fashioned walking or biking to get you around too!  While you’re in the area, you might as well experience all that Palm Springs has to offer so make sure you’re enjoying more than the golf course.  If you’re traveling with that special someone and looking for luxury accommodations after all that touring, check out Lake La Quinta Inn, an exclusive bed and breakfast that provides a quiet couples getaway.

Palm Springs Aerial Tram

The trails at the top of the tram range in difficulty and length but all can be accessed by leaving the Tram Mountain Station and heading down a path that is approximately .3 miles which will take you to Long Valley where you’ll find a Ranger Station, picnic tables, toilets, water, and some easy trails.  You can end your adventure there, having enjoyed a scenic mountain ride, but consider continuing on to one of the designated trails.  You’re sure to find one that fits your abilities.

If you’re looking for more of a walk and less of a hike, take the Long Valley Discovery Trail which leads you in a .75 mile loop and is a great introduction to the animals and plants found in the park.  For a slightly more challenging course, try the Desert View Trail or the Round Valley Trail, either of which offer a scenic hike and are listed as “moderately strenuous.”

For the more avid hiker, there are the Wellmans Divide and San Jacinto Peak trails.  Wellmans Divide is a 1 mile hike and has an elevation gain of 600 feet.  From way up there, you have an excellent view of the Palomar Observatory and Tahquitz Peak Lookout.  From there, you can choose to go down to Idyllwild or continue up to San Jacinto Peak for an additional 3-4 hour hike.  Up there you’ll be at the second highest point in Southern California.  Both of these hikes are listed as “strenuous.”

Make sure to wear comfortable and appropriate clothes and shoes and be prepared if you plan on enjoying the great outdoors.  Please also note that water is only available in Long Valley and Round Valley so you’ll want to bring plenty of water with you.  And if you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay after a long day of hiking, check out Lake La Quinta Inn, this beautiful bed and breakfast offers wonderful accommodations and exceptional customer service.